The modern world does not stand still. It is constantly evolving; innovative technologies enter different domains to improve our lives and workflows. In the manufacturing sector, technology is designed to simplify and enhance operational workloads, while reducing costs on production.
If we treat the packaging industry, technologies help improve the quality of wrappers by implementing new trends. In the article, we’re going to provide data-driven insights into packaging trends 2024. Readers will find out in what direction the industry is going to evolve.
The Current State of the Packaging Industry
The current position of the packaging domain is a transitional one. The industry observes a global shift towards smart sustainable wrapper solutions. This direction is mainly explained by the rising pace of Earth contamination.
Nowadays, flexible covers take an overwhelming part of the industry, determining the wide popularity of plastic wrappers. However, if used properly, they can be eco-friendly and sustainable. Below, let’s see how packaging industry trends will influence the current state in 2024.
Top Trends & Innovations in Packaging
Let’s discuss new trends in packaging, paying particular attention to their effects on the modern industry.
Sustainable Packaging
Since the amount of waste rises exponentially, it’s impossible to neglect the issue of waste sorting and recycling. Wrappers form a significant share of garbage, which raises the need to improve their sustainability properties. Thus, enterprises are forced to use recyclable, biodegradable, eco-friendly materials that decompose quickly or can be recycled.
Uniflex comes as one such service provider. The company implements sustainable solutions in its workflow and offers eco-friendly options for product wrapping. While producing highly durable quality covers, they are sustainable due to the use of mono materials. Mono structures are perfectly recycled and allow for reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Internet of Packaging
This solution comes as one of the latest packaging innovations. It brings consumer experiences to a higher level, improving communication between brands and customers. This technology implies the use of smart labels, QR codes, NFC chips, and RFID. These solutions come as cutting-edge innovations designed to enhance security and interaction.
Paper Packaging
Paper packaging is advancing with new recyclable barrier solutions. These innovations make paper wrapping more durable while keeping it easy to recycle. This helps in reducing waste and meeting the demand for eco-friendly solutions.
Automation
When it comes to introducing innovation in packaging industry, automation comes as a helpful tool. The introduction of robots allows for accelerating the workflow while simplifying it and reducing human engagement. The use of machines with grippers and arms helps fill packages quickly. AI-based solutions are also implemented to control quality, wrapper integrity and durability, etc.
Active Packaging
Both small businesses and huge enterprises lose a great share of revenues due to product spoilage. Any production process incurs expenses for spoilage. However, the use of new innovations in packaging technology allows for reducing the amount of spoiled and wasted products. Bright examples of active packaging include the use of moisture regulators and ethylene or oxygen absorbers for food freshness preservation, or the use of antimicrobial agents in covers to prevent bacterial growth.
Custom Solutions
Product design plays a crucial role on the modern market. Since the competition is high, vendors use wrappers as a marketing tool to attract consumers. The use of craft paper covers, eye-catching labels, associative pictures, etc. allows for increasing sales by luring customers. It’s also smart to use tote boxes as well.
Edible Packaging
It is a new technology in packaging industry. The trend contributes to package sustainability. It includes the use of edible cocktail straws, spoons, or other cutlery items. Such goods are made from mushrooms or casein protein. They come as perfect alternatives to single-use plastic cutlery.
Creative and Unique Design
This trend is all about creating original and captivating packaging styles. This trend underlines the importance of unique designs in attracting customers and distinguishing products in a competitive market. It involves experimenting with novel shapes, textures, and interactive elements to increase customer engagement and reinforce brand identity.
Nanotechnology
The last innovative packaging technology is applied to all stages of the production process. Depending on the applied stage, the technology causes different effects. For instance, it implies the use of nanoparticles in wrapping designs to improve its barrier properties, tear-resistance, and durability. Nano-coatings help protect food from all sorts of environmental impacts, such as dust, bacteria, humidity, etc. Nano-sensors are integrated to monitor product freshness and detect chemical changes timely.
Staying ahead of industry innovation is a vital issue for companies to be competitive and profitable. Improved technologies allow for reducing costs on production and improving quality. Thus, the implementation of modern trends helps enterprises increase revenues and improve operational capacities.