Product Safety, Sustainability Shape Packaging Design Decisions

Key Takeaways:?

• Nearly 90% of packaging decision-makers are planning design changes over the next two years, with 36% anticipating major transformations.
• Sustainability and e-commerce are driving strategic packaging investments.
• Product safety, consumer appeal, and operational efficiency are top priorities.

The packaging and labels landscape is undergoing a transformative period. In the next two years, 89% of packaging decision-makers are planning design changes, according to RRD’s 2024 Packaging & Labels Insight Report, and 36% of those companies expect to make major changes.?

More specifically, 75% of packaging decision-makers anticipate functional design changes, and 73% plan to modify materials and composition.?

Functionality and safety take center stage

The primary drivers behind packaging design modifications include consumer appeal (48%), storage and distribution efficiencies (47%), and product protection (46%).??

When it comes to material selection, product safety is top priority for 62% of respondents. But with the majority of respondents reporting that rising material costs have impacted how they source packaging (86%) and how they operate (75%), investments in packaging are becoming more strategic and intentional.?

Sustainability becomes essential

More than eight in 10 (83%) companies report progress toward sustainability goals, with material waste reduction (69%) and recyclability (68%) driving design decisions. More than half (57%) of packaging respondents are specifically focusing on sustainable aesthetics to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. This shift reflects growing market expectations for responsible manufacturing.

E-commerce reshapes packaging strategies

Nearly 80% of packaging respondents experienced e-commerce growth last year, with 55% designing packaging specifically for online sales. Specialized protective materials (64%) and user feedback integration (58%) are key strategies for ensuring product integrity in the digital marketplace. Companies are recognizing that e-commerce packaging is more than a logistics challenge — it’s a critical brand touchpoint.

See the full report for more packaging insights.?

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