Nineteen design lessons for a more thoughtful first impression.
The international references inform our design lessons. The illustrations use artwork already in Toprint’s public catalogue; they are not photographs of the reference projects. Research rank is our editorial assessment for this gallery, not an award or affiliation.
A consistent grid makes variants easier to recognise.
Research reference: Ajen: e-commerce packaging by Paxpring ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Bio-Treasure Intensive Hydrate · 7 Sheets · Bio-Treasure Intensive Glow · 7 Sheets · Bio-Treasure Intensive Repair · 7 Sheets
Plan the opening and the way the product is held.
Research reference: Dwell Dripper for Verve Coffee Roasters by Zenpack ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Mystery Gift Box
Use illustration to give a clean carton a distinctive identity.
Research reference: Extra-Thick Easter Egg Packaging by Hotel Chocolat Design Studio ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Arcta PHÓS
Explore paper formats that remain useful after opening.
Research reference: LEGO® Pick a Brick by The LEGO Group ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Beautyra Gift Box
Give a compact beauty carton a clear focal point.
Research reference: Tilt Beauty by Established ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Travel Foundation Brush
Compare colour, texture and finishing with real samples.
Research reference: UPM Raflatac Swatchbook by MABA ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Red Collection Cushion Foundation · Red Collection Compact Powder
Use clear colour and character to make a range approachable.
Research reference: Dermalog Kids - Packaging for Children's Skin and Hair Care Products by Pariya Khandouzi ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Fresh Aqua Sleeping Essence
Pair delicate botanical graphics with generous space.
Research reference: KUO YUAN YE x L'AFFECTION Le Duet | 2025 Year of the Snake Limited Edition Gift Box by K Laser Design Lab ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Melor Healthy Hair & Scalp
Keep the message clear and make every printed element count.
Research reference: FAGUO SHOEBOX by ATELIER MAYANNE TRIAS ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Scrub Mask
A restrained gradient can give a small carton depth and character.
Research reference: Mercedes-Benz Land Sea Air – The Nomadic Trio Set 3x30ml by CENTDEGRÉS, MERCEDES-BENZ PARFUMS ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Ceramide Serum
Combine a distinctive wordmark with a focused green palette.
Research reference: Daily Berry Gift Box by Stora Enso China Packaging ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Soothing Exfoliating Cream
Let a contrasting label become the centre of the composition.
Research reference: XBOX by Microsoft ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: HER · Eau de Parfum 35 ml
Use a simple visual language to explain the product.
Research reference: Holcomb by Parker Studio ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Mango Yogurt Smoothie
Give each variant character while keeping a recognisable family.
Research reference: Zara Hair by Baron & Baron ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Nano Olive Serum · 30 ml · Nano Olive Mist · 50 ml
Build a graphic idea that remains recognisable at a glance.
Research reference: Choco Tapes by PUSH Studio ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Treatment Essence
A bold floral motif can make a fragrance carton feel expressive.
Research reference: Wakening by Studioenok ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Viva Charisma Sensual Charm
Give a confident design space to breathe.
Research reference: Billie Eilish YOUR TURN Eau de Parfum by Jon Michael Design ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Ceramide Recovery Cream
Turn carrying packaging into a distinctive part of the range.
Research reference: Namahage Rice Paper Bag by Oji Industrial Materials Management Co., Ltd. ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Christmas Paper Bag · Large
Balance the brand name, product name and supporting information.
