Every year, a new set of trends come in and the food and beverage packaging industry continues its dynamic evolution to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers. Delving into today’s trends unveils a fascinating glimpse into what consumers prioritise when browsing store shelves– that’s why in this article, we share 8 packaged food and beverage packaging trends you need to watch out for in 2024!
Sustainability As A Worldwide Trend
Did you know that there are 18 billion pounds of plastic entering the oceans annually, and the Pacific Ocean has a floating plastic patch nearly the size of Texas? This has led to a massive anti-plastic movement, with many brands replacing harmful, single-use and unnecessary plastic packaging with eco-friendly materials like paper, metal, glass, cloth and wood. This is why sustainability is a worldwide trend, not simply a trend in packaging design, with consumers rallying behind and demanding more eco-conscious packing practices from businesses.
Desire for Authenticity Through Transparent Packaging
Gone are the days when packaging was merely a vessel; today, it’s a window into authenticity and trust! Beyond its aesthetic appeal, transparent packaging is a reflection of a deeper desire for clarity and authenticity in the products we buy. As ingredient-conscious consumers seek to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies, clear packaging provides a literal window into the contents, building trust and confidence in the brand.
Embrace Mother Nature with Earth Colours
From low-saturated browns to soothing blues and greens, natural and earthy colours are stealing the spotlight. Synonymous with “healthy” and “natural,” these hues reflect a brand’s dedication to sustainability and environment consciousness– making it an awesome palette choice for businesses in the health industry looking to design or introduce a new line of nutritional food and beverage products.
Choice Ingredients for A Greener Planet
The quest for sustainability goes beyond packaging—it’s about revolutionising the food and drink industry while we’re at it! Expect alternative chocolates and nature-inspired hues like butterfly pea protein and blue-green algae to take centre stage, providing more than just a sustainable take on packaging looks but also tapping deeper into the ingredients and making the approach holistic.
‘Tamper-Proof’ is King
As the COVID-19 pandemic fades into the past, its legacy of heightened safety and hygiene standards remains firmly embedded in our collective consciousness. While keeping food fresh has always been a priority in consumer packaged goods, the spotlight on product integrity and security has never been brighter. This year, a surge in the development of “tamper-proof” packaging will become a brand’s testament and commitment to consumer safety and trust. It is also a great time to explore lightweight, biodegradable, and recyclable materials for packaging that are customisable while being kind to the planet.
‘Smarter’ Packaging
We’re truly living in the future! Smart packaging features, such as QR codes, revolutionise consumer engagement by providing detailed information on products to foster trust. Advances in technology are reshaping how consumers interact with food and beverage products, turning packaging into an interactive platform to encourage brand education and customer engagement. From QR codes revealing product origin to smart labels offering recipes, packaging becomes a medium for storytelling and conveying corporate values!
Simplify Communication
On the daily, consumers are already bombarded with information and are seeking simplicity and honesty. Ensure that your product information, nutritional benefits and sustainability efforts are printed clearly, on top of being concise and succinct. Use certification logos to further communicate your stance without overwhelming consumers with just text.
Personalisation Counts
Don’t be afraid to personalise your packaging – it is an extension of your brand after all! Brands must consider creating customised designs targeting specific consumers or solving industry-specific problems, allowing consumers to discover a more meaningful reason for purchasing a product.
Wrapping it Up: Packaging With Purpose
In a world of ever-changing trends, sustainable practices, transparent designs, and innovative features are the new norm! Personalised touches and eco-friendly choices not only cater to consumer demands but also pave the way for a more mindful and responsible future while staying true to your brand. Stay tuned, because the packaging revolution is just getting started!
