Per Packaging Digest, Dr Pepper Snapple Group is rolling out what they are calling the "Legacy" bottle as a replacement for their current 20 oz. shape. We've already started to see some implementations of this with their brands here in the Chicago area.
You'll note that the bottom of the bottle has more of a "grip" element in play, while the top features a narrow "label band" for the branding of the drink. Per the article, "the new Legacy bottle will be used for many of DPSG's flavor brands, including 7Up, Sunkist soda, Canada Dry, Sun Drop, Squirt and other soft drinks in the company's portfolio that do not have their own brand-specific bottle designs." You'll note that Dr Pepper is left off that list, as it has its own unique shape.
It's definitely a unique look that breaks from the feel you get with Coke's "Contour" bottle and whatever Pepsi uses. DPSG is obviously looking to stand out from the other Big 2 with this change.
However, I have to wonder about the branding issues on the "label band" now that it's so much smaller. For some brands with more horizontally-oriented logos, it works pretty well (such as we've illustrated with 7Up and Squirt).
On the bright side, it might make Squirt's ugly new design look a lot better!
Unfortunately, I've also seen this type of bottle used for RC Cola, which has a prominently vertical design, and logo is just shrunk to the point of being visually useless.
It's definitely going to be a packaging designer's challenge to make the Legacy bottle work!
What do you think of this new bottle type?
I think it looks good.
I wonder if they cheapened the plastic? Lately all the water bottles are so fragile, that I have a hard time not spilling water when I open them; it's only a matter of time for this to be carried over to the sodas.
I hate the contoured bottles – they are horrible in vehicle cup holders
The bottle looks OK. Just the fact that it's different from the standard shape that has been around makes it a bit interesting. It looks more top-heavy which makes it more easier to accidentally tip over.
new bottle sucks!! it's too heavy on top and wabbles in the drink holder.
Personally, I do not like them. The shape of the top of the bottle makes it look like the bottles weren't filled up all the way with soda.