Research reference: Beyond Good by Flock Creative ↗
Explore the illustrated artwork: Lush Eye Serum
Each reference was visually reviewed. We scored relevance to Toprint out of 35, visual impact out of 25, structural interest out of 20 and clarity of the design lesson out of 20. Equal scores share the same weight; display order also considers the variety of lessons. These are subjective curator scores. Images alone do not establish environmental, manufacturing or accessibility performance.
| Rank | Reference / designer | Score | Our visual observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajen: e-commerce packaging by Paxpring ↗ | 99/100 | Modular trays organise a coordinated product family |
| 2 | Dwell Dripper for Verve Coffee Roasters by Zenpack ↗ | 99/100 | A folded carrier displays and carries the product |
| 3 | Extra-Thick Easter Egg Packaging by Hotel Chocolat Design Studio ↗ | 99/100 | Ribbed paper forms make a gift feel sculptural |
| 4 | LEGO® Pick a Brick by The LEGO Group ↗ | 99/100 | Folded paper boxes offer a clear opening sequence |
| 5 | Tilt Beauty by Established ↗ | 99/100 | Large ergonomic forms make use part of the design |
| 6 | UPM Raflatac Swatchbook by MABA ↗ | 98/100 | Layered cutouts turn material samples into discovery |
| 7 | Dermalog Kids - Packaging for Children's Skin and Hair Care Products by Pariya Khandouzi ↗ | 97/100 | Character silhouettes make cartons friendly and readable |
| 8 | KUO YUAN YE x L'AFFECTION Le Duet | 2025 Year of the Snake Limited Edition Gift Box by K Laser Design Lab ↗ | 96/100 | A bold graphic sleeve introduces an organised gift tray |
| 9 | FAGUO SHOEBOX by ATELIER MAYANNE TRIAS ↗ | 96/100 | Minimal kraft packaging connects box and product story |
| 10 | Mercedes-Benz Land Sea Air – The Nomadic Trio Set 3x30ml by CENTDEGRÉS, MERCEDES-BENZ PARFUMS ↗ | 96/100 | A compact three-piece kit communicates a complete ritual |
| 11 | Daily Berry Gift Box by Stora Enso China Packaging ↗ | 95/100 | Bright handled cartons make fresh-food gifts joyful |
| 12 | XBOX by Microsoft ↗ | 95/100 | A layered reveal supports a purposeful opening sequence |
| 13 | Holcomb by Parker Studio ↗ | 94/100 | An outlined vessel makes quiet cartons communicate contents |
| 14 | Zara Hair by Baron & Baron ↗ | 94/100 | Distinctive colours unify a beauty-product collection |
| 15 | Choco Tapes by PUSH Studio ↗ | 93/100 | A cassette-inspired gift set adds playful discovery |
| 16 | Wakening by Studioenok ↗ | 92/100 | Large continuous symbols connect cartons as a system |
| 17 | Billie Eilish YOUR TURN Eau de Parfum by Jon Michael Design ↗ | 92/100 | Embossed restraint makes the fragrance feel sculptural |
| 18 | Namahage Rice Paper Bag by Oji Industrial Materials Management Co., Ltd. ↗ | 92/100 | Handled paper bags combine utility and illustration |
| 19 | Beyond Good by Flock Creative ↗ | 91/100 | Oversized type turns the carton into a poster |
| 20 | 365 - 2025 — Un anno epico by onlab ↗ | 89/100 | Foil circles create a strong visual rhythm |
| 21 | Daisyface Skincare by BLOND ↗ | 89/100 | Repeated fluted profiles create a cohesive beauty family |
| 22 | Meta Quest 3S by Meta Design ↗ | 88/100 | Product silhouette makes an unboxing promise |
| 23 | The LEGO Group x F1® ready to race by The LEGO Group ↗ | 88/100 | A reveal-style presentation turns opening into theatre |
