31 Jan Trends in labels and packaging for 2023

2023: trends in labeling and flexible packaging

The year has just begun and surely you are asking yourself: What are the trends in labeling and flexible packaging for 2023? Here we present a compilation of sector reports and those novelties that are going to be most popular this year. Keep reading so you don’t miss out on any of them:

Sustainability

Consumers are increasingly looking for products with sustainable packaging and labels, made from recyclable and biodegradable materials. According to the study by the National Federation of Retailers, 57% of consumers are willing to change their purchasing behavior in order to help reduce the negative environmental impact. This, together with other aspects such as the new tax on non-reusable plastic packaging, has made sustainable packaging and labeling essential for companies.

We find trends in sustainable labeling and flexible packaging in 3 areas: the use of new, more sustainable materials, new label and sleeve formats that reduce the carbon footprint and facilitate recyclability, and packaging that promotes social sustainability.

1. Materials for more sustainable labels:

In this area, the main trends in labeling and flexible packaging for 2023 are the use of the following materials:

• 100% biodegradable film: A new biodegradable version of the popular palletized or shrink-wrapped films. It decomposes naturally in a short time and is food safe.
• Recycled and FSC paper in labels: A growing use of recycled paper labels. We offer the possibility of printing labels on recycled paper or with the FSC seal.
• Thickness reduction in all types of materials (plastic and paper): Improving the sustainability of plastic or paper by reducing its thickness without reducing its ability to protect and present the product. At Rieusset we are specialists in reducing the thickness of all kinds of materials for flexible packaging and labels.
• Roll labels: A more sustainable option as they use less material due to being 10 microns thinner. Our company is a specialist in printing roll labels due to speed and efficiency in production.

• Using only one material facilitates recycling and is more sustainable because it requires less energy and resources in the production process.
• Bioriented polyethylene. This type of plastic is increasingly popular in flexible packaging due to its high rigidity, effective sealing, product protection and the creation of hermetic flexible packaging, but above all because it is 100% recyclable.

2. More sustainable label formats

An interesting trend towards the use of new formats that reduce the use of components or that offer improvements for their recyclability has also been detected:

• Linerless labels. By not using a liner, the use of raw materials is reduced by more than 15% and CO2 emissions in its manufacture by 50%. At Rieusset we have developed this technology and we have homologated it in order to be prepared for the massive introduction of the product in the market.

• Sleeves with pre-cuts to improve recyclability. In this way, the final consumer can easily remove the label from the packaging and deposit each component in its corresponding container, facilitating separation at source. We offer the option of adding V-shaped longitudinal and transversal pre-cuts in any type of sleeve. In addition to being a more sustainable resource, it offers possibilities as creative as this sleeve from Del Monte:

Via Designer People

3. Packaging that promotes social sustainability

Finally, in the area of sustainability there is a growing interest on the part of companies to be more socially responsible, thus offering new solutions:

• Transparency. Beyond environmental sustainability, consumers also value social sustainability. For this reason, they expect maximum transparency from brands and want to know how products are produced and where they come from. This year we will see more labels with detailed information about the origin of the ingredients, the process and the production chain, the proximity of the suppliers, etc.

Via We are mucho

Consumer experience

Labeling and flexible packaging go further and seek to offer added value, creating a special bond with consumers. This takes place through labels and flexible packaging that offer an experience to the consumer, favoring participation, brand memory and loyalty.

Let’s have a look at the main trends in labeling and experiential flexible packaging:

• Labels and flexible packaging with scents in rotogravure. Packaging no longer only contains, protects and informs, but also smells wonderful, thus creating surprise in the consumer and increasing loyalty.

Our I+D+I team, in collaboration with a company that makes scented capsules, has developed a new process of rotogravure printing of scented labels and flexible packaging. The scented capsules do not break during the printing process and the encapsulated scent stays in the packaging until it reaches the final consumer. Without a doubt a unique experience.

Vía Interpack

• Photochromic and thermochromic inks. In 2023 we will see more labels and flexible packaging with hidden designs and promotions that are revealed when they are removed from the freezer or while being consumed. For example, in ice cream.
• This year it is expected that the more traditional sectors will join the personalization movement, increasing the identification and connection between the brand and the user – an experience that will make the brand more relevant. For short runs of personalized labels, at Rieusset we use digital printing.
• The use of technologies such as QR codes or augmented reality helps brands offer unique experiences to consumers through their labels and flexible packaging. For example, QR codes offer multiple options: special promotions, additional information about the product, sharing videos, opinions about the brand or product, downloading music, etc. The use of these codes allows consumers to interact with the brand in a new, different and original way.

Via Kit Kat

In the Gerosa Group we are leaders in adopting industry trends, working on innovation and technology on a daily basis in order to offer the latest trends and the best quality to our clients. Do you want to innovate in your packaging? Would you like to apply any of these trends? Contact us – we will be happy to help you.