Until the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s, most bibliophiles satisfied their desire to buy books by visiting local shops or mega-stores like Barnes and Noble. Whispers of an online bookstore that would mail your books to you in plastic, bubble-wrapped envelopes seemed ridiculously sacrilegious- after all, books needed to be purchased immediately and in hand, both to satisfy the reader’s need and to ensure the book’s pristine condition. Fast forward 20 years or so and it’s hard to think of a time before Amazon, a pioneer in the e-commerce industry. As Amazon has grown and evolved in scope, so has the packaging it and other similarly inspired e-commerce companies use to ship their goods. Moreover, influential factors such as sustainability, technological and digital advances, and artistic aesthetics are shaping the future of the packaging industry for decades to come.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging

Perhaps the biggest driving factor dictating the future of the packaging industry has been the growing environmental movement. The desire to stem the influence of climate change has grown consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions exponentially over the last decade alone. This will no doubt increase in the future as the potential effects of climate change become more pronounced. This shift towards biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials has led to the replacement of materials like plastic and styrofoam with things like paper and cotton. The adoption of circular economy practices and closed-loop systems in packaging design, (the cornerstone of which are business-wide policies in reuse and recycling) will not only help the environment but save money as well.

Smart and Connected Packaging

As with most fields in the 21st century, the future of the packaging industry revolves around improvements and innovation in digital and smart technology. Generally speaking, smart packaging technologies incorporate the following features:

QR (Quick Response) Codes are square-shaped digital marks that are “readable” by devices like smartphones and tablets. When scanned, they usually lead to the storehouse of information, such as a company website.
NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is similar to QR codes but offers a unique branding opportunity. Rather than solely leading to a site filled with information, NFC codes can share promotional offers and help prove the authenticity of a product.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology uses radio waves to track tagged individual items. Devices can read tags for up-to-the-minute product tracking, inventory, and supply chain management.

All these technologies will continue to be integrated into IoT as the years go by, greatly enhancing customer engagement and experience through interactive packaging.

Digital Printing and Personalization is the Future of the Packaging Industry

An emergent feature of modern packaging trends that will no doubt affect the future of the packaging industry is customization. Currently dominated by digital printing and personalization processes, this unique form of promotion has only strengthened and enhanced brand loyalty and customer engagement. Comfortable, familiar, and eye-catching designs have turned paper bags and parcels into walking billboards and free advertisements. Further, limited runs for seasonal packaging, as well as “special edition” releases, can help create a buzz amongst consumers. This can only expand and diversify in the future, as new printing techniques highlight striking patterns, designs, colors, and logos.

Minimalism and Aesthetic Trends in Packaging Design

If there’s one thing that ebbs and flows like the tides, it’s artistic aesthetics. The 80s were all about neon colors, big splashes, and ostentatious logo designs. The 90s advocated a grungier, more muted approach. These days, a minimalist, “less is more” aesthetic appears to be popular, offering clean packaging designs in one or two colors and with crisp, clear logos. The importance of packaging aesthetics in brand perception is highlighted by a recent internet trend: the “unboxing” experience. Here, consumer goods (usually electronics) are unboxed and the experience is recorded, and later to be uploaded to online digital streaming sites and social media platforms. Their popularity amongst viewers and subscribers has had a profound influence on e-commerce and digital marketing, as everything from the item’s appearance and functionality to its packaging is critiqued and rated. With no signs of losing popularity, trends like the “unboxing” experience illustrate the vital importance of choosing the right aesthetic for your brand and the future of the packaging industry.

Regulatory Changes and Compliance

For any business in the 21st century, be it e-commerce or brick-and-mortar, emerging packaging regulations that focus on sustainability and waste reduction will be of paramount importance. As global trends in packaging laws expand to embrace green initiatives, their impact on businesses cannot be ignored. Preparing for future compliance requirements and challenges in this area can only secure the future of the packaging industry, and promote sustainability for future generations. Stay ahead in the packaging game. Contact us to explore innovative packaging solutions that align with future industry trends!