| 24 | L’ENTROPISTE – MASTER OF DISORDER by CENTDEGRES ↗ | 87/100 | Offset vertical typography complements sculptural forms |
| 25 | Roam SodaTop™ by Roam ↗ | 87/100 | A visible bottle window connects carton and contents |
| 26 | WOOGIE by Shanghai Version Design Group ↗ | 87/100 | Stacked board layers make materials visible |
| 27 | PUEBLO by SIMPLE PACKAGING STUDIO ↗ | 86/100 | A paper bag becomes a simple hanging display |
| 28 | Wink Eyewear by Studio Kluif ↗ | 86/100 | A custom cutout lets the product become the graphic |
| 29 | Echo Flask by Echo ↗ | 85/100 | A restrained book-style kit frames its contents |
| 30 | SEKKISEI BLUE Skincare series by KOSÉ Corporation ↗ | 85/100 | Quiet botanical colours support a consistent care range |
| 31 | Arla Stripes by IW ↗ | 84/100 | Large stripes make variants instantly recognisable |
| 32 | BOTITO by Tridimage ↗ | 84/100 | Character-led form makes the pack a keepsake |
| 33 | LISA ELDRIDGE REFILLABLE LIPSTICK by Servaire& Co ↗ | 84/100 | Fine vertical ribs make touch part of the experience |
| 34 | TCM Packaging by +1 Design & China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ↗ | 84/100 | Vertical text and faceted cartons emphasise structure |
| 35 | Domino's by Jones Knowles Richie ↗ | 84/100 | A brand mark becomes the entire box graphic |
| 36 | Starck Paris by Perfumes y Diseño ↗ | 84/100 | A framed trio creates a deliberate gift presentation |
| 37 | Gelée by RoAndCo Studio ↗ | 83/100 | A central organic shape unifies many carton sizes |
| 38 | Hennessy Paradis by NR2154 ↗ | 83/100 | An organic protective shell feels like an object |
| 39 | Lazy Tan by Derek&Eric ↗ | 83/100 | One yellow colour gives cartons strong shelf presence |
| 40 | Machetto - Pestato di Alici by IDEA STUDIO ↗ | 83/100 | A shaped sleeve frames a familiar container |
| 41 | mezete by Bombay Design Centre Private Limited ↗ | 83/100 | Warm circles organise a colourful food range |
| 42 | Naveia Culinary Line by HardCuore ↗ | 83/100 | Friendly line drawings make kitchen packaging approachable |
| 43 | totte by Adjuvant cosme japan ↗ | 83/100 | Natural paper and pastel vessels create a calm contrast |
| 44 | Vantastic by Backbone branding ↗ | 83/100 | Warm backgrounds unify a diverse food family |
| 45 | DIPTYQUE LES ESSENCES by Servaire & Co ↗ | 82/100 | Rounded black caps unify sculptural fragrance bottles |
| 46 | Grow Up by Simply ↗ | 82/100 | Clear windows pair product visibility with playful characters |
| 47 | Hatice Schmidt by Established ↗ | 82/100 | A linked metallic silhouette suggests jewellery |
| 48 | Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale by NR2154 ↗ | 82/100 | A sculptural pale surround emphasises the bottle |
| 49 | NARS Explicit lipstick by Baron & Baron ↗ | 82/100 | Embossed black branding creates a tactile silhouette |
| 50 | Salash by Onfire Design ↗ | 82/100 | A blue pattern frames the food as the hero |
| 51 | Marc Jacobs Beauty Line by Established ↗ | 82/100 | A capsule-shaped family uses material consistency |
| 52 | OGT (ONE GOOD THING) by This Way Up ↗ | 82/100 | Friendly type and product visibility communicate quickly |
| 53 | bi tian Brand rice packaging by Hangzhou dongyun advertising design co.,ltd. ↗ | 81/100 | A quiet white carton foregrounds a vivid emblem |
| 54 | Dark Arts Coffee Packaging by NOT Wieden+Kennedy ↗ | 81/100 | Tiny illustrated labels contrast with dark cartons |
| 55 | Fishsnax by Studeau Design ↗ | 81/100 | Vintage typography gives a simple sleeve character |
