• Businesses will be seeking ways to reduce their packaging costs in 2023, but it is important to consider the impact of packaging on the entire supply chain in order to achieve higher savings
• Packaging will increasingly become a sensory experience, using materials that are pleasant to touch and that reflect and respect cultural customs and traditions.
• Connected packaging, which uses QR codes or NFC technology to create an interactive consumer experience, will be a key trend in 2023. This can enhance the unboxing experience and gather data on consumer behavior.

01. Cost reduction 

Businesses will look for ways to cut packaging costs in 2023, particularly as the retail industry experiences a living crisis. However, it is essential to have a comprehensive strategy that considers how packaging affects every aspect of the supply chain, including storage, transit, damages, productivity, management, and customer experience. Instead of concentrating just on the unit price of packing materials, this can result in more significant savings.

02. Multi Sensoriality

With the use of materials that are pleasing to the touch and that respect and represent cultural norms and traditions, packaging will become more and more of a sensory experience. Packaging will also be essential to address societal issues and satisfy the demands of varied consumers.

03. Connecting with consumers and data

A significant trend for 2023 will be connected packaging, which employs NFC or QR codes to create an interactive consumer experience. The unpacking experience can be improved, consumer behavior data can be gathered, and physical and digital touchpoints can be synchronized.

04. E-commerce and suitable cardboard boxes

As the popularity of online shopping increases, there will be a demand for packaging supplies like bespoke cardboard boxes suited to particular products' requirements. Due to its durability and resistance to damage during shipping, corrugated cardboard is a popular choice for e-commerce packaging.

05. Sustainability 

The packaging sector will continue to place a high premium on sustainability as businesses and consumers become more aware of the adverse effects on the environment and society. Utilizing lightweight, recyclable, and biodegradable materials can help reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. 

06. Personalization

Customers' involvement and loyalty might increase with customized packaging catered to particular customers or market segments. Custom printing and packaging design may be included. However, it's crucial to take into account logistical and technological difficulties as well as sustainability objectives.

07. Lightweighting 

In 2023, lightweight packaging will be popular since it can lower shipping costs and environmental effects. To do this while maintaining protection or function, it may be necessary to use lighter materials or optimize the container design.

08. Reusability and returnability 

In 2023, reusable and returnable packaging will be a hot topic since it can reduce waste and increase sustainability. This could entail adopting simple, clean, and reuse packaging, like containers or bags, or putting in place processes for gathering and returning packaging for recycling or reuse.

09. Circular economy 

In 2023, paying attention to the circular economy will be essential, which entails developing goods and packaging for both reuse and recycling. Closed-loop systems that enable packing to be gathered, cleaned, and reused, as well as readily recyclable or repurposed packaging, may be utilized in this.

10. AI and automation 

In 2023, the packaging sector will continue to be impacted by automation and artificial intelligence, which could result in more effective and affordable procedures. This could entail automating package production or optimizing packaging design, but it's essential to consider any potential effects on employment and the demand for qualified personnel.

11. Digital transformation 

In 2023, the packaging sector will continue to undergo a digital transformation that could create new efficiency and innovation opportunities. The use of digital tools for design, production, logistics, and data analysis may be included. Still, it is crucial to consider any potential effects on data privacy and cybersecurity.

12. Collaboration and partnerships

To handle the complex difficulties facing the packaging industry in 2023, collaboration and partnerships will be crucial, both within the sector and beyond industries. Providing novel solutions and promoting change may entail collaboration with suppliers, clients, regulators, and other parties.

The packaging industry will face various opportunities and challenges in 2023 that necessitate creative and sustainable solutions. From cost-cutting and multisensory to e-commerce and appropriate cardboard boxes, the trends of 2023 present exciting opportunities for both businesses and consumers. To balance the requirements of the present with those of the future, it is crucial to carefully analyze the potential effects of these trends on the environment, economy, and society. We can develop a packaging sector that is more sustainable and inventive that benefits everyone by embracing these developments sensibly and efficiently

If you would like to find and work with packaging suppliers that can integrate the upcoming trends into your packaging, reach out to us. At Packmatic, we can help you find the most suitable supplier at ease.