The pace of technological advancements has been quite impactful for the packaging industry over the past few years. Many people think of packaging as a static industry that doesn’t change quite a bit over time. In fact, packaging relies heavily on change and innovation due to growing consumer demands.
We can expect to see massive growth in technology in almost every industry out there, and packaging will be one of such industries. The expansion of e-commerce has resulted in many industries slowing down, but the packaging industry has grown at unprecedented levels. It means that adopting the latest packaging solutions is crucial for companies to keep up with their business requirements in the modern world.
In this article, we will discuss some top trends taking over packaging this year.
Automation
The concept of automation is not new in the packaging industry. However, it will no longer be a luxury in the years to come. With the help of automation, you can streamline your packaging line and reduce costs during fulfillment processes.
A trend that will take over an aspect of packaging this year is the use of collaborative robots, also known as Cobots. These machines work side-by-side with human labor. The best thing about these special robots is that humans can work with them without using protective equipment. The purpose of using cobots is to increase efficiency by taking over tasks that can turn out to be hazardous for humans. Another reason these cobots are more effective is that they eliminate the need for manual controls.
Omnichannel
According to some researchers, over 95% of all purchases will be made online by the year 2040. That is why brick-and-mortar stores have to bring at least a part of their operations online. That’s where the concept of omnichannel business comes in because it utilizes a brick-and-mortar store to fulfill e-commerce orders.
The best thing about this business model is that it utilizes the closest brick-and-mortar store to fulfill an order. It helps reduce shipping costs and improve speeds.
Augmented reality
Augmented Reality, also known as AR, mixes the digital world with reality to help consumers give their imagination a reality of sorts. AR, which was originally a concept to improve the gaming experience, has now become a marketing tool. Online brands use this technology to connect with their consumers through packaging.
A simple example of this technology is when you scan a product packaging using your smartphone camera. The AR then brings forward important information about the product. It may also suggest other products from the same brand.
Transparency
Since consumers can access every bit of information about a product, it has become mandatory for businesses to build trust to ensure long-term consumer relationships. The concept of packaging transparency becomes critical in this regard.
The first thing to pay attention to is product labeling. It should help consumers find the information they need. Several brands have been able to get away with packaging images that were unrepresentative of the original products. Well, consumers are now more informed than before.
Design
Design continues to be one of the most significant driving factors in any product promotion strategy. The use of digital printing technology has made it even more necessary for manufacturing companies to use persuasive packaging designs to win over customers.
