Packages and closures for packaging

Packaging Colour Under Control: How to Choose the Right Shade Consciously

Packaging colour is often treated as a purely aesthetic decision. In practice, however, it is much more than simply choosing an attractive shade. Colour influences brand perception, the perceived quality of a product, the consistency of an entire cosmetics line and, increasingly, issues related to recycling.

At Polpak Packaging, we work every day with packaging and components for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, home care and many other industries. Our experience shows that a well-chosen colour is never accidental. It is the result of a conscious and carefully considered approach to the project.


Pantone as a Starting Point: The Simplest Route to Precision

The most efficient way to define the expected colour is to provide a specific number from the Pantone colour system. This makes communication much easier and speeds up the entire process by eliminating vague colour descriptions.

At Polpak Packaging, we work with the Pantone colour palette, so providing a specific shade number is the simplest and quickest way to begin working on a project. However, it is important to remember that although Pantone provides a highly precise reference point, the final appearance of the colour may also depend on the type of plastic, the thickness of the component and the surface finish.


Plastic Is Not Neutral: The Same Colour May Look Different on Different Materials

One of the most important aspects of colour selection is the type of plastic used. Colour should always be considered together with the material on which it will be applied, as the material can affect its final appearance.

The natural colour of the raw material, its transparency, thickness and the geometry of the product all play a role. It is worth remembering that a visualisation or colour swatch alone may not always be enough to predict the final result.


When There Is No Pantone Number: Matching a Reference Sample

Not every project begins with a predefined Pantone number. Often, a customer already has a bottle or another packaging element and asks for a closure in the closest possible matching colour.

In such cases, a packaging sample can be provided and used as a reference to select the colour that most closely matches the submitted item.

This is a standard solution, but it requires a sufficient amount of reference material. A fragment that is too small may not be enough for a reliable assessment.

Another very practical factor must also be taken into account: the reference bottle and the target component may have different wall thicknesses. A bottle is usually thinner, so when a similar colour is applied to a thicker component, it may appear more intense.

This method should therefore be treated as a technical matching process rather than a simple one-to-one copy. The aim is to achieve the most visually consistent result possible.


Surface Finish Can Change the Appearance of a Colour

Colour is not only about pigment. The surface finish is equally important. The same shade may look different in a matt, glossy or pearlescent version.

A glossy finish usually enhances the depth and intensity of a colour, while a matt finish gives it a more subdued, modern and refined appearance. A pearlescent effect adds extra visual dimension, allowing the shade to change subtly depending on the angle of the light and the lighting conditions.


PCR in Practice

More and more brands are considering the use of PCR, or post-consumer recycled material, made from waste generated after consumer use. It is an important direction in packaging design, particularly in the context of the growing significance of the circular economy.

At the same time, it should be remembered that the addition of PCR may affect the appearance of the finished product. A colour containing recycled material may not appear as “pure” as one produced using virgin material. Small inclusions and slight variations in shade may occur.

This is not always a disadvantage. In some projects, such an effect may even strengthen brand communication, particularly when the packaging is intended to emphasise the more conscious and responsible character of the product.


The Impact of Dark Colours on Packaging Sorting and Recycling

When choosing a colour, it is increasingly important to consider not only how the product will look on the shelf, but also what will happen to the packaging after use. Colour can play a significant role in sorting and recycling processes.

Very dark pigments, especially conventional black, can make it more difficult for sorting systems to identify the material. Transparent and light-coloured plastics generally have a higher recovery potential, while dark pigments, particularly carbon black, can present a challenge for automated sorting systems.

This does not mean that dark colours should always be avoided. However, they should be selected consciously. One possible alternative is the use of carbon-free pigments, which do not contain carbon black. Such pigments may be more easily detected by sorting systems. It is important to remember, however, that their effectiveness depends on the specific pigment, the type of plastic and the overall construction of the packaging.


A Good Colour Is Not Accidental – It Is a Conscious Design Decision

The most common mistakes made when selecting a packaging colour include choosing a shade solely on the basis of a visualisation, comparing colours applied to different types of plastic, overlooking the effect of a matt or glossy finish, and failing to consider that the addition of PCR may influence the final appearance of the product.

Lighting should also be taken into account. The same colour may look different in daylight, retail lighting, studio lighting or on a computer screen.

Conscious colour selection begins with asking the right questions. At the very beginning of the project, it is worth defining the desired result and identifying the factors that may influence the final appearance of the packaging.

Do we know the specific Pantone number?
Should the colour be matched to an existing bottle or another packaging component?
What type of plastic will the product be made from?
Is a matt, glossy or pearlescent finish planned?
Will the product contain PCR or another type of recycled material?


A Trusted Partner in Packaging Development

Colour, finish and functionality should form a coherent whole. That is why, at Polpak Packaging, we help our customers look at packaging from a broader perspective – not only in terms of aesthetics, but also its practical application and the requirements of the specific product.

If you are planning new packaging, contact us. We will be happy to discuss the available options and help you select a solution tailored to your brand.

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