Contemporary Packaging Design for Samopev

Color-coded bags bring life to construction materials

Samopev, a brand under the major Croatia retail corporation Pevec, sought to create packaging that would enhance the recognition and display of their dry construction materials. Maja Matas took on the challenge and designed a series of bags that not only improve functionality but also add a touch of aesthetic appeal.

The key feature of this packaging design is the color-coding system. Each product is assigned a specific color, making it easier for customers to distinguish between different materials. The vibrant colors bring life to the otherwise cold construction materials, creating an engaging shopping experience.

On the front of each bag, there are pictures showcasing the product in use. These images are strategically placed over the margins of the front, extending to the sides of the packaging. This clever design technique creates the illusion of a larger product, catching the customer's attention and making the bags visually appealing.

Technical specifications were carefully considered during the design process. The bags were produced in various dimensions to accommodate the different dry construction materials. The visuals were printed using offset printing on a hard paper material with a double poly layer and air holes specifically designed for dry construction materials.

The packaging is not only visually appealing but also functional. The bags are stacked and displayed in a specific manner, and the color-coding system improves labeling and recognition for both customers and cashiers. EAN codes are applied on three sides of the packaging, making it easier to handle at the checkout counter.

The project, which started in October 2016 and finished in January 2017, was a collaboration between Italy and Croatia. The initial series of 75,000 bags are now available in over 20 shopping centers.

Maja Matas successfully overcame the challenge of designing for a non-traditional product and transformed the packaging for Samopev into a visually appealing and functional design. This innovative approach to packaging has earned the design a Bronze A' Design Award in 2017, recognizing its outstanding creativity and contribution to improving the quality of life.