Changing Trends in Food Packaging Under COVID-19 Crisis

Covid-19, social distancing, and sustainable options have become common terminology these days. Under such circumstances, food packaging companies need to make significant changes in the packaging and delivery model to meet customer expectations and behavior in a post-COVID world.

Rich Group — among the leading printing and packaging companies —are paving the path to creating a world of innovative packaging.  

For one thing, we see food packaging suppliers leaning towards simplified and faster options when driven by a need to fulfill heightened consumer demand. As we emerge from the pandemic, here’s what we predict in communication, collaboration, and interaction between customers and food packaging manufacturers in India:

• Sustainable options to be reconsidered

Sustainable packaging is the new norm taking into account by those in packaging. It requires analysis to reconsider packaging design, materials used, and life-cycle. The packaging option here could be custom made printed corrugated boxes, PP/PVC/PET carton, folded boxboard carton, etc.

Retailers and customers’ may also have to shift towards pre-packaged items, such as fruit and vegetables in poly-coated boxes, rather than buying them loose. Such options will be considered safe by consumers.

• A rise in demand for e-commerce products

Other sectors of the packaging industry will see stronger growth as buying habits evolve into long-term behavior change.

Other retailers who may not have traditionally had a strong online presence, will be now forced to shift their business model to e-Commerce to ensure survival.

The demand for folded boxboard food packaging will increase, which will also help in building brand image and stabilize the quality until the food is delivered at the doorstep. 

• Substitution effect

New foodservice giants and local restaurants (even those that never had a digital presence) alike have launched their delivery systems to cater to the long-term customer demand. 

The challenges shared between the food packaging industry and technology can be now woven into an inclusive integrated approach. An industry of great manufacturing potential, business leaders need to come up with automated processes to streamline a sustainable community together. It is time for corrugated box manufacturers, Met-Pet carton manufacturers, and food packaging manufacturers in India to get creative.

For innovative ideas on food packaging, get in touch with Rich Group.