The packaging industry is constantly evolving to adapt to new challenges such as the growth of eCommerce in recent years, which has opened up a spectrum of opportunities for the industry.

Here are some of our predicted trends for the packaging industry in 2016…

Trend 1: Growth in Online Retail

As more customers choose to shop online, eCommerce sales in the UK are expected to reach an astonishing £86.96bn by 2019.* Retailers must ensure their eCommerce packaging is fit for purpose.

Easy-to-open packaging that fits through the letterbox first time will deliver a positive delivery experience for customers.

In addition, a number of security solutions such as tamper-evident tape or peel and seal boxes ensure that your products and brand integrity are well-protected.

Trend 2: Increased Environmental Pressures

Packaging that is fit for purpose can help to minimise packaging waste by ensuring you only use as much packaging as necessary. This will help you to deliver savings in packing materials while ensuring your products are well-protected in transit and storage.

Trend 3: Increased Customer Expectations

Packaging plays a big part in delivering a positive brand experience in a competitive e-retail environment. You can deliver the WOW factor that your products deserve by presenting your brand inside the box.

Even a small change can make a difference. Printed tape is a great way to build strong brand awareness while being a cheaper alternative to custom branded boxes.

Trend 4: Reducing Costs in the Supply Chain

The speed of your packing operation is crucial in a busy e-retail environment. Consider switching to a semi or fully automated packing process in 2016.

Alternatively, packaging solutions such as crash-lock boxes will help to cut costs and significantly reduce packing time in your manual packaging operation. They can be easily assembled by pushing the opposite corners towards each other, speeding up your packing operation.

Rationalising the range of your packaging, such as different size boxes, will also help you to save on storage space and cost.

To find out how Macfarlane Packaging can help you prepare your packaging operation for the year ahead contact us today.