As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers’ shopping habits changed the supply chain and how goods are packaged. Increasingly, industries providing essential needs are adversely affected as the outbreak spreads. As a result of the coronavirus crisis, some of the most significant declines in packaging demand are happening. On the other hand, there’s growth for others, particularly packaging used in e-commerce shipments emerging as lifelines.
Transitions In Packing Products
Packaging has become more critical than ever as the need for packed goods is imperative during these uncertain times. All products like food items, medicines, necessities, and many other consumer products should be packaged in a fit for everyone’s needs.
The following are changes on how COVID-19 affected product packaging:
1. Shift To Single-use Packaging
There’s been an effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the packaging industry for many years due to environmental reasons. However, when the emphasis is being placed on maintaining hygienic conditions, the benefit of single-use packaging has become more prioritized.
Consumers want to verify only a few people handled their product and its packaging during an outbreak. Single-use packaging in this current era is deemed more sanitary and cleaner due to its limited handling. Although it’s been strongly criticized in the past, the current situation made this packaging more practical and understandable.
2. Use Of Packaging Designed For Sustainability
Environmental awareness begins to return as people get used to the new normal, so product packaging industries must plan out a way to minimize the damages developed over the months. Most significantly, the popularity of food delivery and online shopping is likely to continue. Packaging companies should prioritize more sustainable packaging as a result of this.
People have various sustainable and biodegradable packaging options at their fingertips, including bioplastics, corn foam packaging, and mushroom-based packaging. Biodegradable cardboard is also available. Besides being good for the planet, these packaging materials are also economical. They’re also generally more pliable than virgin plastics. As a result, they offer multi-dimensional benefits.
You can search for sustainable packaging online to find a range of eco-friendly packaging options offered by packaging companies like Stanley Packaging and other trusted companies. There’s various packaging available in the market, so you can select an excellent match for your needs.
A second way to make packaging more environmentally friendly is to go for reusable packing options. An example of this is the rising popularity of eco-bags offered in supermarkets and other shops.
3. Increase In Demand For E-Commerce
The popularity of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is also increasing as e-commerce grows. Many people order their groceries online and have them delivered to their homes or places of business during this health crisis. The result is a demand for products lasting longer, and packaging plays an integral part in achieving this. Thus, MAP comes into the picture.
Added to the packaging process, Modified Atmosphere Packaging reduces the amount of oxygen inside the package, extending the shelf life. For example, nitrogen can be used to displace oxygen when MAP is applied to packets. Passive MAP can include the use of films containing layers of impervious materials, which provide maximum protection against oxygen. Both can be used to find solutions as these technologies can provide weeks, sometimes even months, of life to perishable goods.
4. Evolution Of Restaurants
Despite people preferring homemade meals, cooking fatigue continues to grow as individuals prepare more often at home. For some people, dining out is more uncomfortable, but taking out is less of a concern. Fast-food restaurants must satisfy customers with safe and hygienic food handling, preparation, and delivery as they evolve from onsite dining to takeout and delivery services.
The packaging industry must provide a great customer experience while ensuring safety and hygiene. Positive brand interaction is assured when packaging is tamper-proof, and recyclable containers can easily be opened.
The possibility of developing packaging solutions for companies supplying restaurant foods also exists. In addition to the functionality, convenience, and safety benefits packaging offers domestic chefs, it’s even more critical they use only hygienic handling and storage of food in their kitchens. By applying ways to decontaminate and clean groceries during this outbreak, everyone can be ensured meals are cooked healthily.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 outbreak is changing the world. Some changes may be transitory, but permanent measures could affect the entire packaging industry. The positive news is the packaging sectors are in high demand and resilient.
It’s safe to say almost all businesses will continue to need the proper packaging for their essential needs and business products. After battling this global pandemic, everyone might need to adapt to the new normal.
