5 packaging trends for 2018

Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely break and are ready for the fresh opportunities and challenges that the next 12 months will bring.

To get you started, we put together 5 packaging trends to watch for in 2018.

Trend 1: Personalisation
Customers want to feel valued and cared for. A recent study by Sealed Air has revealed that printed packaging generates 64% more positive feedback, increasing customer retention and driving loyalty.

Adding personalised notes / messages to your packaging will help delight and surprise your customers making their unboxing experience memorable.

Trend 2: Packaging automation
Automated packaging solutions have been on the rise for the past few years and their popularity will continue to grow in 2018.

These solutions will significantly increase the speed of your packaging line and also help minimise packaging waste improving your green credentials. This is increasingly important as customers are getting more and more concerned about the future of our planet and the environment.

Trend 3: Minimalism
Well-designed, simple packaging will enhance the appearance of your parcels and maximise product protection.

Parcels that are too big for their contents will require extra cushioning meaning higher material costs and increased risk of your products getting damaged in transit (if insufficient cushioning is used).

Your customers won’t be impressed by the excess packaging especially as the demand for sustainable, eco-friendly packaging will continue to grow in 2018.

Trend 4: eCommerce
Retail eCommerce sales in the United Kingdom are expected to reach £76.41 billion in 2018 according to Statista: £5.66 billion more than predicted for 2017 and £11.5 billion more than in 2016.

With online sales moving upwards we will see a greater customer demand for packaging that is easy to open, returnable and simple to dispose of.

Trend 5: The environment
British customers are growing more concerned for the environment and sustainability. Research shows customers want to be able to recycle packaging easily and are willing to pay more for products that come in recyclable packaging (or packaging made from recyclable materials).

If you need help with your packaging design or would like to discuss your packaging requirements with an expert, get in touch: https://macfarlanepackaging.com/contact/

References:

Sealed Air Korrvu Fact Pack

Forecast retail e-commerce sales in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2015 to 2018 (in billion GBP)* https://www.statista.com/statistics/260958/retail-e-commerce-sales-in-the-united-kingdom/

Brits Want Recyclable Packaging, Study Says: https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/09/brits-want-recyclable-packaging-study-says/