Doritos, Red Bull, Jack & Coke, Danone: 7 Pack Moves to Copy
3D Color Packaging Pulse: Week of September 22, 2025
Doritos goes glow, Red Bull unveils Fuji Apple & Ginger, Jack & Coke returns in a 4‑pack, Alpro launches a playable QR pack, and Target’s Figmint leans paper and easy‑open. Seven quick hits you can swipe:
Doritos x Stranger Things | Glow‑in‑the‑dark packs meet retro IP
The Story: Doritos Collisions Stranger Pizza x Cool Ranch lands in 9‑oz and 2.625‑oz bags, plus glow‑in‑the‑dark packaging on Doritos Minis Spicy Sweet Chili canisters and themed wraps across core flavors.
Why It’s Interesting: Fans love “show me” packaging they can photograph. Tie a retro franchise to limited packs and you unlock scavenger‑hunt behavior and multi‑buy baskets. Glow ink (phosphorescent ink that “charges” under light and shines in the dark) turns the package into a prop. Expect velocity spikes in night‑time occasions and watch secondary displays earn their keep.
What to borrow: Use a one‑SKU glow effect to earn endcap video and UGC in October.
Link: Allrecipes: Doritos’ Stranger Things flavor and glow packs
Red Bull | Winter Edition can, sugar‑free too
The Story: Red Bull names its 2025 Winter Edition flavor Fuji Apple & Ginger in 8.4‑ and 12‑oz cans, with a sugar‑free variant and gradient can art built to pop. U.S. rollout begins Oct 28.
Why It’s Interesting: Seasonal flavors keep the shelf fresh without a line reset. A clear color story plus “sugar‑free also” doubles your facing logic and broadens trial. If you featured Red Bull’s Tetris art previously, this is a different design and timing, which resets the display conversation.
What to borrow: Pre‑sell seasonal cans with a single palette cue repeated across shippers and PDPs.
Link: Red Bull: Winter Edition Fuji Apple & Ginger
Jack Daniel’s & Coca‑Cola | Vanilla returns in 4‑packs
The Story: The Jack & Coca‑Cola Vanilla RTD comes back nationwide as a limited 4‑pack of 12‑oz cans at 7% ABV, positioned squarely for tailgates.
Why It’s Interesting: Occasion fit drives lift. A defined pack count plus seasonal placement simplifies the grab for parties and game day. Vanilla cues bridge soda and whiskey, which helps recruit new RTD shoppers. Expect a better basket attached with snacks and ice.
What to borrow: Lock a seasonal flavor to a fixed pack count that screams “bring to the party.”
Link: Breaking Bourbon: Jack & Coke Vanilla returns as limited 4‑pack
Danone Alpro (Kids) | Connected pack that plays
The Story: Alpro’s kids range in Europe adds an on‑pack QR that opens a web‑app game with leaderboards and weekly prizes; formats include 200‑mL aseptic cartons with paper straws and 115‑g yogurt‑alt 4‑packs.
Why It’s Interesting: A scannable, “always‑on” code lets you refresh content without reprinting. Shopper behavior: kids ask to scan again, which can lift repeat scans and repurchase. Business impact: cheap content updates, zero MOQ hit. Mechanic: static QR linked to dynamic experiences, GDPR‑compliant data capture.
What to borrow: Put a persistent QR on primary packs and rotate seasonal content behind it.
Link: Packaging World: Alpro kids connected packaging by Appetite Creative
FirstWater | Bottle design that “fights” microplastics
The Story: FirstWater’s PET bottle adds a 3D relief texture and an unprinted cap to reduce plastic additives and address consumer concerns about microplastics in bottled water.
Why It’s Interesting: Safety reassurance is a growth lever in water. Texture becomes a visible signal that “this is different.” Business upside: a premium read that can justify price and drive trial in health‑led channels. Mechanic: structural emboss + simplified closure.
What to borrow: Use tactile structure as your claim…print less, shape more, and say why on a necker.
Link: Packaging Digest: “The bottle that fights back against microplastics”
AWT Labels & Packaging | Peel‑and‑reseal lidding that actually works
The Story: AWT’s PerfectPeel lidding film is a flange‑resealable, anti‑fog, multilayer film tested for up to 10 open/close cycles with built‑in tamper evidence across hot or cold foods.
Why It’s Interesting:Reseal that fails kills repeat. Reliable peel reduces food waste and improves OEE by widening the sealing window. Mechanic: consistent seal integrity with clean reclosure. Shopper behavior: more “back to fridge” moments, fewer tossed trays.
What to borrow:Pilot a reseal spec on one high‑leak SKU and track returns and shrink for 8 weeks.
Link: Packaging Digest: Lidding films promise precise sealing and peeling
Target Figmint | Paper‑based, easy‑open kitchen tools
The Story: Target’s Figmint brand moves kitchen tools to a predominantly paper‑based pack with unique dielines, soft edges, bilateral symmetry, easy‑open finger tabs, and a tear strip that invites interaction.
Why It’s Interesting:Accessibility is a purchase driver. A package the 70‑year‑old and the 17‑year‑old can open without tools reduces frustration and returns. Mechanic: paper replacing plastic, plus “touch and feel” exposure to the product at shelf. Cost and speed: simpler materials can streamline sourcing and improve sustainability messaging.
What to borrow:Add a finger tab and perforation to your next paperboard spec and call it out on the front-of-pack.
Link: Packaging World: Target introduces paper‑based packaging for Figmint
If you are ready to bring these ideas to life across your portfolio, contact 3D Color at bob.jennings@3dcolor.com to see how rapid packaging comps and color-perfect samples can help you seize cultural moments, test new formats, and accelerate your next big idea.
