The cosmetic industry is always evolving, with trends coming and going faster than the wind. So for a brand operating in this sector on the online world, a space where anything can change in an instant, staying ahead of competitors becomes more taxing than ever.
In the realm of e-commerce, cosmetic companies need to keep on top of trends in order to survive. One way to achieve this, is by keeping their ear to the ground, and keeping up to date on what’s new. To help cosmetic brands looking to thrive online, we’ve put together our predictions for the future of e-commerce packaging:
- AR and VR: While virtual reality and augmented reality technology is by no means new, there’s still far more potential for the cosmetic industry to achieve more with these technologies. We’ve seen brands such as L’Oréal use AR-powered applications to allow individuals to try on their products at home. But, in the years to come, this technology could be used to further enhance the customer experience. For instance, QR codes on e-commerce packaging could be used to access interactive product demonstrations.
- 3D printing: Otherwise known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is a technology that has revolutionized many industries, including the packaging industry. Additive manufacturing allows packaging designers to create prototypes with ease, effectively streamlining the packaging development process.
- Sustainable packaging materials: In recent years, cosmetic packaging has come on leaps and bounds when it comes to the environment. There are now a wide range of sustainable materials on offer, from sugarcane and aluminum to paper and glass. That being said, there’s still potential for more advancements to occur. Given that more and more consumers are turning their heads towards brands with green credentials, it won’t be surprising if cosmetic businesses invest in research and developing more sustainable e-commerce packaging solutions.
- Using data and analytics: Finally, we expect to see brands making more use of their access to consumer’s behavior online. There’s a whole host of customer data available to businesses, and this can be leveraged to uncover consumer preferences, and gain insights into customer demands. In the future, we expect this knowledge to be used to optimize packaging solutions, so that they align with the needs and desires of customers.
Here at APG, we keep an eye out for the latest trends and developments, so that we can provide our clients with innovative, cutting-edge packaging solutions. If you’re a cosmetic brand looking for a forward-thinking packaging supplier, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.