Since consumers are less willing to buy products whose packaging is harmful to the environment, the packaging industry must begin to incorporate these trend changes in the development of its packaging design.
The increase in the diffusion of ideas proposing sustainability in the production and commercialization of goods opens a space for companies to implement strategies based on the preference for the consumption of "eco-friendly" products.
Recyclable and biodegradable bottles and packaging with a "second life" are some of the packaging trends arising in the food industry.
From a report by PROCOMER:
In the food sectorpackagingas a conceptis becoming increasingly present and brands are targeting their strategies towards green and practical practices. Experts believe that this is a crucial part of brand perception as it is a major point of contact with the consumer.Specialistshave detailed upcoming trends in packagingwhich are being backed by the food sector:
The structure of the packaging, the role of "online" packaging, the trend of smart packaging and packaging experience, are some of the factors that will drive the industry this year.
From a report by PROCOMER:
Five trends will drive the market of packaging and bottling, announcedthe Mintelin its report "Global Packaging Trends 2017". The points, which the firm inidcates must be taken into consideration by manufacturers, consumers, retailers and industrialists in order to achieve better results and be at the forefront are:
Individual packages and innovation in packaging are part of the strategies used by the food industry in Latin America to improve the positioning of healthy packaged products.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Latin American region has shown a preference for choosing healthier options of packaged foods.
When purchasing packaged foods, German consumers show a preference for small or personal sized packages and those which are transparent or colorful.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
In the German market the issue of packaging is extremely important. It is not only an indispensable element for protection of the product, showing information regarding the use and conservation of food and drinks, but it is also the image that catches consumer's eyes making it a differentiator between brands . Moreover, it is one of the main signals regarding product quality, especially when it comes to new products. Consequently, continuous innovation in packaging is essential in this market.
A new type of biodegradable container has been developed for products containing liquid or solid fat which prolongs the shelf life of the food.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
Biomat research group at the University of the Basque Country, has developed a new biodegradable packaging for fatty products, both liquid and solid, made from agro-industrial by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable consumption of raw materials and by-product recovery. The container is transparent and at the same time, an excellent barrier to ultraviolet light and gases such as oxygen. Multilayer laminates are usually used as a barrier to gases, however, the product developed by Biomat group is monolayer, thus greatly reducing its cost. Furthermore, it can be heat sealed and is printable.
In Central and South America the use of this type of packaging grew by 50%, going from nearly 5 billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The market for flexible packaging (such as those used in sauces and mayonnaise) in Central and South America has experienced rapid growth over the past five years, increasing by 50% in volume, going from nearly five billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013, according to a recent report by PCI Films Consulting. The largest categories of individual final consumption were mayonnaise and tomato sauce (not ketchup), each having 16% and 23% of the volumes, respectively.
A study by Euromonitor highlights the tendency to use small containers for cosmetics and personal care products in Latin America.
In order to reach all segments of the market, companies in the personal care and beauty sector are packaging their products in smaller containers and making them cheaper, keeping the quality of the product the same.
Miguel Ángel Jop, chairman of the Committee on Cosmetics at the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport), agrees with the view that the trend is going that way.
Consumers prefer lightweight packaging that is imanageable and labeled with detailed information about the contents and forms of preparation and consumption.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Convenience is the main feature that consumers look for in packaging. That is, it must be light, manageable, able to be opened and closed many times, have a label with information on the contents and their validity, with the ideal portions for the intended use, with a long shelf life and it must be able to be heated or finished preparing in situ, when it comes to food and obviously it must have minimal cost. For these reasons, packaging becomes critical in the selection of one product over another and this is where packaging suppliers can work hand in hand with manufacturers to be successful and stay in the market, thanks to a product-packaging alliance .