Predictions Shaping the Future of Packaging

As we step into a fresh year, it’s impossible not to gaze further ahead and wonder what the landscape of packaging will look like in the coming years. At Kite, we consistently strive for groundbreaking innovations, and listening to the market is a crucial way for us to refine our ideas and products.

Reflecting on the 'Future of Packaging' supplement featured in the Sunday Times on December 9th, several key trends emerged regarding how packaging might evolve in response to growing demands. While our industry primarily focuses on B2B solutions, the end consumer remains at the heart of every innovation, especially within the food and retail sectors.

We’ve identified three pivotal elements in packaging that we believe will define consumer preferences in the future—let us know your thoughts on Twitter!

Environmental & Sustainability

Environmental considerations are paramount for both the packaging industry and consumers alike, and our sector faces relentless scrutiny due to packaging's disposability. Sustainability is set to dominate the packaging agenda moving forward, prompting the emergence of increasingly eco-friendly designs. Take, for instance, Aaron Mickelson’s innovative “disappearing” packaging. This American student crafted several disappearing packs for his senior thesis, including a soap box that dissolves in water and washing machine tablets that can be torn off individually and dissolved in the machine.

Innovative strides are already underway, with a strong emphasis on ‘Eco-refill’ packs—a concept pioneered by brands like Kenco, which traditionally supplied products in glass jars or metal tins. Refill packs provide practicality for consumers who can reuse their existing jars or tins instead of purchasing entirely new ones. For example, refilling a Kenco jar saves up to 84% of material usage. This year, we anticipate more refillable options from retailers, including washing powder brands, other beverages, and powdered milk products.

Plastic remains a major concern for the industry due to its slow biodegradability and potential to release harmful gases. Manufacturers and packaging technologists are focusing heavily on improving plastic’s environmental impact. One particularly exciting development is a water-soluble film—tasteless and odorless, it is safe to consume and can replace conventional sauce and flavoring sachets in convenience foods.

We’ve always been mindful of packaging’s environmental footprint and have implemented various measures to enhance our product lines. Our ‘Enviro’ range leads the charge here—features include core-less pallet wrap, single-wall boxes with double-wall strength, and tape that reduces cardboard waste by 63% thanks to larger rolls and smaller cores. Additionally, we’ve introduced the Mini Air machine, which not only cuts costs but also offers substantial environmental benefits compared to traditional void-fill and production waste methods.

Environmental consciousness continues to shape our product evolution, ensuring that our offerings align with sustainable practices. For example, our core-less pallet wrap and single-wall boxes not only reduce material usage but also minimize waste during production. The Mini Air machine further supports our commitment to sustainability by replacing traditional void-fill solutions, reducing both costs and environmental impact.

Design & Presentation

In a recent survey, an astonishing 76% of consumers admitted they make purchasing decisions based on packaging aesthetics. This serves as a wake-up call for custom packaging manufacturers who may still be stuck in outdated designs. A pressing concern, especially in the food and retail sectors, is “shelf-velocity,” which involves maximizing the visibility and appeal of your product on store shelves.

Competition for retail shelf space is fierce, and even a small allocation can command high value—why not optimize it? Strategic packaging design can significantly enhance shelf presence and attract customer attention away from competitors. Today’s shelves are filled with beautifully designed, limited-edition packages—each with its unique twist. Remember Cadbury’s festive-themed wrappers last Christmas? Or the golden packaging launched to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012?

As design evolves, it’s the packages that blend attractive visuals with functional innovation that capture consumer interest. Indie brands and student designers are already setting the stage for the next wave of packaging solutions. Check out this Buzzfeed post highlighting some of the best examples; we adore the pizza slice holders and crisp cans that transform into snack bowls—simple yet ingenious ideas addressing everyday challenges.

Building a strong brand identity has grown increasingly important with the rise of social media and market saturation. Recognizable packaging plays a vital role in achieving this. Keep an eye on our Kite website for upcoming products designed to help you craft the perfect brand image. Custom-printed tape and colored tissue remain accessible and cost-effective ways to establish a corporate identity for your products.

Efficiency & Innovation

Consumer expectations for faster delivery, easier-to-open packaging, and enhanced security are driving warehouses and logistics operations to innovate. Recent announcements include the eagerly awaited launch of shutl courier services for commercial use, with UK shoe retailer Schuh guaranteeing delivery within 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Amazon continues to push its vision of drone deliveries, promising to revolutionize last-mile logistics.

To meet these ambitious goals, warehouses must adopt more streamlined and advanced systems, phasing out traditional packaging methods in favor of automated solutions. Air cushions exemplify this shift, drastically reducing packing times while offering versatility to optimize space usage. Other technologies include pallet wrap machines, strapping equipment, and simple tools like tape dispensers for smaller operations.

Efficient packing methods are also gaining traction, such as the “rapid packing container” developed by two students that has already garnered over 3 million views on YouTube.

At Kite, we’re excited to unveil a groundbreaking innovation destined to transform the packaging industry. While details remain under wraps, rest assured—you’ll be among the first to hear about it.

Your Input Matters

Did we overlook any critical trends? Do you have a novel packaging solution to address common issues? Maybe you’re a student with exceptional graphic design skills? Reach out—we thrive on engaging discussions about packaging!

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