It’s that time of year when we’re looking ahead to see what’s going to be trending in packaging during 2018.

Here you’ll find the top 5 packaging trends of 2018, which also closely align with many of the same consumer trends in organic personal care that we wrote about recently.

From increased online purchasing to consumers showing a greater interest in sustainable products with clear labeling across the board, 2018 is going to be a great year.

#1 Ecommerce

Ecommerce has been growing exponentially year-over-year for the past few years in a trend that isn’t projected to decline anytime soon. In 2016 alone, consumers spent $385 billion online, with BI Intelligence forecasting that ecommerce spending will grow to $632 billion by 2020.

As more and more people continue to turn to online shopping for their basic needs, it’s essential that your products display well both online and in-store. A 2018 trends report by Mintel agrees by reporting that top trend calls for brands to, "reinvigorate their packaging in order to enhance the e-commerce experience."

Optimizing packaging functionality is also especially important since it needs to endure any kind of shipping and transit requirements to reach the end consumer. Overall this trend is only growing, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping.

#2 Labeling Requirements & Design

Manufacturers will continue the transition to remain compliant with the new FDA nutrition labeling regulations for food. In addition to these new FDA regulations, informed consumers are also calling for additional labeling information.

Consumers are looking for packaging that can quickly inform their purchasing decisions. These packaging solutions must have the “perfect amount” of information available as too much or too little can leave them more confused than informed. Designing labeling that delivers the essential information in a clean manner will be one of the top trends of 2018.

#3 Vintage Design

Vintage design is also something we’ll continue to see grow in popularity during 2018. This trending vintage design approach is used for two main reasons:

1) To demonstrate dedication to a high level of product quality that has remained intact and untouched throughout the years.
2) To tell a story of longstanding traditions and product passion.
Vintage design seems to be very prevalent in cottage industries, such as the craft spirits industry, but it does make its way into other packaging industries as well.

#4 Light & Flexible Packaging

The flexible packaging market will continue to grow in 2018, with manufacturers seeing a huge benefit in reduced freight costs. The reason lightweight product protection is growing in popularity is simple- the lighter the load for palletizing, the less freight costs products will require when being shipped to their destinations.

Consumers also love this flexible packaging because it fits into their on-the-go lifestyles, is more affordable, and increases the ease of recyclability. Consumers want more choices in products that are produced with quality ingredients, resonate as authentic, and that are locally sourced.

PPMI feels that this trend toward customization and an increased focus on sustainability is driving more demand for energy-efficient filling and closing machines that can support such flexible packaging materials. Along with these new trends comes change both in product creation and packaging technologies.

#5 Eco-Friendly Packaging

As consumers become increasingly concerned about sustainability, as well as the ingredients and food they’re putting into their bodies, so does their concern about how packaging is affecting the environment. Stories of plastic packaging drifting in the world’s oceans, washing up on untouched islands, and efforts to create a better world for future generations have become the catalyst driving brands to rethink packaging.

While efforts are being made to collect plastic waste from our oceans, it’s recognized that it’s not a solution to the problem.

That’s why one of the major trends in 2018 will be brands who are making renewed efforts toward the circular economy, in order to keep packaging material in use and out of our environment.

A circular economy helps to rebuild financial, manufactured, social, natural and human capital, which enhances the flow of both goods and services. The circular economy is contrary to our current “take, make, and dispose” industrial model and aims to redefine products and services to design waste out and minimize its negative impacts.