Danone’s Award-winning Packaging Inspires Child-like Creativity and Responsible Reuse.

The Challenge

Danone set out to redefine its Danonino Lunch 12-pack petit Swiss cheese packaging, aiming to create an experience that goes far beyond simply delivering nutrition. Their vision was to turn the package into a meaningful connection point between children and parents, sparking creativity and emotional engagement. The challenge lay in balancing several key goals: reducing production costs, increasing sustainability, and maintaining high print quality—all while ensuring the packaging remained functional and inviting for kids to interact with. Danone wanted to transform their packaging from a disposable container into a creative bridge that fosters family moments and supports responsible choices. 

The Approach

Smurfit Westrock, as a trusted packaging partner, helped Danone bring the brand’s vision to life. Together, they set out to reinvent the 12-pack as more than just a container by making it a meaningful part of childhood, family and responsible living. This transformation required tackling real-world production issues head-on. When switching from coated offset board to pre-printed recycled kraft liner, the team faced unexpected technical hurdles: the absence of protective varnish meant the ink could wear off during refrigeration. A full varnish wasn’t an option, as it would prevent children from coloring on the pack. Leveraging their team’s deep expertise, Smurfit Westrock devised a precise spot-varnish solution—shielding printed areas and leaving the rest crayon-friendly. Throughout the process, collaboration was key: brand, engineering, operational, commercial, and quality teams worked side by side, sharing their unique insights and expertise. Packaging engineers played a pivotal role, translating bold design intent into practical manufacturing solutions. Rigorous testing ensured the pack stood up to refrigeration and humidity, while preserving the areas for coloring.  

The Result

Danone’s innovative packaging redesign successfully met core goals, combining sustainability, creativity, and market impact.

• Delivered cost savings and improved recyclability.
• Encouraged creative play, family interaction and reuse through innovative design.
• Maintained strong shelf appeal and brand authenticity.
• Achieved positive market acceptance and sales stability.
• Enabled flexible seasonal and promotional updates to keep the product engaging.