Trends time is one of our favorite times of the year – it provides the opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and consider where we’re going. We’ve scoured the web and spoken to customers in a variety of industries about where they see packaging heading over the next year. Here are five trends we believe will drive the industry in 2022.
1. Eco-friendly packaging
Sustainability has long been a goal in the packaging industry, and the need to achieve that goal has only become more urgent. Between online shopping and food delivery, the pandemic has made people painfully aware of how much garbage they produce on a regular basis.
With consumers hyper-focused on reducing their personal environmental footprint, brands need to respond. We’ve already seen many large food and beverage companies commit to actions such as reducing the amount of packaging on their products, reducing virgin plastic usage, and increasing the use of recyclable, compostable, and other eco-friendly materials. Throughout 2022 and beyond, we expect to see many more commitments of this type.
2. Branded packaging for ecommerce
When a package arrives at your home, does it convey the identity and personality of the brand? Or does it look just like every other package?
Prior to the pandemic, branded packaging for ecommerce was commonly seen as too expensive to be worthwhile. But, now that online is the main way people shop, it’s becoming key to the customer experience.
Specifically, it’s the secret to repeat customers. According to Packaging Strategies, most ecommerce customers don’t return to shop with the same brands – there’s just too much choice out there. Branded packaging can help you bridge that gap and build loyalty to retain those highly valuable repeat customers.
3. More information
Now more than ever, consumers want to know where their products come from. In food and beverage, in particular, shoppers want more information about ingredients, sourcing, nutritional content, sustainability, and more, so they can make purchase decisions that are aligned with their values. Other industries, like personal care, are seeing this trend as well.
As consumers become more educated about products, their expectations of brands’ communication and transparency will only increase. Companies can meet this requirement by including proof elements on their packaging like sustainability certifications and QR codes that lead to websites where consumers can find more information.
4. Tamper-evident packaging
Safety has been a top priority during the pandemic, and all signs point to it continuing to be important for consumers. As a result, there’s been increased interest in tamper-evident packaging, particularly for food and beverage items.
5. Transparent packaging
Finally, the use of transparent packaging will continue to grow. Especially when they’re buying food and beverage items, consumers are wise to the fact that the picture on the box doesn’t always accurately represent the food inside. That’s why more manufacturers have started incorporating transparent elements, such as plastic windows, on their packaging. This helps the products stand out on the shelf and also reassures consumers that what they see is what they’re getting.
If you’re revamping your packaging process for 2022, let us know. We can help you design a production line that will minimize downtime and maximize throughput. Happy 2022!