5 Top Packaging Trends From Industry Insiders

OOSTBURG, WI - November 2015

Viking Masek recently interviewed a few packaging industry insiders to compile a short list of recent packaging trends. Some of things we found were expected, and others a surprise! Read on for insider insight into the latest trends in packaging...

Premade Stand Up Pouches

An overwhelming trend is the popularity of the premade pouch, specifically the stand up (Doy) pouch. These bags have incredible shelf appeal and help maximize vertical storage space, both for the manufacturer and end consumer. They look clean, polished, and professional, but have just enough novelty that they capture the attention of shoppers. According to PMMI's 2015 Flexible Packaging Market Assessment Report, the stand up pouch is one of the most frequently used flexible packaging types, as well as one of the fastest growing packaging types. The addition of easy open options and recloseable seals has made appeal to the end consumer even greater. Overall, stand up pouches are replacing the old stand-by of pillow bags with holes for hanging on a peg or hook. Next time you shop for groceries, pay attention to what is on the shelf. You will be surprised at the abundance of stand up pouches! 

Liquid Stick Pack Applications

Stick packaging has been a steadily growing market in packaging for quite a few years. Stick packs are compact and convenient, and often include easy-open options, making convenience for consumers even greater. The personal care industry, specifically liquid applications such as shampoo and skin care products, have been an emerging market in stick packaging as of late. According to PMMI's 2015 Personal Care Market Assessment Report, a contributing reason for this growth could be that "consumers of the Baby Boom generation have different product needs than those of the younger generation. They need products and packaging that are easy to open, easy to apply, etc." Enter the stick pack: An easy to grasp, easy open, and squeeze to dispense and apply type of package. 

Shelf Stable Foods

Whether it be for convenience or emergency preparedness, the demand for shelf stable foods packaging has increased. These products are dry and can often be mixed with a liquid such as water to create soups, drinks, and many more items that, if pre-mixed, may not be shelf stable over the long-term. They can be stored at room temperature, and are perfect for traveling, spending time in the outdoors, or for simply stocking your pantry so you can make less frequent trips to the store. With instability in parts of the world as well as natural disasters, having easily portable, nutritious shelf-stable foods becomes even more important today.

Pet Foods

We love our pets and want only the best for them, and it shows in packaging! There has been increased demand for higher end pet food packaging, especially in stand up pouches. For the same reasons that consumers are attracted to stand up pouches for food, detergents, and the like, they prefer this type of packaging for their pets. Storage is easy, recloseable options ensure the product stays fresh longer, and the modern packaging simply has great shelf appeal.

Sustainable Packaging

With the increase in popularity of stand up pouches and stick packaging, creating more waste has become a reality that must be addressed by the packaging industry. Single serve packages are extremely convenient, but the increase in waste is unavoidable. Pouch and film suppliers as well as manufacturers have been exploring new avenues for recyclable, reusable, and even biodegradable packaging. Advances have been made in sustainable packaging, but barriers do exist. According to PMMI, many food manufacturers prefer multi-layer film for their bags to ensure product shelf stability and freshness. However, multi-layer film is not easy to recycle because of the multitude of materials used to create them. With a general consumer base that is more informed than ever before, the packaging industry has felt the push to be more environmentally conscious at all levels of their processes.

Even if you do not directly work in the packaging industry, packaging trends can give you deeper insight as to the state of the economy, consumer priorities, environmental concerns, and emerging markets. So many of these themes, like convenience and sustainability, work across all industries all over the world. As we move toward 2016, we are excited to see what's next!

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