Outside the box - Packaging, label & scales trends for 2025
Retail packaging, labelling and weighing solutions are no longer just operational necessities; they are strategic tools that influence consumer behaviour, streamline operations and drive sustainability initiatives. The rapid shift in consumer preferences for sustainability, convenience and digital integration is placing pressure on stores and service providers to think ‘outside the box’. Moreover, with growing environmental consciousness, brands and manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers are expected to adopt greener solutions that reduce waste while maintaining product integrity, as well as build customer loyalty.
“Advancements in smart packaging, such as QR codes and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, are transforming the way customers interact with products and providing them with valuable information and personalised shopping experiences." Labelling is also undergoing significant transformation. With new compliance standards on the horizon, digital labels with real-time tracking capabilities, sustainability credentials and enhanced transparency measures are becoming industry staples.
By the same token, retail scales, once limited to simple weight measurements, are becoming high-tech instruments that integrate with POS (point of sale) systems and inventory management platforms. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being leveraged to optimise stock levels and improve operational efficiency and self-service experiences. For retailers and supermarket chains, embracing these advancements is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for staying competitive.
From the shelf to the checkout counter, technological innovation is reshaping the way products are handled, sold and experienced
Packaging trends
It’s all in the packaging, as the saying goes. While visually appealing, practical and user-friendly packaging will always be top-of-mind for brands mindful of aisle competition, there are a myriad of other variables that factor in the packaging choices for brands and retailers alike. We’ve taken some of the global headline trends to see how they could impact the local supermarket and FMCG retail industry in the year ahead.
Sustainability. While South African consumers are beginning to prioritise environmental responsibility, prompting manufacturers and suppliers to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions, the fact remains that sustainable packaging is not always practical. According to Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group and organisers of the annual Propak Africa show at Nasrec, Johannesburg, plastic packaging remains a key component of South Africa’s packaging sector driven by demand from the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets for its durability, lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness.
“At the same time, growing interest in recyclable and sustainable materials is reshaping the industry,” says Anderson. “Because of this, local suppliers are encouraged to innovate and develop solutions that address both industry requirements and environmental concerns.”
Looking outward at other markets such as Australia, compostable and biodegradable materials are at the forefront of sustainable packaging (https://thecuttingedge.com). Refillable and reusable packaging such as compostable coffee cups and food containers are being adopted by consumers, and packaging marked as ‘Home Compostable’ helps consumers make sustainable decisions at home. Australia is phasing out single use plastics, with stricter legislation and consumer demand riving the change.
Read the full article here: Outside the box - Packaging, label & scales trends for 2025
