By Rupjyoti Haloi
Head Sales & Marketing-
Rensa Tubes
Packaging protects the product from the inside, makes it fit for transport, and fulfils additional functions. They are intelligently constructed, functionally designed and adequately printed. In addition, it should contain information about the product, make products sortable and be environmentally friendly.
With the emergence of augmented reality (AR), we've started to see what role interactive tech will play in the future of packaging design. Over the next decade, consumers will be able to virtually test-drive products, examine packaging options, and interact with game elements. Companies build brand recognition and provide new forms of entertainment through packaging and products.
Innovations in packing technology are in synchronisation with eco-friendly designs
Demand for Circular Economy in Packaging Industry
In the Digital Era, with the information symmetry and focus towards achieving environmental goals, products nowadays are packaged in sustainable, recyclable, and reusable materials. With consumers becoming increasingly conscious about the environment, many big companies find that going plastic-free and carbon-neutral is a good business strategy. According to Survey Monkey, 1 in 3 consumers favour eco- options, and 35% of respondents would purchase a better product for the environment than other products that may be slightly cheaper.
In 2008, Amazon introduced Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) to help manufacturers reduce packaging waste and develop sustainable online fulfilment alternatives. As of June 2021, Amazon has reduced the weight of outbound packaging by over 36% and eliminated more
than 1 million tons of packaging material since 2015—the equivalent of 2 billion shipping boxes. As part of its global efforts, Amazon, in 2019, co-founded The Climate Pledge, aimed towards being net-zero carbon by 2040 — 10 years ahead of the goal set by the Paris Climate Agreement
Apple CEO Tim Cook reiterated its goal to remove all plastic in its packaging by 2025 and go entirely carbon-neutral by 2030. Apple Iphone12 packaging was reduced by 50% than the packaging of the previous models. 93% of the packaging is fibre-based, 100% of the wood fibre comes from recycling and responsible sources.
Future of Packaging
Dissolvable Packaging
Edible packaging is an exciting and innovative alternative that alleviates the reliance on fossil fuels and has the potential to significantly decrease our carbon footprint, which is precisely what consumers are already looking for. Using raw materials extracted from algae, natural sweeteners, and natural dyes using the skins of fruits and vegetables shows a lot of potential for offering the food industry a variety of options regarding colours, designs and more.
Space Saving Packaging
More square or rectangular packaging for stacking and storage purposes. Especially in the food and beverage packaging industry, a lot goes to waste due to varied bottle designs. Seeing an increase in space-saving packaging to reduce mass transport, storage and waste. This concept is already gaining a fair amount of attention
Nano Technology
Nanotechnology will be used in the reduction of packaging waste and sustainability, with bio-nano composites having the potential to replace non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic. Over the next few years, nano-materials with protective properties will be used in hygienic and antibacterial packaging, particularly for medical, pharmaceutical, and food products.
In simpler terms – investing in sustainable packaging now shows promising benefits for brands worldwide. Sustainability has been a heavy topic of discussion in the business and consumer world over the last few years. We've already witnessed and grown with many new sustainable packaging options at our disposal. It's safe to say that sustainable packaging may be the new norm overriding plastic packaging entirely in the future.