| 56 | La Vie - From Plants with Love Everland ↗ | 81/100 | Illustration and type make an energetic family system |
| 57 | Wanderlands by SLATE ↗ | 81/100 | An atmospheric landscape adds ingredient context |
| 58 | Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet by Bulletproof ↗ | 80/100 | A soft cover adds a premium tactile layer |
| 59 | SOTAVENTO AOVE by Javier Garduño Estudio de Diseño ↗ | 80/100 | A raised folded label gives depth to a flat surface |
| 60 | Mutti spa by Auge Design ↗ | 80/100 | A repeat pattern builds recognisable shelf impact |
| 61 | CASA MARRAZZO 1934 by Auge Design ↗ | 80/100 | Abstract colour blocks make a strong retail family |
| 62 | Beet Vishandel by Studio Kluif ↗ | 79/100 | Unexpected food-style trays create category surprise |
| 63 | Carrefour Home by Carrefour ↗ | 79/100 | Consistent product photography unites a broad range |
| 64 | El encantador de Pájaros by IRÜBI estudio creativo ↗ | 79/100 | Hanging bird-house cartons add a display narrative |
| 65 | Marlenka by Kantors Creative Club ↗ | 79/100 | Appetising product photography supports clear variant labels |
| 66 | NATURE CLEAN: Sustainable cleaning and washing products by ARD Design Agency ↗ | 79/100 | A cool colour system unites everyday care products |
| 67 | The beauty of nature—Lotus root wine by Wuhan PUFINE Creative Technology Co., Ltd ↗ | 79/100 | An organic bottle silhouette echoes a botanical idea |
| 68 | Eminente Reserva by Moët Hennessy ↗ | 79/100 | Repeated textured glass gives a distinctive family identity |
| 69 | BOTA DE VINO / WINESKIN by Vamos Estudio ↗ | 78/100 | One diagonal label gives a carton strong tension |
| 70 | Brewmaster Reserve by Shenzhen Tigerpan Design Co., Ltd. ↗ | 78/100 | Sculptural wrapping celebrates a ceremonial opening |
| 71 | Cooper Coffee Roasters by maan - identity. design. content. ↗ | 78/100 | A bold cutout-like mark anchors a flexible pouch |
| 72 | DKNY 24/7 by Jon Michael Design ↗ | 78/100 | Reflective rounded forms create a distinctive silhouette |
| 73 | Holy Aioli by Onfire Design ↗ | 78/100 | A friendly badge makes the label approachable |
| 74 | Yiayia and friends Harvest of Love by BEETROOT DESIGN ↗ | 78/100 | Simple face motifs give the range friendly personality |
| 75 | Absolut Vodka - Absolut Unique by Family Business ↗ | 78/100 | Unique colour treatments keep a consistent bottle silhouette |
| 76 | Amor de bellota by Supperstudio ↗ | 77/100 | Turquoise gives a traditional category fresh energy |
| 77 | Kelpy Bone by Plastek UK Ltd ↗ | 77/100 | A familiar bone shape makes purpose recognisable |
| 78 | zhi ying xiang shui by Green Valley Technology (zhuhai) co Ltd ↗ | 77/100 | Decorative blue illustration gives care bottles character |
| 79 | evian - Pure Drop by evian - Group Danone ↗ | 77/100 | A restrained transparent form foregrounds purity |
| 80 | Pocket Neck Pillow by Urban Forest Lifestyle Limited ↗ | 77/100 | A folded soft object changes perceived product scale |
| 81 | GOLDEN AGE RICE BEER by Shanghai Key Advertising Co.,Ltd ↗ | 76/100 | A metallic ribbon-like form adds movement |
| 82 | RANDOM ANXIETY by Studioenok ↗ | 76/100 | A strict typographic grid creates a confident identity |
| 83 | RUNBEN by Shanghai Nianxiang Brand Consulting Co., Ltd. ↗ | 76/100 | Soft colour and rounded forms feel approachable |
