Four women talk the packaging talk about FMCG

Aprajita Ashk,  24, design management student
Which is the fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen - why so?
I am a student, so I don't cook much. I mostly have takeaways and homemade snacks that my mum sends so all those plastic use and throw boxes are there with me. It's easier for me to just clear it out because I like to keep my kitchen shelf clean. Oh, also, my kitchen is small so I prefer getting small packets of any FMCG products so it doesn't look all clutter

What is the best packaged product you have come across - in what way?
I don't think I have come across any good packaged products. While they do the work, I wish they were more reliable. For example, I am left-handed and usually when I'm home, I get milk packets so cutting them is a big inconvenience for me and I end up spilling it around me. Similarly for ketchup and sauce bottles, the design of the bottles is ergonomic but the opening is not because most of the time it comes out more than what is required. Even the masala boxes are glued and it's not easy to tear it, once you tear it, there is not enough space inside to open the package so you have to tear the package from top. Something similar happens for the pasta spaghetti packaging. There should be enough space from the top to fold it once we open it. It's not much of a task but sometimes because of that we tend to cut it incorrectly and then when we have to tie up, it's a task

One message for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging ?
On the package, I think, for products that require steps and usage should be placed and highlighted so the user doesn't have to struggle finding & reading it. And the packaging should communicate what the product is aiming to deliver. For example, you can search for Sony walkman water resistant packaging

Ina Tirkey, 24, graphic design student

Which is the fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen - why so?
In my observation, the fastest moving packaged product in our shared kitchen seems to be instant noodles, especially the cup ones. They're affordable on a student's budget, and the variety of flavours cater to different tastes, making it a popular choice for me and my friends. 

What is the best packaged product you have come across - in what way?
Personally, I have been impressed with the packaging of Paper Boat. The ‘pichku’ pouch shape is not just visually appealing but also very convenient to carry around. The same applies to Kissan ketchup and Ching’s sauce collection.

One message for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging ?
It would be helpful if brands could innovate packaging in a way that’s resealable for better storage and possibly include more detailed nutritional information for health-conscious consumers. It's not just about attracting customers with flashy packaging, but about being responsible and informative that adds value to our purchase experience.

Mansi Gupta, 24,  industrial design student, MIT ID

Which is the fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen - why so?
The fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen is probably spices or seasoning packets. These items are frequently used in cooking and are essential for adding flavour to dishes. As students, we collect different packets we get from fast food restaurants and use it to enhance whatever meal we have next. 

What is the best packaged product you have come across - in what way?
Small dishwashing liquid stand up pouches. These packets are super convenient and budget friendly for students and serve the purpose in a hostel/shared setting. Same is the case for smaller Rs 15 pichkoo ketchup packets which are carried by multiple students in mess in case the food is not exactly what they wanted to eat.

One message for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging ?
Everything is either too big of a packet or too small of a packet, for students living in a flat for 6 months to a year, they would prefer packaging that starts and ends with their time of stay. Many consumers, especially younger generations, are becoming more environmentally conscious, and they appreciate brands that make efforts to reduce plastic usage, use recyclable materials, or offer refill options. Big brands should consider investing in sustainable packaging solutions to minimise their impact on the environment and attract eco-conscious consumers.

Unnati Joseph, 34, regional brand partnership

Which is the fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen - why so?
I am an OCD freak. I make sure every place I touch has to be clean and I clean it with tissues

What is the best packaged product you have come across - in what way?
The ones I saw during the PrintWeek Awards.

One message for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging ?
More product less packaging.

Himangi Patnaik, student, University of Delhi
Which is the fastest moving packaged product in your kitchen? 
In terms of packaged food, milk.

What is the best packaged product you have come across?
Cereals (cornflakes, chocos etc). They come in good packaging and I don't have to put them in a separate container.

One message you have for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging?
I think zip lock packaging would be the best option. This is because we can lock it back and store it in the packet. As a student, I don't own many dabbas to store them.