Sustainability
People are expressing their concerns about sustainability through changes in lifestyle and product choices. 61% of UK consumers have limited their use of single-use plastic. 34% have chosen brands that have environmentally sustainable values or practices.
Packaging can be a crucial component in brand image, and therefore brands that wish to connect with the values of their customers are switching to sustainable packaging.
What does this mean in practical terms?
• There are various new trends in sustainable packaging:
• Designing for recyclability
• Less is more
• Replacements for plastic
• Biodegradable and compostable
• Higher quality
With the concept of the circular economy becoming more influential, designing packaging specifically to be recycled is becoming a vital part of the packaging process. Materials include biodegradable plastic, fully-degradable bubble wrap, corn starch, paper and cardboard.
More brands and manufacturers are reducing the amount of packaging for packaging’s sake. Less is more when it comes to displaying your sustainable credentials.
Plastics are very much public enemy number one when it comes to the environment, and the trend for sustainable substitutes is gaining pace. Until recently, many biodegradable plastics, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), had high manufacturing costs. However, bagasse brings down production costs, making it a viable alternative to plastic.
More and more everyday consumable products are in biodegradable packaging, such as disposable coffee cup and lids.
Another new development in sustainable packaging is finding its way on to high-quality products from premium brands. These brands include PVH, the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger, and the luxury brands retailer MatchesFashion.
These various packaging trends aren’t mutually exclusive. You can combine sustainability with artistic flair, or use connected packaging on biodegradable materials.
It’s also worth noting that many of these trends reflect profound shifts in society and people’s attitudes to products and what it means to be a modern consumer. Brands must consider their packaging options if they want to connect with these consumers. Want to learn more? Contact us.
Post time: Sep-03-2021