The Chetan Jain Column: Designing for the future

When we consider innovation and trends happening in the packaging industry, the sky is the limit. We heard next to impossible innovations in printing machines, inks and substrates, mostly regarding sustainability.

A lot of these are still out of reach, yet to be commercialised. Sometimes they lack practicality. Yet, I consider the packaging industry as one of the most creative in the world.

During the initial years of my career, I have learnt that things which seem impossible to me now are temporary, and in the coming years will serve as wonderful solutions. 18 years of my experience is full of amazement, and I want to share a few of these wonderful solutions with you.

Here are the innovations and trends that are unsettling the market and creating growth opportunities. Of course, I am going to point out innovations in flexible packaging. The innovations, which are explored by a few packaging managers, can provide unmatched benefits to the consumers. 

Expiry inks: Specialised inks used in packaging are usually invisible but change colour when the perishable item inside them expires. This helps reduce wastage. 

Edible alternatives: Flexible packaging made up of cellulose, fibre, or starch is becoming popular. Natural materials like algae, plant fibres, and seaweed are already available in the market. 

Smart packaging: Integrating smart packaging technology into shrink sleeves opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing consumer engagement, product safety, and supply chain management. 

Radio-frequency identification (RFID): This technology uses radio waves to identify and track objects. 

Bio-nanotechnology/composites in packaging: Utilising bio-nanoparticles in shrink sleeves enhances mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties. These films provide better protection against moisture, oxygen, and UV radiation, improving stability and shelf life. 

Augmented reality (AR): Much like the other benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and AR tools in our lives, flexible packaging with augmented reality provides us with virtual product demonstrations, product information and storytelling, virtual try-ons or visualisations and games and contests. These features increase customer engagement to the next level.