Top 4 Packaging Design Trends to Look Out For in 2023

We've seen how important e-commerce has become in our daily lives over the last few years. The pandemic altered purchasing habits and reinforced the fact that consumers have more options than ever before.

It's never been more important for brands to use effective, eye-catching custom packaging; one way to do so is to stay up to date on upcoming design trends. Get a head start on the competition by investigating four packaging design trends we anticipate among brands in the coming year.

Go Big or Go Home: Maximalist Styles

Minimalist packaging, also known as the "less is more" approach, has reigned supreme as the dominant style trend among many consumer brands for many years, and it's easy to see why. Minimalist packaging is accessible and comfortable for consumers, with clean lines, 1-2 neutral colors, and simple iconography.

While minimalist packaging continues to be a popular design and branding aesthetic (for example, Collapsible Magnetic Gift Box), Gen-Z consumers prefer maximalist designs with bright and bold colors, gradient palettes, flashy typography, and intricate details. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, this new sense of creativity and fun is catching the attention of consumers who are tired of the basics. In a crowded product category, minimalist packaging can effectively differentiate your brand.

Use Nostalgic Packaging Designs

Don't underestimate nostalgia's power. Researchers discovered that nostalgia can have a significant impact on consumer purchasing behaviors. As a result, a retro revival is emerging in the world of packaging design. A growing number of brands are channeling the aesthetics of previous decades, such as the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Retro-inspired designs are effective because they evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth in consumers. To appeal to nostalgia, brands can use playful references, bold colors, and typefaces on their packaging. Poolside vacation.

It's time to get crafty with Kraft Paper

The use of Kraft material in packaging is a growing trend that we expect to explode in 2023. Brands are opting for Kraft's rustic and raw appearance, as the brown pigment can add a luxurious look to even the most basic designs. Because of the material's natural and earthy appearance, sustainable-focused brands frequently use Kraft packaging to portray eco-friendly initiatives. Because Kraft does not have a coating, pastel colors will appear faded or as a different hue.

Return-Ready Mailers for Customer-Forward Packaging

Innovative brands are expanding their packaging arsenal with return-ready, tape-sealed shipper and mailer boxes. These box styles are beneficial for e-commerce brands that consider reverse logistics as part of their supply chain process because they are designed to make the returns process easier for the end consumer. Nike is a global brand that recently used a return-ready, tape-sealed shoe box style for a limited-edition shoe launch.

Aside from making it easier for customers to return items, using tape-sealed boxes saves money and increases security. Brands can save money on labor and materials by not using glue, tape, or staples to secure the box. Tamper-proof tape strips provide secure closure for added product protection, while a built-in tear strip facilitates end-user opening.

Explore our ASAP Mailer collection, which includes four different mailer box styles to choose from, to leverage tape-sealed boxes for your brand.