What would packaging look like if we had binoculars to see into the future? In light of what we have learned so far, it is easy to comprehend.
We will cover everything from sustainability and design (innovative packaging) to manufacturing (machine automation) to operations (AI and blockchain) in this article.
Design: What’s Next?
A decade from now, service providers will take the throne, not product sellers. Consequently, future consumers will be able to enjoy an all-inclusive shopping experience.
It’ll be customary to offer full-spectrum experiences that reach beyond the brand and appeal to customers’ minds, emotions, and senses instead of just branded hair & beauty items.
Mass production will likely shift as technology advances to innovative packaging that will cater to the needs of specific products and services.
A New Approach to Packaging
Even though we all remember our classic cardboard boxes, bags, and bottles, the future may reshape them differently.
The growing demands of consumers have resulted in an ever-increasing need for convenience.
Business success requires innovative upgrades and technological advancements that open up new business opportunities.
The Dissolvable Packaging
There is a great deal of interest and innovation in edible packaging, which reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. Consumers already want to reduce their carbon footprint with this technology.
Algae, natural sweeteners, and natural dyes made from fruit and vegetable skins show significant potential for offering the food industry a wide range of colors, designs, and more.
Moreover, the custom packaging offers an exciting experience to customers that transcend beyond the packaging, as they will also consume the packaging!
A Space-Saving Packaging Solution
Transporting large amounts of packaging is also seen as being less environmentally friendly. This is because planes, boats, and trucks transport packages to warehouses, which end up in landfills if the stock isn’t sold or customers take the packaging.
A considerable amount of waste occurs in the packaging industry, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Space-saving packaging has become a common practice to reduce transportation, storage, and destruction of goods to save much space.
Improved Sustainability Efforts
It is already evident that sustainability extends beyond packaging and products in almost every industry. With time, consumers are becoming more accustomed to an eco-friendly shopping experience.
Consumer spending on eco-friendly products is increasing, even though eco-friendly options are currently less cost-effective. One in three consumers prefer eco-friendly options, and 35% prefer eco-friendly products to cheaper alternatives.
Packaging companies are taking up the mantle of environmental protection, and consumers now expect higher levels of eco-responsibility. Current latest include waste reduction, efficient use of box space, reduced carbon footprints, and recycling.
E-Commerce’s Rapid Growth
Suddenly, COVID-19 took over everyone’s day-to-day activities. This results in losing everyone’s in-store experiences, events, and services. Consumers today primarily engage in e-commerce to get their goods and services.
Without in-store experience or customer service opportunities during the lockdown, e-commerce has become the primary form of commerce.
Even though e-commerce is recognized as a high priority for businesses, their dependence on online shopping has magnified its significance.
Blockchain Technology for Shipping and Logistics
Despite Bitcoin’s failure as a cryptocurrency, its blockchain-based technology is ripe for disruption, including in the packaging industry.
A trillion dollars are spent on logistics in the United States each year, and while growth continues, systematic inefficiency and fraud plague the industry.
Our lives are being transformed by Blockchain technology, and we are fortunate to be witnessing its beginnings.
Options for Delivery
Current alternatives include underground transport tubes, autonomous air taxis, and robot sidewalk delivery.
Engineers also develop vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (V2I), and intelligent lockers & boxes.
Autonomous aircraft flying overhead and self-driving robots traveling along the waterways and interstates will come down to public perception.
Some will welcome it enthusiastically, while others will hold it less. Regardless, what appears to be science fiction today is set to become commonplace shortly.
