Never mind scratch & sniff, how about scratch and drink?
Bottles of Rubbel Sexy Lager has been banned from sale in the UK. Why? Well they featured a picture of a woman with a removable swimsuit on the label. Drinkers could scratch her clothes off to leave her naked.
The Portman Group - which regulates the Alcohol industry - ruled the name of the drink and the scantily-clad model could lead drinkers to associate the product with sexual success.
Scratch & Strip Label
Sexy Beer Banned from Shelves
Trend Themes
1. Label Restriction Trend - The restriction of labels that promote explicit themes present opportunities in creating a unique and eye-catching design without compromising decency.
2. Interactive Beverage Label Trend - Designing labels that involve consumer participation - like scratch and reveal - can add value and interest to a product, creating an innovative edge.
3. Censorship Trend - Respecting regulations and restrictions while still offering a product that appeals to the young and contemporary market opens possibilities in using creativity to navigate limitations.
Industry Implications
1. Alcohol Beverage - Creating innovative, interactive and quirky packaging and labeling designs without stepping outside of the regulated boundaries can attract customers and boost sales, increasing revenue of the brand.
2. Fashion and Beauty - Establishing strategic partnerships with Alcohol Beverage brands to enhance their packaging design with the latest fashion and beauty trends can create profitable cross-promotional opportunities and expand the market reach of both industries.
3. Art and Design - Exploring the trend in interactive labeling design by creating unique and personalized label experiences can be an opportunity for new talent to showcase their art and design skills and also create impactful campaigns that can resonate with customers.