Emerging packaging trends have influenced decisions made by procurement professionals, B2B brands and other parties. What are some of the most significant aspects shaping how these parties run their supply chains?
Anticounterfeit Packaging
Products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and frequently adulterated foods may need anticounterfeit packaging that allows manufacturers, consumers and other concerned parties to detect potential tampering. Dyes, barcodes and integrated chips are some of the possible solutions. Additionally, packaging professionals continually develop new possibilities to stay ahead of the criminals attempting to trade inauthentic goods.
Decision-makers must stay aware of the different types and invest in the most appropriate ones to secure their supply chains against tampering. Otherwise, the unwanted ramifications could affect brands by reducing customer trust and perception of quality.
Some vendors specializing in anticounterfeit packaging offer high-tech solutions related to labeling, allowing businesses to monitor this supply chain problem with products that uphold branding and are unobtrusive.
One option is a special label graphic that combines with artificial intelligence and allows consumers to take a picture of it to instantly know if a product is authentic. Manufacturers can use those advanced offerings along with more conventional additions, such as neck seals, to show customers that they take counterfeiting seriously and are applying strategies to reduce it in their supply chains.
Packaging Trends Supporting Less Plastic and Better Recyclability
Upcoming packaging regulations in the European Union will ban single-use plastic for most produce weighing less than 1.5 kilograms. Additionally, all packages will have recyclability and minimum-recycled content requirements applied. Transitioning from single-use plastics to an approved alternative takes time, especially because parties must find possibilities that protect the goods during transit and other activities. Some fruits and vegetables are especially prone to spoilage and damage. Failing to find options to counter those effects could cause preventable waste.
In one example for a different type of consumable, a beverage producer altered the shape of its plastic wine bottle, making it flatter and requiring less plastic. That possibility shows why people must think creatively about achieving the desired goals. There is probably more than one way to reach them, but the key is to find the most appropriate solution based on overall supply chain strategies.
Since the European Union’s requirements mention fruit and vegetable packaging, now is an excellent time for affected parties to start designing, developing and testing options that comply with the regulations. They should consider factors such as how to keep the contents secure while prioritizing item freshness and protectivity.
One company developed plastic-free produce packaging from a choice of three materials and two lid types. People at that business recognized the specific requirements of packages for softer, more delicate items versus those with a tougher exterior. Considering those particulars is essential to succeeding with mandated package changes. Additionally, once brand representatives select which options to try, they should listen and respond to consumer feedback to determine whether to continue using that type or try something new.
Packaging to Reduce Waste
Product waste occurs in several ways, but some packaging features can reduce it. Even if consumers do not notice those characteristics, most would quickly detect if a container that once had them no longer did. Barrier packaging is a good example because it prevents the container’s contents from permeating the exterior. This solution extends shelf life and preserves quality, especially because many products degrade after exposure to light, oxygen or other environmental factors.
Suppose a consumer opens a product that needs barrier packaging but lacks it. If the contents look or smell strange, they will likely discard them immediately. That short but impactful experience may discourage them from purchasing the brand again. They may never connect it to a packaging shortcoming, emphasizing why company representatives must proactively assess the need for barrier packaging and find appropriate possibilities for the items requiring it.
Supply chain professionals intending to embrace packaging trends to reduce waste should also look for opportunities to investigate the reusability potential of containers people usually discard. That is the approach four coastal restaurants in New Hampshire took with customers who want food to go. These parties choose reusable containers for their orders and have two weeks to return them to the participating establishments to avoid a $15 fee. Feedback suggests people appreciate that these restaurants give them alternatives to disposable or compostable types.
However, such programs may require supply chain changes, such as relationships with new vendors. In this case, the takeaway packaging connects to a QR code app that tracks data about the specific restaurants and containers. Doing things differently requires additional initial effort, but it should pay off over time, especially as people adjust to what is new.
Shipping Products With Less Packaging
Supply chain professionals understand the complications of keeping their products well protected without using unnecessary materials and contributing to waste. These decisions may require working with packaging vendors to find different sizes or types of solutions.
Alternatively, Amazon has a program to ship suitable items directly in their product packages, eliminating the need for shipping boxes. It has applied this approach in Europe, sending more than 1 billion things that way over five years.
However, representatives from the e-commerce giant recognize that some products need additional packaging. In those cases, they opt for alternatives to corrugated boxes, such as envelopes that reduce the overall shipping weight and reduce unused container space.
This example illustrates why supply chain professionals should consider the individual needs of each product before deciding how to ship it. Perhaps the product’s package has shaped foam or another protective addition to stop the contents from moving during transit. If so, that characteristic may make it suitable for sending without a shipping box. However, if the item has a flimsy tray or another aspect likely to get damaged, it probably needs more packaging than the product container.
Since there is no universally applicable option, people aiming to cut down on shipping packaging should set a few specific goals and create roadmaps for achieving them in a stated time frame. They should also prepare themselves for a trial-and-error process, understanding that experimenting with different possibilities may be necessary for finding what works.
Responding to Packaging Trends When Necessary
These are some of the latest packaging trends shaking up supply chains and requiring some decision-makers to review their priorities. However, as people keep themselves informed about these aspects and others, they should continually assess which ones align with their business goals and focus on those first before the less applicable ones.
