Packaging trends 2014: Predictions

With 2014 still in its infancy, now is the right time to consider what the year ahead holds for the packaging industry. Expert predictions have indicated some interesting potential developments, so it’s important to take note of these ideas and plan accordingly, in order to ensure that you are a leader in your industry. Taking advantage of advanced predictions in terms of machinery, health and safety, and the environment are just some of the considerations when studying the upcoming trends over the next 12 months.

 

Environmental considerations

More and more people are tuning in to the importance of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and the need for materials to be recyclable and sustainable. For a growing number of people, sustainability is cited as an integral factor when they choose which products to buy or use. This rise in awareness and interest in sustainability is reflected across all business sectors, and it is therefore becoming increasingly important for packaging manufacturers to focus on environmental issues. In terms of packaging, one way to become more environmentally friendly is to reduce packaging sizes to as small as possible. As a result, formers and machinery like forming collars and similar pieces of packaging machinery need to be able to manage and cope with reductions on package sizes. Forming tubes and shoulders can, when used correctly, also reduce wastage and aid sustainability.

 

Health and safety

Concerns over the safety of products continues to loom large within society, and it is therefore important for packaging manufacturers to consider this. In particular, food packaging must be able to provide safe and healthy consumption. As awareness rises regarding diet, people are taking more and more interest in nutritional information. The packaging industry has recognised this by incorporating key nutritional details on packaging. Meanwhile, demand grows for smaller portion sizes, and many packaging companies are now looking to include such products, for example 100 calorie snack packs. Reducing pack sizes again calls for the correct packaging machine accessories, machinery and equipment such as forming tubes and forming collars.

 

Globalisation

As brands grow, they not only look for localised growth, but in maintaining a global presence with a recognisable character. As a result, design is as important as ever in terms of packaging. While slight changes to packaging design may continue to occur to match localised tastes and trends, consistency is becoming more and more key to keep up with the demand for instantly recognisable brands. Creating packaging that includes colour, shape, and logos (along with layout) can be important to establishing and developing a recognisable brand.

 

Retail relationships

The demand for packaging from the retail sector continues to grow. Many retailers are now looking to provide own brand alternatives to established brands, and as a result require professional and engaging packaging. Manufacturers therefore have an onus upon them to justify the premium prices that they command. In order to cope with the demand of high quality packaging from retail groups, packaging machine accessories and machinery must be correct. Forming tubes and forming collars are a vital step in offering structural improvements to retailers through packaging.