5 Current Trends in Packaging Design

With the world slowly inching back into ‘normalcy’, many businesses are also rising from the ashes. They bring new ideas to attract new and old customers in their wake. One area of continuous innovation is packaging design, which protects a product and entices people to buy the product.

A wise entrepreneur knows when and how to follow specific trends, especially for packaging. Updating your regular packaging is an investment you shouldn’t miss. Imagine how many customers you could win over with a simple change in how your product looks.

If you’re fascinated with the idea of upgrading your packaging, check these top trends to try out:

1. Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly packaging has been the rage for a few years now, but it could pick up steam in 2022 and beyond. Businesses worldwide are now doing their part in lessening their carbon footprints. With more people yearning for more sustainable products, entrepreneurs are going to great lengths in answering their needs. 

Many companies like Packaging World now provide packaging options made of raw materials. Boxes, bags and wrappers are made with sustainably-sourced materials and often lack laminations or coatings that slow the degradation process. Many of these kraft containers retain their original texture and are highly customisable too.

Additionally, some packages are also produced to be recyclable or reusable. Take, for example, reusable cups from certain coffee shop chains. Instead of purchasing a different one-time-use cup at every visit, stores may sell tumblers intended for multiple uses. This encourages less waste from both the store staff and the customers.

2. Vintage Designs

Bring back the beauty of retro art through your packaging. You can draw inspiration for your designs from the roaring 20s to the psychedelic 60s. These designs often incorporate rubber hose characters like Betty Boop and Mickey Mouse’s old design and typography popular from the era. It’s an excellent way to evoke nostalgia towards customers, especially if you want to attract an older audience to your product.

The vintage feel of a product may also give off the company’s image as trustworthy and reputable. Older designs often mean that a brand has been around for years. So, if your business existed before the global health restrictions began, you could use vintage designs for your packaging for a change.

3. Minimalist Designs

There is a growing interest in minimalist packaging where simplicity takes centre stage. Less is more, so say some brands leaning towards minimalism. If your current packaging’s various colours and elements overwhelm you, your customers might see it that way, too. 

Minimalism brings monochromatic colouring and typefaces to the forefront. As a result, you’ll get cleaner-looking packaging and relief in your customers’ eyes. Furthermore, a minimalist design elicits a sense of luxury because of its elegance and classiness. People may even second-guess throwing out such pretty packaging, lessening unnecessary waste.

4. Interesting Typography

Simple yet well-thought-out designs don’t work for everyone. Some might think it’s too plain for specific products. Sometimes, eccentricity works best, especially for merchandise aimed at the younger generation.

You can incorporate loud colours and modern fonts into the packaging to catch people’s attention. This method is most appropriate for food and drinks. Bold and clear typography can also help buyers find your products on a shelf. So, busy folks on their weekly grocery run are likely to add your items to their trolley when they see them.

The trick to the proper use of typography to your advantage is choosing the right, readable fonts. Your packaging can have the most exciting design yet can also be ignored by people who can’t read what’s on the label. A carefully-created design can also replace images on the label and build an identity for your brand.

5. Artworks And Illustrations

If you can’t let go of the images on your packaging, there’s no harm in keeping them. But take this opportunity to give them an upgrade. You can start by using personalised stickers to decorate and provide a personal touch to your items.

Consider 3D designs for a more modern take. It’s eye-catching and innovative, making your product fit more contemporary tastes. However, it’s deemed more effective for food, beverage and cosmetic products. 

You can still use flat illustrations, though. This type of artwork is an excellent partner to minimalist designs, whether you put it outside or inside. Why not commission local artists to create your packaging illustration? You’ll put the spotlight on someone with potential and your product. It’s a win-win situation.

In Conclusion

Consumers prefer buying products that meet their needs and are pleasant to the eyes. Business owners also risk upgrading their packaging to make their merchandise stand out. 

While people are looking for a change in scenery after the health restrictions, take this opportunity to redesign your brand. Take one of these current trends to ensure a positive transformation of your products, profits, and the environment.