What happens when users are brought face-to-face with packaging? Researchers are now attempting to find out just what kind of emotive response consumers have to particular types of packaging. The results? Loose-fill peanuts – a long face. Square-pattern bubble cushioning – putting a smile on the face. Air pillows – the face is a picture of satisfaction.

The study shows that human responses to packaging are written all over the face. The conclusion for packagers is to make sure their product does not draw a blank face, or – even worse – a facepalm.