Pioneer Packaging’s Awesome Packaging Design Trends for 2021

two beer cans with a colorful packaging design

Sustainability

Sustainability is not exactly a trend but a way of life. It is also a big concern for consumers, which makes it a big decision maker for buyers. With hundreds of sustainable packaging options available today, you can make a better choice for your company, your customers, and the environment.

One way to increase sustainability is by using recycled and recyclable materials in your products. This positions your company as environmentally conscious and is sure to grow your brand and catch the modern consumer’s attention. Smaller packaging with less wasted space is another sustainability trend. Have you ever opened a product package only to find out that the product itself is maybe half the size of its packaging? Not only is it deceptive to your customers, but also a considerable waste of materials. Optimized packaging means minimizing your total packaging system costs.

Minimalist Design

Minimalist design does not have to mean understated or underused. Minimal packaging design allows consumers to engage with your product without distractions and clutter. You can say it all without having to SAY IT ALL. Simple graphics and logos with simple, straight-forward text can be all it takes to illustrate your brand and product. This type of branding can give consumers trust in your brand by expressing transparency and honesty in your product. There is and always will be a target audience with minimal packaging; it is not a trend that is going away anytime soon. Clean and clutter-free packaging on store shelves proves that less is more and that customers want a no-brainer approach to shopping.

Natural & Earth Tones Colors

Consumers gravitate towards more realistic and honest brands. This is why companies are looking towards a more natural look. The product’s nature should influence the specific colors used.

Nudes, beiges, whites, and muted earth tones will give your product packaging an organic feel without overpowering the message or product images. These color schemes are perfect for natural skincare products, organic foods, products made with sustainable materials, or brands that focus on preserving the environment.

Storytelling

Storytelling means marketing to your customers without “selling” them. Like your website or social media, the packaging is a great way to communicate your brand’s story, history, and mission. This builds relationships with consumers and shows that there are actual humans behind your products and services. This is an integral part of effective branding and marketing that you will see much more in 2021.

One way to do this is with characters. Characters should go beyond just mascots to living out their stories with your packaging. Almost like reading a picture book, you should see these characters in scenes throughout the packaging. Instead of always having to navigate your company website’s “about us” page, you can have your storytelling character delivered directly to your consumers.

Vintage Packaging

For 2021, expect to see some authentic, old-school looks and feels in packaging. You may find product designs and packaging identical to what your grandparents used, almost transporting you through time. Vintage-style logos, labels, textures, package shapes, materials, and imagery will make you feel like the product was frozen in time.

This type of design is not for every product. It is reserved for those unique and specialty products. Vintage packaging connects consumers with their sense of nostalgia and emphasizes the longevity of the product and brand. When you bring back vintage or retro-styled designs, it can remind people that your brand has been and will continue to be around for a long time, building long-time trust.

Contact us today to learn how Pioneer Packaging can help your business.

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