Packaging is just a way of packing products for many businesses. But in reality, it's a silent salesman, a brand ambassador, and an extension of your product's story. Research has revealed that 72% of consumers judge a product by its packaging alone. Quite interesting, isn’t it?
The market is flooded with a lot of packaging options. So, you might wonder how you can stand out in such a cutthroat market. Well, custom packaging is here to change your game.
With so many options and trends swirling around, we understand choosing the right type of packaging can feel overwhelming.
But fear not! This guide will break down the different types of packaging and the hottest trends shaping the industry in 2024. Without any further ado, let’s get straight to the blog!
What is Custom Packaging & Why Does It Matter?
Do you want to make a positive first impression on your target audience? if “yes” is your answer, then custom packaging for small businesses is your way to go! Unlike standard generic types of packaging, custom packaging showcases products more attractively.
The packaging is designed to meet your brand’s specific needs and requirements. Whatever product you want to hold, package, or display, custom packaging can serve the purpose well.
4 Types of Packaging
With that said, let’s explore the most popular types of packaging you can use to package and display your items:
Rigid Boxes
Rigid boxes, as the name suggests, are rigid in structure. They offer a robust and customisable solution for packaging your high-end or delicate items. And guess what? Rigid packaging is whooping four times thicker than your everyday folding carton.
This makes them an ideal option to protect electronics, jewellery and other fragile goods. So, you can rest assured that your products will reach the end user in the safest condition possible.
Paperboard
Paperboard is composed of multiple layers of compressed paper fibres. Hence, it is suitable for diverse product protection needs.
What else? It is lightweight in nature due to which the shipping costs could be minimised considerably. Its smooth surface offers vibrant and detailed printing options. This means you can use it for effective branding and product information.
Corrugated Cardboard
Its composition involves heavy paper pulp, pressed into thick sheets known as liners. These liners are arranged in a corrugated, or "zig-zag," pattern, forming the inner and outer layers of the box.
For added reinforcement, an additional paper layer, known as the fluting, fills the space between the liners. This structure, secured with strong adhesives, delivers exceptional strength and protects your products during transport.
Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is manufactured from wood pulp using a natural process. It's readily biodegradable and often produced from recycled materials.
This approach resonates with today's eco-conscious consumers. And help you build brand loyalty while aligning with sustainability goals. Beyond its green appeal, kraft paper offers impressive versatility. Its natural brown colour exudes a rustic charm that is perfect to grab your customers' attention.
4 Packaging Trends of 2024
Packaging trends are constantly evolving, and 2024 is all about:
Eco-friendly Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging also known as green packaging is manufactured from recyclable materials. Consumers are now more mindful of their packaging choices and environmental impact. Therefore, the demand for green packaging solutions is only increasing.
In fact, the global sustainable packaging market is expected to reach $249.5 billion by 2025, with a 7.4% CAGR. By selling your products in these boxes, you not only win the trust of your eco-conscious customer base. But also minimise your carbon footprint.
This helps you create a positive reputation for your brand in the marketplace while boosting your sales.
Minimalist Packaging
Less is definitely more in 2024! Minimalist designs are gaining popularity for their elegance and practicality. This trend resonates with modern consumers. These consumers appreciate clarity, transparency, and environmentally responsible choices.
The packaging prioritises minimum usage of materials. This means it reduces waste and lowers production costs for your business. With minimalist packaging solutions, you can minimise the environmental impact while still keeping your items secure.
Functional Packaging
Current trends in packaging highlight functional packaging. This packaging goes beyond aesthetics to offer practicality. It incorporates features like tamper-evident seals, easy-open closures, and built-in handles.
Such features aim to enhance the user experience and help businesses differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The possibilities extend beyond physical elements, with QR codes printed on the packaging.
These interactive experiences boost customers' engagement with your brand and products. By following this trend, you can create a smooth and seamless experience for your target market. This will, as a result, let your buyers come back for more.
Personalised Packaging
Personalised packaging takes centre stage using elements like custom printing, unique shapes, sizes, colours and materials. These customised elements create a memorable unboxing experience for your buyers.
In simple words, "custom packaging is your first impression". Imagine receiving a package printed with your name or with a favourite quote.
These small touches create a memorable moment that sets your brand apart. Statistics showcase the impact: a study by McKinsey & Company reveals that 71% of consumers feel positive towards brands that offer personalised experiences.
Food Packaging Trends
Now that we've explored the innovative types of packaging trends of 2024. Let's direct our focus to a sector where these trends play a crucial role and that is food packaging.
Food businesses can leverage these food packaging trends to enhance their packaging strategies and create a lasting customer impression.
Sustainable Food Packaging
The year 2024 witnesses a significant shift in the food packaging landscape. This is driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental impact. Sustainable alternatives are gaining attention, replacing traditional materials with eco-friendly solutions.
Packaging made from plant-based sources like corn and sugarcane offers renewable and biodegradable options. This minimises the reliance on limited resources and contributes to positive waste management.
Companies adopting sustainable food packaging are not only meeting eco-conscious consumer demands. But they are also showing their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Smart Food Packaging
The food industry is experiencing a technological revolution, and packaging is no exception. Smart packaging leverages cutting-edge technologies like QR codes and RFID tags. These technologies are transforming how food is presented, tracked, and interacted with.
With a simple scan of a QR code, consumers can now access a wealth of real-time information. This information could be of origin, nutritional content and the product’s freshness & expiration date. But smart packaging goes beyond static information.
RFID tags enable continuous monitoring of temperature, ensuring proper storage and minimising spoilage. Interactive features like augmented reality experiences can showcase recipes, cooking tips, or even personalised recommendations. This transparency revolution holds profound benefits for both brands and consumers.
Final Verdict!
We hope this blog has provided valuable insights into the types of packaging and the latest trends shaping in 2024. As your silent salesperson and brand ambassador, packaging plays a crucial role in creating an unforgettable impression.
If you're a small business looking to upgrade your packaging game and stay ahead of the trends, OXO Packaging is here to assist.
As the leading custom packaging company in Australia, we offer modern packaging solutions at wholesale prices. Contact us today for a quote, and enjoy our free shipping services throughout Australia.
