6 top packaging trends for 2017
Packaging is constantly evolving. Packaging design is a vibrant and creative industry and new trends are always being uncovered; that’s what makes this sector so exciting.
What can you expect from packaging design this year? What are the key new trends affecting how packaging appears on the shelves? We take a look at recent innovations in packaging with six inspiring examples.
- Minimalist
The minimalist style is forever popular and this year is no exception. Many examples of packaging show simple and clean finishes to design and materials, and in 2017 there is a hint of luxury to the design with greater use of foil wraps, fine fonts, and spot metallic. This trend has long been used by the beauty industry to sell high-end products but now it is being taken up by everything from food cartons to children’s toys.
- Nostalgia
A trend in the style of illustration and in the choice of typeface, this design inspiration is based on your childhood. Expect hand-drawn images, pastel colours, whimsical characters and colourful, nursery-like patterns. It seems many people want to capture their youth and packaging design is taking them back in time to a mythical, happy era. This innocent style of design is popular for all kinds of products, from drinks to notebooks.
- Handwriting
Creating a handwritten font is one way to make products look individual and stand out on the shelves. This type of design differs from more mass-produced styles and therefore it appeals to people who want a product to look different and unique.
- Repeating patterns
Bold and striking patterns are used on repeat on packaging, making the product immediately appealing. The bold pattern is a good way to make an impact and many designers know you can’t have too much of a good thing and are using it to the extreme.
- Abstract design
Linked to the repeating patterns trend, abstract design is increasingly popular. The packaging looks arty and almost non-designed. But most examples of abstract product packaging design are produced in a very modern way and make effective use of colour for dramatic contrasts.
- Creative colour
Colour is increasingly being used to make the difference between different types of product within the same family. The design remains the same but the clever use of bright colour blocking helps consumers remember which product they bought or saw. Many designers are making good use of very bright colour combinations and the mix of white space with bold colour has become an increasingly important design trend. Often colour is used instead of text to make a bigger impact.
