What is trending in packaging design 2023?
Predicting the packaging design trends of 2023 is no easy feat, as the industry is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies, materials, and consumer preferences. However, by analyzing current trends and considering how they may evolve in the coming years, we can make educated guesses about what we might see in the world of packaging design in 2023.
#1. Sustainability
One trend that is likely to continue into 2023 is the focus on sustainability. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of packaging, and they are looking for brands that use eco-friendly materials and practices. This could mean an increase in the use of recycled materials, biodegradable plastics, and packaging that is designed to be easily recyclable. Brands may also experiment with packaging that serves multiple purposes, such as packaging that can be repurposed as a planter or a storage container.
There are several reasons why consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of packaging. One reason is that there has been a growing movement to reduce waste and increase sustainability in recent years. This has led to a greater emphasis on eco-friendly practices in all industries, including packaging.
Another reason is that social media and the rise of e-commerce have made it easier for consumers to learn about the environmental impact of different products and packaging. Consumers can now easily access information about the materials used in packaging, the sustainability practices of brands, and the waste generated by different products. This increased transparency has made it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they buy.
Consumers are becoming more conscious of their own environmental impact and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Choosing packaging that is eco-friendly is one way that consumers can do this, as it helps to reduce waste and minimize the impact on the environment.
The increasing awareness of the environmental impact of packaging has led consumers to look for brands that use eco-friendly materials and practices. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years as consumers continue to prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
#2. Technology
Another trend that we may see in 2023 is the use of technology to enhance the packaging experience. This could include the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create interactive packaging that allows consumers to engage with the product in a more meaningful way. Brands may also use technology to provide customers with information about the product, such as its origin, ingredients, and sustainability practices.
There are several ways that technology can be used to enhance the packaging experience. Here are a few examples:
- Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): These technologies can be used to create interactive packaging that allows consumers to engage with the product in a more meaningful way. For example, a brand could create AR packaging that allows consumers to see how a product would look in their home or on their body, or VR packaging that allows consumers to experience the product in a virtual environment.
- QR codes and NFC tags: These technologies can be used to provide consumers with information about the product and its origin. For example, a brand could include a QR code on its packaging that links to a webpage with information about the product’s ingredients, sustainability practices, or origin.
- Smart packaging: This type of packaging includes sensors or other types of technology that can provide consumers with information about the product. For example, a brand could use smart packaging to track the freshness of a product or to provide consumers with alerts when the product is running low.
- Customization: Technology can also be used to allow consumers to customize their packaging. For example, a brand could create an online tool that allows consumers to design their own packaging, choosing from a range of materials, colors, and patterns.
Overall, the use of technology in packaging can enhance the customer experience by providing them with more information about the product and allowing them to engage with it in a more interactive way.
#3. Minimalist
In terms of aesthetics, we may see a shift towards minimalist, sleek packaging that showcases the product rather than distracts from it. This could be achieved through the use of simple, clean lines and a focus on high-quality materials. There may also be a trend toward the use of bold, bright colors and patterns to make packaging stand out on shelves.
First, minimalism is a trend that has gained popularity in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue in the world of packaging design. Consumers are increasingly drawn to simple, clean designs that are free from clutter and distractions. Sleek, minimalist packaging allows the product to speak for itself and can help to convey a sense of sophistication and quality.
Second, minimalism is often associated with sustainability. By using fewer materials and designs that are easy to recycle, brands can create packaging that is more eco-friendly. This is becoming increasingly important to consumers, who are looking for brands that prioritize sustainability in their packaging.
Finally, minimalism can help brands stand out on crowded shelves. In a world where there is an abundance of choices, a simple, clean design can help a product stand out and be easily remembered by consumers.
The shift towards minimalist, sleek packaging is likely to be driven by consumer preferences for simplicity, sustainability, and stand out on shelves.
#4. Personalization
Personalization is another trend that we may see more of in 2023. With the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, it has become easier for companies to offer customized packaging options that reflect the individual preferences of their customers. This could include packaging that is tailored to specific occasions, such as weddings or holidays, or packaging that is designed to fit the personal style of the recipient.
Personalized packaging refers to packaging that is tailored to the individual preferences or needs of a customer. This can be achieved through the use of technology, such as online customization tools, or through more traditional methods, such as using handwritten notes or custom packaging materials.
There are several reasons why personalization is becoming more popular in packaging design. One reason is that the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands has made it easier for companies to offer personalized packaging options. With the increasing use of online shopping and home delivery, there is a greater opportunity for brands to create packaging that is tailored to the individual preferences of their customers.
Another reason is that personalization helps brands to stand out and create a more meaningful connection with their customers. In a world where there is an abundance of choice, personalized packaging can help a brand to differentiate itself and create a sense of exclusivity.
Finally, personalization can be used to create a more memorable and emotional connection with customers. By including personal touches, such as a handwritten note or a customized design, brands can create a packaging experience that is more meaningful and memorable for their customers.
Overall, the trend towards personalization in packaging is likely to continue in 2023 as brands look for ways to stand out and create a more meaningful connection with their customers.
Conclusion
In summary, the packaging design trends of 2023 are likely to be driven by a focus on sustainability, technology, minimalism, and personalization. These trends will reflect the changing values and preferences of consumers, as well as the advances in materials and technology that are available to brands. As the packaging industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends play out and what new trends emerge.
