Packaging trends are increasingly focused on improving companies' bottom lines by removing weight from materials, working to help improve the long-term standards of ecologically-focused planning and to lower the shipping costs many companies suffer in their average business day.

Minimalist packaging is the latest long-term trend that's being seen in the packaging industry as a result, according to TechLi.

So what exactly does minimalist packaging look like, you may be asking.  Here are some examples that may resonate some commonalities with you.

  • Reduction of packaging SKUs
  • Simplicity
  • Sustainability

Smaller and minimalist packaging remains popular among producers Smaller and minimalist packaging remains popular among producers

What's more, the final products have positive environmental effects in the long term - if material is properly recycled, it can be reused a number of times, which cuts down on overall trash totals around the globe. This doesn't just benefit operators, though. It also helps companies present their products to shoppers everywhere on store shelves with specific design improvements giving shoppers a reason to choose their product over others.

Good packaging means it's easier to connect with a consumer, and with shoppers becoming more environmentally focused, the change in direction is an easy one to make.

Companies put minimalist packaging into action

Several companies are already working to put these more environmentally conscious, minimalist packaging designs into practice.

  1. One example the news source gives is that of the new bag from Puma.
    • It's made from recycled plastic and reduces cardboard material usage by as much as 65 percent.
    • Over time, the company will chop 8,500 tons of paper from its production process.
    • A side effect is that this lightweight packaging will help lead to a notable reduction of fuel and carbon emissions in the process.
  1. Apple products are another example, as they simply put the high-quality product on sale front-and-center in their advertising on store shelves. There's not much more packaging than absolutely necessary to cradle any particular package.
  2. A very relatable food industry spin on minimalistic packaging is the squeezable food pouch, growing in popularity over the past few years.  These packages minimize the necessary packaging material involved in the packaging process without sacrificing any ease of use for the kids or leading to any food waste. 
  3. Strawberry baskets are yet another reason to use a minimalist approach, reaching full optimization of material to prevent any produce from being left out of the package. They're easy to stack, easy to store and simple to reuse.
  4. Method Products is also taking advantage of the new focus on minimalism, working to make its products both more attractive to consumers and keeping everything in a single package to make the recycling process easier. The end result is that the products can be recycled immediately without any dismantling or deconstruction.

Minimalist packaging hurdles yet to cross

The Guardian reported that while sustainability and design improvements are still key goals in many aspects of the shipping and packaging industry, there are some products that remain difficult to make the connection with. While fast-advancing technology continues to make green-friendly packaging possible, many companies are not focusing on the right aspects that can help them achieve better levels of sustainability.

Bags of chips are one example of these issues, as the typical bag has up to seven layers of foil and plastic in its build. That makes it light and reduces its shipping value, but these layers can't be separated to make them more environmentally viable. Single-serving foods are another problem, as their reusability is limited simply by the nature of their existence.

However as the market continues to explore these hurdles and conquer other effortlessly, the consumer is going to continue to see product vessels inspired by environmentally appropriateness.