13 Sep Why Coca-Cola bottles are shaped the way they are

Introduction

Coca-Cola is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic brands. From its delicious, dark, fizzy liquid that quenches any thirst to its ad campaigns featuring celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Natasha Lyonne, and Taylor Swift, it is a global favourite. A key part of Coca-Cola’s iconic character is its bottle’s product design, with its fluted lines described by industrial designer Raymond Loewy as the “perfect liquid wrapper” and likened to mass culture by style icon Andy Warhol.

The Need for a Unique Bottle Design

When Coca-Cola first entered the market, most bottles had straight lines, making it difficult to differentiate between brands. To combat competitors eager to piggyback on the drink’s popularity, Coca-Cola introduced a diamond-shaped label in 1906 with its trademark. However, issues persisted as labels peeled off in cold barrels, and competitors continued to copy the design.

The Birth of an Iconic Bottle

The Coca-Cola Bottling Company knew they had to go further to protect their business from competitors. The company’s trustees allocated funds to reach out to glass companies to design unique, recognizable bottles. The Root Glass Company took inspiration from the cocoa bean, with its stretched-out shape and notable “ribs,” giving birth to the iconic Coca-Cola bottle we know today.

Evolution of the Coca-Cola Bottle Design

Like any product or industrial design, the iconic Coca-Cola bottle has undergone design updates over the years. Initially a slightly fatter shape, it has been modernized while maintaining its famous curves.

Lessons in Product Design from Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a prime example of how a brand’s product design can evolve and be updated without losing its distinct character and personality. It also teaches us that what’s inside the bottle matters as much as the outside—the product design. A solid design base provides product designers with a brand blueprint for updates without losing the essence of what makes a product design unique.

Conclusion

At Paraform, the example of Coca-Cola’s signature bottle design inspires us every day. As industrial designers, we strive with every project to create iconic designs that will stand out from the rest. Contact us today if you are looking for exceptional designs that will elevate your brand above the exceptional.

See some of our recent projects 

Source: cocacolacompany.com