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Packaging is more than just a way to protect and transport products. It is also a powerful tool for branding, marketing, and communicating with customers. Here at Cr8tive, we believe that packaging can create a memorable first impression, convey a message, and even evoke emotions. In this article, let’s explore some of the current packaging ideas and trends that are shaping the industry and influencing consumer behavior.

One of the most noticeable trends in packaging is the use of sustainable materials and sustainability practices. Consumers are becoming more aware and concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and they expect brands to share their values and take action. According to a recent survey by Accenture, 83% of consumers globally prefer to buy from companies that are transparent about their environmental and social practices, and 72% of them are willing to pay more for products that have a positive impact on the environment. Some examples of sustainable packaging include:

• Recycled or biodegradable materials, such as paper, cardboard, bamboo, cornstarch, or mushroom-based packaging.
• Reusable or refillable containers, such as glass jars, metal tins, or pouches that can be refilled with the same or different products.
• Minimalist or zero-waste packaging, such as eliminating unnecessary layers, labels, or plastic wraps, or using edible or dissolvable packaging.

Another trend in packaging is the use of personalization and customization. Consumers want to feel special and unique, and they appreciate products that cater to their preferences, needs, or interests. By utilizing this trend in packaging, brands are able to stand out from the competition, increase customer loyalty, and generate word-of-mouth. Some examples of personalized or customized packaging include:

• Customized labels or stickers, such as adding the customer’s name, photo, message, or logo to the packaging.
• Interactive or smart packaging, such as using QR codes, NFC tags, augmented reality, or voice assistants to provide additional information, entertainment, or functionality to the packaging.
• User-generated or co-created packaging, such as allowing customers to design their own packaging online or offline, or inviting them to participate in contests or campaigns to create packaging ideas.

Last but not the least, the use of storytelling and emotion can be seen in the packaging industry. Consumers are looking for more than just functional benefits from their products. They want to connect with brands on a deeper level and feel inspired, entertained, or moved by their stories. Storytelling and emotion can also help brands to differentiate themselves from others, build trust and credibility, and foster customer loyalty. Some examples of storytelling and emotion in packaging include:

• Narrative or thematic packaging, such as using colors, images, fonts, or shapes to tell a story about the brand’s history, mission, values, or personality.
• Emotional or sensory packaging, such as using textures, sounds, scents, or tastes to stimulate the senses and create an emotional response.
• Social or cultural packaging, such as using symbols, icons, slogans, or references to social causes or cultural trends that resonate with the target audience.

These are some of the current packaging ideas and trends that are shaping the industry and influencing consumer behavior. Packaging is not only a functional necessity but also a creative opportunity for brands to express themselves and connect with customers. By adopting these trends or creating their own innovative solutions, brands can enhance their products’ appeal and value and create a lasting impression on consumers.

If you want to level-up your product presentation or need a company to satisfy your packaging needs, just give Cr8tive a heads-up! We’ll always try to accommodate your needs to provide your beloved products with a suitable home that is in line with the ideas and trends that you want to embody. Let’s all be creative here at Cr8tive!

Reference:

Accenture Newsroom. (2019, June 4). More Than Half of Consumers Would Pay More for Sustainable Products Designed to be Reused or Recycled, Accenture Survey Finds. Retrieved from https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/more-than-half-of-consumers-would-pay-more-for-sustainable-products-designed-to-be-reused-or-recycled-accenture-survey-finds.htm