The 5 must-have food packaging trends for 2023

In 2022, a study conducted by FourniResto reveals that 86% of consumers pay attention to the food packaging in which they are served, and 84% pay attention to the packaging used when food is delivered.
What’s more, 52% of them judge the quality of an establishment by the food packaging used!

So, in a highly regulated environment, both in terms of food safety and eco-responsibility, which food packaging trends should you focus on in 2023?

In this article, you will discover 5 of the major trends of the year. Whether you sell your products in e-commerce, take-away or fast food outlets, you will find inspiration to bring your food brand to life through its packaging!

Trend #1: When packaging focuses on functionality

This first food packaging trend for 2023 may seem self-evident to you, but it is a crucial foundation for choosing your containers! The idea is simple: choose ergonomic packaging that provides an optimal customer experience, whether in terms of transport (especially for take-away sales) orunboxing your products.

By choosing the most functional packaging from the wide range of food packaging available, you make it easy for the end customer to use the packaging, by making it easy to handle, for an unforgettable food consumption experience.

Need something concrete? For example, choose :

• That reveal a part of the packaged food product, through transparency, thanks to a window. This allows your customer to recognise their products in the packaging when they are about to eat them.
• Microwave and oven safe, such as meal trays or dedicated sandwich bags, to heat up your food easily.
• Insulated, to keep fresh products at the right temperature until they are consumed.

An ideal example of such packaging is the McDonald’s TableBag. This innovative packaging, which will be rolled out in a limited edition in Italy at the end of 2022, is primarily used to transport customer orders. But once it is placed on a stand and unfolded, it becomes a table where two people can consume their order!

Trend #2: Ostensibly green food packaging

The FourniResto study reveals that, on a scale of 0 to 10, 60% of consumers give a score between 8 and 10 to their eco-responsible sensitivity towards food packaging. 93% of respondents gave a score of more than 5 for their sensitivity.

So, in 2023, no more disposable tableware and other containers that are not very good for the planet and contribute to waste that is harmful to the environment! Recyclable, made from recycled materials (biosourced), compostable, biodegradable… Whatever eco-responsible packaging you choose, it must be visible, to guide your customers to the right sorting channel, and to promote the ecological character of your brand.

For example, why not opt for the food packaging trend of food grade cardboard packaging rather than petroleum-based plastic packaging? This is a recyclable material that directly demonstrates your commitment to the environment, while preserving food safety.

If you wish to personalise this cardboard packaging, be sure to choose environmentally friendly printing inks, which allow 100% of your packaging to be recycled.

Want to go further? Think about making your brand image totally ecological by eco-designing your food packaging. The idea is simple: design your packaging according to the strictest eco-responsibility criteria on the market.
To find out more, go to our article “What is eco-designed packaging?

Trend #3: Move towards reusable packaging

In 2022, a study commissioned by UPM Specialty Papers revealed that by 2040, reusable food packaging will account for more than 20% of packaging used, compared to less than 1% today.

No more single-use packaging that can be thrown away after a single use: all sectors of activity are moving towards reusable packaging, including the food industry! Moreover, legislation itself is pushing this sector to go for it: on 1 January 2023, the AGEC law provides for a ban on disposable tableware in fast-food restaurants.

For example, many restaurants have decided to return their packaging. This allows your customer to come back to return their packaging, and thus gives them the opportunity to consume from your company again.

But you can also choose packaging that your customers can reuse at home, such as clear glass packaging. They are ideal for packaging your products as a caterer, or for delivering premium food products.

Trend #4: Smart packaging (or connected packaging)

Are you familiar with the principle of connected packaging? It isa simple packaging, on which a QR Code or an NFC chip is added, which allows the customer to scan it to obtain additional information about the product or your brand.

This type of packaging is one of the food packaging trends of 2023, as it allows you to communicate in a differentiating and innovative way about your products.

For example, it can allow you to…

• Share information about your product: composition, calories, possible allergies…
• Collect customer feedback, to obtain online opinions or improve your services.
• Communicate on the life cycle of the packaging, guiding consumers to the right sorting channel.

To dig deeper into the subject, please see our article “Connected packaging: a new key to your customer experience?

Trend #5: Personalise your food packaging

It’s impossible to enter the year 2023 without thinking about personalising your food packaging. Indeed, to offer an optimal customer experience to your consumers, and to keep them loyal, it is crucial to make your brand and its values visible on your packaging.

In terms of personalised packaging, the trends of the year can be summarised in three terms:

• Authenticity, with natural materials and emotional marketing messages on your packaging.
• Simplicity, with minimalist and easy-to-handle shapes.
• Monochrome, with the choice of an eye-catching, simple and effective colour.

Don’t hesitate to add a print or embossing to your packaging for a “luxury” food brand positioning. In this way, you communicate even more about your food brand, its values and the missions it fulfils for your consumers.

What should we remember from these 5 food packaging trends for 2023?

Now that you have these food packaging trends for 2023 in mind, here are the three points you should remember:

• Make your packaging as ergonomic as possible. Whatever your sales channels, your packaging should be easy to use, convenient, and make it easy to transport your goods safely.
• Make your brand and its strong values visible in the packaging. Whether it’s showing your commitment to the environment or highlighting your mission, you need to stand out as a responsible company that serves its customers.
• Provide a differentiating customer experience for your consumers. Make their consumption experience memorable by using packaging that takes care of the unboxing and makes them want to come back and buy your food again.

So, are you ready to find the packaging methods that will make your business a must-have in your customers’ lives?