There are many online retailers that are spending upwards of $900 billion compared to previous years, and while many retailers have benefitted from online sales, the grocery and discount stores have seen a big shift in this. Online sales used to drive a small part of this, but the pandemic is changing all of this over time, and with new resources, people are starting to use this. Online grocery sales have grown, and while it’s still only a single-digit type of share, the growth is so much more than in the past, which means that they will retain the growth that the experienced at the peak though, even if it does die down. 

The rise of Visualization 

Brand managers are now considering how color plays a part in this, and the branding challenges and opportunities that come with this. Brand and packaging designers know that the color plays a big role not just on the shelf, but also online. In retail environments, you need to stand out on the wall of color, and if you have a package that creates a visual cue and a wall of color, the consumer will immediately turn to this, long before they even touch the package. Color becomes one of the key identifiers of the brand itself, and it’s a big part of the customer remembering and then relocating the product when they go to the store again.

As the digital rise starts to get bigger and bigger, the designer sand brads are now looking at what color can do when it comes to packaging and design. The purpose of this is to offer critical information about the product. When the physical environment isn’t present, the brands must then consider how they can engage with the packaging of a product in this new and improved contact, allowing for more brands to start to explore what digital tools they have available.

There are tons of digital visualization tools which do exist, and a designer will have to learn how to use this in different channels. The use of the tools does depend on the product itself, since consumer electronics along with apparel companies have begun to invest in a lot more that offers better, higher returns to the brand itself. There is a more accurate type of representation and the return rates of such too. 

As the tools start to become more and more widely available, we start to see them being adopted as consumer goods. Designers do as well need to look at the physical packaging and how it will work on-screen as well, such as using colors which are metallic, along with other special effects in the packaging, where the store lighting may not be appealing, or maybe it’s more appealing like this. It’s important to look at hos this will effect all part of the ecommerce realm, since digital screens that can’t render these effects in the same way does affect the appearance of such in the environments. In the world of color, the distinction and preciseness is important, especially when going between appearance and color. 

Color is one part of the main appearance on objects. There are other factors as well including the gloss and texture, so it can be hard to properly display this on screen, but it can be rendered through the right visualization and software, offering more chances for returns. Digital packaging is playing  a huge part in this, and for a lot of brands, learning to make stuff that looks good both on the shelves and off the shelve

More and more brands are experimenting with some of the different ways for sustainability to be better, and some of the formats that come with it. 

The perceptions of packaging and other factors are critical in making decisions. 

Companies are seeing this, but also are the customers and even some governmental entities, which are giving out guidelines to make sure that the packaging is more environmentally sound. 

Even amazon is making big design changes, so there are improvements happening all along their partner supply chains. 

No matter the reason behind it though, it’s good for you to do. 

It does keep you at the front of different trends, can get interest sparked, and it also is good for launching products that really live up to the hype, since customers will remember this too. 

Brands have been looking for new ways to offer packaging sustainability, and here are some of the more creative ways that they’ve been able to truly make this packaging stand out. 

Reusable Packaging 

A lot of brands are using different reusable packaging. 

Procter and Gamble are launching reusable shampoo bottles, where customers can refill this, and it uses a lot less plastic, and it can be recycled too. 

There are other companies that are looking to also eliminate waste, where customers will put a refundable deposit on the reusable packaging, and when empty, return it so that it can be cleaned up and used again, so that you can have truly sustainable packaging. 

Try New Packaging Materials 

There are a lot of companies trying to use paper, especially paper bottles that are resistant to water, have interlocking edges, and can be shipped for better efficiency all along the supply chain. 

There are also alternatives to multipack rings, since a lot of customers don’t really cut them up before they discard them, which can cause animals to get stuck on them. That’s why some companies are literally gluing the cans together or using paperboard for this. 

There are also plant-based wrappers, compostable bags and different packaging, and also soy-based packaging inks since this offers better sustainability, and it’s better for the planet. 

Remove the Unnece3ssary 

If you think about it, one of the best and easiest ways to become sustainable is to remove anything extra. So strings, wrappers that are individual, staples, and other such things are definitely making the changes that are necessary too. 

Minimizing the packaging is really good, since it does offer a bigger influence to how the customers purchase stuff, and the choices that they make. 

New Recyclability 

Yes, there are new end of life packaging options that a lot of companies are working to take advantage of. 

