Packaging has become one of the most essential components of our modern lifestyle. If you ask me to sum up the entire industry in four words, I would say- Protect, Preserve, Contain & Inform. And key drivers shaping its future will be making packages lighter, safer, more shapely & recyclable.

Earlier there was a time when packaging served only one purpose- to contain & protect the merchandise. But now with the time passing by, it has even successfully emerged as a communication vehicle. The focus on the outer package is as much as it is on the product inside. Now any professional working here would love the gift of prophesying but, sans that, there are some clear trends that have emerged over the recent years which warranty serious attention.

Let’s dive in

• Sustainability- Sustainability is considered as a major trend affecting several operations in the industry. Day by day consumers are found becoming increasingly concerned about global environmental issues and are changing their buying habits accordingly. However, when asked where the packaging attributes for consumers in the coming decade, respondents suggest that consumer priorities are drastically changing. Respondents suggested that customer priorities are drastically changing these days. The focus is on sustainability, specifically the perceived “greenness” of packaging materials (increasing by 23 percent), recyclability (increasing 27 percent) and reusability (increasing 13 percent).
• Food Safety- After sustainability, food safety is next in line. Several companies are under increasing pressure to develop new packaging which ensures healthy, safe, yet quick-to-consume products. In addition to this, they need to remain mindful that product recalls or liability cases and the resultant loss of customers can be an immeasurable cost compared with the expense of improving packaging. This eventually prevents mislabeling, spoilage, product tampering or contamination.   
• Private Labels- Have you ever wondered that the private label industry now represents a threat to the branded product? Shelf space which cannot carry the burden of the branded product’s large advertising-marketing budget is an indication that this sector of the packaging industry can no longer be ignored. In the year 2009, private labels were the ones responsible for 45% of products sold in Europe and 25% in the US. Basically, the industry needs to accept the fact that customers have successfully matured in this particular area of purchase.
• Packaging enhances product value- There are several companies who have commenced by redesigning packaging to more strongly differentiate their brands. If the pack is everything for you in terms of quality, price-competitive market, innovation, try making a preferred trend.

So that’s all for now! In case, if you wish to know more about packaging industries in Australia feel free to contact Hunter Industrial Supplies today!