Our Thinking
The World Through our Lens
Kaleidoscope is a CPG packaging design and prototyping agency headquartered in Chicago. We’re makers, thinkers, and opinionated observers of everything packaging. Here’s what’s on our minds — from design trends and sustainability to the forces reshaping consumer goods. For a deeper look at our capabilities, visit: strategy, packaging design, and prototyping.
Latest Perspectives
April 17, 2026
Packaging that looks stunning on screen can fall completely flat at shelf. Explore why high-fidelity prototypes are the difference between packaging that earns placement and packaging that loses it.
2016 CHANGE TO THE NUTRITION FACTS LABEL—WE ARE READY! ARE YOU?
CPG Trends 2016 CHANGE TO THE NUTRITIONAL FACTS LABEL Kaleidoscope June 28, 2016 The FDA has finalized the requirement for all Nutrition Facts panels to be updated starting July 26, 2016. This is the largest single labeling update the FDA announced in over 25 years....
TOP SIX EXCITING TRENDS IN CONFECTIONERY AND SNACK PACKAGING FOR 2016/17
Confectionery Trends SIX EXCITING TRENDS IN CONFECTIONERY AND SNACK PACKAGING FOR 2017 Liz Reese, Sr. Creative Director June 10, 2016 Staying on top of, or even ahead of, packaging trends can be what makes or breaks the success of your next product launch. There's no...
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PACKAGING REGULATIONS
Packaging Regulations A BRIEF HISTORY OF PACKAGING REGULATIONS Mike Gondek, Design Implementation Artist May 6, 2016 We all see on a daily basis consumer products with net weights, statements of identity and distribution statements. Who regulates the size, position,...
AVOIDING GREENWASHING BY DESIGNING WITH INTENT
As a packaging designer and nature lover I dream of the day when material science and manufacturing can deliver on the promise of zero environmental impact, high performance, premium finish and low costs. Many breakthroughs have begun to deliver on the promise,...
SIX STEPS TO “HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER” PARTNERSHIPS
Brand Strategy SIX STEPS TO "HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER" PARTNERSHIPS Jacquie Denham, Director of Strategy April 18, 2016 An inspiring vision built upon a robust strategy and delivered through brilliant creative and meaningful innovation, is a proven equation to achieve...
The Priceless Return On Prototyping
Consumers are craving more authentic experiences from brands and it is our responsibility as designers, strategists and brand owners to produce more than just a great product or package. Today, brick and mortar stores are under an incredible amount of pressure to stay relevant and the rules of shopping are changing with the accessibility of everything at our fingertips. We have the power to deliver bigger and better brand experiences via our diverse skill sets, yet the same old ways of working and thinking continue to plague our industry.
BELL’S BREWERY REFRESH: SNEAK PEEK
News Release BELL'S BREWERY REFRESH: SNEAK PEEK Kaleidoscope March 31, 2016 We are very excited to share a sneak peek into our Bell’s brand and packaging refresh, to be launched officially later this year! Working closely with Bell’s, our team strived to preserve the...
THE 2016 PACKAGING CONFERENCE: 6 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Henderson Nevada was the site for the recent Packaging Conference. Global economics, sustainable packaging, “Back To The Future,” health and wellness; these trends and more offered a thought-provoking line-up that will help us better serve our clients. Here are our...
GETTING THE CULTURE RIGHT
If there is one topic everyone can agree on, it’s that no one can agree on the subject of organizational culture. Sure, we know it’s important; great culture not only attracts talent, it keeps your employees motivated, engaged and loyal to the company. However, there...
PACKAGE DESIGN MATTERS CONFERENCE: 6 KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Package Designer Matters Conference has left my mind spinning. In the days since, I’ve reflected on a number of the topics. They’ve forced me to challenge my own thinking and look at our clients’ challenges from a different perspective. Gerry O’Brion’s Grand...
ALDI EARTHLY GRAINS WINS PAC AWARD
Exciting news for ALDI and Kaleidoscope! The winners of the PAC Global Leadership Awards were announced over the weekend, and ALDI Earthly Grains received a Silver Medal in the category "Brand Marketing New Brand, Food &...
BREAKFAST REVOLUTION
Several years ago, I made some predictions about the breakfast revolution. I looked at trends in cold cereals and RTE innovations with an eye on on how breakfast, as an all-day consumable, would impact the marketplace. Before seeing how these predictions held up,...
