Packaging as an industry has really been moving with the times in 2018. There have been several different trends that have come into effect, and there is no doubt this will be set to continue as we push into 2019. Here we cover some of these key trends over the past year.

Packaging is becoming far more creative and contemporary. This is shown in the fact they are becoming more of a creative design and ‘art’. Text and brand logos are far more important for packaging products and services from businesses to push this on to consumers. This creative approach helps for products to become more attractive to different audiences as a ploy to push them to buy the products. This is helping to strengthen the market and boost sales as people are being attracted to buy these products in supermarkets and shops alike. This trend focuses mostly on the younger consumer market.

The most important change of modern times is packaging moving to becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly. Not only is it good for the environment but it saves business MONEY, and a lot of it. This is through a returnable packaging cycle with the product being used multiple times for years on end. This approach is now a big positive for all businesses in different industries such as food and drink for example. Big brands always a lot of attention on them to look to use recyclable products and it is shown that consumers will also be more committed to the brands if they push for the environmentally friendly products. Sustainable, returnable packaging is only going to continue to grow for years to come. Wooden pallets also continue to thrive and have been the method of choice for many businesses over the years.

(Pictured: A range of returnable packaging products)
Source: https://www.ppsequipment.co.uk/news/204_dont-get-into-a-christmas-packaging-pickle

Packaging is growing with the times and as such there are now high tech packaging machines, which themselves help with the usual human error. They can do the job of a human in packing flat pack boxes  for example. Is this the future? It is certainly a positive for businesses in helping with the extremely busy festive period and struggle for staff as they take time off to spend with their family and friends.

Modern day society is full of competition for businesses so standing out from the rest is becoming more and more important. 2018 has been about pushing the boat out with bold colours. This is on their products in shops as well as online. Through bright and shiny colours, this helps for brands to stand out from the crowd. A recent study showed that people make a subconscious decision to buy a product within 90 seconds of seeing it, with over 80 per cent of them saying colour being a main factor behind this. Standing out has never been more important to consumers.

The final trend key trend of 2018 has been making packaging simpler. Consumers know more about the products they are buying that ever before. This is down to the easily accessible information that can be acquired through the internet for example. This simpler approach to packaging has been shown to have greater effect in trust from consumers over the excessive information of the past.