Creative and innovative custom packaging designs that we see evolve over the years got us thinking about the materials we will see as the industry grows. So, we came up with a list of eight trendy materials to expect in 2022. We will discuss different packaging materials like plastic, bio-plastic, cardboard that you can use to make printed playing card boxes, any many other materials that you can use to different kinds of packages.
Bioplastic – Furan Resin
Made from plant-based raw materials such as corn, beets, or sugarcane, bioplastics are 100% recyclable and biodegradable. They’re versatile and can be used for various types of packaging: containers, closures, films & sheets, and injection molded products, among others. With so many businesses now offering bioplastic sustainable packaging solutions, it’s only a matter of time until we start seeing more custom printed packaging made with bioplastics.
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate)
This is a good material. It comes from renewable sources like sugar cane and corn starch, and it can be used to make plastic that is strong and durable. This type of plastic is made from plants. You can make it into 50% less petroleum-based plastic. The bioplastic is 100% recyclable and will break down after you throw it away, but if possible, it should be recycled with other types of plastics.
Aluminum Packaging
Aluminum is a good metal for containers. It is light, it does not corrode, and it blocks out all forms of moisture like humidity and liquid water. However, aluminum has become an expensive choice these days as other materials offer similar properties at a substantially lower cost.
The metal is also difficult to recycle and process, making it far less sustainable than plastic. Despite some problems, aluminum is still an attractive choice for small businesses. It is durable and shiny. You can combine it with other materials to offer the best of both worlds: lightweight and durable.
Paper Packaging
Years ago, glass was a popular option for people before plastics. But now it has found a new life because of the organic lifestyle and more people are trying to be eco-friendly. More companies are making paper packaging for things like cereal boxes. They’re trying to make it good and strong. Bioplastics are suitable to make it even better and last longer.
Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak is a company that makes food for people to eat. They make the packages out of paperboard and plastic. The company’s products are recyclable everywhere because they use uniform materials. More and more manufacturers are using recycled material and in years to come, there will be less concern about where packages can go for recycling.
Uflex and Bio-Flex
UF and OF are plastics that are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They are like water bottles. They’re more flexible than traditional plastics. And 3D printers can use them because they work with UV light without any changes. Compared to other UP alternatives, such as PCL, UP is recyclable. It can be recycled easily. PLC is not recyclable. That means that if people want sustainable solutions, they will buy UP and other products like UF and OF.
This type of material is used for many different products. For example, it is used to make bags for tissue paper and food packaging. We can recycle or reuse the packaging after we use it.
Corrugated and Composite Paper
Paper and corrugated fiberboard are popular for rigid case packaging. Paperboard is suitable to make cups, plates, bowls, and napkins. These are less energy-hungry than other options. Paperboard is also good for the environment because it uses less energy and creates fewer greenhouse gases because of all the paper products you use to eat with. Also called board or liner board, these substrates come in various weights with higher grammages delivering increased stiffness.
There are many reasons why these materials are so popular. They are widely available and relatively inexpensive, but they also have other benefits. Manufacturing paper-based materials cause more emissions than other options. But you can reduce these impacts by using recycled or sustainably harvested material.
Glass
Glass is a traditional packaging material that is popular for centuries to protect products from damage and contamination. These glass containers are popular in many different industries. You can use these containers for beer, spirits, wine, cooking oil/vinegar/soy sauce/salad dressing, pickled foods, fruit drinks/nectars, and dairy-based desserts (ice cream). Glass containers are also good for spices and nuts (including coconut water), cosmetics.
Wood
Wooden crates have long been used as an eco-friendly packaging solution in many industries. Lumber companies often have material left over at the end of the workday that is perfect for new packaging. Crates are often used for packaging wines, cheeses, coffee beans, and craft beers. One company that utilizes wood crates as a key component of its packaging strategy is Redneck Nutz, which packages its roasted-in-shell peanuts in wooden crates – perhaps one of the most natural ways to brand nuts!
You will see that trends come and go, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow along. Make your packaging design eco-friendly, reusable, or even just what appeals to you.
Cardboard Packaging
Cardboard boxes are popular for packaging because they have anti-static features and are strong. They last a long time without breaking. You can decorate them with stamps or foil stamps, which can be done by hand or with machines. So, this material is a perfect option for custom printed cardboard packaging.
Conclusion:
Overall, we expect manufacturers of custom packaging to increasingly use sustainable alternatives, such as bio-based or biodegradable plastics. This will be a result of the increasing demand for sustainable solutions from consumers and government regulation on waste management systems.
As the article states, manufacturers are turning to bio-based plastics because of consumer demand and government regulations. It is important to note, however, that “bio-based” does not mean biodegradable. There are several companies out there attempting to create a truly biodegradable preform using, but so far, their efforts are yet to yield any real-world results.
I hope after reading this post, you will have a better understanding of the definition of biodegradable plastic and how it relates to preforms. We welcome your feedback, so please drop us your comments or questions below!