Sustainability Will Continue to Be Major Packaging Trend

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Source: FoodDive

By Keith Loria

Lux Research saidnew packaging materials are becoming in vogue as the packaging industry focuses more on consumer preferences, performance standards and end-of-life solutions,according to Yahoo.

In its report, “Thinking Outside the Box: Identifying Materials Innovations in Packaging,” researchers note that new materials include liquid-infused coatings, vacuum-insulated panels, mineralized additives and polyethylene furanoate.

Manufacturers including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Carlsberg, and P&G are all developing plant-based bottles, while Dell and Puma are utilizing Evocative Design’s mushroom-based packaging. Unilever, meanwhile, is trying to decrease weight and increase recyclable content in its packaging.

Numerous studies have proven that younger generations will spend more for products that are environmentally-friendly. A Nielsenglobal online studyrevealed that almost 75% millennials are willing to pay extra for sustainable offerings, an increase of almost 25% since 2014.

Theefforts of Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and other industry leaders indicate that sustainability and simplicity will continue to be major packaging trends in the year ahead. This should bring a whole new wave of innovation.

Compostable packaging is one such invention.Loliware, for example, isa compostable and edible cupmade from organic sweetener and seaweed that consumers can choose to eat or throw in the back yard when they are finished eating. ThoughLoliwareismade with beverages in mind, its possible that this kind of packaging could be expanded to other food products.

Consumers are also willing topay more for premium packaging. If brands are strategic, they could capitalize on both this trend and consumer interest in environmentally friendly products at the same time. Creating eye-catching, unique and green packaging, may help brands entice the mass-market consumer who is less interested in sustainability. If brands leverage sustainable package designs as part of their product’s image, it can also help them stand out from competitors on the shelf.