Manufacturers must adapt to changing trends in packaging design, from seasonal variations to sustainability and innovation, to stay competitive and meet consumer demands.
The packaging of mass products is constantly changing due to social and economic trends. Manufacturers need to stay alert about these changes that might sneak up on them without much notice. It's important for a company to avoid "putting all their eggs in one basket" if the basket eventually becomes outdated. Here are ways designers can prepare for expected and unexpected cultural shifts that require fresher ideas for packaging.
Seasonal Packaging
The calendar can affect packaging because consumers embrace certain holidays with enormous passion. A brand can diversify its image by adjusting packaging throughout the year to reflect upcoming holidays. At the same time, it's crucial for the package to maintain a degree of consistency and not get overpowered with too many visual effects. Keeping the packaging design simple is usually better than attempting a busy appearance.
Seasons can also impact packaging due to the conditions that result from rainy or more severe weather. Not only can adverse weather degrade packaging, it can slow down transportation, which can cause delays in delivery. The packaging designer should consider weather-resistant materials such as corrugated boxes, insulation or metal. Tinplate is one of the most sustainable solutions for winter packaging, especially when it comes to fancy tins during the Christmas season.
Following Market Trends
Another reason why changes may be needed for packaging is to keep up with consumer sentiment. Certain designs and principles fall out of fashion at some point, so it's advantageous to periodically freshen up the appearance of packaging. While it's true that some brands don't need to change their logo or presentation if it's worked for years, the most competitive markets require staying on top of market research to make product and packaging adjustments.
In a battle between multiple brands for the same market, it's common to explore creative ways to stand out. Packages can come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the material. One of the reasons metal is so universal in packaging is that it is easy to shape without creating excess material waste. Aluminum is particularly a timeless choice because of its strength and durability, despite its light weight and flexibility.
Metal packaging has been a leading industry for achieving sustainability goals, which is much more than a trend. Sustainability has become a fundamental principle in modern economics since it is tied to both financial survival and environmental safety. The metal packaging industry follows UN Sustainability Goals and is dedicated to reducing food waste through recycling and awareness campaigns.
Offering Innovation
Packaging may further change for a producer due to adoption of innovative ideas. Technology is constantly becoming more advanced and is a driver toward new efficient packaging. Many manufacturers have adopted digital transformation as a foundation for modern business. They populate their production systems with IoT devices that can track every step of the process. Machine learning programs can detect deficiencies throughout a system and can identify any individual package embedded with a digital code.
Thanks to smart technology, manufacturers can cut costs and losses, as well as make more accurate predictions about future inventory counts. Any package within a digital supply chain can be tracked as it is transported from one location to another. Smart technology has also helped brands identify product defects before they reach consumers. Furthermore, shipping has become much more transparent, as e-commerce consumers often have the opportunity to track the package's journey after it has been purchased.
One of the best ways for a brand to innovate its packaging is to conduct periodic consumer surveys. Interacting with consumers helps pave a clear path toward sales success. The knowledge that goes into packaging solutions should reflect whether the consumer participates in a reuse or recycle mindset. Other important questions to study involve packaging weight, size, visuals and labeling.
Innovative design ideas don't necessarily have to come from one mind and not just a graphic designer. A brainstorming session among various market participants can lead to magical new concepts that draw sudden market attention. Getting a long list of ideas on paper forms the basis of an elimination process that narrows to the best ideas.
The future of packaging may become much more personalized due to customer relationship management (CRM) software. These robust platforms store customer history, such as conversations and purchase information. Customer profiles may also include digital codes that correspond with packaging. It's clear that smart technology will continue to get smarter about the connections between brands, products, packaging and customers.
With over a century of expertise, Desjardin.fr has built a reputation as a trusted partner for luxury brands, offering custom premium packaging solutions tailored to meet each client's specific requirements. Our deep understanding of craftsmanship, combined with a strong focus on precision, ensures that every tin we produce not only enhances the brand’s image but seamlessly integrates into their supply chain. This commitment to excellence and reliability has made Desjardin.fr a preferred choice for world-leading companies seeking packaging that aligns with their high standards of quality and performance.
