HP Executives identify key disruptive predictions for coming year.
Executives at HP Inc. have identified several key trends and predictions that are set to disrupt next year, including: Personalization, Sustainability, Productivity and 2D Barcodes.
Personalization: As e-commerce booms, so does the demand for bespoke packaging and in-line printing. Brands will increasingly tailor packaging to cater to individual customer needs.
Sustainability: Amid regulation and growing environmental concerns, sustainable packaging will be at the forefront of innovation with a surge in eco-friendly materials over harmful plastics.
Productivity: Post-pandemic labour costs and shortages will have packaging manufacturers opting for tech that can seamlessly integrate onto the factory floor with minimal maintenance needs.
2D Barcodes: As technology advances, 2D barcodes will offer consumers more engaging and informative interactions with brands. High quality inks will be in demand more than ever before.
HP SPTS Trends and Predictions shaping print & packaging in 2024
Going into 2024 and beyond, we expect to witness the acceleration of several major trends, one of which being the surge in demand for bespoke packaging and in-line printing. With 72% of U.S. consumers stating that a product’s packaging design has an impact on their decision to buy, there are many ways brands can and should be capitalizing on this trend. Increasing personalization within the last stage of production to print unique, personalized content directly onto the outside of packaging will help brands win over consumers in increasingly competitive markets through more meaningful connections, increased loyalty, and a deeper sense of brand identity.
Against this backdrop, track and trace regulations and enforcement in industries like pharmaceuticals and food are becoming increasingly pivotal. Advanced technologies, such as 2D barcodes, are at the forefront of this transformation as dynamic carriers of information, embracing the challenge of accommodating an expanding array of data while maintaining a personalized feel. Simultaneously, packaging manufacturers and brands are juggling the demand for more sustainable packaging amidst tightening environmental regulations around the world. As brands embrace customization and track and trace for consumers, they will also need to align their strategies with a heightened focus on sustainable materials and manufacturing practices such as the elimination of shipping labels.
Meeting these fluctuating consumer needs as pandemic headwinds like labor costs and shortages persist will make technology-driven solutions much more valuable. Recognizing the imperative to enhance operational productivity and excellence within these constraints, packaging manufacturers will continue to explore the possibilities of innovative technologies like HP Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) that minimize maintenance and downtime while reducing the need for human intervention. In addition, exploring solutions that are both clean and user-friendly is crucial, especially considering the significant costs associated with labor and training. This will involve the seamless extension of printing capabilities to diverse substrates, as well as the implementation of personalized shipping information printing, eliminating the need for label inventory and management. The promise of seamless precision, design clarity, and high-quality inks across various substrates with HP TIJ are also a competitive advantage as 2D barcodes become more prominent across industry verticals, allowing brands and manufacturers to keep up with the challenges and opportunities presented by these dynamic industry shifts in 2024.
