Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

Which Trends Will Dominate Packaging Design in 2021?

Equator Design Senior Creative & Strategy Director Howard Wright explains those trends that will harness the groundswell of new product innovation and refocused messaging of 2020.

Trends Blocks

Howard Wright, Senior Creative & Strategy Director UKL & IE, Equator DesignHoward Wright, Senior Creative & Strategy Director UKL & IE, Equator DesignIt always happens during the first few months of the year that trend predictions seem to come fast and furious. In truth, trends are constantly emerging and fading, and sometimes—as in the case of COVID-19—we see them accelerate and take on fresh prominence and relevance.

Currently however, a discussion of trends does seem particularly timely. Retailers and producers, and even a fair number of packaging designers, are working hard to pin down the trends that are likely to dominate the coming year.

They will be asking: “Which trends are likely to harness the groundswell of new product innovation and refocused messaging of 2020? Which are likely to help a retailer to lock in and build on the market share they earned as a result of shifting consumer loyalties?

Following are just a few of the trends likely to deliver those sought-after outcomes for CPG players in 2021:

Sustainability

One of the positive aspects of 2020’s locked-down lifestyles and working from home regimes was that it gave people a fresh perspective on how our normal patterns of commuting and travel impact our natural environment.

Climate change and the role of every individual in living more sustainably to make a positive difference has resurfaced as a key political priority and media theme—with many hoping to recover lost ground after the plastics binges (the countless masks, cleaning wipes, and plastic wrappers) seen during the pandemic.


Learn now emotion tracking technology is making its way into packaging research for effective design. Read the article here.


A focus on sustainability can be seen across both national brands and retailers’ own branded ranges with renewed energy into removal of avoidable plastics from packaging, such as in greeting cards and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report
Explore our editor-curated report featuring cutting-edge coding, labeling, and RFID innovations from PACK EXPO 2024. Discover high-speed digital printing, sustainable label materials, automated labeling systems, and advanced traceability solutions that are transforming packaging operations across industries.
Access Report
Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms
Looking for engineering services? Our curated list features 100+ companies specializing in civil, process, structural, and electrical engineering. Many also offer construction, design, and architecture services. Download to access company names, markets served, key services, contact information, and more!
Download Now
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms