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Brands take product packaging to the next level in 2020 – trends, facts, and tips

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The packaging is a communication tool between brands and buyers. It serves a practical purpose because it protects the content, but also a marketing one because it draws eyes to the product on crowded shelves. For a company to stand out from its competitors, it has to invest in product packaging and experiment with different models to identify the one that satisfies the public. 

The last year introduced some advancements and changes to the packaging industry, and retailers are paying more attention to this aspect. Buyers know what they want, whether it’s sustainability, a top-notch unboxing experience, or product presentation. 

The packaging is relevant to clients. Statistics show that 70% of them tried a new product because the packaging drew their attention. People like trying new things, but they cannot do it if they don’t know about their existence. So, brands must commit to creating well-designed covers that reflect their values and catches their clients’ eyes. It might sound surprising, but statistics also report that 50% of clients change brands because of packaging. A change in the model can deter old customers or attract new ones. Packaging directly impacts their experience, so for maximum results, brands should keep an eye on the latest trends. 

Packaging should tell a story

Plain boxes no longer attract clients. In 2020, buyers expect brands to sell products in well-designed covers that communicate with the public and deliver information about the company and product. People want to feel like they read a story when they unbox. For the companies that sell exclusively online, packaging carries even more weight because the buyer doesn’t get the store-front experience. The client doesn’t benefit from the luxury to touch and see the product, so they count on the presentation to tell them a story and resonate with their needs. 

So, in 2020 organizations should adopt a comprehensive approach to packaging design and use it to share their values and build a relationship with the client. They need to identify their ideal customer and customize the box to match their interests

Neon colors and gradients are ok if you know how to combine them

A hot trend in the packaging industry is retro-futurism, which may sound like an oxymoron when you first hear its name. But, at a closer analysis, it looks like retro and futurism work perfectly together because they invoke emotions like anticipation and nostalgia. In 2020, companies will use gradients to combine these two trends and deliver remarkable designs. Usually, neon colors have a negative impact on the buyer because they distract them from the essential features of the product. Gradients offer the opportunity to use neon colors for packaging design in a way that no longer bothers the client. Gradients and neon colors are in the marketing world for many years, but only recently, designers combined them and entered the retro-futurism territory. 

For a brand that wants to make sure their products stand out on the shelves, minimalist design with neon gradients for logo can work wonderfully. 

Rich details contract with the minimalist line packaging promoted so many years

For some people, minimalist design will always be appealing. But some experts predict that in 2020 the packaging industry will experience a downturn, and buyers will start looking for extravagant, opulent, and luxurious designs. Not only in packaging, but in all domains, we witness a tendency for attention-grabbing details emerging, with vibrant colors and intense designs. Heavy patterns with beautiful graphics will mark the 2020 packaging design. 

People have always liked luxury, and if the products they buy offer them the impression they receive something exclusive, they’re willing to pay more for it. If some hoped 2020 would be the year when people will keep things simple, they were wrong. People want a high-end experience with the firms they choose, so brands should experiment with richer packaging and intricate details to satisfy their clients. The companies that are clueless about product packaging should consult with specialists like the ones from Mitchel-Lincoln to determine what design would reflect their brand’s values and match their public’s expectations. 

Companies must join the eco-friendly movement if they want to retain clients

Climate change is no longer a subject people can ignore. It reached the crisis level, and organizations should be the first ones to adopt changes that alleviate their effects. Because waste disposal is one of the factors that worsen climate change, sustainable packing is paramount. One of the most significant challenges for companies is producing eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging that replaces the current materials

In 2020, more brands should use sustainable materials and opt for easily recyclable boxes. Companies like Lush’s Shampoo Bars have taken packaging to the next level, by removing it entirely. They no longer use bottles to provide their clients with beauty products; they sell solid shampoo to cut down the need for plastic bottles.  

Design experts predict that the ecological movement will push organizations to think outside the box and create alternatives that meet the needs of the market. They see it as a test some brands must pass because they refused to adopt change for too long. They need to run market research, determine what their clients want, and commit to delivering them biodegradable packaging. 

Holographic effects will spice up the packaging industry

The last but not the least exciting trend that will enter the 2020 packaging scene is the holographic cover. People have flirted with iridescent and gradient designs for a long time, but this year will bring them the first page. Companies are expected to play with multi-colored metallics, shiny packages, and black and white graphics to add edgy touch products.

Some companies have already started to experiment with these features. More brands will probably use holographic effects to draw attention towards their products because they have a distinctively appealing. Designers define this trend as feminine because it mixes neutrals and warm shades. 

2020 marks a decade of explosive design trends in the packaging industry, and companies should no longer be afraid to play with patterns and colors. 

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Emma Drew

Emma has spent over 15 years sharing her expertise in making and saving money, inspiring thousands to take control of their finances. After paying off £15,000 in credit card debt, she turned her side hustles into a full-time career in 2015. Her award-winning blog, recognized as the UK's best money-making blog for three years, has made her a trusted voice, with features on BBC TV, BBC radio, and more.

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