Packaging sustainability is becoming increasingly important as consumers look for eco-friendly and environmentally responsible products. Brands are looking for ways to reduce waste and use sustainable materials in their packaging, such as recycled paper and biodegradable plastics. Some other popular sustainable packaging materials include glass, metal, and bamboo.
Brands are also exploring alternative packaging methods, such as reducing the amount of packaging used, using smaller packaging, and implementing closed-loop systems to repurpose and recycle packaging materials. Many companies are now incorporating sustainability into their packaging design, including clear labeling and messaging about the environmental impact of their packaging choices.
Simple and minimalist packaging design is becoming more popular, with a focus on clean lines, monochromatic colors, and straightforward typography. This approach can help emphasize the brand's core values and make a strong impact.
Four key elements of minimalist packaging design include:
1. Clean lines: straight lines and simple shapes create a clean and modern look. It helps the product stand out on shelves and convey a sense of sophistication.
2. Monochromatic colors: a limited color palette, usually in shades of the same color. It helps create a cohesive and unified look that draws attention.
3. Straightforward typography: simple and straightforward typography, often in sans-serif fonts, to convey the brand's messaging in a clear and easy-to-read manner.
4. Emphasis on a product: a focus on the product, rather than the packaging itself. It helps see the product clearly and understand what it is and what it does.
By using these elements, minimalist packaging design can help create a strong impact that resonates with consumers and reinforces the brand's messaging. It's also versatile and can be adapted to a wide range of products, making it a popular choice for many brands in the beauty and cosmetics industry.
The use of bright, bold colors and graphics in packaging design is a growing trend that is designed to make products stand out on shelves and attract attention from consumers. This trend is particularly popular in the beauty, cosmetics, and fashion industry. Just think of Ethique soap bar packaging, HIKI deodorants, or the famous yellow Selfridges bag.
This trend often involves the use of Pantone colours to ensure consistency and accuracy in colour matching across different mediums. Some brands also tend to update packaging by using the Pantone Color of the Year, which is a yearly prediction of the colour that will be most popular in the upcoming year.
By using vibrant colors and eye-catching graphics, as well as following the Pantone Color of the Year, brands can make their products more attractive and memorable to consumers, increasing the likelihood of them being purchased.
Digital printing is becoming more widely used in packaging, allowing brands to quickly and easily produce high-quality, short-run packaging with vivid colors and intricate designs.
Digital printing is becoming increasingly popular in the packaging industry due to its speed, affordability, and ability to produce high-quality, customized packaging. Brands can quickly and easily produce short runs of packaging with vivid colors and intricate designs, making it a great option for testing new designs, producing limited-edition packaging, and adding personalization to packaging. Additionally, digital printing technology is constantly improving, providing even more advanced capabilities and options for creating innovative packaging designs.
Interactive packaging is a growing trend in the packaging industry as it enhances the consumer experience and creates a deeper connection with the brand.
The idea behind it is to engage the consumer through touch, sound, or other sensory experiences. Brands are using technology such as augmented reality, QR codes, and other interactive features to provide consumers with more information about the product or a unique, virtual experience.
This type of packaging not only differentiates the brand from its competitors but also creates a memorable and enjoyable experience for the consumer, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and repeat purchases.
Flexible packaging, such as stand-up pouches and flexible plastic packaging, is becoming more popular due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and convenience as it is lightweight and can be easily carried around. It also offers increased packaging functionality, such as being resealable and able to be shaped to fit unique product shapes, providing a better user experience.
The use of flexible packaging is increasing as brands look for sustainable and environmentally friendly options for their packaging needs (see: Trend 1!). Brands that can effectively incorporate flexible packaging into their designs, while maintaining a consistent brand image and delivering on their promises, will have a competitive advantage in the market.
These are just a few of the current and future packaging design trends in the industry. The most successful brands will be those that can effectively integrate these trends into their packaging designs, while still maintaining a consistent brand image and delivering on their promises to customers.
Curious how automated artwork management can help you in addressing these trends while keeping brand consistency? Contact one of our packaging experts to get advice tailored to your business, or start from exploring the solutions for brand owners, cosmetics and beauty, food, and beverages at MYPACKBRAIN.
