1. The Evolution Towards Simplicity
In recent years, there’s been a general trend towards a more minimalist approach in many areas. Websites are moving towards cleaner, more open designs, technology is becoming easier and more user-friendly and packaging design has also moved towards simpler, clearer brand communications. This trend will continue strongly into 2016, as customers who are overwhelmed by information overload look for more simplistic, easily and quickly understood options. Simple, minimalist design stands out on retail shelves.
2. Multi-Purpose Packaging
The basic requirements for packaging are that it contains, protects and transports products from the store to customers’ homes. However recent trends sees package design that goes beyond just the basics mentioned by delivering added value and functionality once customers bring the products home. This is called multi-purpose packaging, and it’s a trend more brands will turn to in 2016.
3. “Clean” Labels Made “Clear”
As a response to growing customer concerns for transparency and environmental awareness from brands, the “clean label” movement has been gaining increased popularity. Clean labelling serves to emphasise a brand’s use of wholesome, organic ingredients, a lack of artificial ingredients and common allergens, and the absence of harsh or damaging processing that results in a more natural product. However, the eco-friendly market lacks true definitions of what constitutes terms such as organic, natural, and minimally processed. This has led to a push from customers for greater clarity—especially among millennials, who have embraced environmental responsibility and actively seek brands that are making a real difference.
4. Personalised Labelling
As technology advances and the costs of sophisticated technologies become more affordable, more brands are able to take advantage of packaging design methods that deliver greater versatility and flexibility—such as variable and short-run digital printing. With this technology more accessible, in 2016 expect to see a trend towards more personalised labels and packaging.
5. Bespoke Technology
Combining basic technology with product packaging is nothing new, many brands have used things like QR codes or printed campaign hashtags to offer enhanced value to customers. However as technology continues to advance in 2016 we can expect to see more elaborate, customised packaging tech that bridge offline and online brand marketing, or delivers value to the product itself. “Intelligent” packaging is one example of this. For example, food packaging may use technology that opens the pack at the optimal temperature, changes colour when the sell-by date is reached, or automatically syncs with digital health tools.
6. Hand Drawn Logos & Labelling
Authenticity and the human touch is one of the most powerful forces in branding. As social media allows brands to be more accessible and approachable, delivering this type of emotional connection can be extended from digital media to offline components of your brand through great packaging design. The trend toward a more hand-drawn feel for pack labels and brand logos reflects this. Many brands are achieving the hand-created look through unique designs and handwritten fonts that extend across all brand collateral, including labelling. For all of your labelling needs for 2016, get in touch with us now in Label Tech on 01-842 1700 today.
