A new study conducted by Packaging World and DuPont, 2012 Survey of Packaging Trends, surveyed 500 industry professionals to find out what the driving forces, emerging and longterm trends in packaging are, and, according to 59% of respondents, “cost” is (shocking!) the primary factor driving the industry. That said, via Environmental Leader, “cost would fall 28 percent in terms of importance, below factors like sustainability at 51 percent and food safety and security at 37 percent, in the next 10 years in both Europe and North America.” Also:
Consumers will put a greater value on recyclability and the perceived “greenness” of packaging in 10 years, the survey found. The public will also increasingly demand proof of sustainability claims, such as lifecycle analysis data.
Says the report itself:
More than 450 respondents wrote-in their thoughts about the one trend that will most impact packaging in 10 years. Comments about sustainability, cost/affordability and food safety and security dominated.
Said one respondent:
“The sustainability/green agenda will be at the forefront of future trends. As economies re-prosper there will be more onus placed on retailers and brands to deliver a packaging message in response to the ‘all packaging is bad’ momentum.”
Except for those plastic electronics packages that are damn near impossible to claw one’s way into without slashing open one’s hands...