Packaging Trends For 2022

With the clock ringing in a New Year, it’s time to look forward and make some plans! From resolutions to ambitions we’ve all got something on our lists - especially after so much uncertainty during the last two years.

Whilst we’ll all be hoping for a thriving business and more customers, it’s important to take the time to reflect on your overall offering and that includes how your items are presented to customers. The packaging you select and the designs you create say so much about your business and help set expectations before a purchase is even made. So, is your packaging up to scratch? Here’s a quick summary of the packaging trends expected for the year ahead.

Sustainability – This comes as no surprise to anyone that the environmental impact your packaging has influences how your customers perceive your business. Increased knowledge and awareness of climate change have led to a worldwide green movement - one which consumers actively want to take part in. On the one hand we have recyclable packaging, on the other hand a sustainable strategy that enormously influences consumers. Now’s the time to make the switch. Rest assured, all our branded greaseproof paper options are sustainable, recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.  

Retro - There is something psychologically appealing about returning to a simpler time and nostalgia is increasingly making the headlines. Savvy food packagers have been eager to jump on that trend by incorporating a retro aesthetic into their designs. For some, it’s simply a way to calm and soothe people in these troubled times, for others, it’s a clever reminder that they’ve been around for a long time and they aren’t going anywhere.

Such vintage visuals can be created across the entire design, from layouts and font choices to colour selection and patterns, the overall result is one that communicates authenticity.

Interactive packaging – With the prevalence of smart phones and the ongoing quest for new ways to engage consumers, many brands have turned to QR codes as a way to let customers interact with their packaging - other than simply opening it!

QR codes have been around for a while, but brands are realising they’re the perfect interactive way to educate, inform, or entertain their customers. Whether you use them to provide marketing messages, product/ingredient information, menus or loyalty rewards you’ll be sure to be a talking point with customers in person and on social media! Custom printed packaging options such as greaseproof paper are perfect for adding your QR code to.

Bold Designs - Step aside pastels, you’re sooo last year! As much as we loved the emergence of pastel colours in 2020 and 2021, it’s now time for something bolder and brighter. Psychologists tell us that colours affect our mood which is probably why brands are looking for designs which evoke  feelings of happiness and optimism – much needed emotions!  

It’s not just about moods though, bright and saturated colours draw attention to the product and helps it be spotted on the shelf. With increasing competition for products, it is important for companies to maintain their presence be it on the shelf or amongst the multitude of food images on Instagram.

We anticipate the use of more and more bold, bright hues alongside minimal graphics to help grab the attention of passing customers. Not sure a bold colour is for you? Why not take advantage of short print run options to give it a trial!

Seasonal Designs - Another benefit of short run printing (and It’s a Wrap’s free artwork design service!) is the ability to print seasonal packaging. Creating packaging that resonates with the time of year not only gets customers in the mood for the holiday seasons and creates positive experiences, it also helps to encourage impulse purchases.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to seasonal designs – Christmas, Valentine’s Easter, Mother’s Day or even your own event. With consumers looking for the next wow factor, we see customised packaging as playing an even bigger part this coming year.

For assistance on creating your own, on trend, branded greaseproof paper get in touch with the It’s a Wrap team on itsawrap@jrpress.co.uk or call (+44) 01327 301566