Customizing packaging for individual products: Artificial Intelligence can be used to create packaging designs that are tailored to the specific dimensions and requirements of individual products, reducing waste and ensuring that products are well-protected during shipping.
The packaging industry is changing rapidly in response to consumer values, technological advances and material innovations. In 2023 these trends are expected to focus on sustainability, technology, minimalism, and personalization. Sustainability will be key as consumers look for more environmentally-friendly solutions, while technology will enable brands to create smarter, more interactive packaging. Minimalist designs will stand out from the competition, and customization will allow brands to create packages that resonate with their target audience. As the industry evolves and new trends arise, it will be fascinating to see how brands take advantage of these opportunities to elevate their packaging design.
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The new year is upon us. Like everything else, packaging evolves at light speed.
Now that small players can compete with the big guys thanks to digital printing, standing out from the crowd is a must. Brands have only a tiny window of time to grab that consumer reaching for that bag of spicy taco tortilla chips on the grocery store aisle.
After seeing what’s been happening both in stores and online, along with noticing what our customers have been asking for, we’ve put together our predictions for 2023 packaging design trends.
Some of them might be obvious, and others might take you by surprise, but no matter what, a lot is going on in the world of packaging design.
One of our immediate takeaways is that consumers want packaging that offers a sense of calm and, in some cases, even nostalgia for a time when things didn’t feel so chaotic.
There are plenty of examples of subdued and complementary hues, with straightforward content and minimalistic fonts, which offers simplicity because, after all, shopping should not be a stressful process; there’s enough of that everywhere else.
What else can we look for in 2023?
1. Bold fonts
We’re not saying comic sans is about to have its big day, but bold fonts are in. Using typography as the centerpiece of the design is back in a big way in the design industry.
There are countless bold fonts created with ambitious stylistic points that designers are in love with using, and it’s pushing packaging into new realms. Instead of a big splashy design with a lot of time spent on over-the-top logos, some brands will lean more into clean packaging driven by text and engaging language with bold color contrasts.
2. Minimalism
Another packaging design idea will be minimalism. For years, the packaging had to be bold, using big colors like orange or electric blue.
Today, minimalism is returning thanks to a push for simplicity, giving the consumer a feeling that your company has nothing to hide. Neat packaging lends an air of sophistication with clean lines, letting the quality of the product do the work instead of relying on gimmicks.
3. Color blocking
Designers are moving away from straight lines and focusing on curved curves, which makes packaging more natural, almost giving a handmade feel thanks to that minimalist design and bolder font choices.
4. Faux 3D Deco
But not everyone is on board with the minimalism train. Some brands are going for a look that’s very much of the moment with 3D graphic artwork that feels upscale by using optical tricks that give an impression of depth and signals their company is thinking about the future, not the right now.
5. The ’60s meet the ‘90s
If you’ve looked at fashion, it’s apparent that the rule book has been thrown out. Everything 90s is back in vogue while some of the bright, timeless design aesthetics of the psychedelic 1960s influence packaging with its adherence to love, happiness, and peace, which seems like a good idea after a pandemic.
From Nirvana-inspired fonts to IPA cans that look straight from the Haight-Ashbury, the rock and roll need for boldness with a sense of ideology is back in a big way.
6. Challenging the eye with depth
Another contrast to simplicity, some designers have been toying with deceptive depth, which champions producing three-dimensional graphics on two-dimensional surfaces using shadows or elaborate lighting on the fonts.
7. Words matter
One of the most critical aspects of Google’s new algorithm is that it pushes quality content over a paragraph stuffed with keywords. People are tired of seeing buzzwords repeatedly, and packaging is catching on.
Instead of using many catchy phrases and words that don’t mean anything, the packaging is moving toward getting to the point and building trust through a quality product rather than big promises.
8. Everything is a QR code away
The usage of the QR code became mainstream during the pandemic once iPhones could scan them with the camera, but now, the QR is on everything. And by using the QR, brands can stick it on one the back of the packaging, letting the consumer enter their world, whether it be how to use the product effectively or their social media channels.
Many companies love this move because it creates a direct pipeline to the consumer. If someone signs up or follows, that’s invaluable market data and a place to communicate at length.
9. Earth-friendlier than ever
There’s always a push for eco-friendly packaging, and demand is only growing. Still, now it’s moving into a place of authentic ethical and biodegradable packaging, which shows the brand’s commitment to a sustainable future from ethically sourced materials or inks that won’t affect the earth as the package biodegrades.
Continual options are coming for eco-friendly packaging, and that’s only a good thing as laws pass worldwide to battle climate change. (We’ve written a lot about this.)
10. Symmetry meets complexity
To combat the minimalist trend, there’s also a call for intricate artwork focused on symmetrical design that offers order and cohesion. For some customers, this draws them in with a complex visual story that goes entirely against the narrative of simplicity.
Whoever chooses to go this route will do so to compete on their terms and against market trends, but it could be a big payoff for doing so.
Did we miss anything? What will be something everyone’s talking about in packaging this coming year?
Drop us a line. We’d love to hear your thoughts. And as always, if you’re looking to kick your packaging up a notch, big or small, medium or enterprise, around the world, ePac can help you hit your deadlines to market.