A Brief history of packaging-
Packaging started simply as protection for the product, using glass, metal and wax-coated paper to preserve the food with a focus on practicality over aesthetics.

As industrialisation took hold in the 20th C manufactures recognised the importance of branding to differentiate their products on store shelves. This became the era of iconic design for brands like coca-cola and their bottle design

The 1950's saw a balance between function and aesthetics, due to printing advancements more intricate designs were viable. Companies used graphics and imagery to communicate product features, benefits and instructions, this also helped them to establish a target audience, ie. cereal boxes using mascots to appeal to children.
As a new generation came into place during the 2000s, sustainability became a big talking point.

Consumers began demanding packaging that reduced waste and an environmental impact. This caused an exploration of materials like bioplastics, compostables, and minimalist designs that used less ink.
Companies started incorporating recycling symbols and information about eco-friendly disposal to encourage responsible consumer behaviour.

Brands realised that strong selling points contain strong stories. People react well to personal stories or narratives created for the brand. Artistic illustrations, origin stories, and cultural references add depth and meaning to the product.