March 28th of 2023

Global packaging trends to 2023

Global packaging trends to 2023" was recently released by global market research and consulting firm, Infotech. Dr. Benjamin Punchard, Director of Global Packaging Insights at Infotech, examines the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors that influence global packaging assessment, planning and decision-making.
"The decision to use PESTEL for this analysis was driven by the multitude of current external influences on packaging innovation and supply chains: pressures from an environmental perspective, geopolitical conflicts, global inflation, social issues, laws and regulations, extended producer responsibility, and other forces that mean packaging must navigate new and more challenging routes to market. the PESTEL analytical framework allows us to more succinctly identify opportunities and make clear recommendations to retailers, brands and packaging manufacturers."
Social factors affecting packaging
From food scarcity and ethical sourcing to responsible water and land use, consumers want to know more about the products they buy and the brands that make them. Beyond their achievements, brands and packaging manufacturers must be transparent about their weaknesses. Consumers are seeking brand transparency through clearer labeling. In the future, packaging will portray a brand's capital, which increasingly includes social and environmental aspects, and consumers want to hear its views on controversial topics related to diversity, inclusion and equity.
Legal and regulatory factors affecting packaging
Numerous laws and regulations have been put in place to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive or fraudulent business practices. New rules around the use of plastics and materials that cause pollution, as well as protecting human and planetary health, will greatly affect consumers. To stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive, companies must have a firm grasp of current and future laws and regulations surrounding plastics, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). Consumers will support legislation that, on its face, appears to benefit the environment. Consumer support will drive more bans; manufacturers are bound to face significant cost pressures to meet requirements and find suitable alternatives.
Packaging trends in the beauty and personal care industry
In the wake of the epidemic, consumers are also seeking brand experience, social responsibility and value in traditional retail venues as well as online. This means packaging manufacturers must offer physical, emotional, visual, digital and environmental feature offerings to match the changing lifestyles and purchasing power of beauty and personal care consumers. Packaging is not only here to stay, but it is an integral part of the consumer experience - whether through new eco-responsible structures and materials, 100% product evacuation distribution systems, messages about eco-attributes, or messages about brand values. Strategies must be developed to embrace the next generation of packaging technologies in order to connect with consumers across different channels.

Packaging Trends in the Home Care Industry
In the home care sector, consumer concern for themselves and for the planet's environment has become intertwined with prudent consumption. New opportunities in the marketplace have been created through these three driving factors, namely redefining brand responsibility and value. Companies must invest in innovations that optimize parameters such as cube efficiency, weight reduction, materials management, extended shelf life and product end-of-life or re-cycling profiles. The key to delivering the next generation of home care packaging will be simple design, easy dispensing and a public demonstration of environmental and social responsibility.

                                                                                                                                                                (Material source: New Vision Media)