Blog - Our Latest Guide to Custom Packaging Trends
Join us as we explore the advances happening in custom packaging and how brands of all sizes can take advantage to meet emerging consumer and supply chain needs. From smart packaging to sustainable materials, read on for insights on the future of custom packaging from the team at Tidmas Townsend.
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, glass and metals are also seeing increased usage, giving mailers, shopping bags and cardboard boxes a more sustainable benefit by repurposing materials which would otherwise go to landfill.
The trend towards greener options aligns with more stringent regulations and expectations for businesses, as well as with consumer opinion. With 81% of UK consumers preferring eco-friendly packaging materials and 80% believing that online shipments contain excess packaging, showing consideration by opting for custom, environmentally friendly packaging can keep customers engaged in your brand’s values.
In our experience, with greater awareness around sustainability and the role that packaging plays in this, information about what is truly eco-friendly is also becoming clearer:
“An example is products such as oxo-degradable plastics. Around 10 years ago, when these were introduced, they were labelled as biodegradable. Now, we have information which disproves this, meaning we can classify with more accuracy. Consumer awareness around what is and isn’t environmentally friendly is becoming more accurate.” Scott Newman, Sales Director
We believe this growing awareness around truly sustainable materials will stay with us in 2024 as brands begin to migrate to these custom options, calling for clarity on their benefits and aligning their packaging with corporate sustainability goals around circularity and waste reduction.
As custom packaging provides flexibility in materials and design, brands can cost-effectively incorporate smart elements that were once impossible or impractical.
NFC technology allows customers to access detailed product information with a simple tap or scan, fostering a deeper connection with the brand and bringing the potential for interactivity. With NFC tags in custom-made packaging, retailers can provide instant access to detailed product information, promotional content and brand storytelling. These technological integrations represent a step towards more connected and intelligent retail systems.
- Detailed product information
- Usage instructions
- Engaging brand stories
- Interactive experiences
- Social channels
AR takes this a step further by overlaying digital information onto the physical product, creating immersive experiences. For example, scanning packaging might show a 3D representation of the product, along with interactive features like virtual product trials or visual storytelling. These technologies not only enhance customer engagement and the unboxing experience but also provide retailers with an avenue for creative marketing and brand differentiation.
Smart packaging can change colour or display a signal when the product is nearing its expiration date or if it has been exposed to unsuitable conditions. By informing consumers about product quality in real-time, these technologies can help to strengthen consumer trust as well as reduce food waste. For retailers, it’s an effective way to ensure product quality and build a reputation for delivering freshness and reliability.
“Digital print requires no physical print stereo, so set-up times for print runs are quick allowing for fast turnaround times and smaller MOQs. This is something that many businesses are turning towards, as holding low volumes of packaging in stock saves money and space. Fast turnaround times from their packaging supplier facilitate this perfectly.” Scott Newman, Sales Director
This means businesses can order just what they need and can respond faster to trends or customer demands, taking advantage of JIT production.
The growth of digital printing is also driven by the need for personalised and eco-friendly packaging. With digital printing, businesses can easily tailor their packaging design, use sustainable materials and reduce waste. This not only meets the growing consumer demand for customisation and sustainability but also helps businesses manage their inventory better and save on costs.
“With no print stereo required, digital designs can be changed quickly and easily. This opens up avenues for small runs of promotional packaging for businesses looking to run offers, or limited edition stock and exclusive deals, as well as seasonal events.” Scott Newman, Sales Director
The ability to offer retail brands the agility, efficiency and customisation they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace is something that we’re incredibly proud of at Tidmas Townsend. We aim to ensure customers can leverage the full potential of flexible, digitally-printed packaging solutions.
These trends can be fast-moving but there are several ways we’re seeing them take hold for 2024.
Minimalism
Minimalism in packaging design champions simplicity and functionality, resonating with modern consumers who value straightforwardness and sustainability and becoming a key custom packaging design trend.
This trend emphasises clean lines, restrained colour palettes and a focus on the essential elements, ensuring the product is the focus. The approach not only appeals to modern consumers' preference for sleek, understated designs but also aligns with growing environmental concerns.
By using fewer materials and simpler designs, minimalist packaging reduces waste and environmental impact, resonating with eco-conscious brands and customers. This trend reflects a broader shift towards sustainability and efficiency in packaging, balancing visual appeal with responsible consumption.
Personalisation
Personalisation is a crucial design consideration for retailers who want to create memorable brand experiences. The approach allows brands to tailor packaging with personalised messages, images or preferences, making custom packaging a part of a customer’s experience.
The power of personalisation will allow brands to differentiate themselves as the retail market continues to get more competitive and complex, creating a deeper, more emotional connection between the brand and the consumer.
With advancements in digital printing and data analytics, creating customised packaging solutions is becoming more accessible and cost-effective, enabling retailers of all sizes to offer a bespoke unboxing experience.
Unboxing Experience
As we’ve explored, the unboxing experience will continue to be a key trend in 2024 custom packaging. Retailers are increasingly focusing on the details - from the message inside to the added touch of custom-printed tape.
Thoughtful touches like aesthetically pleasing arrangements, or unique design elements can transform unboxing into a shareable, viral moment, extending the brand's reach through social media. As consumers seek more than just products but experiences, an engaging unboxing process has become a powerful narrative tool for retailers, enhancing brand loyalty and setting the stage for a long-lasting relationship with the customer.
Lightweight and Durable Materials
The surge in Q-commerce demands custom packaging solutions that can withstand swift handling and transportation, ensuring product integrity from warehouse or store to doorstep. Retailers can adopt more durable materials and innovative custom packaging designs that protect products while maintaining a lightweight nature.
Simple Processing Features
The need for quick identification and processing in the fast-paced Q-commerce environment is pushing for smarter packaging. Features like easy-to-scan barcodes and QR codes are becoming standard, facilitating faster handling and enhancing the customer experience with instant access to product information or immersive brand stories.
Whether you're looking to captivate your customers with personalised packaging, streamline your operations with just-in-time production or make a positive impact with eco-friendly materials, we're here to guide you through every step of the journey.
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