Packaging design has come a long way in the past few years. With more and more companies competing for attention, it is becoming increasingly important to have an eye-catching and memorable package.
Research shows that the more unique you packaging, the more likely consumer will take a picture and share it with their friends on social media. This in turn is free marketing for you!
In 2023, we can expect to see even more innovative and creative designs as brands try to set themselves apart from the competition. Some of the biggest trends will include using unconventional materials, incorporating bright colors, and bringing back cartoon charm.
Unconventional Materials
The use of unconventional materials for packaging has become increasingly popular in recent years as people are more aware of the need to reduce their environmental impact. Consumers now want sustainable, eco-friendly options that don’t compromise on style and appearance. As such, a variety of biodegradable or recyclable materials have emerged as attractive alternatives to traditional plastic packaging designs. Bamboo, cork, and rice husk are some of the most popular choices due to their natural beauty, durability, and sustainability.
Bamboo grows quickly with minimal water usage, can be harvested without causing any destruction to its environment, and is both biodegradable and recyclable.
Cork is also lightweight yet resilient; it provides effective insulation against moisture and has a unique texture that stands out on shelves.
Rice husk is another unique material for packaging – it’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly resistant to water absorption making it ideal for wet products like shampoo or detergents.
Unconventional materials for packaging offer numerous benefits ranging from environmental friendliness to enhanced branding potential – allowing brands to stand out from their competitors while supporting sustainable production methods.
Bamboo Packaging Options:
Cork Packaging Options:
Rice Husk Packaging Options:
Ecstatic Colors
Using ecstatic colors for packaging design can offer a unique and exciting way to capture attention. This trend is great for creating an eye-catching, vibrant look that makes any product stand out on the shelf. By combining playful and highly saturated hues, designers can create an energetic and cheerful atmosphere with their packaging. The overall effect of these bright, bold colors is sure to draw people in and leave a lasting impression. Ecstatic color combinations are especially effective when used in combination with creative typography, detailed illustrations, and captivating textures. Not only do they make products more visually appealing, but they also inspire positive emotions in viewers by evoking feelings of joy and optimism.
Bringing Back Cartoon Charm
When it comes to packaging design, businesses have the opportunity to create a unifying theme with cartoons. This type of charm and nostalgia has been widely popular as of late, leading designers and brands to incorporate cartoon graphics on their product packaging. By bringing back cartoon elements, businesses can tap into that magical feeling associated with childhood memories. In 2023, minimalistic hand-drawn cartoons become increasingly popular for product packaging design. This look adds a sense of whimsy and lightheartedness to the brand’s aesthetic — one that customers are sure to remember long after they make the purchase. Instead of polished animations, these hand-drawn cartoons embrace imperfections and add a unique quality that is both endearing and memorable.
Additionally, incorporating classic comic strips helps brands evoke nostalgia from previous decades and genres. The art style associated with this trend is also great for editorializing stories, giving consumers an interesting story behind each product they purchase. With just a few cleverly designed cartoon graphics, businesses can take their packaging design to the next level while providing customers with an emotionally engaging experience.
Additionally, if your product is better understood to the retail consumer when visible rather than pictured or explained on a box, clear thermoform packaging allows the consumer to view your product while it stays protected in the package. Retail features such as hang-holes and formed feet can be included in the clamshell design allowing the package to either hang or stand on a shelf.
Tactile Textures
Tactile textures are becoming an increasingly important part of packaging design, allowing brands to make their products stand out from the competition. The use of textured packaging adds a luxurious feel that is often associated with high-end brands. Embossing, debossing, die-cuts and foil printing are all popular methods used to create uniquely textured surfaces on packaging. Not only do these techniques add visual interest and depth to the overall design, but they also work together to elevate the perceived value of the product.
Wrap-Around Patterns
Wrap-around patterns are a popular choice when it comes to packaging design. The primary benefit of this trend is the visual interest it provides, as the continuous flow of graphics wrap around each side of the package. This encourages shoppers and consumers to pick up and explore the product, as they are intrigued by what lies in store.
Aligned on a shelf, this can create a wow-factor visual when spotted on retail shelves.
Vintage
As the world continues to rebuild in the aftermath of the pandemic, vintage style graphics are making a comeback in various aspects of design, especially in packaging design.
In 2023, ’70s vintage-style packaging will be more popular than ever. This trend will feature earthy color schemes, often with hues of browns and oranges as well as bubbly fonts and unique patterns. It aims to evoke a sense of comfort, familiarity and individualism. F
or brands looking to make an impact on consumers through meaningful packaging designs, vintage packaging is becoming a highly sought-after aesthetic choice. With its versatility and unique appeal, it has the potential to be one of the hottest trends for 2023 packaging design.
If you’re looking for some packaging design inspiration that will reflect the current mood of your customers, take a look at these latest trends. Keep in mind that trends are typically short term and will likely be replaced by something new next year – so it’s important to stay on top of the latest changes NOW. Have you seen any other packaging designs this year that caught your eye? Reach out to PAX Solutions and let us know; we’d love to help bring your vision to life.