Nowadays, there's more to packaging than just product delivery. The modern consumer demands product packaging that adds value to their overall buying experience, whether that's through sustainability or personalization. With the right product packaging, businesses can stimulate engagement with their brand and increase customer satisfaction, while reducing costs. Here are some packaging trends to incorporate into your product packaging in 2016:

On Demand Packaging

If you're not already utilizing on demand packaging, it's about time you do so. For those who aren't familiar, on demand packaging allows you to create a custom-sized box in real-time, specifically for the product you need to ship. This means you no longer need to ship your merchandise in boxes that are too large for the product. Using a box that's too large poses a greater risk of product damage, as the items are more likely to shift during shipment. Oversized packages also require the use of void materials, such as packaging peanuts, which can be displeasing to customers. Companies that utilize on demand packaging solutions minimize their use of corrugated cardboard and other packaging materials for more environmentally-friendly packaging solutions.

Sustainable Packaging

Today's consumers are more environmentally-conscious and expect businesses to be the same. This means going a step further than using the smallest sized box possible. Many customers want to shop at brands that tout sustainable practices in all areas of the company, including product packaging. Your business should be utilizing recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable materials in its product packaging, as well as materials that the customer can repurpose. For instance, Dell pioneered using bamboo cushions to replace foam in their packaging, while Puma replaced the traditional shoebox with a sustainable, reusable shoe bag called the "Clever Little Bag".

Personalization

Along with sustainability, consumers demand product packaging that's unique and personal. Personalization enables companies to reinforce their brand, differentiate their products from the pack, and better appeal to and connect with consumers on an emotional and intellectual level. Coca-Cola nailed this approach when it launched its customized name cans as part of the "Share a Coke" Campaign. Other examples of personalized packaging include Bud Light's NFL themed cans, Corona Extra's limited edition boxing cans, and Snickers' "You're Not You When You're Hungry" campaign, in which the brand's iconic logo was replaced by 21 different hunger symptoms.

Design

Your product packaging provides an opportunity to increase the visibility of your brand, showcase your personality and communicate your values. Product packaging is reflective of your brand; a package that incorporates your brand's theme, colors and logo will appear more upscale and offer a special opening experience for your customers. You can even add your branding to the interior of the box to deliver a branding message where it's least expected. Just be sure your packaging remains consistent.

Both businesses and consumers can benefit from utilizing these product packaging trends for 2016. With these techniques, your company can satisfy the evolving demands of consumers and make your brand stand out in a competitive market. 

Packsize International, LLC (packsize.com) is a provider of sustainable packaging solutions for businesses. It is a pioneer of the On Demand Packaging® method which enables businesses to package products in-house on their own time, save costs, and diminish corrugated cardboard spend.