New Innovations to Meet Consumer Demands
Food and pet food packaging serves many purposes; to protect the integrity of the product, to provide a convenient way to transport and store the product, and to relay messaging around the brand and the nutritional value of the product. Therefore, there is much for manufacturers to consider when it comes to packaging design, but the industry is facing new challenges thanks to notable shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainability and convenience. Food and pet food packaging trends are quickly evolving to meet these demands with innovative, high-tech solutions to both.
Cutting Edge Technology
Advancements in technology are driving innovation in food packaging, enabling brands to enhance functionality, improve safety, and create interactive experiences with smart packaging solutions. Technology is being used to both enhance the customer experience and improve efficiencies in production.
On the production side, we are starting to see automated supply chains that track production and supply inventory, detect pollution, and manage waste. Consumers will be able to benefit from smart packaging technology through Innovations such as temperature-sensitive labels and freshness indicators to help ensure product quality and safety and monitor the condition of a product. Smart packaging solutions also offer consumers convenient ways to view product ingredients, nutritional information, recipes, and more, allowing brands to tell their stories and connect with their customers.
Additionally, as people’s desire for personalized experiences continues to grow, brands are adapting by providing customized packaging options. This trend is especially prevalent in the pet food sector, where pet owners are looking for personalized nutrition solutions for their pet’s unique needs. Utilizing smart technology to create customizable packaging enables brands to meet these preferences while also encouraging consumer loyalty and connection with the brand.
While convenience has typically been a key driver in food packaging, this now extends beyond ease of use. Almost a third (27%) of global consumers say that enhancing shelf life influences their purchasing decisions, second only to easy storage (34%). In the current digital age, consumers are looking for packaging that extends shelf life and minimizes waste. This has led to the development of active or modified atmosphere packaging, a solution that ensures the safety of the product by regulating moisture and providing antimicrobial protection.
Sustainability Continues to Reign
One of the most significant trends in food and pet food packaging is the increased focus on sustainability. Consumers are now actively seeking products that come in eco-friendly, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. According to a survey, almost one-third (29%) of global consumers say that reduced material usage in packaging positively influences their product choices. This shift in consumer preferences has led to a surge in the use of compostable packaging, plant-based materials, and innovative designs that minimize waste and materials.
However, promoting sustainability alone is not enough for brands to win the trust of consumers. Consumers are becoming more aware and are able to identify “greenwashing”, and therefore, require transparency and authenticity from brands to ensure that they are purchasing sustainable products. As a result, we are seeing more brands focus on designing their packaging in a way that provides clear, informative, and detailed information about the product’s ingredients, nutritional value, sourcing practices, and more. Brands are leveraging technologies such as QR codes and augmented reality to achieve this and further engage with consumers directly.
Going Digital
It should come as no surprise that in this digital age, we are seeing more and more of a shift to digital printing when it comes to food packaging. The technology of digital presses, such as the HP Indigo 15k we have here at DCC, provides on-demand printing and fulfillment for quicker turnaround times. Additionally, the efficiency of digital allows for no minimum quantities which helps reduce waste and aligns with sustainability efforts. It also allows for personalization and customization, along with ease of regulation compliance, which comes in handy for more sensitive products like cannabis.
The packaging industry for food and pet products is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changes in consumer preferences and technological advancements. The future of packaging is being shaped by sustainability, transparency, convenience, personalization, and technology integration as brands strive to meet the demands of today’s discerning customers while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint. As these trends continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions emerge, leading to further improvements in the way we package and consume food and pet products.
At DCC, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies so we can make any vision come to life. Learn more about our capabilities and reach out to our sales team to work with us in 2024!
