PACK TO THE FUTURE

Packaging - Packaging Trends For 2020

In the product packaging sector, 2019 brought many new innovations and options to the packaging industry and this is set to continue next year and beyond. This article looks at some of the main trends that will be influencing and inspiring packaging design in 2020.

1. Corrugated Packaging

With the rapid growth in online shopping, E-commerce packaging has become increasingly important within the packaging industry. With its sustainable qualities and stable structures, corrugated packaging is set to dominate this sector in 2020. Replacing single use plastic with widely recycled material such as corrugate, will go a long way to enabling the UK to meet its recycling targets.

2. Minimalism

Aesthetics will be an important feature in packaging design for 2020, especially for the Instagram generation who are used to seeing perfect images from their brands. Investment in decorative techniques such as etching, metallisation, hot stamping and screen printing will help brands update their primary packaging. Consumers also believe that less complex packaging is more environmentally friendly than its over engineered counterpart.

3. 100% Recyclable Materials

Sustainability has been trending for a few years now and 2020 will certainly be no different. One of the main focuses will be on companies making packaging from 100% recyclable materials. Coca Cola’s recent campaign for its Smartwater brand states that this product will now come in bottles made from 100% recycled plastic. The demand for recyclable materials in packaging, and materials that are actually recycled, will grow until natural materials are available to replace common plastics.

4. Smart Packaging

The use of smart packaging with AR (Augmented Reality), cloud labelling and parcel tracking technology is set to grow in 2020. AR-enabled packaging will enable customers to use their smart devices to turn packaging into an engaging experience where brand information, stories and education will all be available at the click of a button. Labelling systems, such as those for logistics,  will move to cloud-based software, meaning reduction in costs and also greater control of logistics without the need for huge IT teams and management systems.

5. Edible Packaging

Edible packaging has been around for a few years but has taken a long time to gain any traction. 2020 is expected to be the year where this biodegradable alternative will start to gain momentum. Businesses both large and small are now beginning to embrace more eco-friendly minimalist packaging. The partnership between Bacardi and Sorbos has resulted in creating edible straws to promote cocktail making. This new approach to food packaging is helping to tackle the issues surrounding plastic pollution.

6. Packaging Made From PCR

Many packaging manufacturers are now adding PCR to their current product lines. PCR (Post-consumer resin) is an environmentally friendly packaging option that many manufacturers are using in support of recycling programs, consumer demand, and to reduce their impact on landfills. PCR plastics are the recycled materials from existing PET bottles and other plastics. Plastics are cleaned and turned into pellets before being reprocessed into food-safe plastic bottles. Currently there are issues with the product having a grey or yellow tint, but ongoing development should result in a much clearer container which meets business requirements and also helps address the global issue of plastic pollution.

7. E-Commerce

E-commerce orders are on the increase and as a result, the larger distribution companies such as Amazon are now setting directives on shipping cartons to ensure that they are not damaged once they arrive at their final destination. Amazon has started this process by introducing criteria for packages containing liquid or fragile objects. In the form of a 3ft drop test, this consists of five drops; flat on base, flat on top, flat on longest side, flat on shortest side and on the corner. Being aware of these new guidelines from the major online retailers will be paramount for anyone considering new packaging designs in 2020.

8. Flat Illustration

The origins of flat design go back to the Swiss Style (or International Typographic Style) which appeared in the 1920’s and made a significant impact on graphic design in the mid-20th century. With the focus being on simple design, colour, typography and a minimalist approach, flat illustrations are ideal for any printed material. By stripping away three-dimensional effects, simplified shapes in packaging design will continue to evolve in 2020 through flat illustration.

9. Vintage Inspiration

Nostalgia has an amazing effect on people, whether young or old. In 2020, many companies will be returning to the roots of packaging by using vintage style fonts, more illustrations, manuscript lettering, retro colour patterns and palettes. This trend reflects an earlier era of simplicity, a direction modern people wish they could turn to. Packaging with a timeless quality and a history of tradition and passion will help embrace that experience.

10. 8-Bit Packaging

Retro is back… and so is the classic pixelated game console look. This is an art form that makes digital art on a pixel level. The strengths of 8-bit design are the limitations that apply to raster graphics. Images are stripped down with hard edges, straight lines and pure colour. This trend is a simple way to communicate an idea that may prove too complicated in other art forms.

2020 will be another exciting year for packaging designers, with environmental challenges, developing solutions to plastic-free packaging and experimenting with styles ranging from minimalism to vintage.

Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to any other group or individual. To ensure you are fully compliant with all current legislation, please take legal/professional advice and do not rely solely on the information provided in these articles.