What is the Future of Packaging? Design & Technologies in The Next Few Years

In recent years, there has been a huge focus on eco-friendly packaging and going green. Plus we now have new technologies like driverless delivery and artificial intelligence. That means the world of packaging is going to witness a lot of changes.

How Will Packaging Change in the Future?

New technologies of packaging are emerging with a heavy focus on improving product shelf life to enhancing product functionality. 

Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that in the coming years, we will see new and improved trends in product packing. From reduction in plastic usage to improved aesthetics, minimal designing, and dissolvable packages, the future looks promising. Let’s take a look at what the future holds in this realm –

What Are The Expected Future Trends in Packaging?  

Augmented Reality

As Augmented Reality (AR) gains more momentum, companies are beginning to realize the impact of interactive technology in packaging and design.

It’s likely that over the next decade, customers should be able to see the test products virtually. They would be able to explore packaging choices and interact with other cool elements. It’s a fun way to elevate brand awareness while also entertaining customers.

Zapp One happens to be the company that has succeeded in AR technology. With better product engagement and richer customer data; AR is likely to offer a more personalized shopping experience.

Biomimicry

Biomimicry essentially entails imitating the composition of designs in nature. There will be a huge inspiration drawn from sustainable organic structures, materials, and forms. 

It’s likely that in the coming years, existing package material will be replaced by better strength materials. There will be more stability and product protection as well.

Graphene is a prime example of packaging around biomimicry. It’s a highly robust, ultra-light, and conductive option that will be ideal for future smart packaging items such as premium spirits packaging.

Smart Packaging

In recent years, smart packaging has witnessed significant growth. It also goes by the name ‘intelligent active packaging’. For a typical consumer, smart packaging is going to offer a range of benefits

For example, they will have an improved unboxing experience, better security, authentication, better protection and product storage, and overall appealing visuals.

Smart packaging, also known as intelligent active packaging, has seen significant growth.

Protective Packages

To ensure better product safety and efficient delivery, protective packaging will switch gears. This will be achieved by materials that offer better closure against wind, steam, comes with insulation and better room space.

As demand increases, there will be an increase in environment-friendly packaging that uses eco-friendly materials which are easy to recycle. 

There will likely be a reduction in the weight and size of protective packaging. As we shift away from pneumatic packaging, there will be less paper and packaging wastage.

Corrugated Packaging Solutions

There’s no doubt that corrugated materials are recyclable, cost-effective, and strong. But, it’s far from perfect. Right now most companies use Reusable Plastic Containers for the shipping of perishable items. 

To better capitalize on this opportunity, many companies like Biome3D, UFP Technologies, and Aeroclay are working on using biodegradable and innovative materials. The idea is to enhance corrugated packaging and make it more adaptable for a sustainable future.

Automatic Home Delivery

It’s expected that by 2028, not only packaging, but product delivery will also change. We have already had a few glimpses of the future where driverless vehicles and whirling drones will be a reality.

Amazon’s drone initiative and Uber’s self-driving cars are already innovative projects in the making. With this, automated home delivery should be a reality. 

To that end, expect a rise in – 

  • Drone delivery
  • Driverless trucks
  • Alternative delivery options

Other alternatives being explored include autonomous air taxis, underground transportation tubes, river shuttles, sidewalk delivery robots, and crewless cargo ships.

Dissolvable Packaging

It’s exactly what it sounds like. With less dependence on fossil fuels, dissolvable and edible packaging will significantly reduce the carbon footprints. It will be made from raw materials taken from algae, natural dyes using fruit and vegetable skins, and natural sweeteners.

We’re also likely to see an emergence of dissolvable packages for household items like laundry detergents and dishwashers.

Sustainable Packaging

In the future, brands will have to focus on minimizing their carbon footprint. So packaging without serious consideration for the environment will be a big NO. We already have a bunch of sustainable solutions in the realm of packaging. 

Therefore, making the green shift should not be a huge challenge. With sustainable materials becoming more easily available like hemp, paper, cellulose, and starch; sustainable packaging will become a reality.

3D Printing

3D printing technology is going to be huge for original package design. It’s much better than modern methods of printing. There will be better flexibility, cost reduction, efficiency, and engineering. 

With an increase in quality and speed of printing material selection, production and storage will become integrated in the next ten years. That means you can expect more smart and compact spaces.

The Minimalist Movement

The world is going minimal. One strong and promising trend to emerge from this minimalist movement is transparent and clear packaging solutions. This is particularly true for the food industry. Although transparency and simplicity may seem bland, it goes well with the current consumer demand and expectations. Minimalist designs are both attention-grabbing and they tell exactly what’s inside.

With fewer graphic elements, there will be less distraction from the actual product. That means, companies can now make their products more impactful on supermarket aisles with digestible and on-point brand messages.

In Conclusion

Thanks to all kinds of emerging technologies, the future landscape of packaging and design sure seems promising. With a larger focus on going green, emerging design trends will likely make huge waves.


Related Articles

Leave a Comment