Let it be said, secondary packaging is still essential. Yet it has not won, at this time of sustainable development and with the advent of the almighty consumer in full awareness. From the omni-channel revolution, to the impact of e-commerce and environmental issues, secondary packaging is changing and is becoming a leader in innovation.
From President Emmanuel Macron, who wants to make France a country that is “leader in hyper-
innovation” to the ambitious programmes of the large groups of CAC40, through start-ups, major technical advances are the new Eldorado 4.0. Growth
vector, innovation is the guarantor of the success of our companies, it offers a decisive and vital competitive advantage. What about the players within
packaging? And especially what's new?
Artificial intelligence is presented as a new industrial revolution. Involved in many sectors, it disrupts the industrial world and makes its entry, in different forms and for different uses, into packaging.
What is artificial intelligence? In what context does it invite itself in the world of packaging? What does it have to offer to the packaging professionals?
A key step in the creation of new packaging, prototyping concentrates multiple know-how to prepare for a successful manufacturing and marketing. The
technologies used will be different, depending on whether we prototype primary or secondary
packaging, but also according to the uses that will be attributed to the prototype. Traditional manual
techniques, like the new technologies, coexist in this essential stage of accompaniment to creation.
Long considered a challenge, or seen as a gimmicky solution without a future, the small series has grown well. In a highly competitive market, brands seek to distinguish themselves and customisation perfectly meets their needs. As far as the packaging professionals are concerned, the phenomenon of made-to-measure has gained momentum; machine manufacturers, printing specialist, set designers, design agencies, everyone is concerned by this mini revolution.
In recent years, inks with thermo-sensitive and thermo-chemical solutions have undergone scrutiny. Health scandals, security issues ... The agri-food and pharmaceutical sectors have been the subject of much publicity. Fortunately, thermo-chemistry has been able to find the solutions. Real answer to the issues of health, or just a simple marketing gadget? Let's unveil this new generation of inks ...
Whether it is for food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic products, the question of sealing is paramount. For the packaging professionals, as well as for brands, the container plays many roles: from safety to aesthetics, to practical issues, packaging must be impervious to criticism and to problems. Without a quality container, the content is nothing!
The theme of customisation of packaging, has been, for several years, the most talked about. It invites itself to all the packaging fairs, certainly integrated into the flagship lines of their programmes, others giving conferences and round tables. Personalization was at the heart of the Pack & Gift (Paris, June 2017), marked with the three key words “Packaging, promotion and personalization”, which opened with the conference “Personalisation: a ‘Weapon of Mass Seduction’ for brands”.
Few industries can pride themselves on collecting so much know-how, technology and innovation. Whether it’s marketing, engineering or production, packaging players are constantly competing to design new tools. Between performance research, sustainable development and cost reduction, a return to an industry worthy of the character of MacGyver!
Who speaks of high-end packaging, says metallisation. As environmental and economic issues increasingly affect the packaging industry, how do specialists in metallising work to reconcile technical performance, cost reduction and sustainable development? A major challenge for companies that must also satisfy the brands in search of a unique packaging capable of attracting the eye of the consumer. A return to the main trends of a traditional technology in view…
Printing technologies are constantly evolving and transforming industrial production. From the reduction of costs, to the simplification of the process through the environmental dimension, companies are multiplying their innovations. That would make even Gutenberg blush!
From using virtual bottles in the design phase, to digitally created decorations through 3D modelling and digital printing, perfume containers are rapidly evolving to adapt to market constraints. From the thumbnail sketch of a bottle on paper, with the added possibility to choose a decoration in a photographic rendering, or with the texture of porcelain on the container of the glass of perfume, what is the future of the bottle in the digital era?
In the cosmetics and perfume industry, the sampling market moves with the transformation of patterns of consumption. From free samples inserted in magazines to miniatures reproducing the actual product, the minimalist packaging industry is constantly innovating to keep pace with consumer expectations.
According to a recent survey, 85% of people who have access to a free sample, open it to test the product. And 90% of consumers have purchased at least once, a product discovered through a sample. Aware of the challenge of this sales channel, the brands have offered for decades these test doses, included in a press support, mailbox drop or given during a purchase either in-store or on-line.
In a multi-sensory approach to packaging, visual impact is not enough. The sound, smell and touch are all essential to attract consumers. From scented labels to musical boxes, through to the effects of soft and enveloping materials, or the luxurious and the amazing, the idea is to bring maximum pleasure to achieve the bring about the purchase.
The label is an ambassador, the first connection between the brand and the consumer. It includes all the issues associated with it. In a changing economic and regulatory environment, paper labels, sleeves or cloth must be traceable, secure and easily recyclable. The French label market has experienced a growth phase during 2010-2014. Today the demand is changing like that within package.
