Along with a lot of things in life, like people and potatoes, takeaway packaging comes in many different shapes and sizes.
Sometimes weirdness and oddities are fun and exciting.
Other times, unusual designs can turn out to be ground-breaking and super practical.
Sadly, it is also true that some takeaway packaging is just bonkers and simply ugly.
If you haven’t already guessed, we’ve gathered some examples of the above, so what follows is a candid analysis of takeaway packaging: the good, the bad and the ugly!
McDonalds Stack Box 4/10
Not everything that’s inspired is a good idea and nor is it guaranteed to take off.
This new Mcdonald’s concept meal packaging is one of those…
We can see where the designer is going with this one, but, really, it seems to be trying too hard.
The sachets balancing on top are stressful and precarious at best and, essentially, we feel that there is too much that can go wrong with the stacked up top-heavy design.
A commendable design, but we think: just stick to a recyclable paper bag!
Scottish Munchies Box 5/10
Let’s be honest, there’s a whole host of things to do in the world that are no good for us, but by Jove we’ll do ‘em!
This wonderfully artisanal creation from our Northern neighbours is no exception to the host of guilty pleasures and ill-advised pastimes that we all secretly love, and what’s more, the innovative use of takeaway packaging to accommodate such a dark masterpiece is, well, inspired…
May we present to you, The Munchies Box!
What’s in it? Everything.
One pizza box, filled with everything (including cheesy chips and kebab meat).
We were a little divided on scoring this one but concluded that Scotland’s Munchies Box gets 5/10; 10 points for being so brazen and unabashed but -5 points for the terribly ugly packaging.
Hand-held Pie Packaging 8/10
You can’t go far wrong with something that’s really simple.
What you see is what you get with this top-notch pie packaging.
It’s a cardboard sleeve that finishes in a nice semi-circle on each side to compliment the circular shape of the pie, but it doesn’t stop there!
Those very same semi-circle-shaped ends are actually flaps which fold right back on themselves to enable the eater to get stuck in straight away!
Of course, pies tend to be about a few degrees above scolding for roughly 3 hours, but once the wait is over, you’re away.
Recyclable, easy to serve in, easy to eat from, nice.
Pizza Plate 10/10
Now this we love!
And here’s 5 reasons why:
- Pizza is great
- It folds flat which means you don’t have to rest your wrists on the corrugated and harsh edges of a traditional not-flat pizza box.
- It’s got little cutlery holders which are adorable and very practical, because;
- Greasy fingers are not great.
- It folds up into a perfect carry case which is stylish and easy to hold.
Top marks for Pizza Plate.
Tuna Burger Box 7/10
This next packaging design concept scores quite high on our list.
As mentioned previously, we’re fans of keeping it simple.
An honest, cardboard box is tricky to criticise and, particularly where burgers are concerned.
The box aspect is greatly suited to catching any falling debris and burger goodness which means you don’t have to worry about being shunned by your pals if you go in for the ‘5 second rule’, but they don’t!
What makes this design especially enjoyable is the decoy writing on the side.
Most people think they’re getting a jacket potato, when in fact, they open up the simple box and BOOM! It’s a tuna burger!
Paper Cup Tea Holder 3/10
This tea holder does not fill us with confidence.
It would be great if you wanted to look as British as possible while drinking from a takeaway cup, because you can hold it like a china cup with your pinky finger extended and sip away dandily.
However, as a heat guard, we can’t understand why the traditional sleeve needs changing.
It doesn’t look study and we’re not convinced that the dainty looking holder has that ‘grab a coffee and go’ feel to it.
Here’s another thing I bet you hadn’t thought of: whose cup holder can accommodate that shape!?
We think this design is ‘over egging the pudding’ somewhat and the humble, yet sturdy and effective, heat sleeve ought to be left to doing the fine job that it does.
If you’re considering standing out from the crowd or shaking up the packaging status quo in your town, then give our team a call about custom design.
