Best Retail Packaging Designs for 2022

Whether you are an eCommerce retailer, have a storefront, or provide both, retail packaging plays an important role in your consumer experience. From beauty and cosmetics to food and grocery, and beyond, the competition is fierce, and any way you can improve this experience is going to help you grow your business. In this day…

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Best Retail Packaging Designs for 2022

In this day and age, high-quality custom retail packaging is no longer a “nice to have” — it is a must. In fact, many consumers actively seek brands that match up with their values and preferences.

Trendy, innovative, and appealing packaging can help you capture and keep your consumer’s attention. These are the trends we are looking out for in 2022 that will last well into the future.

Sustainability

Because of consumer’s increasing environmental concern and desire to do business with brands that align with their values, most companies are aiming to transition at least a portion of their volume to eco-friendly packaging by 2023.

There are many ways to appeal to the trend of sustainable retail packaging — and none of them involve sacrificing style or quality.

Choose ethically and sustainably sourced packaging solutions.
Use recycled materials like post-consumer recycled plastic or paper.
Go with eco-friendly packaging materials like cork, paper, organic cotton, wood, natural glue, or vegan alternatives.
Choose biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials, and label them accordingly so that consumers know how to properly dispose of them.
Alternative or water-based inks are a great substitute for traditional inks, which can have negative effects on the environment.
Reusable totes, boxes, drawstrings, and more create less waste. In addition, it makes consumers feel valued since it is basically a free gift with purchase.

Beyond packaging materials and design, partner with a packaging service provider that ensures waste reduction and efficiency in their supply chain.

Texture

Texture brings a feeling of luxury and careful attention to detail, instantly elevating your retail packaging design.

Customize your packaging’s exterior with a soft touch, gloss, matte, or satin finish. Use spot UV lamination to add glossy, shiny texture to a specific area. Take it to the next level with pearlescent, metallic, or glitter specialty coating. Create contrast with different textures. For example, use a gloss lamination as your base and overlay a design in a matte varnish.

Elevate your design even further by engraving your brand name, logo, and patterns onto your packaging with embossing or debossing. Debossing imprints the design by indenting it into the packaging material. Embossing does the opposite, creating a raised design.

Singular Colors

Make a statement by using solid all-over color on your retail packaging. While this can limit your color palette, it gives the other elements of your packaging design, such as illustrations and typography a chance to shine.

Whether you choose to go bright and bold, dark and sleek, or keep it neutral, the key to achieving a fresh and appealing design is to use unexpected, atypical colors. Keep the design elements minimal and monochromatic to truly stick to this trend.

Artistic Flair

The most impactful retail packaging often features some sort of artistic element. Incorporating different shapes, patterns, and illustrations will instantly give your packaging a unique look.

While there are many ways to achieve this, these types of designs have been a popular choice:

Bold flat illustrations and patterns
Geometric and organic layered shapes
Intricate symmetrical designs
Abstract, fluid paint-like textures that resemble marble
Floral designs
Gradient color blocking

Minimalism

Whether it is with your packaging’s visual design or the actual packaging components, minimalism is a packaging trend that has been around for quite some time — and is not going anywhere anytime soon.

The “less is more” approach minimizes waste, cuts packaging costs, and creates a sleek, simple experience. Keep the type and design minimal. Create simple packaging components that include only what is absolutely necessary.

Bold Typography

Make an impact by putting your brand or product name at the forefront of your packaging design. Other design elements should be used to highlight and support the name, rather than being the main focus. This trend is a smart, simple way to boost brand awareness.

Staying On-Trend Is Easy With The Right Packaging Vendor

While these trends are a great way to stand out, you want to use them in a way that aligns with your brand image and products to maintain consistency. The right packaging service provider can help you achieve just that.

At Edge2Edge, we can help you achieve both. We specialize in all things retail packaging — if you can imagine it, we can do it. With our expertise and innovation on your side, you will be able to not only stay on trend but ahead of the curve.