David Roberge

By: David Roberge on January 12th, 2017

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3 Packaging Trends to Watch in 2017

Packaging Materials | Environment | The Business of Packaging


ip3trendsglowingsign.jpgPackaging is often the first impression customers have with a product. It is important to consider exactly what your packaging is saying about your product. Since the new year is traditionally a time for reinvention, here are some interesting packaging trends to consider for 2017.

Nostalgia Combined with Inspiring New Design 

This year, customers are looking backward to “the good old days.” Marketers have found that consumers are drawn to feel-good packaging that, in a way, transports them back in time. One great example is the makeup brand Bésame, who took the makeup world by storm last year with their beautifully presented cake mascara. By taking inspiration from a packaging style seemingly lost in time, Bésame transformed a familiar beauty staple into a mysterious must-have item.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials 

In today’s modern world, recycled materials and minimalist packaging make an empowering statement. The average consumer of 2017 is more aware of their environmental footprint than ever before. Packaging should be purposeful (no unnecessary inserts or boxes within boxes) and should protect the product without causing unnecessary damage to the environment. Source raw materials from recycled papers and plastics or utilize sustainable alternatives like bamboo fibers and casein- or keratin-based polymer composites. Also consider how packaging like shrink film can reduce the overall footprint of your product by minimizing freight costs and shipping requirements.

The Unboxing Experience

Spice up your product packaging with unique and creative elements, such as dramatic reveals or interactive features. With the extraordinary popularity of online unboxing videos, customers are looking for more than a container for their product—they’re looking for an experience. For your customers, an attention-grabbing design and enjoyable unboxing experience can turn a simple purchase into an anticipation-building event, with your product taking center stage.

 

Are you designing your packaging with your customers in mind? In a 2016 survey, 1 in 3 adults in the US felt that packaging quality was an indicator of product quality. Give your customers a high-quality, exciting unboxing experience and let that enthusiasm turn your first-time buyers into lifelong brand evangelists. Interesting packaging, even when as simple as an animated bottle label, can drive up sales. The addition of a simple sleeve makes an ordinary bottle of vermouth into the conversation topic of your next dinner party.

 

The average consumer is shifting focus to look beyond what the product itself can do. Being a great product is no longer good enough—your customers want an experience that conveys who your brand is and what lifestyle improvements it can offer. Your customers start their analysis as they see your product on the shelf. In 2017, smart retailers will be using their packaging to entertain, surprise, and delight customers with new and innovative experiences.

 

Are you ready to turn heads with your innovative packaging? Contact our packaging specialists to get started today!

 

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About David Roberge

I am grateful for my 9 years as part of the outstanding Industrial Packaging team. I was able to hang out with some of the most knowledgeable folks in the packaging industry. I feel even luckier that I was able to share that knowledge with you. I love learning, hiking, and growing people and teams both personally and professionally, and helping companies grow better.