As the year begins, we're preparing for new product launches, revamped packaging designs, and the thoughtful custom packaging designs that the year will inevitably bring with it. We anticipate seeing designs push creative limits this year, especially as supply chain issues resolve and post-pandemic purchasing habits and marketing plans continue to shift to a more sustainable, albeit innovative, space. 

There's never been a better time for brands to create effective, imaginative custom packaging. Knowing the trends will certainly help brands break the mold and stay ahead of their competition. Below you'll find five packaging design trends we expect to see throughout the year. 

Maximalist Design With A Premium Appeal 

In 2023, we project that brands will create custom packaging that hosts bold, bright, and maximalist designs. Packaging has taken a bland, minimalistic approach in the past few years. However, we believe consumers are ready to move past the white space and into designs that wonderfully and colorfully represent brands' ethos. And while maximalist designs are predicted to take custom packaging designs by storm, these designs will still emit a premium appeal, one that's not kitschy but instead takes maximalism into a refined, sophisticated space. 

In our fast-paced world, consumers' attention spans are short. Still, maximalist packaging designs have the potential to make an immediate impact, inspiring consumers to make a buying decision without having to spend a lot of time considering other options. This trend will manifest through holographic colors, bold typography, pattern designs, interesting color combinations, and unexpected materials producing compelling textures. 

Kraft Paper Packaging 

We expect 2023 to be the year of kraft paper, especially for custom packaging. The neutral and earthy colors lean into a perfectly imperfect aesthetic, expressive of the down-to-earth approach that consumers are craving. In a world that forces a sense of a perfectionist mindset, kraft paper emits a much-needed breath of fresh air within the packaging space. 

This kraft paper will find itself within the packaging, replacing plastic and packing peanuts. Still, we expect an increase in outer box designs implementing the organic brown paper. Not only does kraft paper feel more approachable, but it can also create a refined yet handcrafted aesthetic, reflective of the consumer shift to shop small and support local. 

Sustainable Design

Sustainable design is a predicted trend for 2023 and, hopefully, infinitely moving forward. Consumers are expecting brands to move in a sustainable direction, and ethical and biodegradable packaging designs are a way for brands to showcase their commitment to sustainability. Because consumers want to purchase sustainably, we're predicting brands and organizations to create custom packages with materials such as paper, wood, pulp, and mushroom. As a result, we will start seeing far less plastic within packaging design. Yet, just because design is predicted to be more sustainable, it doesn't mean that we will just be seeing green, brown, and white hues. 

In 2023, sustainable design will be innovative, colorful, and, while smart, still pushing creative boundaries from a visual perspective. So yes, materials will be more sustainable, but the designs we're predicting to see won't exclusively include raw, organic undertones. 

Pull Tab Element 

In the same vein as sustainable design, we're predicting more brands to implement mailer boxes with pull tabs. These tabs are a clever way to reduce plastic waste while maintaining a refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Plus, this packaging technique inspires consumers to interact with packaging designs experientially. This is an unexpected design technique that adds a playful yet elegant element to any custom packaging design. 

Reimagined Delivery Through Packaging Design 

Creative and innovative packaging has always been popular; there's no denying its immediate purchasing power. However, because of social media and the power of viral TikTok videos, we're seeing an entirely new wave of innovative packaging design and custom packaging. Throughout this next year, we're predicting packaging designs to take inspiration from new spaces altogether to reimagine the delivery of products. For example, in the past months, we've seen olive oil packaged in squeeze bottles, completely altering the olive oil market. We've also seen sunscreen presented in a whipped cream canister, proving creative potential and the power of playful design. 

We're excited to see the potential of packaging design unfold throughout the next year. From custom-printed boxes to custom packaging, we at YEBO are ready for the creative limits to be pushed. Whether you're a startup or a big corporation, the Yebo Group can help tell your brand's story through effective packaging design by providing the industry's most advanced custom packaging options while keeping the most up to date design aesthetics and styles in mind.