[PL] The impact of the pandemic on the packaging industry: What has changed?

The COVID-19 pandemic shook global supply chains and had a huge impact on many sectors of the economy. However, some industries, including packaging, have proved relatively immune to the negative effects of this crisis. The rise of online sales, increased demand for hygiene and medical products and changes in consumer lifestyles have caused significant changes in the packaging industry. Let us therefore examine how the pandemic has affected the sector.

Did the packaging industry avoid a crisis?

The development of the coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected the functioning of the global supply chain and contributed to changes in many sectors of the economy. The packaging industry has proved resilient to the wave of the economic downturn. In the case of cardboard packaging, manufacturers did not feel the large negative impact of the pandemic on production, due to several key factors.

1. Expansion of online sales – the growth of e-commerce forced increased production of carton packaging for packaging and shipping goods.
2. Increased production of food and medicines – the initial increase in production of these goods required adequate packaging, which drove demand.
3. Stockpiling – consumers began to stockpile everyday products, which increased the demand for packaging.
4. International collaborations and exports – shipments of commodities such as masks, vaccines and other medical supplies required appropriate packaging, further increasing demand.

The rise of online sales and its impact on the packaging industry

One of the most noticeable trends during the pandemic was the surge in online sales. Lockdowns and restrictions on land-based retail forced consumers to shop online, which had a direct impact on the packaging industry. In what way?

Online shops had to cope with increased demand for shipments, which translated into larger orders for cardboard packaging. What’s more, they have started to demand more durable and sturdy packaging to ensure the safety of products during transport.

Consequently, the increase in online sales has led companies to look for new, greener and more functional packaging solutions, such as biodegradable materials or more efficient packaging methods.

You can read about what this has looked like in the article: How to prepare orders in e-commerce shops in times of pandemic?

Packaging companies adapting to new realities

The pandemic forced packaging companies to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. The introduction of new hygiene and safety standards and a change in the nature of the business were necessary to meet the new challenges that emerged. What did these include?

• Ozonation of shipments – some shipments had to be ozonated, which affected packaging processes and logistics.
• Changes in packaging materials – e-commerce shops began to favour packaging that was more resistant to damage and could be reused many times, which had an impact on carton design and production.
• Eco-packaging – increased consumer awareness of environmental issues led companies to offer moreeco-friendly packaging, such as kraft paper, paper tape and biodegradable courier envelopes.

Future prospects and trends in the packaging industry

The pandemic has had a lasting impact on the packaging industry, shaping new trends and future prospects. As the world slowly returns to normalcy, it is worth considering what changes and challenges may still lie ahead.

1. Continued growth of e-commerce – forecasts indicate that online sales will continue to grow, which means continued high demand for packaging.
2. Sustainability – the increasing emphasis on green solutions will mean that manufacturers will need to invest in innovative, environmentally friendly packaging materials.
3. Automation and technology – the rise of technology and automation in production and logistics processes could revolutionise the packaging industry, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
4. Flexibility and adaptability – the packaging industry must be ready to respond quickly to market changes and new challenges, such as the next waves of pandemics or other global crises.

Also read the article: How to set up an online shop – a guide for e-commerce.

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the packaging industry, both positive and negative. The increase in online sales and the demand for medical and hygiene products has increased the demand for packaging, especially cardboard packaging. Companies have had to adapt quickly to the new realities, introducing innovative solutions and increasing hygiene standards.

The future of the packaging industry looks promising, but requires flexibility and a willingness to adapt in the face of new challenges. As the world has returned to normalcy, the packaging industry continues to play a key role in shaping a sustainable and efficient supply chain.