| 84 | ASTALIFT D-UV SHIELD TONE-UP by FUJIFILM Corporation ↗ | 75/100 | Iridescent surfaces suggest precision and light |
| 85 | BingYe cold-brewed tea by LBD Brand Creative ↗ | 75/100 | Faceted glass refracts colour through the drink |
| 86 | Dala Gourmet by Simple Studio ↗ | 75/100 | Quiet labels let the ingredients lead visually |
| 87 | GRAN MAIZAL by Human ↗ | 75/100 | Woven texture introduces a tactile material contrast |
| 88 | Tigre by Cba design ↗ | 75/100 | A familiar circular badge preserves heritage recognition |
| 89 | Zázvorica by Pergamen ↗ | 75/100 | Repeated line drawings make the bottle family coherent |
| 90 | BREWZ: Cold Brew Coffee With Character by ARD Design Agency ↗ | 74/100 | Confident letterforms make a small bottle memorable |
| 91 | Orita by FAENA Studio ↗ | 74/100 | Bright colour blocks make bottle variants easy to scan |
| 92 | DongJiangYuan-60th Anniversary Commemoration by ShenZhen Lingyun creative packaging design Co.,Ltd. ↗ | 73/100 | Glass texture carries a commemorative visual story |
| 93 | Famìa by Studio Tumpić/Prenc ↗ | 73/100 | Pixel-like geometry makes a colourful product family |
| 94 | Fuu by Dentsu Creative Pictures Inc. ↗ | 73/100 | A pixelated label makes colour the focal point |
| 95 | Grovehood Collective Olive Oil by Cansu Ferreira ↗ | 73/100 | A simplified flower balances handmade typography |
| 96 | ROSAE by GENTLEBRAND ↗ | 73/100 | A dark rose motif makes the bottle distinctive |
| 97 | UCA VIOLINISTA by RitaRivotti® ↗ | 73/100 | A repeated illustration makes variants recognisable |
| 98 | AIR Vodka by Air Company ↗ | 73/100 | Sparse graphics make restraint the visual feature |
| 99 | ASPRONAUTAS by Estudio Pablo Guerrero ↗ | 72/100 | Individual illustrated labels tell a shared story |
| 100 | ITO GIN by Made by Analogue ↗ | 72/100 | A single orange panel creates immediate recognition |
| 101 | KEFIR Yogurt Packaging Design by LBD Brand Creative ↗ | 72/100 | Rounded typography reinforces a gentle product personality |
| 102 | Lucky Bait by IW ↗ | 72/100 | Illustrated characters energise a small can |
| 103 | NOHACA, Nomads creating own paths by Seriesnemo ↗ | 72/100 | A consistent label system leaves room for variants |
| 104 | Pepsi Smart Can by PepsiCo ↗ | 72/100 | Digital interaction extends the physical package |
| 105 | Sustainable Biocapsules by Ambipar ↗ | 72/100 | A diagram-led system explains a material idea |
| 106 | Eight Oaks by Makers & Allies ↗ | 71/100 | Botanical decoration signals a crafted spirit range |
| 107 | LIDL HELLAS 25 Reasons by BEETROOT DESIGN ↗ | 71/100 | A central sun illustration adds warmth and character |
| 108 | Champis by IW ↗ | 69/100 | A refreshed badge preserves familiar recognition |
| 109 | FUJIOH by FUJIFILM ↗ | 67/100 | Dark glass and sparse labels feel deliberate |
| 110 | ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit by HG Innovation Limited ↗ | 49/100 | Stepped packaging suggests a clearly ordered sequence |
| 111 | ESSE ROYAL PALACE limited edition 'King's Garden' by KT&G ↗ | 49/100 | Intricate red-and-gold graphics create ceremonial richness |
| 112 | THCDesign by Super Okay ↗ | 49/100 | Violet cartons with orange type feel contemporary |
| 113 | Azurewave Gin by ↗ | 36/100 | Photo conflicts with project title; verify before use |
Discovery sources: Pentawards festival gallery, European Carton Excellence and Dieline Awards. Reference photography is viewed at its original source.