The Year Ahead: Creative Packaging Trends 2015

We are getting close to the end of the year, and that means it is time to make our annual predictions for the year ahead. 2014 was a big year in the packaging industry, both as far as new, emerging trends and the continued importance of some old-time players.

Check out our list for creative packaging trends for 2015!

Multi-function. Is your box just a box, or does it also serve a unique purpose? One of the coolest trends in creative packaging right now is functionality. Packaging that serves as more than just a container has become the leader – have you thought about ways in which your product packaging serves more than one purpose? If not, it might be time to start!

Innovative Design. Along the same lines as our multi-function trend, the trend that sees your packaging stand out thanks to an innovative and unique design is also receiving a lot of positive attention. A great way to differentiate yourself is by leveraging the knowledge and ideas of a packaging company with the experience required to carry off a packaging design that doesn’t look like everything else on the shelf.  

Sustainability. This is one for the ages. Not a new concept – but one that continues to grow in importance, especially as far as the consumer is concerned. It is no surprise that consumers are more concerned than ever with earth conscious materials, and so ensuring that your packaging is eco-friendly is essential. But it goes even farther than that. Now it isn’t just the end product that needs to be recyclable – the entire manufacturing process needs to be done with sustainability in mind. A packaging manufacturer that is committed to the smallest carbon footprint possible, one with a focus on the environment and maximizing usage while reducing waste, will really get you noticed.

Digital Revolution. Not only has online shopping become a huge source of competition in the consumer packaged goods industry, digital has created competition when it comes to in-store displays and product packaging. This can be something as complex as digital marketing on your POP display to something as simple as QR codes on all packages. And although QR codes may seem like ‘so 2014’, in actuality it seems as though this simple bridge between print and digital isn’t going anywhere. It is an effective way to encourage further exploration of your brand – and a great way to increase interest.

2015 is set to be another big year in the packaging industry, and staying ahead of the curve by adopting the most recent packaging trends is the only way to remain competitive.

For more about creative packaging trends that will make a difference please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883.

Happy Holidays from Packaging Technologies Inc!

It is that time of year again!  The gifts are wrapped, the turkey is waiting in the freezer, and all the fixings are ready for the table. Friends and family will gather together this week to celebrate the season, and ring in 2015.

At Packaging Technologies Inc., we are getting ready for an exciting start to the New Year, but we also want to take a moment to say thank you everyone for such a wonderful 2014! This has been a fantastic year for us, and we hope that it has been for you as well!

We wish you all the best this holiday season and a healthy and happy 2015!

Happy Holidays!

Automotive Product Packaging: PTI at AAPEX 2014

Back in November, members of the Packaging Technologies team headed to Las Vegas for some fun in the sun and to take in everything that was the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo – an amazing 3 day event featuring the latest and greatest trends in the global aftermarket auto parts industry.

According to the Expo’s organizers, “service professionals attend AAPEX every year for the opportunity to see the newest products and latest technology, gain industry knowledge and management tips and network with industry leaders” – and we wholeheartedly agree! Many of our clients deal in aftermarket auto parts, and as such we are committed to staying in touch and up-to-date with what is going on in the industry in order to provide the best possible service.

Here are some of the great things we took from the Expo, as far as what objectives should be considered in winning package design:

Economics: The best material and design need to be used to create the maximum graphic representation and structural strength required for a project to not only be effective, but economic as well. The newest technology needs to be utilized to help maintain the most cost-effective campaign possible.

Environmental Impact: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and the entire design and manufacturing process should reflect this concern for the environment. In what ways does the manufacturing process reduce the environmental impact? Water-based inks, environmentally friendly energy sources, recycled waste – these all contribute to improving the entire process. Also, how does the design optimize smart shipping and fossil fuel reduction?

Innovation: Does the design create a disruption in the traditional marketing landscape? Are we bringing a new design to the market that hasn’t been seen before? And innovation isn’t just about the package design – we are also talking about ease of assembly and the use of new materials. Can we be innovative when it comes to marketing, helping customers stand out on the shelf?

These are major considerations that help us to target our campaigns from the very beginning, allowing you to get the absolute most from your creative automotive product packaging.

For more about AAPEX or product packaging for your automotive goods, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Omni Channel Marketing – A Revolution in Retail Marketing

Anyone operating within the retail sphere, especially in the consumer packaged goods industry, knows that competition is intense – now more so than ever. Your need to increase sales and draw in new, loyal customers, is as strong as ever – but so too is your competitor’s. Innovative retailers are adopting a variety of new and trending methods for point of sale – and the popularity of omni channel marketing has grown exponentially.

What do we mean by omni channel marketing? Rather than adhering to one or two main avenues for exposure, those companies now turning to omni channel marketing are employing a variety of different marketing tactics, including innovative and creative packaging, eye-catching point of purchase displays, various forms of in-store marketing, even catalogs and print. 

A recent Shopper Engagement Study done by POPAI, the Global Association for Marketing at Retail, found a wealth of evidence to back this up! Their research found that, even with the growth of online marketing, in-store purchases are at an all-time high.

In the printing/packaging world, this growth is clearly visible in the numbers:

-       The business of printing for indoor point-of-sale/point-of-purchase signage generates $37 billion globally.

-       Inkjet is the predominant print technology in POS/POP, with almost 13 billion in revenue, and flexography is also growing in popularity ($2.6 billion).

-       Print is changing – a decline in traditional brochure production has been countered by an increase in interest in POS/POP and specialty catalogs and books.

-       Spontaneity - impulse buys are not just influenced by price – POP displays have been shown to be a huge motivating factor when it comes to making unplanned purchases (up to 24%).

If you are thinking about adopting an omni channel approach to your marketing strategy, what should you be thinking about?

-       Creativity – thinking outside the box, going against the grain –these are great ways to ensure that your marketing stands out. This is critical when it comes to both your product packaging and POP marketing.

-       Emotional connections can be a huge boon when it comes to creating interest, especially with a POP display.

-       Tech savvy – integrating technology into your marketing is also another sure way to gain the attention of potential customers.

Omni channel marketing is something that presents real value –but you have to go about it the right way. As mentioned, creativity has become essential, but quality is also key.

At Packaging Technologies Inc., we know that staying ahead of the competition is critical in the consumer packaged goods industry, and we have the means and the experience to ensure that your omni channel marketing strategy goes off without a hitch.

For more about PTI or how we can help you adjust and adopt the newest food packaging trends, call us today at 1-800-303-5883.