As 2021 comes to a close, it's time to think about the year ahead.

Now more than ever, brands need to differentiate themselves, and packaging is one way to stand out. Considering 72% of American consumers say their purchasing decision is influenced by the packaging design, your packaging could be the deciding factor between a consumer supporting you over your competitor.

As Steve Jobs said, "Packaging can be theater; it can create a story.” This is precisely how your brand should view it. Your packaging is one critical way consumers interact with your brand. It creates a product experience and speaks volumes about who you are as a brand. This is why you should invest in the right elements, considering everything from materials to styles. It is always best to find the perfect balance between presentation and functionality.

There are many packaging trends on the horizon for 2022, and here are some of our faves. From safety to top-notch design, these are a few ideas to consider to stay ahead of the packaging game.

PROTECTING AND TAMPER-EVIDENT PACKAGING

Now more than ever, manufacturers and consumers focus on health and safety as a top priority. This investment in health and safety has resulted in the need for protective and tamper-evident packaging. For example, we see a lot of manufacturers utilizing blister packs, seal bands, and tamper-evident closures.

Using this type of barrier packaging allows consumers to see whether their package has been tampered with, providing greater confidence and peace of mind.

One of the most common uses for tamper-evident packaging is pharmaceuticals. However, this approach is important for many industries, including food and beverage, nutraceuticals, and pet care.

Tamper-evident packaging must have one or more indicators or barriers to entry which, if breached or missing, can reasonably be expected to provide visible evidence to consumers that tampering has occurred.

VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY PACKAGING

These trends gained some traction in 2021 and are showing no signs of fading away. The goal behind these trends is to pull consumers in. Although this is not ideal for every business, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) packaging can benefit companies offering higher price point products or services. This also makes sense for higher-involvement brands that want to engage consumers in a meaningful way. Whether it be specialized coupons, deals, games, or interactive experiences, consumers can participate with access to AR or VR devices, such as tablets, smartphones, or VR headsets.

These technologies can provide your company with the edge your competitors lack as you take your packaging to the next level. You can also attract more customers and improve brand loyalty.

CONNECTED PACKAGING

If your goal is to offer more engaging packaging and provide an enhanced user experience while collecting relevant data, connected packaging may be the answer you seek.

Also known as smart packaging, connected packaging incorporates technology into its design. This capability is thanks to digital printing technology, which will allow you to transition toward a greater sense of connection. This benefits both your brand and your customers. Your customers feel involved and understood, and you gain a deeper level of knowledge concerning preferences, behavior, and other demographic information.

Part of this modern technology approach is the use of QR codes. Think of these codes as a unique thumbprint. This "thumbprint" allows you to identify and then communicate targeted information concerning a specific package.

Here are some applications:

• Validating authenticity to protect counterfeit product
• Traceability so consumers can identify the exact batch or the person that processed their product
• Ability to communicate marketing messages, as well as details like geographical location, the date, or instructions
• Collecting data for market research

This type of packaging benefits brands across various industries, ranging from personal care to household and industrial chemicals.

CLEAN COPYWRITING

In the past, we discussed the trend of clean packaging. Now, we're covering the concept of clean copywriting.

Clean copywriting is the perfect example of when less is more. Sometimes, the simpler the message, the more probable it will get through to the consumer. The goal is to create straightforward messaging that showcases the power of words.

Let the packaging speak for itself.

When consumers see packaging that conveys a clear message, they know exactly what they're buying. Sometimes, this is the difference between someone purchasing an item or moving on.

The key is to avoid "marketing talk" and address your audience more casually, speaking more conversationally. Consumers are savvier than ever before. They're tired of being sold to in ways that lack authenticity and transparency. Get this right, and you'll stand out among your competitors.

Additional tips:

• The font you use matters. No matter how well-written your copy is, if your customers can't read it, what's the point? Use a crisp font that matches your brand's image, whether that font is fun and playful or professional and serious.
• Keep it short so that text is easy to digest. You want consumers to be able to quickly look at your label to see if it's what they're looking for. Be specific and paint a picture.
• Watch industry jargon. Terms used in your industry may be second nature to you, but do your customers speak the same language?

Read more on how custom labels and clean copywriting help your products stand out: Everything You Need To Know About Custom Labeling

DESIGN FOR BOTH ECOMMERCE AND BRICK & MORTAR

Despite rising sales online, consumers still crave that brick-and-mortar experience digital shipping can't fulfill. That is why many physical storefronts now offer both — an in-store shopping experience and the opportunity to shop online.

Based on both these considerations, it's important to design packaging for both. To thrive in both business environments, you need to focus on aesthetic, functional packaging.

Again, simplified packaging is appreciated by consumers. Use large fonts, single colors, and to-the-point marketing while allowing creativity to shine through. When designing for online sales, your packaging needs to make it to its destination safely. So, how well it will travel is something to consider.

VINTAGE DESIGN

Vintage design is something that’s popped up in packaging trends before, as consumers respond well to packaging inspired by history.

Moving into 2022, this trend is more specific, paying homage to the 1960s — more of a psychedelic vibe. Think vibrant colors and bold designs, as well as feelings of peace, love, and happiness. This era can never go out of style because of the feelings it evokes.

Combining contemporary products with groovy designs with pops of color help packaging stand out. These designs make people feel good, creating imagery that is inviting. It makes consumers want to learn more. This is why it's critical to pay attention to other trends, such as clean copywriting. Once consumers pick up your packaging, let it sell itself.

MJS Packaging Can Help You Stay On Top of the Latest Packaging Trends
At MJS Packaging, we're committed to helping customers source and purchase quality packaging. Being an industry leader since 1885, MJS Packaging consistently looks for ways to make you more successful as a business.

Whether you're looking for pouches, glass containers, metal containers, tubes, or other types of packaging, our selection is vast and high-quality.