Marketing experts predict some global packaging trends that are going to prominent in the industry in 2017.

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• Simple, bold and clear: going back to fundamentals is a trend that never dies. This year the version of simple, bold and clear is going to be more expressive and more persuasive to the customers. Using minimum elements in the package design can promote the product in a very decent way. In today's fast moving world consumers have cardboard boxes not much time to read each and every detail given on the box? So just stick to the essential information and help the purchaser to make the right decision. A clear, clean design can convey the information and make the product shine using simplicity.

• Custom lettering: every designer loves mind grinding and to get crafty to generate some of the best work by hand. They do this practice to get the original effects in the designs. Irregular line and natural texture files can make a product stand out in comparison to the digital designs and patterns. This natural look can create a feeling of warmth to the product making it feel complete, wholesome. So in 2017, we are going to witness a comeback of custom hand lettering as a packaging trend.

• Play with colors: generally colors do stimulate emotions and affect the purchasing decisions. For this reason, choosing colors has always been one of the major decisions in packaging design. Bright and vibrant colors are going to make colorful scenes on the store shelves in 2017. We have seen that different colors are used to differentiate varieties of a product. A consumer might not remember the name or number of their favorite product, but they surely are able to recall the packaging color. All this involved a color psychology and if used properly words might not be needed in 2017.

• Using illustrations as narrative: behind every packaging design, there is a story. Customers seek out and cherish the stories which they feel close to their hearts. Using an illustration technique in packaging design can be very helpful in telling your brand story. This style can take the customer into the fantasy world. The illustration is gaining its place in industry, and in coming years are the years of carefully crafted, content rich illustrations.

• Go Vintage: packaging designs are getting popular every year through the use of new technologies and materials. Vintage designs bring back the memories of people who actually lived through that time. The success key in going vintage is to find the balance, evoke nostalgia and maintain a sharp modern look at the same time.

• Ingenious die-cuts: most traditional box designs conceal its contents, but contemporary designers are conducting experiments with die-cutting by showing the product and to use it to their advantage. If the packaging can show the product in the most meaning full and clever manner that means there are more chances that buyer would stop and take a notice of the product.

• Repeating patterns: using well-chosen and attractive patterns can make a box design from ordinary to extraordinary. The idea of repeating shapes and patterns can be simple, but it can have dynamic effects if used correctly. It doesn't matter whether the pattern is bold or playful patterns have the ability to create a strong identity of the product that customers will never forget.

• Mail delivery trend: we all remember the joy of getting something through the mail. With the advancement of transportation and communication channels that experience is lost. So this packaging trend in 2017 is here to save that feeling with an emerging postal trend. There are some manufacturers in the market who are already using this trend. They use customized stamps to make the product more authentic. This type of packaging for ice-creams, cookies, and cakes draws the attentions of the passersby. This also gives a nostalgic feeling to the customers.

• Eco-friendly Packaging: biodegradable, natural, environmentally friendly or call it whatever you like to call. But going green with packaging is the new trend that is going to hit in 2017. Further, then its positive impacts on the environment, it can save expensive and attract the customers. Multinational companies are now doing experiments with biodegradable materials to make innovative designs for their products. One of the manufacturers of bottles sells bottles made with ocean plastic. Now more and more consumer brands are going green in packaging designs and this is the only trend we hope to see grow and sustain in every year to come because it benefits all.

• Reuse and recycling: sustainability is always the central topic of any project. With the emerging trend of using biodegradable and eco-friendly materials concept of reusing and recycling is also a fast growing trend. The concept of "reuse" consist multipurpose packaging design that gives a second life to all the boxes. A life beyond just to be a product box.

When manufacturers first consider a product, they often discount the issue of packaging. They seem to think such decisions can wait until the product is ready for production. In many cases this may be true. However, some thought must go into packaging very early in the design process; because if a product requires custom packaging or shrink wrappings this could play a vital role in the budgeting and marketing of that product.

Let us face it, as consumers we love custom packaging. Something unique and individual that helps pull us into the world of that product. And there is something strangely wonderful about shrink wrappings. It conveys that valuable message: This product was made for you and no one else. And ripping that shrink wrapping makes us truly take ownership of the product.

However, as much as we as consumers may like these things, we as business people understand that custom packaging and even shrink wrappings bring with them unique costs that must be evaluated. Custom packaging may require the use of industrial designers, it may require extra rounds of testing; and shrinking wrappings involve an extra layer of costs which may not be required on all products.

Custom packaging may also present storage and shipping problems. A custom package may not be as easy stacked on a warehouse floor, or as easily prepared for shipping. And although custom packaging often attracts consumers, it may do the opposite. For this reason, your product may need to go through focus group testing on the custom packaging alone. Another cost.

But, on the other hand, we all know a square box can be dull; and we all know that products without shrink wrappings look "cheaper" to many consumers. So where does that leave us?

It leaves us where we often find ourselves when faced with any business decision. It leaves us forced to weigh our options. However, we think there are series of questions you might consider which can help you weigh your options in smart and efficient manner.

In regards to custom packaging, ask yourself these questions: Is your product unique? Does your product require some special understanding or explanation? Does your product appeal to an upscale market? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, then we feel that custom packaging should be considered. Unique products, products which require special explanation, or upscale products can benefit from custom packaging.

In regards to shrink wrappings, ask yourself these questions: Is the product perishable or viewed as perishable? Could handling the product by others easily damage it? And does cleanness or sterility play a role in the use of your product? Again, a "yes" answer to any of these questions means you should at least consider the use of shrink wrappings.

We hope this brief article has helped you get a handle on some of the issues you need to confront when making packaging decisions. Custom packing and shrink wrappings can add value and appeal to your product, but they come with a unique set of costs. Only by properly examining your product and its customer base will you be able to determine if your product is worth this additional expense.