Packaging News You Can Use

Would you buy food that wasn’t packaged? @ http://is.gd/85lyY

I don’t get these articles. Truth is stores get their goods shipped to them in packaging. It’s misleading to say no packaging is involved. And get this you the consumer is paying the ultimate price for damaged goods or unsalable product because of no packaging!!

New packaging technology doubles sushi shelf life. http://bit.ly/dbQrc6

Is that a good thing? Extending the life of sushi? Who’s ready to volunteer?

The brand, the package, the story and the worldview, packaging as sales tool – http://ow.ly/16HOn

I was very excited to see this article. Its rare that someone with media clout sings the praises of packaging. Its usually the opposite that they rant and rave about the bane of product packaging.

Companies Rethink the Box: The State of Green Business 2010 http://ow.ly/17tNv

An update on some of the latest green and sustainable packaging innovations. Of course if you have been following me you know them already.

Tags: extended shelf life, green, packaging, packaging innovations, packaging technology, Seth Godin, sushi, sustainable, Unpackaged

Gone are the days of packages sitting prettily on the shelf. There is too much competition so companies are looking for unique ways to engage the consumer. Much of this revolves around interactive packaging and social media where consumers are engaged through secondary actions. Smart or intelligent packages that help you make an informed decision or at the very least point you in the right direction. The mobile consumer is the target of much of these packaging innovations.

This field is in its infancy but statistics bear out that this type of package marketing is the wave of the future and is only limited by marketer’s imagination.

Recent Examples:

Augmented Reality

Via Notcot.com

Together with a camera and display screen, the software lets LEGO packaging reveal its contents fully-assembled within live 3D animated scenes.

2d Barcodes Engaging the Consumers In New Ways

Cheetos mobile site is Spanish

The Frito-Lay subsidiary in Mexico called Sabritas used a 2D bar code on special Halloween version of Cheetos packages to engage consumers.

Application can automatically launch a specific mobile Web site and deliver downloadable content.

Packaging Redesign Through Utilizing Social Media

Via Mashable.com

Here’s a new twist. VitaminWater used Facebook to build this brand and its flavor? What else could it be called but “Connect.”

I see new packaging videos everyday on YouTube too. Either explaining the packaging or making fun of it and in some cases engaging you in a decision.

One caution about these innovation packaging technologies, consumers are already overloaded as you will see in a future trend. There is only so much input a consumer can digest given the fact they already see thousands of marketing messages a day.

Packaging Phrases To Watch For In 2010:

• Augmented Reality
• 2D Barcodes
• Social Media
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Smart Packaging
• Intelligent Packaging
• Nanotechnology
• YouTube

Tags: Biodegradable, Bioplastics, Bioresins, Compostable, eco friendly, Extended Producer Responsibility, greenwashing, Precycling, Recyclable, Repurposed, sustainable

Packaging accounts for 30-35% of the waste stream and consumers are concerned what to do about it. They are demanding less packaging and that serves a secondary purpose or can be recycled or reused.

Many even want to just leave it at the store and retailers such as Tesco are accommodating them with bins at the front of the store. The growth of eco friendly or green packaging is outstripping conventional materials. A recent study says that growth for sustainable packaging will double. It seems that every company is seeking a “greener” packaging alternative and new products and new ideas are surfacing everyday.

Consider the 6/R’s in environmentally friendly package design in future package development.

Refill: Have a container that can be easily refilled with products using a lot less packaging material.

eco refill® Up to 85% less plastic*!!…Sounds unbelievable right?

Reduce: That is use less packaging where possible.

Via PopSop.com

From Glass To This Flexible Pouch Saving 97%. Further conversion to a secondary product like this example below.

Recycle: Partner with a company that will turn used packaging into something else.

Example: Teracycle

Reuse: By products in packaging that can be used over and over again.

Example: Refillable water bottles.

Eliminating any type of packaging from the waste stream. That is until the bottle breaks

Renew: Consider using packaging from the renewal natural resources.

Example Cargo Plant Love (plantable container)

Paper impregnated with seeds that you plant.

Repurpose: Design the packaging with another purpose in mind after it has been consumed.

Example: Packaging that turns into other useful products.

This entire unit is self contained within the packaging.

Whatever option you choose ensure your packaging aligns with your core eco message. Because of increashed “greenwashing” scrutiny be prepared to validate your green packaging claim.

Packaging Phrases To Watch For In 2010:

• Recyclable
• Compostable
• Sustainable
• Biodegradable
• Bioplastics
• Bioresins
• Greenwashing
• Repurposed
• Precycling
• Eco-friendly
• Extended Producer Responsibility

Tags: Biodegradable, Bioplastics, Bioresins, Compostable, eco friendly, Extended Producer Responsibility, greenwashing, Precycling, Recyclable, Repurposed, sustainable

Its always hard for me to choose a “best of” because there are some many criteria impacting product packaging. But every month there are a few outstanding examples of innovative product packaging.

So here are my picks for Oct:

FreshCase: wine box design by Constellation Europe

The lightweight box holds the equivalent of three bottles (2.25 litres), while using the same shelf space as one bottle, and keeps wine fresh for six weeks. This looks amazing for space utilization. Now if the wine is just as good as the package.

Products in packaging pouches for kids that don’t spill and are portable. This is such fun packaging even grown ups will like it

Innovative packaging snacks for vending machines. A whole new category opportunity for the fresh produce industry providing the packaging does its job.

A new concept in pizza boxes which has remained virtually unchanged for years. It reduces waste and promotes recycling.

This patented invention is that fact that the Green Box is made from 100% recycled cardboard. There is also the option for a vegetable-based coating.

Tags: fresh produce, green, packaging, packaging innovation, sustainable, vending, wine