4 New Packaging Trends to Watch

Published September 6, 2019

When was the last time you enjoyed a container of yogurt with toppings kept conveniently dry in a separate part of the package? Or can you recall the first time a product label caught your attention thanks to its eye-catching logo? Although no specific product or CPG brand may come to mind, the well-integrated concepts of compartmentalization and graphic branding have slowly been incorporated into countless products throughout the CPG industry. Today, consumers think little about these “common” designs. In the 1990s, however, they were the hottest trends in packaging. 

If today’s packaging design trends will become the standard for tomorrow, staying up-to-date on emerging packaging trends is vital to the success of every player in the CPG game. Is it worth buying into the hype of passing trends? And if so, is your brand making the most of today’s top packaging trends?

Why CPG Providers Can’t Ignore Trends

It’s easy to discard packaging design trends as fads that will fade from significance over the coming weeks and months. However, the root of what drives trends cannot be ignored. Evolving preferences not only steer the consumer industry from one focus to another, but they also play a deciding role in manufacturing offerings and trade goods. Anticipating these trends—and meeting the new demands before your competition—is key to success. 

The Industry-Wide Environmental Shift

First, let’s talk about a larger, lasting event we’ve been noticing. With big brands like Mondi and Werner & Mertz leading the way towards 100-percent recyclable product packaging, environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging has been the hottest topic on the market for a while. To adjust to this enduring shift, CPG retailers and providers must be willing to evolve. That means making time to reflect on production processes and taking steps to incorporate organic and recyclable materials into your packaging operations as appropriate. 

Although the task can seem daunting, these steps don’t have to be grand gestures. Small changes, like switching out plastic-based packing materials for biodegradable cornstarch or mushroom packaging, can go a long way. These efforts make a difference in reducing the environmental footprint brands leave and can even encourage consumers to shift their partnerships towards businesses that support sustainable practices. 

4 Trends To Watch

CPG brands are also utilizing new packaging options to build on existing sustainability and environmentally-friendly efforts. These new trends are designed using cutting-edge technologies and innovations to offer increased function and minimize waste, making packaging designs more creative than ever before. 

Flexible Packaging

Expected to hit nearly $100 billion by the end of this year, flexible packaging is taking the CPG industry by storm. This type of packaging is usually used in the form of pouches and bags. Brands are finding that products packaged and sold in flexible packaging are easier to store, display, and recycle. Consumers also enjoy the perks of flexible packaging, which include less required storage space and easy transportation.

See-Through Packaging

Transparent or translucent packaging continues to be a popular choice among product packagers. By allowing customers to actually glimpse the intended products, instead of a branded photo or list of ingredients, see-through packaging builds trust and showcases products more authentically. Another advantage offered by transparent packaging is its versatility in materials. See-through packaging can be crafted from plastic, biodegradable paper, glass, and just about any other material that offers increased visibility of the product. 

Standup Pouches

One of the fastest-growing flexible packaging segments, standup pouches are durable, convenient, and often resealable. We expect standup pouches to continue rising in popularity thanks to their design potential, wide range of uses, and low manufacturing costs, which make them a viable packaging solution for countless products.

Reusable packaging

It’s no secret that consumers like to save money or feel that they’re getting a good deal. For example, would you rather buy a plastic bag that can be used to pack one on-the-go meal or resealable bags that can be rinsed and reused? Redesigning packaging to make it reusable not only makes for a more sustainable packaging process, but it’s also attractive to both consumers and manufacturers, thanks to its durability. 

Incorporating Packaging Trends Into Product Offerings

To make the most of evolving trends, it’s vital to know your audience. Are your customers in need of packaging design changes? Do you package products that could benefit from transparent or reusable packaging? Could your packaging process be made easier by adopting standup packaging options? 

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, take some time to analyze your current packaging operations to ensure these changes would be supported. Are there areas in your product line or your production line that can be tweaked to increase efficiency or places you could implement simpler changes to stay ahead? 

After considering a grander plan for modifying your product offerings, consult your best customers to make sure these are services or options they would use. By testing out the waters on a smaller scale, you’ll learn what works, and maybe more importantly, what doesn’t—so your production line can be set up for success in the long run.

Stay Ahead of the Trends With the Right Manufacturer

At INSITE, we make it a habit to stay on top of the latest packaging trends. Not only does this help us continue to innovate our own machinery, but it also allows us to understand what our customers are facing—and how we can best support them. 

Are you searching for simple, smart, automated packaging solutions? Contact INSITE today. We’re excited to meet your packaging equipment needs and help you prepare to conquer any and every emerging trend. With 24/7 customer support, streamlined equipment designs, and over 50 years of industry experience, we’ll provide you with the expertise and equipment you need to get the job done.