Top Packaging Trends of 2024
Although we're already mid-way through 2024, new packaging trends continue to emerge that will shape the packaging industry through December and beyond. This year's packaging industry trends range from the purely functional to more design oriented; regardless, the packaging industry and the packaging companies within it are keeping an eye on the trends so they can create new packaging processes to meet demand.
In this blog, we'll dive into this year's top packaging trends we're seeing among our customers and how packaging design and the packaging industry is changing to meet the demand. Here are the key trends:
Trend 1: Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Sustainable packaging made from recycled materials (+ recyclable materials or raw material that can be recycled) is no longer simply a trend: choosing a sustainable packaging material has become the new normal for millions of brand owners and companies around the world.
Technological advancements have made it easier than ever before for brands to reduce their environmental impact and plastic pollution. This can be done by using biodegradable and recyclable materials instead of plastic, or by moving to a closed loop system that's aided by new technology. Many brands are finding that their customers simply demand sustainable packaging from them and are making every effort to reduce their plastic waste and overall environmental impact by avoiding fossil fuel based plastics as often as they can.
CarePac is one of those packaging companies that is proud to offer a variety of sustainable materials for your product packaging, and we're adding more sustainable packaging solutions each and every year! In today's world, there's simply no excuse for e commerce brands to not use eco friendly inks and packaging. Protecting the environment and reducing waste in the packaging industry is NOT just a fad!
Trend 2: AI-Supported Smart Packaging Design
Let's face it: artificial intelligence is everywhere and unlike other innovative ideas, it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Currently, artificial intelligence is transforming the design process for each and every customer, from design concept to production.
This new technology helps enhance creativity and efficiency, and makes it easier than ever before for companies to come up with innovative packaging that will enhance product shelf life and help attract even more consumers. The main downside to using artificial intelligence is that much of the design work will still fall on the companies themselves, which can be difficult for many brands to swallow.
If you prefer to work with humans (let's face it -- who doesn't!), our consulting services can help make your plastic and paper packaging ideas a reality. By working with humans, you won't have to worry about silly mistakes or oversights ruining your customer's unboxing experience.
Trend 3: Retro and Nostalgia Styling
Although simplistic packaging material and modern designs continue to be popular among our customers, we're seeing a resurgence in the popularity of vintage designs. These retro designs evoke a sense of nostalgia, and major food packaging brands and companies like McDonald's and Wendy's are jumping on board.
One decade that seems to be exceedingly popular among consumers is the 50s. Think: bright colors, watercolors, and simple line drawings that will wrap your consumers in the arms of comfort. These packaging designs are sure to continue to grow in popularity, so start designing now!
CarePac has the capabilities to produce intelligent packaging that looks like it comes from any decade, and will draw attention to your brand. Playing with memories and mood is a powerful tool in advertising, and brands seeking to evoke those feelings through their packaging should look no further.
Trend 4: Hyper Contrast
With attracting a customer's attention being harder than ever, the visual experience of a package's design is just as important as its functionality. Gone are the days of mono material packaging: today's e-commerce packaging needs to include vivid colors that contrast which each other, which helps create a spark of joy and interest in the things your customers are purchasing. In the past, many packaging companies took a "less is more" approach to their packaging, but those days are in the past.
If you want to infuse your food or cosmetics packaging with vivid colors, we can help. Regardless of the colors or how saturated you want the bag to look, our team can help make your bag a reality.
Trend 5: Interactive & Engaging Designs
Another of the trends where where we're seeing a lot of growth is packaging that enhances user interaction, such as using tactile materials and augmented reality features. It can even be as simple as using popular digital tools, like an app or QR codes to make your packaging more 'fun' to the user. Gone are the days when a product's packaging just served to protect what's inside - now your packaging can actively engage your customers and help your brand grow rapidly.
Bonus points if your product's packaging also encourages sustainability by incorporating reusable packaging, or providing warnings against single use plastics. Anything brands can do to increase recycling rates in a cost-effective manner is key.
Trend 6: Working with Leaders in the Packaging Industry
We might be biased here, but we're finding that more and more e commerce companies are choosing to work with leaders in the packaging industry vs newcomers. The truth is, the packaging industry is incredible complex and there's a lot to keep track of: packaging materials, smart packaging, supply chain issues, reducing waste, sustainable, and which materials can be recycled, among other things.
By working with a smart packaging company that focuses exclusively on packaging processes, you can take a lot of the guesswork out of the process. We'll handle supply chain issues, quality concerns, waste management, and know exactly which plastic materials can be recycled. We even have access to state-of-the-art technology and more materials than many other packaging companies do.
Ready to create the paper packaging of your dreams that falls into one of the above trends? Want to cut back on waste without sacrificing quality? In our world, the customer is always right and we're ready to make you a repeat customer. Contact us today to get started!