With the growing innovation in the packaging industry the expectations of the customers are also increasing a lot. With more and more advancement in the packaging technology personalisation of the products has become very important. Today customers expect a much more personalised product meeting all their requirements. One of the main reasons for personalisation is the huge database of users which packaging firms have established.

1. The Internet Of Things

Although this concept has been in existence for decades however its application is still limited to the fitness devices or other similar devices. However the increasing cost of the smart packaging has provided an opportunity to come up with new innovations in this industry as well. Internet of Things could soon find its way in the Packaging Industry as well. One of the possible applications can be a micro-sensor emitting light when the best buy date of the product has passed away. Such micro-sensors can also be used for indicating if a packaging has been tampered.

2. Digital Natives

As we all know that our next generation also popularly known as Millennial or Gen Y are much more tech savvy than us. They have made digital marketing a part of their world. In a survey it was found out that over 83% of the Gen Y sleep with their mobile devices. Therefore it is important that the packaging is digitised gradually in order to capture the future markets. One of the examples of digitisation in packaging industry is the use of QR codes. A QR code is a digital code containing personalised messages for the users. It can be detected with the help of smart phones.

3. The On-The-Go Lifestyle

With the improvement in the connectivity and transportation, people these days move a lot. As a result they have very less time for packaging. On the other hand we all have become very health conscious. Therefore in order to cater to both the needs of the customers it is important that packaging of food materials and other products comes with flexibility so that they can be used with ease. One of the examples of this is the food packaging where the food which is uneaten can be packed again. Single serving packaging is also very useful and popular too.

4. Use Of Nano Technology

Nanotechnology is going to define the future of the packaging industry. Today nanotechnology is widely used in different forms of packaging. Broadly the use of nanotechnology can be divided into three types:

1. Improved Packaging

2. Active Packaging

3. Intelligent/Smart Packaging

5. Convenience

This is one of the most important factors of packaging industry and with more and more technological advancement customers’ expectation regarding the convenience has grown further.

6. Safety And Security 

A safe and secure method of delivering packaged product from one place to other is very important. Packaging industries should make sure that their packaged products reach their customers without being tampered.

7. Smart Packaging

Smart packaging involves a lot of things. Using the right sized packaging materials is very important for proper packaging. This not only saves the money but also ensures an effective packaging without wasting much of the packaging materials.

8. Flexible Packaging

This is also more cost effective and reduces or eliminates waste of packaging materials.

These are some of the key trends which are shaping the packaging industry for the next generation.