With the growing need to protect the environment, the food industry has set a milestone in key food packaging trends. More and more designs are using sustainable materials. And when it comes to revolution and innovation, we can say that today’s models are more popular than their predecessors, as users opt for customized packaging.
The modern world is fast-paced and hectic, which is why more and more people are embracing food packaging that allows for on-the-go consumption, known as takeaway food. Consumers are committed to sustainability, but do not want the quality and nutritional value of food to suffer as a result. The food industry is living in new times, times of biodegradable packaging.
Weight reduction
Reducing the weight of food packaging has always been one of the main objectives of companies, both for economic and environmental reasons.
There is now wide coverage of sustainable packaging. The new goal is to introduce packaging that reduces the amount of materials in relation to the amount of products contained. These are the so-called “bag inboxes”, cardboard boxes or plastic bags that allow the product to be distributed and dosed.
Paper and cardboard
Many companies have focused on launching packaging materials made from 100% mono-materials. They use different technologies such as lamination or the use of biorientation in their process.
If you are looking for medium and high barriers, the use of polyamide (PA) and EVOH appear as alternatives. Different projects have even been developed with the aim of adjusting the quantities of EVOH and PA so that they are compatible with polyethylene (PE) recycling flows. Also in the use of adhesives that favor the compatibility of the different materials during the recycling process. This reduces the amount of packaging waste and benefits all those processes that are part of the circular economy.
Paper and cardboard, which are sustainable materials, have always been part of food packaging. But it has been in the last year, with the possible entry into force of the “tax on non-reusable virgin plastic”, when eyes have turned to it. Alternatives aimed at reducing the use of plastic laminates on paper are already on the market. Most of them are based on aqueous dispersions, seeking that these coatings do not alter the recyclability of the paper.
However, the excessive use of paper in packaging also accelerates the appearance of other environmental problems due to the indiscriminate felling of trees. For this reason, new consumer trends are leaning towards environmentally friendly packaging and biodegradable packaging.
New technologies allow easy separation of plastic and cardboard. This is why these packages are so popular.
Sustainability
With the digital industry and the implementation of new technologies come innovations that bring sustainable options for consumers and producers. The future points to the creation of smart packaging and active packaging, which can fulfill other functions besides storing a product. All of this increases consumer engagement and improves product safety as well as traceability.
Smart packaging uses various technologies to communicate, inform and engage. It is also used to track production and supplies while creating unique experiences and branding opportunities. They are also shown as a viable alternative to ensure product quality, contributing to the reduction of food poisoning cases.
Food Box
Several companies have launched packaging materials and containers made from 100% mono-materials, relying on different technologies such as lamination or the use of bio-orientation in their transformation process. When looking for medium and high barriers, the use of polyamide (PA) or EVOH appear as alternatives.
Several projects have even been developed with the aim of adjusting the quantities of EVOH and PA so that they are compatible with polyethylene (PE) recycling flows. As well as the use of adhesives that favor the compatibility of the different materials during the recycling process. The idea of the new projects is to manufacture packaging using sustainable materials that are environmentally friendly.
Against counterfeiting
New packaging trends in the market show an inclination towards types of packaging that reduce medical problems caused by preservatives or counterfeiting. These can come in a variety of forms and are intended to prevent them from being reused to adulterate the original product. The objective of this type of packaging is to build user confidence and reduce product piracy.
Personalized packaging
Digital printing is currently one of the most widely used alternatives for packaging customization. With the renunciation of extravagant and old-fashioned designs, new products come in flexible, attractive and sustainable packaging.
This process can reduce the complexity of production. Digital color printing on cartons not only has a commercial value, but also stands out for its communicative intent. This also means that the time between design and printing is reduced, thus making order confirmation and product customization more flexible.
However, that’s not all. We could move towards a complete change in packaging; for example, edible packaging, which eliminates the need for recycling and excess waste. Examples already exist, such as the ice cream cone and coffee cups made from chocolate, but there is still a long way to go in this field, however, today’s innovations bring us one step closer.
On the subject, Ivanguardiastore, stands out in this industry for good practices in the packaging of products for the food industry. The relevance of this brand lies in the importance it attaches to the correct preservation of the product and the need for it to reach the consumer with high quality.
I don’t think we have seen a real breakthrough here yet. Edible packaging is a complex area with the potential for problems in many other areas, such as hygiene. However, this is not a viable alternative to all products, as food quality and safety is also sought after.
Consumers love to be offered products made exclusively for them, and as technology makes it possible to increase the speed of production, customized packaging is now also possible.
In addition to being an excellent sales strategy, in a way it influences the consumer’s commitment to the destination of their packaging. A clear example of this case is Coca Cola, which had its own names printed on the labels of its bottles, thus motivating buyers to buy those presentations that had their own name.