31 Jan Labeling and packaging trends 2024

Index of contents:

• • New technologies applied to labeling
  • Sustainability: a priority for consumers

We start this new year off with clear objectives, enthusiasm and the desire to continue improving and giving the best of ourselves. As always, in order to remain at the forefront of our sector, it is time to ask ourselves what the labeling and flexible packaging trends for 2024 are.

Here’s a summary of industry reports and new developments that are expected to gain popularity in the coming months. Read on to make sure you don’t miss any of them.

New technologies applied to labeling

There is no doubt that new technologies are going to be very relevant in 2024. Their application in labeling and flexible packaging has experienced significant growth in recent years, and it is expected to continue to be an important trend in the industry during 2024.

Some of the ways in which technology is going to be used in this area include:

1. Increased interactivity with consumers. One look at supermarket shelves is enough to see that it is becoming increasingly common to find labels and flexible packaging that integrate technologies such as QR codes, augmented reality and image recognition to create interactive experiences.

Interactive packaging has led to the creation of more attractive and personalized experiences for consumers.

2. Personalized design. Machine learning algorithms offered by artificial intelligence can analyze large amounts of societal data to better understand preferences and behaviors. This information can be valuable for adjusting marketing strategies and, of course, creating personalized label designs and flexible packaging. This allows brands to create packaging that is more attractive and tailored to the preferences of their audience.

Additionally, at Rieusset we have digital printing in order to offer personalization in labeling, sleeves and flexible packaging.

3. Traceability and transparency. Both the administration and society demand more information and transparency with regard to the origin, quality and sustainability of products. In addition to complying with regulations, brands are increasingly aware that the more transparent they are, the more loyal their customers will be. The answer to this situation is the application of new technologies, such as RFID or NFC tagging.

These types of labels allow sharing information about products in real time through QR codes, barcodes or other systems – information such as supply chain, ingredient origin or preservation status in real time.

Ultimately, the application of technology in labels and flexible packaging seeks to improve efficiency, personalization and interactivity, as well as the brand experience. In addition, it offers great benefits in terms of inventory management, supply chain and waste reduction, among others.

Sustainability: a priority for consumers 

As explained by Mintel in Global Consumer Trends 2024, society is facing an existential climate threat, which demands a radical and collaborative response. Consumers are recognizing that a passive approach to the climate crisis is not enough in order to deal with climate challenges. Sustainability can no longer be a simple selling point; brands must move towards continuous innovation and tangible solutions that will have a positive impact on the environment.

This is even more relevant as distrust of the environmental initiatives of brands is increasing due to malpractice by many companies that have been greenwashing. Many brands are now seeking to reverse this mistrust by openly communicating their sustainability practices and demonstrating measurable impact.

At Rieusset we work with labels and flexible packaging made with more sustainable materials and formats to ensure that the brands we work with can adapt to society’s stringent demands, such as:

• Biodegradable film. A new biodegradable variant of the well-known palletized or shrink films. It decomposes 100% naturally in a short time and is suitable for food packaging.
• Recycled paper and FSC® certified paper. We provide the option of printing labels on recycled paper or on paper with the FSC® seal, thus contributing to more sustainable practices.

• Thickness reduction in materials such as plastic and paper. We reduce thickness without compromising the ability to protect and present the product. We are specialists in the reduction of thickness in various materials used in flexible packaging and labeling.
• Roll labels. Opting for roll labels is a more sustainable alternative, since by being 10 microns thinner they use less material.
• Mono-materials. The use of a single material facilitates the recycling process and is presented as a more sustainable option, since it requires less energy and resources in the manufacturing phase.
• Bioriented polyethylene. This type of plastic is gaining popularity in the flexible packaging field due to its high rigidity, effective sealing, product protection and the ability to create an airtight flexible package, as well as being 100% recyclable.
• Linerless labels. By eliminating the liner, we achieve a reduction of more than 15% in the consumption of raw materials and a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions during their manufacture. At Rieusset, we have developed and homologated this technology, preparing for its massive implementation in the market.

• Pre-cut sleeves to improve recyclability. These perforations allow the consumer to easily remove the label from the container and deposit each component in the appropriate recycling bin, thus facilitating separation at source. At Rieusset we provide longitudinal and transverse V-shaped perforations in any type of sleeve.

At Grupo Gerosa we stand out for being at the forefront in the incorporation of the latest trends in the sector. We invest in innovation and technology on a daily basis to provide our clients with the latest trends and the highest quality. Are you interested in giving your packaging an innovative touch? Would you like to implement any of these trends? Don’t hesitate to contact us; we will be delighted to help you.