Cereal is a product that has been and still is being consumed by people across the globe for many years now. It is easy to prepare and there are many healthy versions available that can give the user energy till their next meal. The packaging of the product has evolved from being a simple box that kept the product safe during transportation and handling. Nowadays cereal boxes can market the cereal product and advertise the brand in this extremely competitive market. Many consumers are also going towards eco-friendly brands due to the immense waste that packaging can produce if not controlled.
The following looks at how the packaging for cereal is evolving with eco-friendly packaging trends:
Choosing eco-friendly materials
Cereal brands are looking for eco-friendly materials which will not make the box remain in landfills and water bodies for many years and pollute these places. This includes materials that are recyclable and compostable for instance. Cardboard and Kraft paper are being chosen by many brands to make the cereal box with. These materials can be eco-friendly and of a food-grade therefore protecting the cereal and making it be consumable.
Consumers are conscious about what the packaging is made from especially when it comes to packaging food products like cereal. This is because there are materials that have toxic chemicals in them which can go into the product and these must be avoided.
If the box is strong and designed attractively, some consumers may consider reusing it. It can be used to store stuff or some people may use the packaging creatively for arts and crafts projects.
Limiting plastic usage
The inner bag that the cereal is put into is usually made out of plastic. A brand needs to avoid using traditional plastic which is not eco-friendly. Plant-based packaging or biodegradable plastics can be considered here.
Brands are limiting the use of plastic. This can be done by employing less plastic overall. The brand can even opt for recyclable alternatives which will ensure the cereal remains crunchy in the box.
Sustainable packaging inks
A custom cereal box needs to be designed in an eye-catching way if people are to be drawn to the product and consider buying it. Brands are looking towards sustainable packaging inks rather than using traditional inks.
There are a variety of inks that are sustainable and a brand can choose the one that will help it get the that have the packaging design it is looking for. A brand can choose water-based, vegetable-based, algae-based, etc. inks.
The packaging can then be designed in an appealing way whilst ensuring the box is sustainable. This is because sustainable inks have lower VOC emissions and they do not rely much on fossil fuels. The pollution coming from them is reduced.
The box can include colors and designs helping let people know what the cereal brand stands for and the type of cereal it is selling. If you are selling cereal for kids the packaging can have bright colors and cartoon images. The box can include interactive elements like QR codes to let people know about the product without including too many details on the box. A brand that sells healthy cereal for adults can design the box in a professional way to convey this.
Therefore brands can promote themselves and keep the packaging sustainable when sustainable inks are used to print the box.
Minimalist packaging design
Custom cereal boxes that have a minimalist packaging design are being considered as they are more eco-friendly. Earthy tones and recycled paper textures can be considered here. Simple graphics will be used on the box that show the brand is committed to sustainability.
The box will be the perfect dimensions so that extra packaging material is not wasted. The product can remain crunchy and fresh in packaging such as this.
Smart packaging is also being looked into. This includes adding QR codes on the box that can be scanned and let people know about the brand and cereal product without including too many details on the box. Consumers find this type of packaging interactive and fun which can encourage them to buy the product. The QR codes can even take people to fun games related to the cereal product.
Eco-friendly packaging is trending in every industry including the cereal one. This is because of the major waste that packaging can produce. People are more conscious about the environment and are looking for brands that are sustainable as well. Cereal packaging that is eco-friendly can therefore attract a larger consumer base and make them see the brand as being sensible and playing a role in reducing pollution.
The packaging needs to be made with eco-friendly, food-grade, and strong packaging materials. It can be customized to stand out and remain eco-friendly when sustainable inks are used to design it in a unique and appealing way.