Top 5 eCommerce Packaging Trends of 2022

As more people look online to shop, packaging is becoming an increasingly important touchpoint for brands. It’s no longer just a way to get your product to your customers safely, but an opportunity to deliver an experience and engage with your customers. To help you upgrade your unboxing experience, we break down the top 5 eCommerce packaging trends of 2022.  

Sustainability and sustainable packaging has fast converted from trend to the norm in the eCommerce industry. With the push toward APCO’s 2025 packaging targets,  consumers are becoming more aware of their impact and the call for eco-friendly alternatives is constantly growing.  

Research states that 93% of consumers want sustainable packaging that is easy to dispose of. If it’s “obviously sustainable”, for example, looks recyclable or has a recycling logo, there’s an even better chance that it’ll be disposed of properly. So, swap out that plastic tape for a Kraft alternative or try Bubble Wrap’s alter-eco Geami, a 3D interlocking honeycomb paper wrap, that’s 100% recyclable. Check out more of our sustainable packaging swaps here.

The old saying 'less is more' still reigns true in 2022, especially when it comes to sustainable packaging.  While the ‘bells and whistles’ can make for a great unboxing experience, too much decorative flair can come across as wasteful and fall short with the sustainable shopper. 

Minimalistic doesn’t mean boring though. When done right, a simple packaging solution can create an elegant and sophisticated unboxing experience for customers. Seal your Tissue Paper with a branded sticker, tie together your Kraft Wrapping Paper with some twine and sprigs of lavender, or make your mark on a Kraft Paper Mailing Bag or Box with a logo stamp.

The unboxing experience has become a phenomenon within the eCommerce industry, and it's not just about aesthetically appealing packaging. Customers like to feel like they’re receiving a gift when their package arrives, and this is all down to personalisation. Even though they’re the ones that bought it, with the lack of an in-person experience it's more important than ever for eCommerce businesses to put the customer front and center in your packaging.  

Something as simple as a personalised thank you note or a swing tag with their name on it can do wonders in making your customer feel appreciated. 

With technology playing such a pivotal role in our everyday lives it’s only fitting that it’s made its way into eCommerce packaging. QR Codes have made the ultimate comeback story, allowing non tech geniuses to keep up with the times. 

It seemed like QR codes were one foot out the door only a few short years ago, but they’ve made a resurgence and are helping brands add a touch of digitalisation to their eCommerce packaging. Using QR codes can help give your customers access to more content and information without an excess of printed marketing materials. Send them to a webpage on how to use your product, or a blog article with steps on how to dispose of your sustainable packaging. 

In the era of the conscious consumer, a packaging trend that has really taken off in 2022 is brand storytelling. Consumers want to know more than ever before, and with the lack of in-person experiences in eCommerce, brands are getting creative with how they connect with their customers.

Since the unboxing of an order is the first ‘physical’ interaction a customer will have with a brand, they’re taking the opportunity to tell you their story through their packaging. Sharing your history, what your brand stands for, and how you source your materials or packaging, are all things the conscious consumer wants to know. Of course, you can add this to your packaging by printing it onto the box or a card, or you get digital with a QR code linked to a video or blog article. 

With eCommerce only growing in popularity, packaging will continue to be an important touchpoint with your customers. Giving these trends a go will not only help retain customer loyalty but can open your brand up to a whole new audience. 

If you're ready to enhance your eCommerce packaging, call 13 7446, email sales@signet.net.au, Live Chat with us at signet.net.au, or submit an enquiry below.