Brands that have implemented a lot of those including tubes which are recyclable, returnable packaging, and other types of recycling options are offering better solutions, and you can put together new options. 

You also start to notice more and more pod-based alternatives rather than just trying to get it all into one container, where they just toss it out. 

There are people who are using more pod-based materials because it does offer an alternative to plastic. 

When it comes to making sure that your products are sustainable and good for the environment, you may be stumped on what exactly you can do. Luckily, there are new ways to do this, and we hope the creative ways that you’ve learned here have become something that you can use and enjoy, and something which offers new packaging for you to use, in order to truly grow your business too.

If you’re planning to move, there are some supplies that you absolutely need. Without them, you’re going to have a rough move, and it won’t be fun for anyone. There are some things that you need minimally, and here, we’ll go over some of the more important, but overlooked, types of items for moving. 

Bubble Wrap 

This is easy, and a good way to protect packaging. It also is serrated in a lot of cases so that you can just tear and use. This is wonderful for breakables, so definitely use this. Here are a few tips for using bubble wrap in your packaging: 

• Always make sure to wrap the item with the bubbles facing the product to properly protect. 
• You can use this on dishes and glasses, but make sure that the bubble wrap is small 
• Stack dishes with bubble wrap on the edge, not flat 
• Use bubbles that are bigger for bigger items including larger electronics, vases, and other sculptures. 

Packing Paper

Packing paper is another good insert for virtually anything. This can be newspaper printing, or even just white or brown paper that’s good for packing other fragile items. There are a few tips to properly use this one, and they are below: 

• Make sure to get them ink-free for dishes that are light, or white-colored 
• You can use it as a filler with packing boxes to prevent them from shipping 
• It’s so clean that you don’t need to wash the dishes when you unpack them if you don’t want to 
• It’s cheaper than bubble wrap, so unless you need it, or are buying in bulk, it’s better to just use this 
• You can wrap and cushion practically every single item that you’re going to send out when you’re moving to a new locale. 

Cardboard Boxes 

Cardboard boxes are some of the most common means to move all of the items that you’re moving, in order to make a truly smooth and exciting experience for moving. They are available in a variety of different sizes and shapes and are really good for different items. Some of the tips to using these include the following: 

• Use these for books, tools, silverware, and other canned goods, but keep them in smaller boxes 
• Use the larger ones for pillows, lamp shades, and bedding, bulkier items 
• Medium boxes are good for toys, small electronics and appliances, and also smaller lampshades 
• You will want to make sure to use a combination of these boxes so that they don’t get too heavy. 
• Never overpack these since if you’re moving it, you’re going to be the one to move this, so be smart with it 
• Pack the heavier items near the bottom part, and then the light ones near the top part 
• Never leave empty spaces in this, since this could cause damage to the items. You can pack these with linens and towels until everything is properly stabilized, in order to help with stacking and to make them better for moving 

Moving Blankets 

Finally, there are moving blankets. If you’re working with professionals, you will not need to buy them, but if you want to use them, you can buy them, or just use comforters, blankets, and beach towels. These are furniture pads, and they definitely are good for a lot of people. You sometimes want to buy since you don’t know how dirty they are, but they prevent the furniture from being scratched and also can be shrink-wrapped to furniture. 

Maybe you’re a chef who wants to bring recipes to the retail world and supermarkets, or maybe you want new ways to package said products. 

You also may own food trucks and want new containers. There are so many possibilities, and it’s important to definitely explore it. 

Here, we’ll go over each of the different food packaging types, and why they’re good for one type of retailer or another. 

Flexible Pouch containers 

Flexible pouches are one of the fastest growing, and a lot of the global market is changing to this. 

Why is it good? 

Well first and foremost, they leave a much tinier carbon footprint, and take up les space. 

They also stand up, which companies like. They also are much cheaper too. 

Consumers also like these because they’re resistant to shatter, have nice features, and you can even add valves that help with sealing the product. 

You see this in a lot of coffees, used to seal the product and prevent spoilage. 

They also have design perks too, since they can be 3D printed on. 

Containers and Jars 

Containers and jars are good materials for packaging, and glass has been very popular. 

They have that feeling of luxury compared to different materials, and they are transparent, which lets people see inside, so they can view the product before purchasing. 

