Nosco is committed to helping its customers navigate the current and future impact of COVID-19 on printed packaging. Continue to follow this blog series as we navigate relevant topics in the space during this time of crisis.
This blog features insights from Nosco’s Director of Marketing, Heather Nimmer.
As we round the corner into the month of August, it is still uncertain what the true state of the printed packaging industry will be post-pandemic. However, leading trend analyses show that there are several packaging opportunities that brands should consider moving forward.
WINNING DESIGN
Standards are high when it comes to packaging design. In fact, many experts report that successful packaging design will need to win in the following areas in order to rise to the occasion post-COVID-19:
- eCommerce Compatibility
- Sustainability & Responsibility
- Hygiene & Safety
- Cost
- Performance
- Convenience
To support these efforts, Nosco’s Solutions Engineering team is working on developing solutions like standard packaging suites and antimicrobial coatings to help our customers’ packaging succeed.
RETHINKING PLASTIC
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought health and safety to the forefront of consumers’ minds,” says Mintel. As such, brands will need to innovate with environmentally-responsible packaging that conforms to health and safety best practices.
That being said, in the world of packaging… plastic is back, at least temporarily. As the safe and mandated choice for many retailers / distributors, plastic is being used to maintain the safety of food, water and medical supplies across the board. Because of this, brands are being urged to embrace “responsible packaging” – even if it means using plastics. “Now is the time to push plastic to benefit health and hygiene,” says Mintel.
Moving towards plastic? Check out Nosco’s labeling capabilities to help compliment plastic primaries with on-pack messaging.
INCORPORATING FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
Flexible packaging is also on the rise, maybe even more so than plastics. In fact, it is proving to be a popular primary packaging solution that accommodates quick turns for products like hand sanitizers and more:
- Sealed Food & Beverage
- Infant Formula
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Medical Devices
- Diagnostic Tests
- IV Solutions
Additionally, as consumers are taking caution when it comes to refillable and bulk opportunities (due to fear of contamination), brands are turning to flexible packaging for:
- A more sustainable option (compared to plastics)
- One-time use pouches, stick packs, sachets and more
- A quick-turn packaging option with standard materials
Click here to schedule a FlexPack Lunch & Learn to learn more.
THE RISE OF ECOMMERCE
With product shortages across the country, consumers are purchasing whatever is available – wherever they can find it. This gives brands the opportunity to increase their eCommerce presence and gain loyalty for future, post-covid times.
The Numbers
- 48% of consumers indicate that they are increasingly shopping online due to COVID-19.
- 67% of consumers say they are limiting their time spent in-store.
- There has been “strong growth” in online ordering for home delivery and grocery services.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Now is the time to optimize your printed packaging for the current market climate, eCommerce and beyond. Contact a packaging advisor today to discuss Nosco’s standard packaging options, antimicrobial coatings and more.
Sources: McKinsey, Mintel
