UNION, N.J.—In its Jan. 2011 SupplyLines newsletter, O.Berk Company predicted the top five packaging trends for the year.
1. Sustainability—Consumers are demanding more socially and environmentally responsible production at every link in the supply chain and post-use. Examples of sustainable packaging include reduced packaging material; reusable and refillable packaging; and lighter-weight and biodegradable plastics. The latter reduces transportation costs and the overall carbon footprint.
The bottom line, O.Berk Company says, is “no longer about paying lip service to the notion of sustainability. It's about the ability to prove the use of sustainable practices at every stage of getting a product to market and ensuring its reuse and/or recyclability post-use.”
2. Decorating—"Retro" and "vintage" packaging remains a top decorating trend in 2011. Also popular is packaging with simple, minimalist decorating that's artistic, elegant and chic. Hot color trends include fiery reds, soft greens, water-colored blues, vibrant violets, and intense colors that catch the consumer eye.
3. Electronic-Enabled Packaging—If you’re serious about wanting to differentiate your package on the shelf, mobile technology is the way to go, advises O.Berk Company. “Manufacturers now have the ability to communicate additional product information to potential buyers through their smart-phones, using technology such as 2D bar codes on their packaging and in advertisements,” says the company.
4. Packaging is Shrinking—Packaging is getting smaller because prices of certain resins are increasing. In addition, overall manufacturing and packaging content prices are continuing to rise as well. “Rather than raise prices, many brands reduce the size of their packaging to maintain the appearance of price stability for the consumer,” O.Berk Company says. “Consumers seem to notice price increases more readily than they notice package reduction or weight loss when it comes to the products they purchase.”
5. Made in the U.S.A.—Many U.S. manufacturers who took their packaging needs outside of the U.S. in an effort to reduce costs have brought their business back home. “Quality issues, missed deadlines and high transportation costs have often proven more costly in the end; earning "Made in the U.S.A." renewed respect, admiration and loyalty,” O.Berk Company notes. “Some of our largest CPGs have even started to ask us, ‘Where are you sourcing from?’ If the answer isn't North America, the conversation abruptly ends.”
