The packaging mega trends for 1403
The future of packaging: Our society’s major innovations are increasingly being incorporated into packaging trends. Packaging reflects developments in technology, design, materials, handling and eco-friendliness. People use packaging every day. It must provide intuitive answers to expectations, requirements and functions. Mega trends from communication, sustainability, individuality and experience have long since determined the packaging development for tomorrow.
Packaging: an agent for change
Transforming packaging: The current and expected change in the packaging industry is impressive, and the boost to innovation enormous: Ground-breaking changes are occurring in many sectors. Read on to find out which mega trends have the greatest influence on packaging development and product marketing.
1. Sustainable packaging
Eco-Friendly Packaging: A Growing Demand
Today, the demand for eco-friendly packaging has significantly increased. The packaging industry is transitioning from plastic materials to renewable and environmentally friendly raw materials such as cardboard, plant-based papers, and even cardboard made from agricultural waste. Smart designs also help reduce material consumption. The rapid growth of zero-waste stores in Iran reflects consumers' critical view of traditional packaging. When packaging is unavoidable, we need solutions that meet the needs of both buyers and retailers. "Reducing plastic" is a common demand from consumers and the industry. Plastic windows and layers are gradually being replaced by more sustainable options, or the entire packaging is made from alternative materials. More responsible production processes are also becoming more prevalent: energy-efficient and eco-friendly production, reduction or compensation of CO2 emissions, responsible management of human and natural resources, and sustainability management (certified) have become industry standards. OJENILI is a pioneer in the development of eco-friendly packaging. Responsibility and sustainability are key components of the company's strategy, which has also won numerous awards. All of the company's services in the fields of packaging, promotional products, gift packaging, and mechanical engineering are designed to increase process and product efficiency, conserve resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2.Oversized packaging is out
‘The bigger, the better’ is a thing of the past. ‘As small as possible’ is in. More and more packaging solutions are aiming to reduce transport volumes. And that approach is paying off in terms of the number of trucks needed (reduced transport costs being a positive side-effect), carbon footprints and the resources used. Even for smaller-volume orders, reducing packaging without any detriment to the product’s visual appeal saves 40 truck journeys in just three months. This is a scale that is truly surprising. The strain on roads and the environment is being relieved in a sustainable way!
3. A natural look and feel
‘I love the feel of that’: For a growing number of consumers, the feel of packaging is playing an increasingly important role in addition to its visual appearance. Naturalness, material and manufacturing all bring naturalness to the fore. Packaging developers can enhance this effect even further by intelligently combining the material, printing, varnish and design. Whether it is a wood look coupled with a genuine wood feel, or a natural-feeling modern kraft paper. There are hardly any limits to the imagination.
4. Minimalism and Transparency: Smart Simplicity
The mindfulness trend is changing consumer awareness. Future customers, in response to the culture of extreme consumerism, are moving towards conscious choices and focusing on essentials. Environmental sustainability is at the heart of this new culture, where "less is more." This shift in perspective has a profound impact on packaging design:
This new-found simplicity is becoming a strength. This is precisely because trendy brands are well-presented in a simple fashion so they catch the eye at the POS for all the right reasons. Transparency – implemented with windows, cut-outs or even as little material as possible (e.g. with a banderole) – is important to give consumers a view of the product, the interior, the essentials. The product’s colors and features are integrated into the packaging design.
5. Maximalism: A Different Voice in a Minimal World
Contrary to minimalism, the "maximalism" trend emerges with the slogan "think big." This trend is characterized by bold designs and colorful style combinations:
- Greater freedom in design
- Use of bright and eye-catching colors
- Incorporation of shiny and luxurious elements such as gold
- Return of golden coatings and hot foil layering
- Use of gold on various scales, from small details to large surfaces
The choice between minimalism and maximalism depends on the type of product and the target group. Both approaches can be impactful if executed correctly. This diversity in approaches shows that the packaging industry is evolving to meet the diverse needs and tastes of consumers.
6. Shiny Packaging with Lighting Effects
Eye-catching and smart products: The packaging industry is moving towards greater personalization to align with consumers' lifestyles. While some industries (such as food retail or natural cosmetic products) seek simple and eco-friendly packaging, others use attractive and eye-catching packaging to boost purchase motivation. Using light in packaging is an innovative way to enhance brand identity. These lighting effects can include:
7. Unboxing Experience: The Joy of Opening a Package
Unboxing has become a unique experience. Packaging is now intertwined with emotions, and unboxing videos have become an online phenomenon. In this approach:
Packaging becomes as important as the product content.
- Opening the package itself is a valuable experience.
- The product becomes a gift, reminiscent of the excitement of opening presents in childhood.
The unboxing experience is recognized as a powerful marketing tool. A combination of:
- Custom packaging
- Thoughtful and precise design
- Smart construction
These elements pave the way for creating lasting memories and positive customer experiences.
These trends show that the packaging industry has moved beyond simple product protection and is heading towards creating multi-sensory and interactive experiences for consumers. This transformation provides new opportunities for brands to differentiate themselves and build deeper connections with customers.
Mega trends influence packaging trends
- Environmental Sustainability: The Green Revolution in Packaging
Sustainability in all of its variety is currently the mega trend, especially in Europe. Whether with respect to organic food, natural cosmetics or electromobility – the issue of sustainability and many people’s desires to live an environmentally conscious life are playing an increasingly important role in all areas of our lives. This is naturally also true of the packaging industry. The public discourse on plastic pollution in the oceans shows how important sustainable packaging made from renewable, eco-friendly raw materials such as cardboard is. - Customization as a mega trend: Unique Packaging for Each Customer
Customizing (i.e. adapting a specific product to an individual customer’s personal needs and desires) is a global mega trend. From make-your-own breakfast muesli that customers can order online and have delivered, to personalized sports shoe design and customizable gift packaging from Ojenili, customers expect their needs and desires to be implemented. The trend towards customization is progressing and will gain momentum in the future. Digital printing and the associated production and logistics processes open up exciting opportunities for the future to mass-produce custom packaging - Gender-Neutral: Packaging Design Beyond Gender Stereotypes
Traditional male and female roles are being increasingly broken down, while the boundaries are becoming blurred and getting lost. This has an impact on packaging too, since users are addressed in a more neutral way. The focus is on the individual, while the conventional gender scheme is left behind. All genders should feel addressed. The color, shape and design of packaging are all becoming more neutral - Silver society Packaging Tailored to the Needs of the Elderly
Our population is ageing, and the number of senior citizens is set to rise worldwide. This has an impact on how packaging is designed and handled too. Convenience aspects will become increasingly important and respond to people’s needs. The likes of reduced fine motor skills and decreasing strength and dexterity will also bring about changes with respect to packaging handling. Packaging development will offer solutions such as mechanisms for easy opening, improved legibility, good portion ability and much more besides. Packaging is increasingly becoming a service issue./li>
The consultant of the future: Ojenili
Ojenili is a packaging developer and manufacturer with a large research and development department, so its packaging experts have always been committed to identifying and setting trends and developing future-proof packaging for brands and products. Ojenili is the innovation leader in the international packaging industry. At Ojenili we know what the markets of today and tomorrow need.
