2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Packaging Trends for 2021: What to Consider After 2020

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容2020 brought its fair share of challenges for every industry, and packaging was no exception.As the year kicked off, brands were continuing the conversation on sustainability and how to achieve their goals in the midst of consumer perceptions on plastic.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容We also saw an increased focus on packaging design and flexographic printing, utilization of smart packaging features, and adding value to packaging with stand-up and closure features (2022年世界杯英格兰阵容read more in our 2020 packaging trends article).

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容But, as 2020 went on and the COVID-19 pandemic spread globally, we saw a shift in priorities as brands rushed to innovate for packaging safety and to combat the potential spread of the virus.

Now that the dust has somewhat settled as we understand more about how COVID-19 is transmitted, brands are returning to examining their long-term goals and examining the trends that began in 2020 but are here to stay.2022足球世界杯赛程表时间If you're having conversations about what to prioritize in 2021 when it comes to packaging, here's what to expect based on the trends the Fresh-Lock team is seeing.

1.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容A renewed interest in sustainability (and sustainable packaging)

卡塔尔世界杯预选赛时间In 2019 and earlier, sustainability was a major talking point for brands and consumers, and single-use plastics were at the center of the conversation.InMintel's Global Predictions for 20192022年世界杯英格兰阵容, for example, it advised brands to "act now, either to ensure a place in emerging plastic-free zones by switching to acceptable pack materials, or by engaging with the debate, clearly explaining the benefits of plastic packaging … and addressing plastic pollution concerns with appropriate end of life pack solutions."

In 2020, sustainability became less of a talking point and more of an action item as companies pledged to reduce their use of plastics and their carbon footprint.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容In the packaging realm, we saw a number of2022年世界杯英格兰阵容packaging innovationsfor source reduction, recyclability, and compostability.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容However, as 2020 marched on, safety concerns, stocking up on groceries, and the need for PPE shifted consumer perceptions about plastic packaging.卡塔尔世界杯预选赛时间In many cases, single-use plastics have become the only acceptable option, which means consumers are starting to recognize that plastics are necessary—and even beneficial, in some contexts.

Partially as a result of the heightened reliance on plastic, the pandemic only strengthened consumer concerns around sustainability, resulting in what experts call "post-COVID environmentalists." Post-COVID environmentalists believe that at least one of the following iseven more importantas a result of COVID-19: reducing usage of single-use plastics, reducing their carbon footprint, or companies behaving more sustainably.And, this group isn't just a niche group of individuals;some 60%of people who report being less sustainable during COVID-19 say they don't like it, and globally,3 out of 4people say it will be more important that companies use more sustainable practices following COVID-19.

It's clear, then, that commitment to sustainability—and sustainable brands and products—isn't going anywhere, and sustainable practices should remain a top priority for brands as they shift their focus back to the long-term.Learn more about our predictions and what you can do to get ahead in our presentation,Sustainability Considerations in the Evolving Normal.

2.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Packaging innovations for e-commerce

E-commerce卡塔尔世界杯预选赛时间was another trend going strong even prior to COVID-19, but the pandemic brought a surge of online shopping—and one we can expect to stick around as consumers more fully realize its benefits and convenience (not to mention the fact that they are now used to relying on it).Online grocery shopping in particular saw a major jump, with U.S.adultsspending more than doubleon online groceries than they did last year since March of 2020.

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Packaging Strategiespredicts these trends will continue and that CPGs's "good run will continue into 2021."

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容What does it mean for packaging?2022年世界杯英格兰阵容For one, brands who continue to innovate within packaging design and add value to their products with the packaging experience will be the most successful in making their brand stand out.卡塔尔世界杯预选赛时间Consumers have long experienced frustration with "2022年世界杯英格兰阵容packaging fails2022年世界杯英格兰阵容" like spills, product damage, or wasteful packaging.卡塔尔世界杯预选赛时间Now, consumers are increasingly ordering products they might have otherwise bought in stores, such as frozen meats and pharmaceuticals, which pose their own unique challenges in e-commerce.

Boxed frozen meats, for example, could be damaged as a result of therigorous supply chain2022年世界杯英格兰阵容, or include extra packaging to keep the products cool.Pharmaceuticals2022年世界杯英格兰阵容packaged in boxes face similar chances of becoming damaged, and typical rigid plastic containers not only take up space, but also use more plastic (and take more energy to transport) than other packaging formats, such as flexible.

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Whether you're in the food and beverage industry, produce other CPGs, or are in pharmaceuticals, moving to a flexible packaging format, adding quality closures, or reducing packaging materials are all ways to improve the consumer experience in e-commerce in the upcoming year.

3.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Continued innovations in digital packaging

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Finally, although the discussion of digital packaging technologies fell somewhat off the radar in 2020, we can expect it to make a comeback.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Whether to promote customer feedback, improve supply chain visibility, or better engage with customers, digital printing and other innovations have created opportunities to enhance packaging graphics and customization.Additionally, leading publications, including2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Packaging Europeand2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Packaging World,cite emerging technology such as augmented and virtual reality as top trends to watch in 2021.2022年世界杯英格兰阵容That means that in addition to thinking about your packaging format and functionality, you should start to consider what technological or digital packaging looks like for your brand—now or down the road.

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容A Bright Future for Packaging Ahead

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容With the challenges 2020 brought to the packaging industry also came opportunities.卡塔尔世界杯预选赛时间We now have a clearer view of what really matters to consumers and how we can meet their needs.

2022年世界杯英格兰阵容Want to talk more about how your packaging can enhance the consumer experience amidst the changes we've seen?2022足球世界杯赛程表时间Contact the Fresh-Lock team today and follow us on the blog for more insights.