As we head into another New Year, companies in every industry are looking ahead to consumer habits and how this will shape the business year ahead.
Healthier choices
It seems that the UK’s focus on more wholesome food isn’t just part of the health kicks often promised within New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, a survey launched by the British Nutrition Foundation revealed that 62% of Brits have made a change to their diet to get healthier since 2020. It therefore follows that the hospitality and catering industry will see a rise in healthier pre-prepared meals like salads, pasta pots, and other recipes with more fruit, vegetables, or balanced sources of protein. Restaurants, cafes, and other venues may therefore see a rise in demand for takeaway packaging like salad bowls, noodle boxes, and sushi trays to make these popular healthy menu items more readily available.
Eating on the goAs we gradually return to work in office spaces after the pandemic (whether this is in a full-time or hybrid capacity), more people are getting back into the routine of eating on the go. Sturdy, secure takeaway food packaging and disposable cutlery will therefore be more in demand as people are picking up food to go on their daily commutes, whether it's the train journey to or from work or fitting in a quick snack before the next meeting. Food businesses will therefore need to respond by supplying plenty of takeaway packaging and cutlery that lets loyal customers enjoy their food whenever they like within a busy schedule.
On-the-go eating has also made a comeback due to the return of large-scale events after the pandemic. Whether it’s music festivals or big work conferences and exhibitions, more people are feeling safer about returning to events post-lockdown, and with this will come a growing need for convenient, portable food packaging in large quantities. This is something that catering companies and packing businesses alike will need to keep in mind as we go into 2023.
Sustainability
As social awareness about protecting the environment grows, customers are increasingly valuing sustainability in the companies they patronise. In fact, 82% of UK adults feel that companies use too much single-use packaging when delivering or selling their products. Creating delivery or takeaway products that are certified biodegradable and compostable, recyclable, and generally kinder to the planet will therefore continue to be a key trend in the packaging industry in 2023 and beyond.
Recyclable packaging is a step in the right direction, but this may be difficult for consumers to dispose of correctly if they don’t have access to proper recycling facilities. Biodegradable and compostable alternatives may therefore be more highly sought after this year, as these can be disposed of more easily. Made of natural materials such as cardboard, wood, or palm leaf, these renewable packaging alternatives are sure to become increasingly popular as consumers place more and more value on sustainable practices. Therefore, businesses should look for certified industrially compostable disposables, as these are the most eco-friendly choice.
Bespoke branding
According to Macfarlane’s Unboxing Survey, 41% of consumers stated that branded packaging would encourage them to purchase from a retailer again. Creating bespoke branding is therefore a worthwhile investment that all companies should consider when aiming to retain customers in 2023 and beyond.
Similarly, as brand exposure becomes more reliant on avenues like social media, displaying the name or logo of a business on items like takeaway cups, containers, and bags is an excellent way to gain some free promotion. As a result, custom packaging is proving to be a popular and effective packaging trend that allows businesses to elevate their brand recognition and the overall appearance of their products.
Connected packaging
As well as companies prioritising bespoke, branded packaging, in 2023 the industry can expect to see more use of connected packaging. This is one of the growing trends in brand marketing that combines physical packaging with a digital product, for instance by scanning a QR code or NFC (near-field communication) chip with a smartphone. Whether the brand decides to attach a song, video, recipe, or accompanying discount code to the product, it’s a particularly effective way for companies to create a virtual experience for the customer.
According to SharpEnd’s Connected Experience report, as of 2021, 79% of consumers had already engaged with some form of connected packaging. One reason why connected packaging is becoming more popular is that, due to the rise in online shopping, it is often the customer’s first physical interaction with the brand. This can therefore make more of an impact on new customers when in-person retail experiences are generally showing a decline. Secondly, much like bespoke branding, creating an engaging packaging experience can often result in some positive promotion for your brand if consumers go on to share this on their social media.
Leanne Osborne, Managing Director UK, BioPak comments:
“From innovations like connected packaging to bespoke branded design, there are some key trends that the packaging industry will see as we head into 2023. One of the most influential, however, is the consumer desire for more sustainable, biodegradable, or recyclable packing materials.
“The return of large events and daily commutes is also set to influence the packaging industry in the upcoming year. Catering companies will need more takeaway containers and cutlery in higher quantities, while businesses from large retailers to independent food brands are set to need more packaging for healthy, on-the-go meals like salad bowls or sushi trays.”
For more information, please visit https://www.biopak.com/uk/