During the height of the pandemic, retail workers and manufacturers had to completely change the way they handled physical items. New sanitation requirements and cleanliness procedures demand that everyone is a little more careful with packaging. This has no doubt created a standard for the next normal for packaging design.
What new trends have emerged as a result of COVID-19? What will safe and sanitized custom printed bags look like? The industry has totally reshaped what hygiene and sustainability look like. Here are just a few of the new trends and features to look forward to.
The Single-Use Fad
Staying in quarantine has been a long and lonely journey for most people, and it has been especially hard to remain indoors. During that time, the number of take-out orders and deliveries skyrocketed. As a consequence, the number of single-use bags and packaging has also been on the rise. While many fear the long-term impacts that single-use packaging can have on the environment and consumers, it has also encouraged manufacturers to use more sustainable materials.
This has also encouraged manufacturers to create tamper-proof packaging, making it easier to stay completely clean and hygienic throughout the packaging and shipping process. Printed information has also been included inside the bags to explain what clean practices are being used.
E-Commerce Trading Tools
E-commerce has been on the rise since its inception in the late 90s and early 2000s. But the pandemic truly put the popularity of Internet shopping to the test, creating plenty of more uses for custom bags and printed materials. Industries that haven’t already made the switch to e-commerce definitely did so as a result of COVID-19.
One part of e-commerce that has also shifted dramatically is contact-free deliveries. This aids manufacturers and retailers in maintaining safety standards while delivering products to people in a timely manner. Not only has this boosted efficiency of packaging and delivering, but it has also created a new way to tell your story through bag branding.
The End User Effect
When designing a new package, keep these new megatrends in mind. Your end-users, or consumers, can make or break your branding depending on how wisely you advertise yourself. In this era, communication is key. Make sure to:
- Assume every product should be available through e-commerce.
- Design packaging based on the fact that people will see it when it is delivered to their homes.
- Address sanitization practices with an insert in your packaging.
- Understand the implications of creating new packaging during COVID-19.
Remember that the motto “Safety First” is more important than ever when it comes to designing your packaging. Customers want to see that you are paying attention to their needs and that you are taking all precautions to make the retail process clean and safe. This will help you gain more respect and recommendation within your communities!
Higher Standards are the New Normal!
There has been growing concern about the industry’s impact on the environment as well as what measures can be taken to reduce waste during the manufacturing process. Now, there is the added concern of hygiene and safety in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Staying apprised of new megatrends may seem like a chore, but as soon as you understand how you can change your brand to focus on these trends, you will find more success with your customers.
At APlasticBag.com, we make wholesale retail packaging easy. From custom-printed bags to branded packaging, you can offer your consumers a new way to follow your lead. Keep up with hygiene practices and communicate effectively with your customers to send a clear message. Visit our inventory or custom-printed solutions today!
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