As the world of commercial retail continues to change at a rapid pace, so too are the needs. And as such, so has designer packaging. The trend in commercial retail is moving away from traditional packaging and towards product displays that simulate real-world shopping experiences – think of it as digital packaging.
As a result, designers have responded by incorporating more natural materials, graphic elements and digital imagery into their packaging designs. These changes will have an impact on both manufacturers and suppliers looking to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-changing market. To spot a designer trend fast, read on!
What is a Designer Packaging Trend?
The term ‘designer packaging’ refers to the type of packaging used by many commercial brands to deliver their products to consumers. This design can often be more minimal than the traditional packaging used by many brands. Designers are often encouraged to use much less packaging to reduce the impact on the environment.
Why Are Designer Packaging Trends Important?
The trend towards more simplified and natural-looking packaging has several important implications for both manufacturers and suppliers.
- Improved Packaging Performance: The trend towards more minimalist packaging often involves using materials with superior properties. Natural corrugated board, for instance, is thinner, lighter and less likely to be yellow or brown than traditional coated board. On the other hand, a corrugated board is also more durable, flexible and recyclable than a traditional board.
- New Design Opportunities: The trend towards more natural packaging also allows designers to incorporate more visual elements into their designs. Natural wood veneers, for example, are much more colourful than their plastic counterparts. They can also be processed using fewer chemicals, which has benefits for both the environment and consumers.
- Enhanced Innovation: The trend towards natural-looking packaging also allows brands to innovate more. Natural-looking materials, for example, are often more porous than their man-made counterparts, which allows brands to create innovative new products.
Brands and Packaging Trends to Watch Out For
Several commercial brands are leading the way when it comes to designing more natural-looking packaging. Some of the most notable trends include brands moving towards natural materials, innovative new technologies and incorporating more natural elements into their designs.
- Natural Materials: Natural materials are now an integral part of many designer packaging trends. Natural wood, for example, is used in many new commercial packaging designs as a result of its colour, durability, recyclable properties and lack of impact on the environment.
- Innovative Technologies: The trend towards more natural-looking packaging also often involves using innovative new technologies. Natural wood veneers, for example, are often cooler than their plastic counterparts and flexible enough to replace rigid foils, which allows brands to create more innovative products.
- More Elements: The trend towards more natural-looking packaging also often involves more elements in designs. Natural wood veneers often come with a range of paper and printing options, which allow brands to create more customized products.
Tips for spotting a designer packaging trend
It can be useful to keep an eye out for the latest packaging trends to stay ahead of the curve in the commercial packaging market. As such, here are some of the best ways to do so.
- Look out for trends in commercial packaging designs – As the market continues to move towards more natural-looking packaging, manufacturers will be keen to incorporate more natural and recyclable materials into their designs. This means that it is important to look out for trends in both commercial design and packaging.
- Keep an eye on innovation – Natural-looking materials and designs, as well as the use of innovative technologies such as thermography in design, are all signs that a trend is emerging. It is important to keep an eye out for these as they will often be an indication that a new trend is beginning.
- Keep an eye out for new packaging formats – There are several new packaging formats being introduced as part of designer packaging trends. For example, bottles are often used as vases, and new packaging formats such as stacking and frosting have been developed to suit these more natural-looking products.
Conclusion
With commercial brands increasingly looking to create more natural-looking packaging, suppliers must stay up-to-date on the latest trends in commercial design and product displays.
Doing so will allow you to follow this rapidly changing market, meet consumers’ changing needs and create high-quality products that meet the needs of consumers. With this in mind, it is useful to keep an eye out for the latest designer packaging trends to stay ahead of the curve and create high-quality products for your customers.
