Hey there! On the hunt for some packaging trends? Well you've come to the right place - here at Tiny Box Company we're something of an expert in this, so we thought we'd put together a guide on all the latest gossip in the big wide world of boxes, bags, and accessories. From sustainable solutions and minimalism to personalised packaging and bold, retro patterns, there's something here to suit any and all businesses - so are you ready to take a closer look? Let’s go!
1. Eco-friendly everything
Sustainability is no longer just a nice-to-have - it’s a must these days. Today’s customers are very very aware of their environmental impact, and they're looking for brands that match those values. The good news? Sustainable packaging doesn’t mean compromising style. Level up your eco-game with eco-friendly materials - think kraft packaging, recycled boxboard, acid-free tissue paper, wood pulp ribbon, etc.
Customers also love it when packaging is practical, especially if they can use it for something else after they’ve unboxed their goodies. It’s the trend of packaging with a purpose, and it’s perfect for eco-conscious brands. Tins can be used over and over and over again, and luxury boxes and bags can also be repurposed by customers at home, whether it's to organise their desk space, or if they want to pass on the gift giving experience to someone else!
And when it comes to sustainability, another trend that goes hand in hand is minimalism. There's more on what this means for design a bit further down, but when it comes to materials, cut down on anything unnecessary when packing your goodies and let your product speak for itself - no need for tonnes of filler if it's just filling empty space in a too big box.
2. Personalised and custom touches
Who doesn’t love a little personal touch? Adding a dash of your personality to your packaging can be a game-changer, especially for small businesses that want to stand out from the crowd. But how do you do it without blowing your budget? Glad you asked - how about some accessories?
Printed stickers or ribbon with your brand colours and logo, or a seasonal design, add character and charm, and these make sure customers remember you long after their purchase. Other accessories that can be customised include gift tags and note cards - both of these can be branded with either foil or digital printing, or you can handwrite your own message!
And of course you could brand the box or bag itself, again with either foil or digital printing, whether you want a simple logo on your packaging or a full colour, vibrant design. Whichever way you go, these touches make your packaging feel special and even more bespoke (because that's the point, right?).
3. Less is definitely more
As mentioned above, less is more is a big trend at the moment in packaging. Minimalist designs (like the one on the right) can give your products a chic, high-end look, conveying a strong sense of luxury.
With fewer graphics and more negative space, minimalist designs can feel modern, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool. Embrace this trend with neutral colour palettes, like white, black, grey, and earth tones, and keep any fonts simple and easy to read. This is also an easy way to keep your costs down - no extra bells and whistles needed over here!
4. Bold colours and unique patterns
Now, for those who prefer a pop of personality, don't worry - bold colours and unique patterns are trending, too! Bright, cheerful colours are eye-catching and make unboxing more fun, because who doesn’t love a bit of fun? Combine a few bold colours like apricot crush orange and magenta pink to create an energetic, youthful look, and geometric shapes, lines, and colour-blocking are fresh and trendy too without feeling over-the-top.
And don't forget about the seasons - from holiday-inspired colours to summer brights, updating your packaging for the season can create excitement and make customers feel like they’re getting something special and limited-edition. While you're here, check out our blog here on 2024’s top Christmas colour palettes to find out how to make your packaging festive - from classic reds and greens to playful blues and oranges.
(Go bold with orange for summer wedding packaging, and how cool is this Christmas advent calendar gift box?)
5. Nostalgia and retro vibes
Remember the joy of opening a beautifully wrapped gift as a kid? I sure do! Nostalgia is a pretty powerful thing, so have a go at tapping into it with some retro-inspired packaging. Do this with some old-school fonts, stamps, or retro-style icons that will give your packaging a cosy, timeless feel, or opt for muted colour palettes, like soft pastels, vintage greens, and faded oranges.
Nostalgia is also a particularly big trend for autumn - have a read of our blog here on how to use it to spice up your packaging for the chilly months.
Patterns like florals, polka dots, and vintage stripes can also create that perfect nostalgic touch for warmer seasons - and these ideas work especially well if your products have a homemade, artisanal feel. It’s like a warm hug for your customers, reminding them of simpler times (because who doesn’t need that nowadays?).
6. Interactive packaging and QR codes
And finally - why not make your packaging into an experience? Interactive designs are becoming popular ways to keep customers engaged long after they've opened the box - for example, a quick scan of a QR code could lead them to a thank-you video, product tutorial, or exclusive discount code. You could also include your social media handles on your boxes and bags and encourage customers to tag you and share their unboxing videos online. These ideas add a fun twist and encourage customers to engage with your brand in a more meaningful way - also providing a great opportunity to drive traffic to your social media and help build a community!
So, what’s your next move?
With so many exciting packaging trends to explore, there’s something here for any business. Don’t feel pressured to overhaul everything at once - try incorporating one or two trends that resonate with your brand and work within your budget. Small changes can have a big impact after all - so happy packing!