The packaging is a process of designing, producing, and transforming the product via the use of art, science, and technology. It is the art that makes the product appealing and entices the consumer to feel for the product. The packaging is the skin that protects the body i.e. the product.

 The research shows that the packaging industry is on the way to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2030. The evolution in the packaging trends is being fuelled by the growth of multinational companies, especially in developing markets. For example – There is immense potential for the packaging industry in the markets of developing countries like India, China, etc. Here, the large consumer base is adopting the western lifestyle that will certainly boost the demand for packaged goods. The growing trend of e-commerce shopping in every segment such as pharmaceutical, consumer durables, etc is supporting the growth of the packaging industry.

Hygienic and Clear Packaging

Transparency and trust is the key to building a healthy product-consumer relationship. Consumers feel more attached to the brand that is more transparent in its conduct. Packaging that displays comprehensible information of the product such as ingredients, shelf-life, and use of preservatives is more appealing than vague promotional tactics. Consumers are more cautious about hygiene when it comes to food products and the demand for hygiene has been fuelled by Covid-19. This trend will further push the packaging industry to reform its strategies for an advanced approach towards labeling and packaging.

Pro-environment Packaging

The much-needed awareness of the environmental issues has awakened the people in general and the youth in particular. Now people are consciously thinking to act in an environmentally sustainable manner. This general awareness and the global rules, regulations for environmental sustainability have further stimulated the reform in the packaging industry. International laws and conventions are promoting “circular economy principles” to reduce single-use/ plastic waste packaging. The research going on in the field of biotechnology & nanotechnology is finding out new innovative ways to reform the packaging industry. For example – The use of biodegradable materials in packaging. The concept of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle is being promoted to make the businesses and people aware of the utmost necessity to take pro-environmental steps.

Flexible and Efficient Packaging

Packaging covers the product and the product is delivered to a consumer but it doesn’t mean that the packet is now a waste. It has been found that in developing countries the consumers try to utilize the packages for other household purposes. Such instances demand a more novel approach because it is true that sometimes the packaging of the product forces customers to purchase it. Technological advancement can be utilized to make packages economical for the industry and more practical, convenient, & flexible for the consumers. For example – Use of polypropylene in the food industry and for other consumer durables. Also, it often comes to the fore that conscious consumers prefer simple and efficient packaging that doesn’t involve extraneous wrapping, etc.

Current and upcoming trends demand a pioneering approach to understand that in the packaging industry one size doesn’t fit all.