How much are you influenced by product packaging? If the answer is very little, then you would be mistaken. There is a reason why companies invest a lot in how a product is packaged, either by the manufacturer or by a shipping firm in charge of sending out an item intact. Studies have found the way a product’s package is put together can heavily influence a buyer’s decision.

The packaging industry has greatly evolved over the years. It is remarkable how it is advanced and transformed for the better, from shipping times to durability. Unfortunately, there are some hurdles to overcome and changes to make to adapt to the consumer landscape and behavioural patterns. With a new decade here, you will see additional modifications in the years to come.

So, with this in mind, are the retail and shipping industries about to evolve again? Well, a new year and a new decade are here, so you can expect improvements. Here are nine trends to watch for in product packaging ideas:

Idea #1: Smart Product Packaging

How can you use technology to turn a standard package into a smart one? This product packaging idea has been popular in recent years, as companies are investing in cloud labeling, anti-counterfeiting packs, and track-and-trace technology. Also, you may seem some augmented reality (AR) slowly being implemented into packaging as the economy gradually adopts 5G technology.

But why is this happening? Two things: brand impact and user engagement. Smart packaging has the functionality to connect with customers on everything from convenience to helpful support. Smarter packaging allows companies to become more competitive for standing out in a crowded market and capture the consumer’s attention.

Idea #2: Edible Packaging

If you randomly turned on a cable news network or came you across some zany headline, then you already aware of edible packaging. This is when packaging can be eaten, such as a waffle coffee cup. This idea is gaining traction in the food packaging industry, and many expect the trend to become even more popular within the next decade.

But if you are interested in taking a bit of the packaging you buy from the store or you receive in the mail, then do not expect it all year round. Instead, this concept will be rare to come across because how many people really want to eat something that has been exposed to dirty hands, bacteria-filled trucks, and the harsh elements of nature? Not too many. Still, it is a fun product packaging idea to put on your plate!

Idea #3: Minimalist Packaging

More packaging firms are embracing minimalist thinking when it comes to shipping goods. It is a huge shift from previous years because for so long consumers have had to deal with Styrofoam peanuts, a lot of tape, packaging that would cut your finger to open, and anything else that would invoke fits of rage.

More importantly, for the industry is that minimalist shipping will result in cost-savings.

Idea #4: Vintage Product Packaging

Have you noticed the huge influx of vintage-branded products? Everyone is embracing the styles and designs of yesteryear, whether it is the font of the 1930s or the colours of the 1980s. While companies are not making these their default patterns, they are doing it on occasion to celebrate certain products, have fun in certain seasons, or take advantage of the latest fads and crazes.

Idea #5: Portable Packaging

By making your packaging portable, it will increase the user’s convenience. This approach might require some additional investment and ingenuity, but it is an idea that can be done. Plus, it will make certain brands stand out from the crowd if a piece of packaging can suddenly be used to store a common household item or used to carry goods around town.

The trick, however, is to ensure that the portable concept is relevant to what you specialise in.

Idea #6: Custom Packaging

Coca-Cola was able to increase its sales by selling cans of soda with names on them. This meant that Ludwig von Wittgenstein saw his name on a can and was encouraged to buy it. Toblerone mirrored this idea by selling its legendary chocolate bars with names on the packaging.

Surprisingly, consumers have fallen for this personalisation and have shown that they are far more willing to spend a couple of bucks more if a product is customised to them. It is an interesting development that will be a lot more common throughout 2020.

Idea #7: Corrugated Packaging

Corrugated boxes are gradually becoming ubiquitous. They are manufactured of corrugated paperboards that consist of rows of air columns. By doing this, the paper is stronger than the typical cardboard mainly because the air acts as a cushion.

Why is this a positive step? Well, for one thing, it helps accomplish the minimalist goal since it requires fewer packaging complements to secure the product.

Idea #8: Colourful Packaging

You can thank marketing designers for coming up with gradient colouring, a graphical effect that creates a three-dimensional colour that mixes one colour into another. Indeed, it will not generate billions of dollars in sales, but it will assist a company that wishes to be unique and stand out from the crowd.