Cans, PET or Glass: Preparing Your Beverage Packaging Brief
Packaging is part of a product decision. Realvio’s packaging discussion can cover cans, PET bottles and glass bottles, with the actual format, size and label configuration confirmed for each selected beverage. A useful brief explains what the packaging needs to do for your project.
How should I choose between cans, PET and glass bottles?
Start with the beverage reference, serving size, sales channel and destination market. Tell Realvio which packaging you want to discuss, then confirm product compatibility, label requirements and carton configuration. Can, PET and glass options are reviewed against the selected beverage; a catalogue format does not confirm every possible combination.
| Format to discuss | Information to include | What to confirm with the team |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium can | Beverage reference, preferred serving size and artwork status | Product-format suitability, label information and carton configuration |
| PET bottle | Beverage reference, preferred size and presentation requirements | Whether the requested bottle and beverage combination can be offered |
| Glass bottle | Beverage reference, preferred size and sales channel | The listed bottle reference, label requirements and packing details |
Packaging examples are not interchangeable across all drinks. Storage, shelf life and transport requirements must be confirmed for the selected product.
Begin with the beverage and serving size
Identify the product category and the exact catalogue reference if you already have one. State the serving size you are considering and how the drink will be sold. If you are comparing more than one format, explain the questions behind that comparison.
Do not treat the packaging studio as a guarantee that every format is available for every drink. It is a way to explore presentation. Product compatibility, format availability and the agreed specification need to be reviewed with the team.
Describe the presentation you want to evaluate
Explain your brand direction, intended shelf or menu setting and the information you need on the pack. A reference image can be useful when it illustrates the presentation you want to discuss. It should not replace the dimensions and requirements for the actual selected format.
Rather than assuming one material is always the best choice, list the decisions your team needs to make. Ask which cans or bottles are suitable for the beverage and what artwork information is needed before your designer prepares the final layout.
Align artwork and label information
Share whether artwork is an early concept, a draft or ready for technical review. Identify who will supply the product name, ingredient declaration, nutrition information and destination-specific label text. Keep the version being discussed clear to everyone involved.
Confirm the applicable product information and packaging requirements before treating an artwork file as approved. A visual mock-up does not establish production dimensions, printed color, labeling compliance or the specifications of the final pack.
Include cartons and the destination
Ask about the carton configuration for your chosen product and note any handling or presentation needs your buyer has raised. Include expected quantities and the destination in the same brief so packaging and shipment planning can be discussed together.
Costs, material availability and project timing are confirmed around the selected configuration. Avoid building a launch schedule around assumptions about a different product’s pack. A concise list of open decisions gives the team a practical basis for the next conversation.
Your enquiry checklist
- Beverage reference and preferred serving size
- Formats to discuss rather than assume
- Brand presentation and artwork status
- Person responsible for product and market label text
- Expected quantity and carton requirements
- Destination and open packaging decisions
