The packaging industry is a large and burgeoning one, with shoppers spending an average of $1 for packaging on every $11 worth of shopping from retailers. In the US alone, the packaging industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% over the next five years.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted several global supply chains and created shortages that affected businesses everywhere, including the packaging industry and Web2Print Packaging Box Design Software.
A shared sense of caution about limiting the spread of the virus led to a focus on bio-safety in packaging, while the interest in sustainable and environment-friendly packaging continues. In the world of packaging design software solution, digital printing seems to have gained precedence.
There seems to be an increased expectation in brand owners on prompt service delivery. Overall, 2021 is set to be an exciting year for the industry, with several novel trends set to defy earlier predictions and manufacturers pivoting to respond faster to immediate needs.
This article discusses seven predictions in the world of packaging that are set to gain visibility in 2021:
1. Increased use of digital printing for bolder designs
Two-dimensional illustrations are set to account for the majority of merchandise package designs in 2021. Besides, metamorphoses are likely to take off to lend visual interest to items on shop shelves by giving them a sense of movement and vitality.
Metamorphoses are essentially illustrations or pictures that change in appearance as the viewer’s eye travels along the packaging’s outer surface.
Printing such designs is cost-effective than with multi-textured options and also allows scope for creativity with the design. This is only possible because of the increased use of digital printing, enabling printing from a digital-based image directly to various media.
Plus, this packaging trend has proven to be perfect for small-run jobs on web-to-print stores—which is the need of the hour as the mood of end clients has shifted from placing orders on high-volume printing jobs to focusing on smaller quantities only.
2. Customizable packaging for meeting brand owner expectations
Text on the packaging is likely to be printed in easy-to-read fonts, positioned in clearly demarcated boxes, and placed in the center of the packaging to convey that sense of orderliness. Neat, well-balanced layouts not only look sleeker but also allow brands to communicate information clearly to their customers.
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Moreover, customers who purchase discretionary or luxury-tier products on packaging design software do so primarily to feel special. Manufacturers want to fuel that feeling of exclusiveness in their buyers, in which the packaging plays a significant role.
Sleek bag designs, the ornate font in metallic tones, gold/silver foil wrapping, and high-quality boxes all denote luxury and enhance the buying experience.
No wonder many packaging design software enable end-clients to customize their packaging they like using a product packaging design software solution. Plus, they also do not have to worry about placing large orders. The advent of digital printing and web2print software makes it easier for purchasing small-run print packaging.
3. Ability to include earthy, neutral tones in packaging thanks to Inkjet
Printers have become increasingly interested in the packaging industry for new revenue opportunities.
However, the most significant entry barriers have been the cost and reliability of printing equipment or technologies that can promptly and cost-effectively produce a range of colors. That is the reason why Inkjet has come out to be the ultimate winner for approaching the lucrative packaging market.
While stark black-and-white tones were popular earlier, current trends indicate a shift towards calmer, more neutral tones and earthy shades in packaging. The nature of the product will influence the exact color palette used – for instance, organic food might call for soft greens and yellows, while furniture and pottery might call for browns and greys.
Inkjet continues to lower printing-packaging barriers by enabling online printers to meet customer needs regardless of print volume, company revenue, or niche.
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4. Growing popularity of transparent packaging and sustainable materials
This is especially popular among food and beverage manufacturers, who use transparent packaging to create a window-like display that showcases their products’ attractive qualities. It is also in keeping with full disclosure and accountability, where everything is visible for the customer to check before buying.
Alternatively, given that most packaging gets discarded by the end consumer, the need for sustainable packaging made from environment-friendly materials has been popular for a while now.
This trend is likely to continue, as it contributes towards a greener society, portrays the company positively, and gains the goodwill of an increasingly environment-conscious customer base.
5. Technology integration for improving supply chain efficiency and customer service
Given an aggressive market demand to improve supply chain efficiency and continuing customer demands for speed, packaging design software enable you to offer your customers unique packaging techniques. Meaning, it is possible to automate your print ordering system with packaging!
The integration of technology into the packaging material is incredibly gaining popularity for electronic gadgets, which might require tech resources that the customers can quickly identify through a site URL displayed on the outside of the packet. Tech-integrated packaging can also make product tracking easier.
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6. Biosafety in packaging takes precedence due to the pandemic
Concerns about the possibility of COVID-19 being transmittable through food products has led to an increased emphasis on safe packaging. This is mainly reflected in the case of bulk food packages or perishable products like meats and cheeses.
There may be changes in the materials used for packaging – glass, for instance, is preferred by customers for preserving the quality and taste of food and beverages. Manufacturers may also need to print quality assurance information on their packaging to assure customers that the contents are safe for consumption.
7. Storytelling through packaging will soon become a norm
Brands quickly recognize that the mere relaying of product information needs to be supplanted by brand storytelling to forge an effective connection with customers.
Product packaging offers a useful way to do just that, such as narrating how the idea for a product was born, by describing where each of the ingredients is derived from, or by talking of how the product is environment-friendly and cruelty-free.
Through eye-catching visuals and exact narrative text, packaging can play a useful role in showcasing the brand more than just a manufacturer.
Wrapping it up
Packaging plays a critical role across product verticals, from apparel and luxury to food and personal care. The right packaging can influence product perceptions for the better and even incite impulse purchases. Moreover, it is also essential to select the proper printing technique, i.e., digital printing.
2021 is set to witness exciting trends throughout the packaging industry that reflect the rapidly evolving demands for aesthetics, safety, and sustainability. The need for the right web-to-print solutions that lets end-clients design their packaging as per their requirement will grow in the coming months.
Are you looking for a dynamic Web2Print Packaging Design Software? Contact us at [email protected]