As we head into the first quarter of 2021, what are the new packaging opportunities that have come out of the pandemic?
Let’s take a deep dive into the top packaging trends to watch in 2021.
TREND#1. Eco-Friendly Packaging
One of the big trends from 2020 is again in the top list to watch in 2021.
2020 was a complicated year for environmentally friendly packaging. Prior to the arrival of the pandemic, eco-conscious buyers had been pushing many companies to adopt sustainable packaging that came with less of an impact.
From the banning of plastic bags at supermarkets to the replacing of straws made from plastic with those that were made from paper, a lot of eco-friendly packaging alternatives were starting to hit the market in what looked like a potential wave of change.
Some of the cutting edge more sustainable alternatives to watch in 2021 include:
TREND#2. E-commerce Packaging
Purchasing online was already steadily rising prior to the arrival of this pandemic. But it has only grown exponentially more than expected as a byproduct of the virus.
There has been ever-growing expansion of E-Commerce purchasing throughout various categories. As a result, retailers have to be able to work on improving their e-commerce game if they want to be able to gain the modern consumer's business.
Furthermore, with such a boost to online buying, there is a huge opportunity for growth in packaging for these online orders.
TREND#3. Frozen Food Packaging
The food industry has, for the most part, experienced big changes brought upon us by the virus as a big opportunity for growth. And food packaging bags have also seen a massive growth spurt.
One area of the food packaging industry in particular is making waves in regard to frozen food packaging applications. Obviously this means a big uptick in the demand for frozen food packaging items.
With far fewer consumers eating out at restaurants or being able to access "serve-yourself" salad bars and hot food bars at local supermarkets, many people are turning to buying frozen food.
Materials commonly used for frozen food packaging include cardboard, paperboard, shrink film, skin packs, and more. Modified atmosphere packaging has also risen in fame alongside frozen food packaging as the applications are often used in tandem.
More consumers are buying larger quantities of groceries either in person or via online driven delivery services.
TREND#4. Pet Supplies Packaging
With more people spending time at home with their furry friends, many consumers are buying pet supplies in bulk to ensure that they are properly prepared to take care of their pets. Sales are up for pet supply retailers.
And while the physical locations for these types of stores are seeing a decrease in foot traffic, consumers are buying more supplies through their respective e-commerce platforms.
TREND#5. Video Game Packaging
The video game industry is experiencing a meteoric expansion of growth as gamers have spent more time at home playing video games and many new gamers are just beginning to experiment with the joy of gaming to pass the time while in quarantine or semi-mandated stay at home orders. More gaming = more opportunities for video game packaging applications.
As this trend continues, there has obviously been a huge demand for packaging supplies for video game consoles, discs, controllers and a host of other electronic gadgets related to the art of gaming.
TREND#6. Interactive / Gamified Packaging
Interactive / gamified packaging is any packaging that invites physical or digital interactions with consumers.
On one hand, many companies are using modern digital technologies such as smartphone scanning and augmented reality capabilities to either engage customers with high end video content, or, they are using other forms of digital tech (such as QR coding) for the purpose of tracking shipments and recording data about the location, safety, and condition of the package.
This type of packaging is expected to continue to rise in popularity as it has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to result in gaining both consumer’s attention and dollars.
If you would like some assistance in designing the proper packaging for grabbing the attention of potential customers, consider reaching out to BPS at inquiry@bestpackagesolutions.net . They will be able to discuss with you and help you to design the perfect packaging for your products.
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Source: Industrial Packaging
Blog Editor: Jasmine Zhang
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