the PACKAGING TRENDS OF 2022


The close of the year is here, and every new year brings a new set of trends to consider for your brand’s packaging. 

Here are 8 packaging trends that are sure to dominate 2022. 

8 Packaging Trends

#1. Protective Packaging 

In 2020, it was COVID-19. 2021 was the Delta Variant. Heading into 2022, it looks as though the virus will continue its appearance: the Omicron variant. 

The last two years of masks, shutdowns, and fear have made protective packaging more important than ever before.

Consumers are looking for products with protective packaging that will keep them safe from viruses and bacteria.

Shrink sleeves used as tamper evident neck bands can ensure that no one tampers with a containers’ contents before purchase. Full body over-the-cap sleeves can provide that same security plus a layer of packaging that can be easily removed, leaving an untouched surface behind; since packages are handled by countless people between the production line and the final consumer, this can be a great comfort to those who are worried about germs. 

#2. Staying Ahead of the Supply Chain Issues by Adding New Suppliers

2021 revealed that the supply chain can be an unpredictable beast, and it won’t be tamed heading into 2022. Supply chain chaos is predicted to linger till at least mid 2023. 

Brands affected by the insane lead times know this truth far too well: expanding suppliers will be a MUST heading into 2022. 

#3. Tech Packaging 

Packaging is getting smarter. 

Technology like virtual reality, augmented reality, and smart QR-Codes, have all been implemented into packaging across all markets. 

And guess what? Consumers are loving it. 

But aside from the obvious benefits that technology offers, like increased sales or brand awareness,  packaging technology is now also offering new features like counterfeit protection, which can save brands significant amounts of money, protect their consumers, and foster consumer trust. 

Contact us to see samples of this new anti-counterfeit packaging technology. 

#4. Transparent Packaging

Consumers want transparency from the products they’re buying. 

Transparency in ingredients, transparency in the story behind the brand, and with some products, literal transparency–seeing the contents inside the packaging.

A clear, honest, and well-organized format of all ingredients, along with a heart-warming story about either the team or  the production process, will reassure consumers that the brand is authentic, and that the product can be trusted. 

Likewise, a shrink sleeve window or clear container with a partial body label will satisfy consumers’ desire to see the actual goods they are purchasing: the coloring, quantity, size, texture, and so on. 

#5. Flexible Packaging 

Flexible packaging has steadily increased in popularity. 

The reason? It’s incredibly convenient to store, to open, and to reseal. 

With its simplicity, versatility, and ease of use, we expect to see flexible packaging  in our yearly packaging trends report for many years to come. 

#6. Minimalist vs Maximalist 

Should brands attract consumers through simple, clean, soft, and aesthetically pleasing packaging designs, or demand attention from consumers through bold, loud, and strong packaging designs? 

Heading in 2022, both minimalism and maximalism are trending. So which one should brands choose? 

There are two strategies to consider for brands deciding on a packaging direction: 

  1. Know the audience - Review what’s worked in the past or host focus groups and see which they prefer more, displaying both a minimalist and maximalist version of the packaging design. 

  2. Know the Competition - This can go two ways. First, brands can look at their successful competitors and see what they’re doing well and learn from them. If a successful competitor is using a maximalist approach to their packaging, then it might be a good idea to do the same. No need to reinvent the wheel, right? 

    On the flip side of that, if every competitor is indeed using a maximalist approach, then a minimalist design can differentiate a product from the sea of competition and catch a consumer's attention first. This is exactly what Chobani accomplished with their massive rebranding back in 2017.

This can be a hard decision to work through. Do your research and consider working with a strategic packaging consultant to make the best decision for your brand.   

#7. Vintage 

Vintage packaging holds a special place in all of our hearts because it takes us back to the good ol’ days.

Beyond sentimental value, vintage packaging also conveys authenticity and history, which makes a brand trustworthy.

#8. Sustainable Packaging

There should be no surprise here. 

Sustainability has been a trend for several years, and by the looks of it, it’s only going to pick up more steam in the years to come. 

Consumers want sustainability. In fact, several studies have shown that more than one third of consumers are willing to pay MORE for a product that is more sustainable. 

How Does Your Packaging Match Up?

After seeing the 8 packaging trends for 2022, how does your brand’s packaging match up? 

If you’d like to take a competitive look, whether it’s with new solutions, sustainability, supply chain security, or design, our team would love to help:

  • Step 1. Schedule a complimentary packaging consultation with one of our packaging experts. We will walk you through the different solutions available and help you determine which would be best suited to your products.

  • Step 2. We’ll send you complimentary samples to test.

  • Step 3. We’ll provide you with a quote. 

Simply fill out our contact form, email us at info@tangopackaging.com, or call (844) 33-TANGO [82646].


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Managing the Supply Chain in 2022 and 2023: Suggestions For CPG Brands

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Labeling Your Canned Products: The Pros & Cons of Direct Printing vs. Shrink Sleeves