The trends that look set to continue from 2023 into 2024 are sustainability, personalisation, lower but more frequent order quantities, and connectivity. Although these trends are not new, they have certainly picked up the pace and look set to drive forward at a much faster pace in 2024.
Starting with sustainability. This is a huge topic for our clients. It encompasses materials and finishes but also machinery, processes, waste, design, and logistics. In 2023 we had more enquiries than ever before regarding more sustainable materials. It led us to sourcing a new material for clients that was made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.
We also collaborated with Polywood Bottles at London Packaging Week. They are a company that produces bottles made from 20% wood fibre which in turn reduces the resin by 20% and can reduce the raw crude by 40%. They have also developed a groundbreaking twin walled food-grade bottle that has an outer wall that is made from 30% rHDPE and an inner wall made from food-grade PE. This reduces the amount of virgin plastic used in the bottle whilst maintaining the quality required for food, cosmetics and supplements. Coupled with our 50% post-consumer recycled plastic label the entire bottle is made from the same material and can be put into domestic recycling bins for recycling as there are no mixed plastics.
The trend for personalisation and lower MOQs are interlinked. Our clients are focused on adding value through personalisation, which creates multiple SKUs to appeal to a wider audience with a more targeted approach. Delga Labels is well placed to offer personalisation and variable data print with our HP Indigo digital print solution.
Connected packaging builds on the trend of personalisation by connecting the physical printed piece to the online world. This enables closer customer relationships and the ability to gain important consumer feedback and trends, should the customer choose to interact. It also offers brands the chance to make important information more readily available to consumers. For example, by adding QR codes to labels, complex health and safety information can be made more accessible in a digital format which can also be quickly updated should anything change.
A label not only offers a brand a chance to reflect the brand values but also takes the consumer on a journey and connects on a much deeper level than ever before.
At Delga Labels, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to printed labels, combined with our 60 years of experience in packaging with our sister company Delga Press, we are ready to help propel your business into 2024 and beyond. We don’t just print, we inspire, innovate, and challenge. The future of print is here.