Packaging market trends, packaging requirements in times of war. How will consumer behaviour affect packaging in 2023?

The war has certainly forced Ukrainians to change their preferences and consumer habits. Since the first days of the war, the market for packaging, packaging materials and packaging aids has seen many developments. Perceptions of reliability, processing and packaging technologies that make life easier are changing rapidly. First of all, processing and packaging technologies that are convenient for the consumer in times of war are gaining momentum. For the consumer, who today needs to eat on the go, on the road, snacks must be packaged in containers of the right size, easy to carry, re-seal and use later.

Due to the many similar processes, there are many requirements for product packaging manufacturers, which vary depending on specific circumstances and needs. In areas of military conflict, the demand for protective packaging increases as the risk of damage or contamination of goods increases.

We know of cases where the shelling delayed the delivery of raw materials to different regions of Ukraine. To reduce the time it took to pack the product, the manufacturer switched to a simpler packaging method, in particular, simply writing "sugar" or "buckwheat" on the packaging. At that time, advertising the product took a back seat - the most important task was to preserve the product's properties and send it to consumers as soon as possible.

Communicating with product manufacturers, we understand that environmental safety, airtightness, ensuring the ease of opening and closing the product, protecting goods and preserving their functionality remain the most important factors in the development and use of packaging during the war.

Environmental safety.
Use of environmentally friendly materials, reduced use of plastic components and recyclable packaging.

Збереження тривалості зберігання. Умови війни можуть призвести до перерв у постачанні, пересиланні та зберіганні товарів. Тому можлива зміна упаковки для збереження тривалості зберігання, зокрема використання вакуумного пакування, газових бар’єрних матеріалів або модифікованих атмосфер.

Tightness.
Packaging must protect goods from moisture, dust, contamination and potentially hazardous substances.

 Захист від фізичних пошкоджень. Упаковка має бути стійкою до ударів, поштовхів та інших механічних впливів, що можуть виникати під час транспортування товарів у воєнній зоні. У зв’язку з цим зростає попит на упаковку стійку до вологості, ударів або проникнення води.

Ease and speed of opening. To ensure quick access to goods in case of emergency, packaging may require easy opening without the need for special tools.

Reducing the use of plastic. Conscious consumption and environmental issues may become a priority in times of war. Reducing the use of plastic packaging and switching to alternative, environmentally friendly materials may be one of the trends.

 Use of renewable materials. In a conflict zone where access to resources is limited, there may be an increased demand for renewable packaging materials, such as biodegradable materials or recycled waste.

Increased demand for medical packaging. In times of war, the demand for medical supplies and protective equipment is growing. Accordingly, the demand for specialised medical packaging is growing, allowing for the safe storage and transportation of medicines, plasters, masks, etc.

 Identification and labelling. Wartime conditions require clear identification and labelling of packaging to ensure quick and accurate recognition of its contents. In the first months of the war, some labelling requirements were simplified. In combat zones, manufacturers were forced to move towards a simpler and quicker design and only the name of the product, its quantity and minimum shelf life were indicated on the packaging.

Information transparency. Martial law certainly affects information transparency.

The packaging requirements are to provide clear and accurate product information, for example through QR codes that allow detailed product information to be viewed using smartphones. To ensure a quick response, only the origin, composition and production methods are indicated on the products.

In our daily conversations with manufacturers, we understand that the focus of manufacturers today is on processing and packaging solutions. Producers are looking for new packaging solutions that will meet their needs and meet modern market requirements.

It is important for us to work with manufacturers to respond flexibly to market demands, which are reflected in the immediate needs of consumers. We help product manufacturers convey their uniqueness to consumers even in such a difficult time. We carefully select technological equipment, continuously look for new solutions and offer innovative equipment.

Technology is developing very rapidly, and we have to keep up to date with it. We visit exhibitions, communicate with international partners, and watch major campaigns abroad. We know that well-organised packaging makes it easier to place and store products.

Order equipment from trusted suppliers. Remember. Too low a price for equipment often indicates low quality, hidden defects, lack of information about the origin of the equipment, and other problems.