For a complete packaging design, an optimal digital online version is becoming increasingly important in addition to the point of sale. But sustainable packaging is also becoming increasingly important. Find out what intelligent concepts there are to help packaging be reused in a meaningful way. 

Trend development of online packaging and campaigns 

The online version is characterized by a reduced design and is limited to essential information. Unpacking the delivered order (“unboxing”) should be an experience for the customer, at least for high-quality consumer goods, despite the rational, automated ordering process.  

But otherwise, with products shipped in bulk, packaging materials, stickers, adhesive strips, or folders can leave a lasting positive impression on the consumer. 

It is also important to keep online buyers loyal to the product and entertain them on social media with packaging campaigns. For example, limited and eye-catching editions such as Nutella.  

By the way, every product has the chance to establish itself as a lifestyle brand: whether elegant, emotional, or functional. Depending on the task and target group, a lot is possible to achieve a premium appeal, whether with patterns or decorative elements or deliberately reduced in a purist way. 

Sustainability in reusable product packaging 

Dealing (more) consciously with nature, paying attention to resources, and thus taking responsibility for the future is one megatrend. Whether for print products or especially for the packaging, it is essential to develop new concepts for a “second life” with additional, intelligent, and sustainable functions for the later use of packaging. Product packaging offers excellent potential for the art of transformation, as some sustainable concepts show: 

• Cosmetics or cleaning agents filled in porcelain instead of plastic 
• Cardboard trolleys filled with lawn fertilizer or sparkling wine for first use 
• Reusable plastic buckets for paint, varnish, or food 
• High-quality outer packaging made of corrugated cardboard for cosmetic products 
• Posters that only become visible when sticky business cards are peeled off 
• Plastic bags from fashion chains that are prepaid and provided with an address for donating used clothing 

Final Thoughts 

The reuse options give users confirmation of the purchase or additional identification options with the products. By dealing with them and using them for a long time, the brand messages attached to them also get deeper into the minds of consumers. 

Reusable packaging is less noticeable in terms of design because people characterized by the requirement for sustainable action prefer or expect more natural pastel colors and a look that looks handmade, such as hand lettering in the typography.