The Future of Packaging Technology and Design
PakFactory
Innovative end-to-end packaging solutions for businesses and brands of all sizes.
What would it look like if we had binoculars that could see into the future of packaging? From sustainability and design to manufacturing and operations, service providers are the future. In the coming years, consumers will be able to enjoy an all-inclusive shopping experience where, instead of offering a few branded items, it will be customary for businesses to provide a full-spectrum experience that goes beyond a company’s brand and appeals to customers mentally, emotionally and sensually.
Technology is on a clear track to merge with packaging, bringing forth a new revolution in the industry. So while we all recognize the classic cardboard boxes, bags, and bottles, the future may significantly alter them. But before examining specific packaging industry trends, we must look at the broader driving factors of the future: e-commerce and sustainability.
The Rise of E-Commerce and Push for Sustainability
Initially gaining excellent traction during the early 2010s, the arrival of COVID-19 gave e-commerce a meteoric boost. With no in-store experiences or opportunities for the customer service industry during the lockdown, e-commerce is quickly on track to overtake traditional retail as the primary form of shopping.
With giants like Amazon leading the charge, the e-commerce shopping experience is becoming more and more tailored to the customer from beginning to end, which is why e-commerce is a major dictating factor in the future of the packaging industry.?
Maintaining the Planet
Sustainability is the second driving factor for the future of the packaging industry. Consumers were already leaning towards a more eco-friendly shopping experience, and this initiative is becoming more normalized as time passes.?
And while eco-friendly options are currently less cost-effective, consumer spending on eco-friendly products is still rising. Trends like waste reduction, efficient use of box space, lower carbon footprint, and recycling are growing in popularity, which will only continue. Because of this, sustainable packaging may be the new norm that overrides traditional and still abundantly used plastic packaging.
Plastic has been a popular choice for its convenience, durability, and widespread use, but it has faced increasing scrutiny due to its environmental impact. The harsh reality of plastic pollution has urged consumers and businesses to seek more sustainable alternatives, leading to embracing innovative technologies and materials for a better, healthier planet.
New Tech Packaging: Innovations of the Future
So with growing consumer demands for everything to be as convenient and eco-friendly as possible, like with the popularization of e-commerce and sustainability, innovative upgrades and technological advancements are necessary to unlock new opportunities for businesses to capitalize on.?
Luckily for them, the industry is amid a technological renaissance, with new packaging designs and innovations constantly being introduced into the market. But what are some of these new packaging technologies we are referring to? Let's dive in and find out!
Edible Alternatives
Edible packaging is an innovative, sustainable alternative that alleviates the reliance on fossil fuels and has the potential to significantly decrease our carbon footprint by reducing our dependence on plastics. Using natural materials like algae, plant fibers, seaweed or crop, edible packaging shows a lot of potential for offering the food industry various versatile options for package colors, designs, and more.?
Consumers can even eat the package, which also serves as a unique experience while leaving no trace behind to end up in landfills or littered into the ocean. Some edible packaging options can also be consumed by animals, nourishing them instead of poisoning them like traditional plastics.
Space Saving and Flexible Packaging
Innovations aren’t just happening with how consumers dispose of packages; storage and transport are changing too. The mass production, transportation and storage of packaging are also environmentally harmful, as excess stock inevitably ends up in landfills. But thankfully, with recent innovations and increased efficiency, we are seeing an increase in space-saving solutions.
This means we are trending toward flexible packaging for stacking, storage, and efficiency. It is lightweight, durable, and incredibly adaptable to different product types and sizes. Whether it's a resealable stand-up pouch, a convenient bag, or a handy sachet, flexible packaging makes storage, transportation, and consumption a breeze while minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact.
Smart Tech Packaging
If you thought edible and flexible packaging was advanced, that was just the beginning. Smart packaging, also known as intelligent and active packaging, has grown enormously in recent years.
Technology like printed electronics in the form of near-field communication (NFC), radio-frequency identification (RFID), ambient intelligence, smart LEDs/OLEDs, and compact power sources, screens, sensors, and data storage offer consumers a level of interaction never seen before with advanced infotainment, digital sales aids, and online connection.
