5 effective packaging solutions in 2021

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Last update:

April 24, 2024
The kind of packaging you use for your business can affect its growth. With effective packaging, you can project your business to speed up in no time. 

In 2017, flexible Plastics made up 33% of the global consumer packaging market. While in 2018, there was a 70% demand for Plastics and 6% for paper packaging. The packaging industry is now a fast-growing one that you must tap into.

For instance, the food packaging industry has a projected growth of 11% between 2017 to 2021. The global packaging market had an estimated growth rate of 272 billion dollars in 2020. Then, the total value of packaging in the U.S grew to almost 180 billion in 2019

A recent survey has it that 52% of youthful consumers prefer less packaging. 29% of users also say they are willing to pay more for refillable skincare products. From this, it is evident that consumer preferences drive demand. So, it is important to know which packaging solutions will work and which wouldn't.

In this article, we will look at some effective packaging solutions to watch out for in 2021.

What Are Packaging Solutions?

Packaging concerns the designing and production of a container for your product. It is the system of preparing the goods for delivery to the final consumers. In choosing the right packaging for your product, consider certain factors.

These are the things that will protect and preserve your product while in transit. The right packaging solution will improve your brand image. Also, the right packaging should make it easy for the consumer to handle or store. 

So, as a business owner, you must do your homework. Weigh your options and determine which works best for your business. With the growth of business activities, packaging has grown over the years. It has come around to accommodate the different ways customers shop. 

With every year, new trends are popping up, based on consumer tastes.

Now, let us look at some of the sustainable packaging solutions in 2021.

Effective Packaging Solutions in 2021

The pandemic has changed the way things happen around the world. Several industries have had to adapt to changes for smooth running. The packaging industry was not left behind. It has faced some expansions and different experiments. This has brought about improved ways of doing things. It has also rendered older systems obsolete. 

So, in 2021, it is important to stay updated on the latest packaging trends. This will give you an idea of what consumers like and how to dominate the industry you are in. 

Here are some of the upcoming trends to watch out for in 2021:

1. Recyclable or Reusable Packaging

2021 will meet an increased demand in ethical packaging. These are packaging materials produced without causing harm to the environment or animals. It is common in the food and beverage industry. They have the greatest potential for waste. This results in high demand for packaging with a positive environmental performance. 

Back in 2016, green packaging held 76% of the global market share. In 2020, its global market value faced an estimation of $89 billion. This figure is now estimated to face a growth rate of 5.6% from 2020 to 2025. In 2025, experts predict that it will be around $117.3 billion. 

The trend of Reusable packaging has gained traction in recent years. Its major design advantage is that it can serve many purposes, as you can reuse it. So, in a way, it allows for ease of use, cleaning, and repair. Some examples of reusable packaging are tote bags, containers, shipping racks, etc. 

As a business owner, this kind of packaging can add more benefits to your products. Instead of one use, consumers get more advantages from patronizing you. 

Some of the advantages of this kind of packaging are:

  • It allows customers to customize their purchases. Drinks with reusable containers allow customers to mix flavors and choose a quantity. 
  • It allows your business to build brand loyalty. You can create a reward scheme as an incentive for the return of packaging. 
  • It improves the consumer's experience knowing they can get more use out of one product. 
  • It leads to lower shipping or transportation costs. Also, it has reduced risks because its features pose less physical harm. 
  • Using recyclable packaging will reduce the impact of your brand on the environment. This is a plus for climate change. 

2. Personalized and Customized Packaging

Attractive and appealing packaging always attracts customers. This is why personalized or customized packaging is a trend to jump on, in 2021.

Labels have moved from basic packaging to a huge marketing opportunity. With personalized packaging, you can improve your customer's experience. Also, it allows for the merging of online and offline shopping experiences. Consumers have over the years become the voices of brands.

They now decide what they want and how they want it. Most times, they seek personalized products and experiences to meet their demands. For one, personalized items make for good gifts. Everyone wants to receive an item with a personal touch. An item that is tailored with them in mind, like with their name or image. This gives a sense of ownership they can't get off the shelf.

Personalization is also a way for consumers to keep certain memories alive. It helps them build ties with loved ones and celebrate memorable events. Customization is not limited to traditional items. Even services can gain from tapping into this packaging trend.

Technology innovation has brought about different ways of customizing products.

Whatever services you offer, you can create packages that speak to your customers. Something that makes them see your product as an extension of themselves. Some common items in this category are often personalized wrapping, labels, or branded cartons. You can also send out personalized thank you cards with each order.

In this era where interaction helps brand outlook, you can't afford to miss out. Here are some other things personalized packaging can do for your brand:

  • It helps to establish a solid connection with the consumer. Look at it as grabbing attention through attractive packaging. 
  • It is a smart way to refresh your brand image from time to time. 
  • Customized packaging stands apart from standard packaging. You can make it suit customer preferences like color, theme, style, etc. 

