10 inspiring packaging trends for 2022

The epidemic has led to major behavioral changes among consumers in recent years. In 2021, we learned exactly how important e-commerce has become for our daily lives and careers. In the first six months of last year, Danish e-commerce grew by a staggering 26% to a total consumption approaching DKK 100 billion, according to a report from The Danish Chamber of Commerce. This has forced companies to reconsider their positioning, brand message and core values. It is now more important than ever to bring great brand experiences directly to the customers doorstep, in order to meet the customers where they are now, and where they will be tomorrow.

2. Safety is paramount

More than ever before, both health and safety are a top priority for consumers, whether you sell groceries, subscription boxes, or other e-commerce or retail goods. Modern packaging solutions are protective and allow customers to quickly notice if their products have been tampered with or otherwise compromised in any way. Tamper-proof packaging should have one or more clear indicators of whether the packaging has been broken in the time between dispatch and the customer receiving the parcel.

See our selection of safety packaging: sealing stickers, security bags.

3. Sustainable packaging

We have been talking about sustainable packaging and wrapping for years, and it is still one of the most important trends in 2022. During the pandemic, consumers have realised just how much household waste they actually accumulate from their shopping habits. The modern consumer tends to expect that the brands they support have a sustainability practice that matches their own values. Packaging that is environmentally friendly, uses fewer resources and produces less waste has become popular. However, sustainability is only considered a critical factor by consumers, when it does not diminish the product´s functionality. The goal is therefore to increase sustainability without compromising quality.

4. Minimalist design

The concept behind minimalist packaging and wrapping is simple: in a retail environment where everything on the shelf is screaming for your attention, it is the simplistic, confident package that stands out. Minimalist packaging also has other advantages: it looks stylish, and can be both a cheaper and more sustainable choice. Minimalist packaging strives to use less materials, style, ink and space - which is a big contrast to ´luxury packaging´. Reducing a product´s packaging design to its core is a smart way to brand your company, as it appeals to consumers who are often overwhelmed by the diversity of multicoloured and textured packaging alternatives otherwise found today. Choose solid-coloured, simple packaging and pair it with strong product statements in 2022.

5. Transparent packaging

A newer trend, becoming increasingly popular with consumers is transparent packaging. By choosing see-through packaging, you are letting the product sell itself. Buyer´s get a great impression of the product´s overall appearance, texture, and in some cases also the health of the item. Transparent packaging provides a more interactive packaging experience that entices the customer to take a closer look at your product. Jakodan has a large variety of transparent packaging!

6. Reusable bags

The bag restrictions introduced by the Danish government in early 2021 continue to have a major impact on the choice of packaging in the retail trade. At the same time, consumers´ sharpened focus on the environment and recycling has led to an increase in demand for reusable bags. This means that bags made from textile is the most popular choice in 2022. Many customers also opt out of buying bags completely this year. If you want to make your packaging more recognisable, rather than just handing customers their goods with no bag, you can choose to wrap the product in a sheet of tissue paper with a small label to close it. That way, the customers still get a unique packaging experience when purchasing your products.

7. Packaging that makes connections

The modern brand in 2022 makes it easy for consumers to communicate directly with the company through their website, social media and other brand experiences. Therefore, many companies now choose to use interactive packaging materials such as printing QR codes on tape, boxes etc. This smart form of branding transforms customer interactions with your brand, strengthens trust and makes your packaging completely unique. The QR code can link to your social media to encourage customers to share their brand experience, or make it easy to return items by leading them to a return page on your website. There are many options! At Jakodan, we can help you print your personal QR code on tape.

8. Vintage designs

As vintage designs and colours have reappeared in the fashion industry, many companies are also choosing to have their packaging be inspired by this trend. Think vibrant colours and groovy designs if you want your brand to show that its on the forefront when it comes to the latest fashion trends. Choose vintage packaging with a beautiful aesthetic, elegant colour combinations and exciting designs, to make your products more eye-catching and attractive to 2022 consumers.

9. Affordable alternatives

2022 is still affected by price increases for raw materials worldwide - and this unfortunately also applies to packaging. This is why, many companies this year are looking for ways to save money when choosing packaging. One way that your brand could save on your packaging costs is by offering a simple and minimalist packaging experience. You could also choose to ship your products in packaging which is easy to handle and thus, making it faster to pack each individual order. 

Read our insider packaging tips here.