Rustic packaging is simply about the creation of a natural, plain, and earthy appearance. Consider items such as kraft paper, twine, or wooden details used in such wrapping solutions. It’s the kind of packaging that comes across as handmade or nature-inspired, presenting a contrasting look from packaging. Rustic packaging is usually applied for products such as organic food, handmade soap, or artisanal products since it presents a warm, genuine feel.
Today, it’s seen as something more than a fad; it’s an artistic, environmentally friendly method that says a lot about the personality of your brand. If you’re looking for some ideas on presenting your products, in this blog we will talk about some thought-provoking ways to wrap your products with rustic touch.
7 Ideas to Use Rustic Packaging Designs
Rustic packaging features designs that evoke an organic feel, often inspired by wood, tree branches, and warm colors. This trend uses various packaging materials and highlights the natural, rugged beauty of the elements for special occasions like Christmas. Here are 7 ways to incorporate rustic designs into your brand’s packaging.
• Brown Kraft Paper Wraps
• Twine and Burlap Accents
• Custom Stamped Boxes
• Recycled Fabric Wraps
• Dried Floral Additions
• Stamped Paper Bags
• Rustic Gift Tags and Labels
1. Brown Kraft Paper Wraps
Source: AIP Packaging
Brown kraft paper is the foundation of earthy packaging. The material is inexpensive, recyclable, and versatile, enabling you to personalize your packaging for different types of products. Kraft paper provides a natural, raw aesthetic, giving your product the feel of being eco-friendly and handmade.
How to Implement this Idea?
• Pack the product in kraft paper packaging tightly.
• Secure it with twine or jute ribbon for that earthy feel.
• Include a personal stamp or handwritten label for branding.
It is best used for the wrapping of candles, soap, small garments, or pastries.
2. Twine and Burlap Accents
Source: AIP Packaging
Twine and burlap are timeless rustic textures that can give your packaging design a boost. They add texture and wholesomeness while remaining aligned with an eco-friendly strategy. The coarse, earthy texture of burlap and twine is reminiscent of homemade warmth that appeals to customers who appreciate minimalism.
How to Apply this Idea?
• Use burlap to wrap jars, bottles, or bespoke custom boxes halfway.
• Secure layers of burlap with twine wrapped in a bow.
• Add a few dried flowers or herbs for a sophisticated touch.
It is ideal for wrapping honey jars, glass jars, and natural organic skincare products.
3. Ink Stamping Boxes
Source: AIP Packaging
If you like boxed packaging, use unbleached cardboard or kraft boxes. Add the rustic touch by stamping the box with your logo or a basic design. These boxes are rustic yet professional, giving the perfect balance for brands that wish to have a modern touch in their eco-packaging.
How to Implement this Concept?
• take a simple box design.
• use vegetable ink for stamping to maintain the eco-friendly aspect.
• Line the box with shredded kraft paper for padding.
It is best utilized when wrapping jewelry, specialty chocolates, and small electronic gadgets.
4. Recycled Fabric Wraps
Source: AIP Packaging
For a higher-end rustic packaging alternative, try using recycled materials like linen or muslin cloth. This technique not only saves waste but also creates an extraordinary unboxing experience. Fabric wraps provide your packaging with a green advantage while adding to the sensory experience for consumers.
How to Implement this Concept?
• Wrap product securely in fabric, with knots to hold the package together.
• Add a branded fabric tag for a finishing touch.
• Provide the customer with a choice of reusing the fabric in another way.
You can utilize this concept in shipping high-end products such as candles, skincare sets, or books.
5. Dried Floral Additions
Source: AIP Packaging
There’s nothing quite like the use of dried flowers, herbs, or leaves to add to your product packaging. A simple addition adds color and whimsy, and your product will be remembered. Dried flower inserts provide an organic, high-end look that’s ideal for companies with handmade or earthy products.
How to Use this Idea?
• Add a sprig of baby’s breath, lavender, or rosemary to your package using twine.
• Add floral touches to your tags or labels.
• Employ leaves as organic decorations for gift boxes.
For wedding favor packaging, soaps, or seasonal gift packaging, this is the ideal choice.
6. Stamped Paper Bags
Source: AIP Packaging
If you’re selling products that need portability, stamped paper bags are a functional and aesthetic option. They are biodegradable and can easily be customized to suit your brand. Stamped paper bags are perfect for businesses that want to combine practicality with an artisanal touch.
How to Apply this Idea?
• Use plain kraft paper bags.
• Add your brand logo, tagline, or a rustic pattern with eco-friendly ink.
• Adorn bag handles with twine bows or small labels.
You can instantly wrap this top around bakery treats, little gifts, or farmers’ market produce.
7. Rustic Gift Labels and Tags
Source: AIP Packaging
Gift tags and labels can come off as tiny details, but they can go a long way in bolstering your packaging’s rustic charm. Opt for natural materials and earthy tones for an authentic look. Tags and labels are also a form of personalization, and your product will look carefully designed and one-of-a-kind.
How to Implement this Concept?
• Design the tags in kraft paper, recycled cardstock, or wood veneer.
• Handwrite the tags or do eco-friendly printing for personalization.
• Attach tags with jute twine or little clothespins.
It’s ideal for any product, particularly in seasonal campaigns or holiday offers.
Examples of Brands Utilizing Rustic Packaging
Several brands have been putting money into rustic packaging to provide their items with a fresh appearance. A few of the most prominent cases include:
• Drinks By The Dram
• L’Oreal
• Burt’s Bees
Drinks By The Dram
Drinks By The Dram employ bare cardboard boxes with inserts to keep their tiny bottles secure. The packaging is clean and natural, much like the ingredients within their drinks and their natural style of brand.
L’Oreal
L’Oreal’s ‘Rouge Signature’ lipsticks are presented in plain brown packaging with dramatic red lettering. The packaging indicates that you don’t have to make packaging fancy to make it special, just pick a font.
Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees employs plain, brown kraft paper containers for their products, usually coupled with natural textures such as wood. They also employ plain, environmentally friendly packaging, usually in recyclable jars and tubes.
Final Thoughts
Rustic packaging is a timeless look that exhibits care and imagination in each aspect. Using plain, natural materials and clever design, you can enhance your packaging while being environmentally friendly.