3. E-commerce Branding

Over the years, we have seen steady growth in the e-commerce industry. It has now become an integral part of the global framework. This is in part, due to the internet and technological innovations. With the expansion of internet access, so is the number of digital buyers increasing. 

In 2019, about 1.92 billion people bought goods or services online. That same year, e-retail sales hit an ultimate high of $3.5 trillion. It is no surprise that e-commerce branding is a trend to watch for in 2021. Experts predict that revenue in this industry will hit $2,723,991m in 2021.

By 2021, user penetration is set to be 50.8% and hit 63.1 by 2025. So, the best time to distinguish your business is now. To tap into the modern consumer market, improve your e-commerce gain. Due to the growth of online sales, eCommerce packaging will gain from this boost. In this industry, shipping and delivery is the contact point with the customer. This also presents a viable marketing opportunity. 

With proper branding of packages, your customer can get a memorable unboxing moment. It is important because they didn't have any contact with the item before buying. 

Some other ways you can improve your eCommerce branding are:

  • Ditch the regular brown box or envelope for colorful graphics, texts, and labels. 
  • Pack liquid items in pouches instead of plastic bottles. This will make the packaging light and easy to ship. 
  • Replace Styrofoam void fillers with other materials. Try things like bamboo, mushroom roots, or wheat straw. In essence, go green or go home 
  • Add your brand logo to the sealing tape that holds the package in place. This is a valuable advertising strategy. 

In all, your packaging should make your customer feel important. This will make them return customers. 

4. Sustainable or Organic Packaging

This packaging trend has caught up with 2021 and doesn't plan to leave anytime soon. Sustainable packaging protects the environment and is a consumer favorite. 

Between 2016 and 2017, 24% of beauty products launched their organic packaging. In an international survey, it was clear that customers prefer this kind of packaging. About 50% of respondents preferred to pay more for organic packaging. Also, the market for biodegradable plastic packaging has seen fast growth.

This is a better alternative to conventional plastic. Regular plastic takes 1000 years to decompose and poses serious risks to the earth. The market value for biodegradable plastic packaging grew to $4.7 billion. Experts predict this figure to grow to $12.1 billion by 2025.

Sustainable packaging says a lot about your brand. Customers will invest in heaves that seek to improve the environment. You can rely on bioplastics like sugarcane and cornstarch. They are easy to print on, waterproof, and durable. 

Other alternatives are seaweed, mushroom packaging, or corrugated bubble wraps. You can use organic fabrics for making reusable bags. Inflated air pillows are also an alternative to regular bubble wraps. Sustainable packaging will increase the respect your brand gets. 

It is also a certain avenue for business growth. Some benefits of sustainable packaging include:

  • The use of recycled waste will reduce your carbon footprint. 
  • As it is compostable, it is easier to dispose of than other packaging materials. 
  • It is a versatile and flexible option. 
  • There is a huge demand for green packaging. So, it attracts most of these demands to your brand. 
  • It eliminates the use of harmful plastics. 

5. Technology-based/3D Packaging

Packaging is still important in a customer's experience with your brand in 2021. So, to keep old customers and attract new ones, you must jump on new trends. 

One advancement in packaging solutions is 3D or technology-driven packaging. With this, you can visualize how your package design will look from your computer. 3D Packaging also eliminates the problems from physical packaging prototypes. Those take a lot of time to produce and may not get approved. With 3D tools, you can save money from physical prototypes. Instead, rely on digital reviews of your realistic packaging. 

It plays a very supporting role in packaging design. Here are some advantages of this packaging solution:

  • It reduces waste as you don't get the physical packaging till it's approved. With the traditional process, you order the packaging first. So, what happens if you don't like it? With 3D packaging, you can cut out all these problems. 
  • 3D Packaging mockups will save you money. Its main advantage is that the packaging doesn't go to print unless you like it. So, you can review and make changes as many times as you like. You need to find a packaging company that offers quality 3D solutions. This is a way to get unique packaging tailored to meet your brand needs. 

As a fast-paced industry, 3D printing has seen a good amount of growth. Experts had put the growth rate from 2018 to 2026 at 12%.

For the year 2021, the estimation is that it will pool about 21 billion dollars. A popular material demanded in this industry is plastic. 

It accounts for 66% of the global demand for 3D printing. This is according to data published in 2019.

There are various 3D design solutions and software in the market. Speak to an expert to let you know which options suit your business. 

Conclusion

A major factor that drives business growth is the ability to adapt to changes. Packaging is one of the evolving factors that improve customer satisfaction. 

To order from Arka Packaging, please use ShipSaving discount code SS10 to avail 10% discount on your order. 

So, it is important to know which trends will help your business. We have explained a few relevant trends to look out for in 2021.

Following this guide is certain to improve your business conversion and output. 

Written on:

June 14, 2021
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