They’re also recyclable too, and they offer a big carbon footprint and are sustainable packaging too in most cases. 

The one downside is that they are more expensive when it comes to shipping, and if dropped, it does affect cleanup. 

Clamshell 

Clamshell packaging is pretty much similar to carded packaging, and are used mostly to package consumer goods, and are oftentimes used either to replace or along with blister packs too. 

They’re made from plastic, paper, plant materials, or even Styrofoam. 

They offer two shells, where they’re connected, in order to clasp it. 

They’re used to package everything, and are used in restaurants as well, oftentimes known as takeout boxes too, and are a great product for retailers. 

The downside to this, is that it’s not very recyclable.  There is some made form PET materials, and are recyclable, but if they’re compostable, they won’t be. 

Cans 

Another product that’s survived its time, cans have been around since 1920 and are even sometimes considered collector’s items. 

They’re made with aluminum, and they are totally recyclable, affordable, and have a high resistance to shatter. 

They’re usually used for packaging meats, vegetables, different sauces, and even canned soups and other dishes. 

There are also cans used in beverage packaging, such as water, energy drinks, and sodas too. 

They’re totally recyclable, and usually offer a better alternative to creating less of a carbon footprint compared to plastic, but flexible packaging is definitely lower. 

The cans also need to be cleaned out before sent to recycle, and if it’s not good enough, they’ll be sent towards the landfill as well. 

Shrink Wrap 

Shrink wrap, or shrink film, is pretty much film that’s put over foods, and is then sealed, and then they move through a machine that will help to fully seal the product itself. 

This also provides a really nice sheen that’s glossy on the products in a way that catches the eye of the consumer who sees it on a shelf. 

This is used not just for food, but also electronics, consumer goods, even CDs and books as well. 

And these are but a few of the packaging types that you can use, and they are becoming more popular as well as time goes on. 

From making it easier for customers to get their products to even showcasing authenticity and incentives, you may not realize that you can actually use smart packaging to help with offline and online products. 

Smart packaging uses a means to manage and track the products better for the customer’s experience. 

This means better assets and tracking via transport. In warehouses this then is transported to reach the customers as well. 

For customers, smart packaging adds better elements that enhance the experience of the customer and improve the brand loyalty. This is implemented via QR codes and other displays, giving better information to connect with them. 

Offering Relevant information 

The value of honesty is important for customers that are buying products, so smart packaging lets you do that, and also gives you the evidence and facts needed. 

You can talk about the eco-friendliness of the products, and of course all of the ingredients in your beauty and hair products. You can even show authentication through this too. 

This does enhance the experience of customers, since it offers assembly and care to them, and offers companion products too, which can even be personalized in a lot of cases. 

The QR code also is cool because it gives them everything that they need to know about the product before they get it. 

Discount codes and Coupons 

With the same QR codes and other items, you definitely will be able to show everything that the customers want to see, and they can look at the items, and you’ll even be able to give them a mystery discount or coupon. 

This does offer more coupons, deals, and other fun sales that they can use, and you can incentivize them with the rewards programs and processes, and even offer them a sweepstakes. 

The cool thing about this is that the possibilities are endless, and you can even cross-promote different items to offer a chance to get all of the products, and offers automatic refills, streamlining this, improving customer loyalty over the other competitors too. 

Boost Engagement 

QR codes offer better media too, including even contests and recipes. If you want to, you can even offer this type of packaging an incentive to get people to interact with this, boosting the website traffic and brand awareness, increasing the engagement for everything. 

Influencers, brands, everyone in between can benefit from this, from recipes to even different hashtags that people can use to really take their engagement to the next level, and this offers a better experience. 

This also offers more interaction, putting it in the hand, mind, and the job of the customer, engaging with them to get them to purchase the product as well, and it can even be used to help fund and improve different campaigns down the line too. 

Smart packaging is the future, since it’s not only a way for you to build the audience, but also improves the campaigns and the engagement of such too. 

They do really help with a lot of the different aspects of engagement, offering new technologies and techniques with each step. 

There are always new ways to do this, from printing to the management of inventory to even fulfilling orders. With smart packaging, you’re making smarter choices that are different from what you’d normally do otherwise, and you’re creating packaging that not only improves the brand, but also not only the engagement with the customers, but also you’ll definitely be able to engage with the packaging and make this better for customers too, which in turn makes it even better for everyone.