We’re no stranger to reporting on the latest trends to hit in the packaging industry. This year is no exception! We’ll be putting together a larger and more in-depth blog all about the trends heading for us in 2022, but for now, we’re focussing on the top 2; sustainability and plastic-free will be two packaging trends to watch in 2022, industry leaders report.
What exactly will this entail? What does it mean for the industry as a whole? Are these packaging trends beneficial to the industry overall? Read on to find out!
Plastic-free Packaging
We’re already seeing many brands moving over to plastic-free packaging. Bioplastics and paper are huge attractants for customers seeking to reduce their own carbon footprint.
When choosing a paper bag for certain food products, the reality is that, in all cases, paper bags need to be coated in plastic or polymer to give them the required barrier properties for extended shelf-life and transit.
How much plastic and the type of plastic can’t be determined until customers relay the type of food they’re looking to pack.
For example, when pet food is packed in paper bags, it often needs an inner layer or coating to protect the outer bag from grease and to keep the food fresher. It also enables the bags to be heat-sealed after packing.
However, the huge demand for this type of plastic-free packaging is raising concerns throughout the industry. Are brands being completely honest about their paper packaging, or are they simply vying to their potential audiences wants and needs?
Throughout 2022, it’ll be interesting to see where plastic-free packaging takes us and whether customers will become savvier as time goes on.
Sustainability
It’s not surprising that sustainability is still high on the agenda of industry leaders.
It’s not a new thing, but ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are ever more demanding and relentless when it comes to their packaging preferences.
Recyclable packaging is one of the few ways in which end-users can ensure they have better control over their own carbon footprint.
Their loyalty to a brand that openly displays their ‘heart on their sleeve’ as it were, is next to none. This is why businesses are doing all they can to move their packaging over to recyclable and less “single use plastic” formats.
For us, it’s always been a case of educating our clients on the reasons why plastic-free packaging is only suitable for a certain set of industries and recyclable packaging could be the best direction your business can take towards sustainability and a more circular economy.
If your brand wants to invest in quality packaging, we will guide you through the entire print process. In addition, we are providing recommendations along the way to improve efficiency, reduce costs and add untold value to the end product.
Contact us on +44 (0) 161 440 7302 or follow this link to complete our contact form.
