Packaging Trends

 Top Food Packaging Trends In 2021

Food packaging brands now have to be more mindful of their packaging strategies in 2021. Keeping an eye on food packaging trends can be plenty helpful. With consumer demands changing due to pandemics and overall digitization of just about everything, adopting new food packaging measures is not a choice anymore.

In this article, we will discuss some food packaging trends that will dominate in the year 2021.

Sustainability

 

Sustainability is the most talked-about packaging trend for many years. Consumers and brands have more awareness of the impact of packaging wastes on the environment. That is why there is a rising demand for eco-friendly packaging from consumers in most regions of the world. According to a report by Trivium Packaging, about 74% of all consumers are willing to pay for sustainable packaging. It is quite interesting that most consumers like to be called environmentally aware individuals. Every two out of three consumers are eco-friendly, and they consider recyclable packaging as a must.

Many packaging companies are deploying measures to instill eco-friendly packaging solutions into their packaging applications. Some even consider compostable packaging, which benefits the environment during the process of biodegradation.

Clear labeling

 

According to research by Bizongo, about 38% of consumers were willing to buy food products from a newly launched brand that added clear product information on their packages.

That is because consumers want to be aware of what they eat. So, food companies are now using clear labeling and transparent packaging. In October 2021, we are expected to see new legislation related to product labeling coming into place. Named as ‘Natasha’s Law’, this stricter legislation will make it mandatory for food manufacturing and packaging companies to list full ingredients along with allergens on food labels before putting them on sale. This law will apply to the UK and Northern Ireland.

It means that building and maintaining consumers’ trust will be one of the most necessary factors in 2021 and beyond.

Refillable packaging

 

The trial run of Asda’s Sustainability store has been a successful experience in 2020. This store introduced a plastic reduction strategy, which promised that consumers will not need to pay for eco-friendly packaging. This store has helped users to reduce, reuse, recycle, and cut down on single-use plastic packaging.

Asda has announced that they will be launching such stores in many other areas by the mid of 2021. It means that we may see most supermarkets in the UK following this suit to promote sustainability.

Interactive packaging

 

Companies want to engage with their consumers, so they think of interactive packaging as one of the most viable options. With the help of interactive packaging, brands can engage with their consumers in a more interesting and unique way. This packaging is more about building a relationship with customers.

One of the examples to discuss here is Asda’s sandwich packaging, which allows users to open the flaps and access an integrated plate with a clean eating surface. This packaging trend is all about being imaginative during the designing process.