Packaging Industry Trends for 2023
In recent years, the protective packaging industry has undergone major global changes. From the COVID-19 pandemic and European directives banning the use of certain single-use plastic packaging to changing consumer behaviour.
With the new year approaching, it is time to turn our attention to packaging industry trends for 2023. In this article, we will review what happened in the industry during the previous year and describe the new packaging trends we should expect in 2023.
The year 2022 proved that it is difficult to anticipate what 2023 might bring. It was another year full of challenges – rising inflation, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic and political landscape, and a lack of the necessary raw materials. Nevertheless, demand in the packaging industry increased impressively.
More and more businesses have embraced e-commerce, which has experienced extraordinary growth in recent years. As a result, companies have paid increased attention to e-commerce packaging to ensure that products reach recipients safely while improving the customer experience.
Sustainable packaging solutions have also emerged. This trend will remain a priority for the packaging industry and continues today, actively contributing to the development of the circular economy.
In 2023, more and more businesses will look for solutions to reduce packaging costs. The most common factors driving these costs include how materials are stored, incorrectly designed packaging lines, the use of packaging materials that allow products to become damaged, the use of incorrectly sized cardboard boxes (far too large for the size of the products), excessive time spent packaging products, and high delivery charges.
The entire process can begin by reducing the number of packaging lines and keeping only the optimised ones. The company will reduce labour costs and achieve much better productivity by speeding up the packaging process.
On the other hand, we already know that wrapping and sealing packaging are the processes that consume the most time. That is why automated packaging solutions have been developed to increase production. The Pack Former 50 SB Box Forming, Strapping and Sealing Machine ensures efficient packaging from A to Z. The cardboard box is moved towards automatic sealing with adhesive tape and then towards strapping with PP tape, completing a full packaging process.
It is important to identify every factor slowing down the current packaging process, from how products are stored in the warehouse and equipment failures to manual packaging caused by a lack of automation.
Sustainability must continue to be one of the packaging industry’s main priorities. It is important for every business to adopt initiatives across the entire product life cycle so that they align with the requirements of the circular economy.
The year 2023 will be about responsibility and integrating sustainability into business plans. The most important packaging trends in 2023 will be related to:
- Waste reduction – This involves improving collection and recycling processes, reducing total plastic consumption, innovating and promoting environmentally friendly activities;
- Designing and distributing reusable packaging – Given the rapid development of the e-commerce industry in recent years, choosing cardboard packaging for online commerce that is also reusable is the optimal solution. A returnable and reusable packaging policy helps reduce both costs and the carbon footprint;
- Biodegradable and compostable packaging – Biodegradable packaging is increasingly ready to replace single-use plastic. Technologies already exist that allow bags and sacks to be made from corn starch. Protective and filling packaging has also been developed, such as biodegradable loose-fill chips, which can dissolve quickly and effectively when they come into contact with water.
Marketing Week published an article dedicated to retail trends for 2023, highlighting that 80% of shoppers are more likely to purchase a product when brands offer personalised experiences.
Personalised packaging plays a particularly important role in brand recognition and market presence. There are currently several types of packaging that can be personalised, from cardboard boxes and adhesive tape to stretch film and paper bubble mailers.
If you choose to improve your packaging design and offer personalised solutions for consumers, their attention will certainly be drawn to your products.
The fourth packaging trend we expect to see in 2023 will be the automation of packaging processes. The investment may seem costly, but it will have a direct impact on the total costs businesses spend on packaging materials.
The precision provided by automation also allows parcel or pallet dimensions to be optimised, significantly affecting transport costs as well.
If you choose to develop this area, it is important to find a reliable partner that offers complete automated solutions. Whether you choose to purchase or rent them for a fixed period, packaging systems will always increase your business’s productivity.
We would like to hear in the comments which packaging trends you expect to see in 2023. INATECH Packaging can become your business’s key partner thanks to the complete packaging solutions we provide.
Our experts can guide you through the packaging optimisation process and provide the best solutions for your business. Do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by telephone on 0214 480 358.
