The packaging industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs of consumers. This means adopting new packaging design trends that promote growth. 

The U.S. CPG packaging industry is growing at increasing rates. In a recent study on the U.S. packaging market, Mordor Intelligence reports an expected compound annual growth rate of 2.94% between 2022 and 2027. According to the study, the industry was valued at $184.65 billion in 2021.

Packaging design has changed over the last decade. It places an emphasis on trends like sustainability and creating satisfying unboxing experiences consumers can share on social media. Here’s an examination of those changes and their outcomes.

Use Sustainable Packaging

Creating sustainable CPG packaging has become more important over the last decade, as more focus is placed on using recyclable materials. Environmentally conscious consumers value brands that share their views on creating circular economies.

More businesses are placing their efforts on reducing carbon emissions when manufacturing and transporting products. Using eco-friendly materials in both products and packaging has also become standard.

Package sizes have decreased as a result. This is accomplished through methods of eliminating excess packing materials and using sustainable packaging that takes up less space.

Keep It Simple

CPG packaging has become simpler in the last ten years. Rather than using bold colors that make the packaging stand out, brands are relying on the color of the product to make it sell.

Subtle color schemes are a current trend. Many packaging designs are also simple in how they're laid out including text that describes the product and informs consumers about ingredients and possible allergens. Leaving blank spaces also adds to the minimalist look along with clean lines.

Use Resealable Packaging

Resealable packaging has become popular over the last decade. Brands typically use this type of packaging design for food and other products that rely on freshness.

Using resealable CPG packaging eliminates the need to wrap leftover items in film or other materials that can damage the environment. Some brands use resealable tabs consumers can peal back and put into place again or bags with resealable tops.

Resealable packaging works well for foods that will be stored in refrigerators, freezers, or cabinets. It also provides a convenient way to store products even where freshness isn’t a concern.

Communicate with Consumers

The CPG packaging of today contains features that directly engage with consumers. This type of communication comes in many forms and gives brands valuable feedback about their products and services.

One way to communicate with consumers is via QR codes. These codes are placed on the outsides of the CPG packaging and can be scanned using a smart phone. Consumers can then be taken to web pages where they can claim coupons, answer questions, or see more information about products and brands.

Unboxing experiences are popular on social media. Consumers look forward to sharing their new products with followers to create unboxing videos that lead up to product reveals. Giving consumers modern, unique packaging design makes for great unboxing experiences.

Conclusion

Modern packaging design promotes products while evoking emotions in consumers. York Saw suggests that 70% of marketers cite personalized CPG packaging as strongly impacting their audiences. 

Keep up with emerging packaging design trends to remain at the forefront of your industry. This helps you stay ahead of the competition while directly engaging with what consumers want and need.

PKG Brand Design is always at the forefront of new CPG branding and packaging initiatives. Subscribe to our blog for the latest package design industry news!