Nanotechnology is also seeing use to reduce packaging waste and sustainability, with bio-nano composites potentially replacing non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic due to its protective properties perfect for hygienic and antibacterial packaging, particularly for medical, pharmaceutical, and food products.?
Even augmented reality (AR), for the longest time stuck in the realms of science fiction, is no longer out of reach. In the coming decade, consumers will be able to virtually test-drive products, examine packaging options, and interact with game elements as companies build brand recognition and provide new forms of entertainment through packaging and products.
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Material Trends: Sustainable, Flexible, Corrugated
So we’ve covered the design trends and the rise of smart packaging, but what about the materials? Well, just like new packaging designs, materials follow the same driving factors of e-commerce and sustainability.
Natural materials like bamboo, plant fibers and starches for edible and other sustainable packaging options are quickly rising in usage as a viable alternative to common packaging materials like plastic.
As for flexible packaging materials, though plastic is still used, these materials are experiencing strong growth. This is because flexible packaging utilizes fewer materials resulting in less waste, takes up less space during transport and allows an increased shelf life for food and beverage products.
Corrugated materials are the last trending material, which might not be new but is still going strong. This can be attributed to the booming e-commerce industry and the fact that although corrugated materials have flaws, they are still a solid choice for their strength, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability.
3D Printing Advancements in Manufacturing
It is not just the designs and materials changing in the packaging industry. Manufacturing is changing too. With the discovery of new and efficient methods, making unique packaging has never been easier.
Additive manufacturing technology has captured our imaginations over the last few years with its ability to create complex shapes and designs on demand, which would otherwise be unattainable or resource-intensive through traditional manufacturing practices. In the future, 3D printing promises to raise the bar even higher via print-to-order manufacturing.
Although 3D printing is still in its infancy, expect to see a shift from limited specialized production to scalable printing for all sorts of industries soon! As early as 2028, additive manufacturing processes will offer personalized on-demand package solutions limited only by imagination.
Smart Warehousing With AI & Machine Automation?
We mentioned smart packaging, but this new technology isn’t just limited to packages. With an increasingly connected world, consumers already expect made-to-order products to ship quickly. And with a combination of cognitive computing, robotic process automation (RPA), IoT connectivity, and other innovative technologies, this is possible via smart warehousing, which includes:
Blockchain Technology for Shipping and Logistics
Shipping and logistics are also experiencing changes in the form of blockchain technology. Although Bitcoin failed as a cryptocurrency, the technology behind it is primed to disrupt the packaging industry.
Logistics costs in the United States come in at $1.5 trillion per year, and while growth continues, two significant issues are plaguing the industry: systematic inefficiency and fraud. Fortunately, we are witnessing the beginning of a revolution through blockchain technology.
By offering a decentralized digital ledger, blockchain will eliminate the need for intermediary shipping fees, paperwork, and other inefficient/vulnerable/wasteful practices. This will streamline the shipping processes while providing a level of tracking, security, transparency, counterfeit protection, and cost-effectiveness we've never seen before.
Automating Deliveries to Consumers
With all the innovations and technological advancements appearing in such a short span, it’s understandable to be overwhelmed. Still, technology is here to make our lives easier, and change should be welcomed with open arms. With that being said, we have reached our final destination, which is, fittingly, automatic deliveries.
By 2028 and beyond, delivery as we know it, will change. Through innovative projects like Amazon's drone initiative and self-driving Uber, automated home delivery is quickly becoming a reality. Even other alternatives like underground transport tubes, autonomous air taxis, crewless cargo ships, river shuttles, and sidewalk delivery robots are being researched, explored and seriously considered.?
The Future is Now
We are amidst a technological revolution. So as the world rapidly advances toward this and other sustainable methods, packaging manufacturers and consumers will only benefit from efforts that will revolutionize everything from customer experience and manufacturing to shipping and environmental protection.
The future is now. Companies should anticipate and embrace the coming of new technology. Evolving alongside these innovations will only serve beneficial as you reap the rewards and stay ahead of the curve.