Consumer buying trends have been changing rapidly because of technological advancement people are demanding more choices. Brands are moving toward customized packaging, whether it’s cosmetics, apparel, jewelry, or any other industry. To survive in the market and to prosper they need to be easily identifiable to their target markets and also to be visually attractive to the potential customers.
Several fundamental factors are fuelling this need for customization in packaging.
Consumer desire for self-actualization and individualization
The present generation millennials and Gen Z, need customization in every aspect. They are in the era of technology where they have an opportunity to get individualized items so mass production is not meaningful to these groups. So brands are forced to adapt to customized packaging to attract consumers. When the consumer gets personalized and unique packaging even the unboxing becomes something to enjoy and also post it on social media and this will attract the maximum people.
The Rise of E-Commerce
Nowadays people prefer shopping online. For e-commerce businesses, packaging is the most integral part. Customized packaging helps in building strong relations with customers. When the customer receives the order the presentation and the initial exposure to the product create the first and the long-lasting impression. Companies add amazing artwork, personal messages, and inserts to engage customers and make them satisfied
Supporting Brand Identity Goals
Packaging is the first impression of the product and people perceive the product usually by its packaging. High-quality packaging means high-quality products that depict the brand’s image. Brands invest in the packaging as it creates the image that brands want to portray. To strive in the competitive environment custom packaging is the solution and the demand of the customers. It differentiates the brand from others and also makes a strong relationship with the customers.
The Proportion of a Short-Run Customized Packaging
Custom boxes were easy to manufacture when done for bulk orders rather than for small quantities because of tooling costs and manufacturing efficiencies. But now due to the technological advancements in digital printing and supply chain solutions, it can be possisssble for small brands. Now new start-ups or independent creator can also afford customized boxes even for their promotional stock or limited items. Technology makes it possible for brands to try different designs or even to target specific focused consumer segments.
Trends in Developing New Techniques for Customization in Packaging
The packaging industry is innovating day by day. Technology helps in making the whole process efficient, providing flexibility and also accessibility of custom packaging solutions.
Digital Printing –
A decade ago brands couldn’t get custom packaging for short-run. Conventional methods like lithography or flexography do not incur the setup cost thus providing the option for the small brands to also use customized packaging. Brands can now enjoy customization by changing the designs quickly.
Inline Embellishments –
With the technology now packaging get another shape with beautiful embellishments. So inline embellishments systems have been evolved which add the foils, finishes, and textures even the special inks. Automated units helps in improving the packaging such as Digital printing helps in efficient and effective printing.
Web-to-Print Platforms –
Technology has gifted the packaging industry with ease such as web-to-print platforms this will help to create packaging by using internet. Now brands can easily choose the material, sizes, finishes and they can also use their own images and graphics this make possible for DIY branding.
Smart Packaging Technologies
Now with the help of technology smart custom packaging is more in demand such as adding QR codes, NFC and RFID. This will help the brand to communicate with the customer, to provide additional information. The main advantage is that consumers can track their packaging where ever in supply chain which also enhance the security and consumer experience. QR codes in the box also offer product information and even to initiate loyalty Pharmaceuticals and other high-value consumer goods use NFC and RFID tags to manage their inventory, anti-counterfeiting measures and also for product authentication.
Advanced Design Software
Now advanced technology makes it easy to get custom packaging. Advanced software helps the designer to create the packaging image in 3D also experiment with different themes, and colors, and share it with the customers to make real-time adjustments. This will not only give customized designs but also speed up the process reduce the likelihood of errors and save the extra cost
It helps in aligning the final product with brand goals and market demand as the technology helps to easily communicate and share ideas between the designer, marketer, and manufacturer.
Warehouse & Inventory Management Technologies
So many advanced technologies are being used to get customized packaging even in the less amount. Using automated storage, and retrieval systems, supply chain technology aids in providing affordable and efficient custom packaging. So it can be easily seen that the future is of custom packaging.
