Even if you’re just a small outfit that requires a limited amount of labels or packaging material for your product, the truth is that the packaging and label market is one that is in high demand worldwide. In fact, it’s estimated that the label industry alone will generate up to $110 billion in sales in 2015. That’s a lot of labels!

Since the labels on packaging is a crucial factor in consumer purchase decisions, it’s critical that marketers keep up to date with these emerging trends. Below, are a few key trends we’ve identified in the labels and packaging market for 2015:

Environmentally friendly/sustainable labels– Gone Green? So has the label and packaging industry. As consumer environmental awareness concerns gain momentum, using eco-friendly packaging and labels steadily increases as a factor in consumer decision-making. Some of the current trends include:

• A continued demand for paper stocks made with post-consumer waste and recycled content.

• Use of plant-based plastics – Plant-based plastics, usually from corn or sugar cane byproducts, are an excellent way to reduce the usage of traditional petroleum-based products in favor of a sustainable and more eco-friendly alternative.

• Energy minimization – Another trend in the packaging and label industry is the minimization of energy used in their production cycle. By taking a careful examination of the amount of energy used to produce labels and packaging and reducing the amount used at each stage, you can not only decrease your carbon footprint but also make significant savings.

Clean/Clear Labels – Thanks to Apple, Inc., the minimalist look is in and so is the clear, “no-label look”.  These “clean” labels are often transparent (sometimes referred to as “crystal clear”.  They give the illusion that the print is direct on the container while, at the same time, they allow the consumer to have an actually “transparent” look at the contents.  

• According to Persona Design, “clean labeling places an emphasis on companies using wholesome and organic ingredients, a lack of artificial ingredients, and the absence of harsh or damaging processes or ingredients.” They go on to note that the label copy often includes certified third party assurances that address the responsibly managed resources and organic/natural product claims of the product.

Braille Labels for the visually impaired – According to the American Foundation for the Blind, at least 20 million people in the US are suffering from vision loss. Label manufacturers, which usually print solely according to graphics, are beginning to understand the need to address this underserved market.

• Braille Labels – With the recent changes to the global standard of pharmaceutical packaging that now calls for the mandatory inclusion of braille labels, it’s now critical for companies to cater to the visually impaired customers.  Companies such as CVS Health have already fully incorporated these and other changes that will help visually impaired customers, which also include producing audio and large print labels.

Mobile Integration –Simply said, smartphones dominate.  Now  1.75 billion persons around the world own a smartphone, and that includes the label and the packaging world. It’s no surprise that the industry is looking to capitalize on the popularity of the smartphone with new technology. For example:

• Johnny Walker Blue Label, which has used Near Field Communication (NFC) to create an interactive customer experience for any consumer with an NFC, enabled smartphone. In addition to increasing customer satisfaction, other applications of this technology include anti-counterfeit measures as well as real-time product tracking. Want to know more about NFC labels?  Check out our rundown on the benefits and uses of NFC label technology.

So that’s a few of the latest trends we’ve seen. How about you? Do you know of any cool trends that you think the packaging and label industry is bound to follow in 2015 and beyond? Let us know in the comments section below.

Do you have a label that needs to get with the latest trend?  We can put that extra “oomph” in your label print packaging that will be sure to separate your product from the rest!  Be sure to subscribe here for more informative articles like this direct to your inbox.

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