#packagingthatconnects

By Diana Mocanu, PRINTCO SRL, Romania

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a packaging project come to life. The concept sketches, the back-and-forth refinements, the quiet moments of doubt, and then—finally—the finished product. It’s not always glamorous, but when it works, it really works. And sometimes, you end up with something that feels bigger than just “a box” or “a label.” You create a moment. A story.

One recent project here at PRINTCO SRL in Romania gave us that feeling. It wasn’t the biggest in terms of volume, or even the most complex from a technical standpoint. But it was one of those projects where everything just… clicked.

And I’d like to share a bit of that story with you.

The Challenge: A New Brand with Big Ambitions

A Romanian wellness brand—new to the market, but with a clear vision—approached us with a challenge. They were preparing to launch a premium line of herbal teas sourced from sustainable farms across Europe. The product itself was beautiful. Handpicked ingredients, ethically sourced, expertly blended.

But their packaging? That part was still an open question.

They didn’t just want “nice.” They wanted something that conveyed trust, calm, elegance, and environmental consciousness. Something that felt premium, but also grounded. Not flashy—just right.

Easier said than done.

The Process: Listening First

Instead of diving straight into designs, we took a step back. We asked about their values. Their ideal customer. What they wanted people to feel when holding the product.

They hesitated at first. “We want it to feel like something you’d give someone you love,” one of the founders said. That stuck with me.

From there, things moved naturally. We tested different box styles, paper finishes, and color palettes. A muted forest green stood out almost immediately—paired with cream accents and a soft matte texture that felt warm to the touch. The kind of packaging you want to hold onto.

We incorporated a small magnet closure to give the unboxing a tactile element, and designed internal compartments that could hold both the tea sachets and a small note card—printed with a rotating series of wellness quotes and brewing tips.

Simple. Personal. Elegant.

The Outcome: Beyond the Product

When the first print run was complete, we invited the client to our workshop to see the packaging in person. They picked up a box, held it, turned it over, opened it slowly. Then smiled.

“This is exactly what we imagined,” they said. “But better.”

That moment is hard to quantify—but we feel it every time.

Since the launch, the client has reported a strong response from customers—not just on taste, but on presentation. Some even sent thank-you notes commenting on the packaging itself. A few local shops requested display samples, saying the product’s visual appeal helped it stand out on crowded shelves.

We don’t take credit for the product’s success. But we’re proud to have supported it in a meaningful way.

Reflections: Why These Projects Matter

Sometimes people ask if packaging really makes a difference. Can a box or a label really influence a customer’s decision?

I think, yes. But not just because it “looks nice.” Good packaging makes people pause. It shows effort. It builds anticipation. It tells a story when no one is around to tell it out loud.

That’s why we care about these moments—because they’re not just about print runs and die lines. They’re about helping people connect.

As we look ahead to the 2025 Go Global Awards in London this November, hosted by the International Trade Council, we’ve been reflecting on stories like this one. Being nominated for such a prestigious event has given us space to appreciate not just the technical work we do at PRINTCO SRL, but the relationships behind it. These awards aren’t just about recognition. They’re a meeting ground—a place where creators, innovators, and thinkers from around the world come together to exchange, collaborate, and inspire.

We’re honored to be part of that conversation.

So this was a small story—but meaningful to us. And maybe that’s what good packaging is, at its core: a small thing that carries something bigger inside. Not just a product, but an experience. A message. A feeling.