Packaging Trends for Retailers to Look for in 2018

From eco-friendly packaging to minimalist design, stay on top of the hottest packaging trends in 2018.  

 

If you want your packaging to make a statement before customers even unbox their purchases, be sure that it reflects what makes your brand unique. Whether you’re trying to convey your small business’s personalized, attentive customer care or establish yourself as an ambitious, up-and-coming industry presence, packaging gives you the tools to control how consumers engage with your brand.

To stay ahead of the curve and deliver the best packaging experience possible, it helps to keep your business up to date on exciting innovations in packaging design. Here’s what to look for in 2018 — and how your business can take advantage of these emerging trends.

 

Masterful Minimalism

Minimalism has been a rising trend in every aspect of 21st-century life, from home design to fashion. So it’s no surprise that clean lines, white space, simple logos, and bold fonts have become a major packaging trend in 2018. Small business owners looking to embrace a more minimalist brand aesthetic should consider how these elements can translate to their packaging needs.  

For example, Paper Mart’s tuck top and tab lock mailing boxes are made of strong corrugated cardboard — ideal for e-retailers — and come in a variety of sizes suited for every shipping need. The clean white exterior stands out from your typical brown box and can be easily customized with business labels or logos.

 

Big Branding

Online shopping is becoming an increasingly crowded space for businesses, so how do smaller e-commerce brands stand out amongst heavyweight competitors?

With consistent, innovative branding, it’s possible for smaller family-run and independent businesses to make a name for themselves. Memorable logos, effective web design, and branded packaging all go a long way toward establishing your e-commerce ethos.

Paper Mart offers a variety of customizable packaging options, whether you need bags, boxes, or labels. With custom packaging, brands can ensure that their packaging makes a lasting impression when it lands on customers’ doorsteps.

 

Sustainable Packaging  

In 2018, businesses can expect a marked shift toward more sustainable packaging. If you haven’t yet taken the leap and gone green, updating your materials and investing in eco-friendly packaging is a great way to start. Your favorite packaging products — from kraft gift boxes to natural ribbon — are available in natural and eco-friendly materials. Thrifty businesses can also reuse boxes or substitute recycled newspapers in place of nonbiodegradable fill.

By incorporating sustainable packaging into your repertoire, you’ll be doing your part to protect the environment — but the benefits extend beyond eco-friendliness. For example, lighter packaging means that you’ll cut down on your shipping costs; after all, the less a package weighs, the less it costs to ship. Additionally, 71% of consumers report that they enjoy shopping with businesses that use sustainable materials. By investing in eco-friendly packaging, you’ll be making strides toward increased customer loyalty.

 

Because your packaging is the first thing customers see, it’s essential that it makes an immediate impression. E-commerce retailers don’t get to see the look on their customers’ faces when they receive their parcels, but they can still go the distance to provide a positive, personal shopping experience with thoughtful packaging for every purchase.