Unique Trends in Packaging [Feb 2022]

In this blog we are exploring more unique packaging markets that are up-and-coming or expanding due to current trends. From meal kit and coffee packaging to specialized segments in e-commerce, here’s some top trending markets and the role of the packaging industry.

To-go Food Packaging

The revolution of to-go food is here to stay. Apps like Uber Eats and Door Dash allow people across the country to order food, groceries, and more within a few minutes. It’s not uncommon to see special parking for delivery services and grocery pick up services at stores and dining establishments. This has opened up a need for more options and more efficient solutions for to-go packaging.

Coffee Packaging

People are having more coffee at home these days for a number of reasons. Some coffee shops were not able to open up after Covid creating less options. More companies have entered the retail space with regard to coffee and natural caffeine options. Consumers can buy in bulk instead of buying individually at coffee shops. People also got used to drinking coffee at home during Covid and perhaps have new preferences. Prepackaged coffee options are going to win in 2022.

Meal Kit Packaging

During Covid people have gotten used to eating more meals at home. With more meals at home, meal kits have become more popular. There’s also more companies selling meal kits online and reaching customers due to people becoming more comfortable buying food online. This is not limited to e-commerce. We also see more meal kits and pre-packaged food choices on the shelves in grocery stores. Many people will continue working at home long term which means lunch at home – having meal kits and pre-packaged food choices are convenient for this crowd.

Online Sellers

In this case we are not referring to big e-commerce stores. Alternatively, small e-commerce sellers are making a big impact. Marketplace websites like Etsy have invited people to start their own store with limited barrier to entry. If you have something you want to sell, chances are you can set up an online shop and sell it. These individual sellers need packaging materials to efficiently send their products to their customers. This market will continue to grow in 2022.

Pet Food and Accessories

Throughout Covid we saw many stories of animal shelters adopting out all of their cats and dogs. People really turned to animals to keep them motived, optimistic, and happy through this time. Even before Covid people have always loved having pets at home: Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This is up from 56 percent of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted. When it comes to packaging, there is a high demand for pet food packaging (bags, cans), in addition to packaging for accessories. Taking it further, with e-commerce playing such a vital role in consumers’ lives, e-comm-friendly packaging is important for this industry.