One of the most interesting trends in green packaging materials that has grown steadily over the last few years is customer-focused packaging. This can come in many forms, but one of the most prevalent is portion control in food products. As populations age and consumers become more focused on cutting weight and living healthier lifestyles, portion control starts to become more important. According to IRI/FMI, consumers are more frequently looking for food items that are easier to eat, easier to prepare, and easier to customize; green packaging can help make all of this possible.
According to an integrated study on packaging conducted by the FPA, consumers consider general flexibility to be one of the defining reasons they select particular products over others, especially when it comes to food. People routinely said they were looking for packaging that is easy to store, reseal, and open, as well as packaging that can extend the shelf life of the product they've just purchased.
Finally, one of the major trends in green packaging materials in 2017 has nothing to do with consumers and everything to do with the businesses who serve them. According to a study conducted by the Flexible Packaging Association, brand owners are continually looking for ways to break new ground with green packaging by decreasing packaging waste and increasing transportation efficiency. All of these help not only cut costs, but increase the operational efficiency of a business and improve already-thin profit margins in a way that benefits everyone involved.
If you’re considering making your packaging more sustainable, contact the professional packaging advisors at Industrial Packaging!