2023 Top Custom Retail Packaging Design Trends
Since both the design and materials you use for your packaging heavily influence most Americans’ purchasing decisions, you want to keep your packaging strategy up to date with the latest trends and innovations. With the start of the new year, new trends are making their way into the spotlight! Whether you are looking for ways…
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2023 Top Custom Retail Packaging Design Trends
Since both the design and materials you use for your packaging heavily influence most Americans’ purchasing decisions, you want to keep your packaging strategy up to date with the latest trends and innovations.
With the start of the new year, new trends are making their way into the spotlight! Whether you are looking for ways to enhance your retail packaging or completely overhaul it, here are some of the top custom retail packaging trends we expect to see throughout 2023.
Trend #1: Sustainability
Some of 2022’s retail packaging trends are sticking around for 2023, and sustainable retail packaging is one of them! While this has been trending for quite some time, sustainable packaging does not seem to be going away anytime soon – if anything, it is becoming an expectation.
There are a few different things you can do to create eco-friendly packaging options. Some of the top trends we are expecting this year include a heavier focus on reusable packaging components and environmentally-friendly inks.
Reusable packaging components help minimize waste – think fabric tote bags or drawstring bags and pouches and boxes made from kraft packaging or recycled plastic. These can be sourced from recycled materials, cotton, jute, and more. Plus, giving consumers something to use long-term is a gift they will appreciate.
In terms of eco-friendly inks, plant-based inks sourced from soy and algae are gaining popularity. Not only do these have lower emissions than their petroleum-based counterparts, but they are also biodegradable.
Trend #2: A Homage to the Past
From the vintage vibes of the early 1900s to the retro feels of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, to the vibrant energy of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, there has been a resurgence of nostalgia throughout the fashion industry – which has made its way into the realm of retail packaging. Take inspiration from trends of particular eras to create a unique design that playfully references the past.
Playing off of the nostalgic trend, maximalism is predicted to gain traction, which aligns with the design styles of the past. Not to worry, though. Minimalism is still in for 2023.
In addition to helping your brand stand out, nostalgia creates a sense of familiarity and connectedness, which can positively influence consumers’ moods and encourage them to spend more.
Pro Tip: Working with a packaging service provider that has an eye for visual design and industry know-how can help you create a past-meets-present design that meshes seamlessly with your unique branding.
Trend #3: QR Codes
The use of QR codes really ramped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they provided contactless options for retailers and restaurants. The relevance and use of these codes have since stuck – and it does not seem to be going anywhere.
Using QR codes on your retail packaging opens the door to a few enticing possibilities. Sustainability-wise, QR codes can help minimize waste by allowing you to skip over the creation and printing of packaging inserts. Plus, because of this, you can also minimize packaging costs.
Instead, place your QR code somewhere on your packaging component and link it to the relevant content that already lives on your website. From FAQs and “how-to” tutorials to company policies and your social media profiles, QR codes enable you to get key information to your consumers in a convenient, affordable way.
In recent years, brands have also started to use QR codes as a way to incorporate augmented and virtual reality technology into their packaging strategy – which can create a truly memorable experience that sets your brand apart.
Trend #4: Creative, Unconventional Typography
Typography is often an afterthought when it comes to retail packaging, but this year, it takes center stage. You can make typography the focal point of your design in a few ways:
- Choose a bold, prominent typeface that stands well on its own
- Create a custom, distinctive font that sets you apart from other brands
- Use text throughout your design to emphasize it and make it the centerpiece
Trend #5: Bright Colors
2022’s color trends were centered more around natural, neutral shades, which is a stark contrast to the vibrant and unique hues we expect to see in 2023.
- Magenta. Pantone’s color of the year is “Viva Magenta.” Even just a small amount of this playful color on your retail packaging can make a powerful statement.
- Shades of green. Green hues can complement your sustainable packaging or add an unexpected pop of color. Verdigris, a patina-inspired color that resembles the iconic bluish-green you see on the Statue of Liberty, is one color predicted to be popular.
- Metallics. Shimmer is an unconventional way to catch consumers’ eyes, and bright, metallic colors are going to make waves in 2023. You can add this to your packaging through glitter or, for a luxurious look and feel, hot foil stamping can add a subtle touch of shine.
Create Trendy Custom Retail Packaging With Edge2Edge
One of the most important parts of your retail packaging strategy is partnering with the right packaging service provider. At Edge2Edge, we constantly stay up to date on the latest packaging trends and have the capabilities to drive packaging innovation for your business.
If you are ready to create custom retail packaging that sets your brand apart from the rest, contact us today.