The way a product is packaged can create a dynamic, engaging story about your brand.
At Ideabar, we keep our finger on the pulse of packaging design. Here are six trends to watch in 2022.
Sustainable Packaging
As we become more conscious about the environmental impacts of producing, packaging and distributing products, brands are taking more responsibility than ever before.
A recent study found that 37% of U.S. consumers prioritize sustainability when making buying decisions.
Here are some innovative, sustainable packaging ideas with the purpose of doing as little harm to the environment as possible:
- Returnable or upcycled packaging
- Corrugated packaging
- Antimicrobial packaging
- Minimalism and mono-materials
- Bioplastics
- Earth-friendly ink
- Edible, plant-able and compostable material
- Smart packaging
Read more from us about sustainable CPG design.
No B.S. Copywriting
A brand’s voice is just as important as its design elements.
And companies are getting creative with the written word to cut through the clutter and jargon.
Straightforward messaging is becoming prevalent across industries, whether it’s simply listing out the ingredients to communicate a healthy product or having a clear statement that sums up exactly what the product does.
Smart Packaging
In a mobile-centric world, smart packaging will revolutionize the way consumers interact with a brand.
Although QR codes are nothing new, the pandemic ushered in a whole new era for the ubiquitous pixelated squares. Seemingly overnight, they were plastered everywhere, from restaurant menus to magazine ads.
QR codes quickly communicate relevant product and brand information at every step of the consumer buying journey. They also reinforce trust and can foster long-term brand loyalty. Read more about blockchain technology here.
In addition to providing vital details, they also drive customer engagement while collecting valuable insights and data. But the smart packaging design trend doesn’t end there.
Expect to see even more innovative examples start gaining steam, such as color-changing labels to indicate freshness, scannable labels that link to specialized apps and even cloud-connected packaging and augmented-reality experiences.
Transparent Windows
Let the product speak for itself.
As brands become more transparent to their audience, so does their packaging.
Consumers want to know what’s in their foods, beverages, personal care items, and household products. Giving a sneak peek and revealing exactly what’s inside helps brands build trust while providing a creative way to present the goods.
Tranquility in Packaging
The calming effects of the ASMR phenomenon are starting to translate into packaging design.
And we can all use a bit of serenity after the last couple of years.
In this trend, the use of muted, soothing colors, minimal typefaces and smooth or even subtle textures can give consumers a sigh of relief at the shelf.
Delivering a unique and satisfying tactile experience through packaging is another way for brands to create impactful touchpoints that elicit an emotional consumer response.
Psychedelia Throwbacks
The psychedelic art motifs of the 1960s take us back to the art and music of the Summer of Love.
With consumers gravitating to all things nostalgic, expect to see vintage-inspired design details that harken back to a bygone era.
The modern-day take on this beloved design style highlights curvaceous shapes, hand-drawn and slightly distorted fonts, and intense pop color combinations that are sure to catch your eye.