With sustainability and packaging the hot topics of 2018, we investigate how the industry will develop over the course of the year and the implications this will have on businesses.
Sustainability and Upcycling
As the famous saying goes, less is most definitely more when it comes to packaging. This year, we have already seen proposals for less packaging in supermarkets as the British government installs promises for a plastic-free Britain by 2042. This announcement drove the likes of Iceland and Asda into moving forward with sustainable packaging initiatives.
Trends highlight a need for sustainable packaging, not only in Britain but across the globe. However, the truth remains that businesses need a cost-effective material that does not compromise on the quality of the product the consumer is buying. One of the crucial changes in the industry will be recyclable, flexible packaging, but it will also be one of the biggest challenges for businesses.
It is not only in the materials that sustainability is a motivator for change; new developments in packaging equipment are allowing organisations to reduce the amount of energy they use in the production process itself. So, with fewer utilised materials and reduced energy consumption in the production of packaging, organisations are well on their way to fully-sustainable packaging.
As sustainability is high on the list of societal priorities, it is anticipated that upcycling will take centre-stage as a ‘premium environmentally-friendly option’, particularly as the luxury market continues to thrive. Companies want to add value to their brand through exhibiting a pledge to sustainability while still demonstrating a luxury feel. Some companies are even recycling their premium cups and turning them into the shopping bags for their customers to use in stores.
But as businesses look towards their packaging, it is important to be aware that stricter industry standards and regulations will be put in place to ensure freshness of products that will protect consumers. It is imperative that businesses know the developments in packaging best practices, particularly within the transportation of fresh goods, to ensure their business succeeds.
With sustainability at the forefront of many business reviews this year, there is no better time to discuss and adapt your packaging with the help of our industry experts.
Designed Packaging Takes the Spotlight
As the market grows over 2018, so will the importance of the design of the packaging. Direct-to-shape digital packaging is certainly taking the industry by storm, and something businesses should consider for their products. Its benefits come in the form of allowing variations of the same package to be used for varying markets or regions where preferences differ. It also allows personalisation of packaging that can be used for specific events or promotions.
With more businesses operating online rather than through bricks-and-mortar shops, the onus is on businesses to incorporate style and substance into their packaging whilst also proving its sustainability, in order to create the ultimate customer experience of their brand at home.
However, digital printing is a costly process, and not one that every business can justify in their expenditure. The high costs see printers and converters under pressure to reduce their costs, cut the turn-around times but still produce premium print-quality. On the other hand, business owners want to make the regular changes they need to keep at the forefront of packaging trends, but they do not want to incur the expensive set-up costs that come with it. Yet, printers and converters are seeing the benefits of web offset for packaging work.
Sustainability and digitisation are propelling packaging into a new era. Before the last consideration, packaging is now becoming one of the main agendas of business reviews and many organisations are changing their strategies to address these key trends – and rightly so! With innovations helping to make packaging better for the customer, better for the business and better for the environment, we are sure to see many rapid changes in the way our products are packaged. For many businesses, they will be looking towards their suppliers to see if the service they provide matches the needs of the organisation. If the answer is no, then it is time to forge new relationships with alternative suppliers who fulfil your goals, whilst also allowing you to see packaging cost reductions. For more expert advice on sourcing and comparing suppliers, get in touch with our team today.
Article by: Nigel Richards