Sustainability and plastic-free will be two packaging trends to watch in 2022, industry leaders report.
The Packer asked several industry leaders to give their perspective on what will be the top packaging trend of 2022 and sustainability was often mentioned.
“I think that packaging for produce will continue to increase on products that you don’t remove the skin, i.e., tomatoes, apples, etc., due to the fact that Americans are more germ conscious,” said Steve Greenfield, director of sales and marketing for NNZ Inc., Lawrenceville, Ga.
“And I think that much of that new packaging will either be monopolymer recyclable, or paper and paperboard.”
Compostable packaging will be a big trend in 2022, said Gary Hilberg, chief sustainability officer for Local Bounti, Hamilton, Mont.
The industry and consumers will look for plastic-free alternatives and sustainable materials, said John Paap, manager at Jac. Vandenberg Inc., Tarrytown, N.Y.
Consumers will continue to demand more sustainable packaging options, said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co.
“They will want packaging that is recyclable, compostable or biodegradable.”
Andrew Hare, cofounder and general manager of Charleston, S.C.-based Vertical Roots, said 2022 will bring a continued focused on sustainable and creative packaging designs.
“One hundred percent recycled materials and ‘less’ plastics will continue driving the trend based on consumer demand,” Hare said.
“Sustainability has been an overarching trend for the past several years, but what we are anticipating on seeing is more a drive for supporting education and infrastructure for the end of life of the packaging from the consumer to the manufacturer,” said Jeff Watkin, director of marketing for Sev-Rend, Collinsville, Ill.
“Giving the consumer clear direction and support for what to properly do with their packaging waste is a large movement within the sustainability initiatives.”
Kristi Harris, brand manager for Honeybear Brands, Elgin, Minn., said the industry will continue to seek alternatives to plastic.
