With more manufacturers looking into innovation that will protect the environment, discover how brands can transform their approach with packaging solutions without losing their decorative touch.
As sustainability takes the spotlight in consumer preferences, the realm of packaging is undergoing a profound transformation.
Fuelled by the rising tide of environmental consciousness, consumers are increasingly vocal about their desire for eco-friendly options. This shift in sentiment has propelled brands into action, prompting a re-evaluation of their packaging choices.
This shift is not merely a trend, but a fundamental transformation of the industry, with 53% of consumers now considering paying more for more sustainably packaged goods*. Brands that fail to adapt to this evolving landscape risk losing market share and tarnishing their reputation. At the same time, brands need to retain an attractive look on-shelf in stores to stand out amid increasingly keen competition.
Let’s look first at sustainability. Recent research from Eviosys* has revealed that 82% of UK consumers say they would be more likely to buy a product in metal packaging due to its infinite recyclability, creating the most efficient circular loop.
When it comes to metal packs, both steel and aluminium are 100% recyclable, with steel having the highest recycling rate among all packaging materials, reaching 85.5% in Europe. What’s more, for a product where safety is essential, such as aerosols, tin-plated steel offers customers high product quality.
For its aerosol product line, Eviosys focuses solely on producing steel cans and works to continually enhance the material’s sustainability.
“We are always looking to improve the aerosols manufacturing process to further increase its sustainability,” says Jo Jackson, UK Aerosols sales manager at Eviosys. “We are always innovating and analysing our decoration and design processes to identify ways in which we could reduce energy usage.
Upgrading to modern and less energy-intensive oxidizer technologies during manufacturing has helped to cut our gas usage by 50%. We have also identified other options including using less solvent, water-based products, and lowering our curing temperatures. We continue to innovate to improve our approach.”
Decorative touch
Alongside preserving the planet, however, brands want decorative packaging which shows them at their best and stands out amid the competition. And for good reasons; Eviosys’ research finds that 69.1% of people feel seasonal packaging enhances the overall appeal of a product* and makes it more attractive as a gift.
With this in mind, the company relies on its in-house design studio and its Research and Development centre to offer customers an edge in the competitive seasonal market for perfumery, spirits, biscuits, confectionery, tea and coffee brands.
Metal packaging offers a wealth of creative possibilities for brands to stand out on store shelves. Eviosys provides an extensive selection of shapes and finishes for metal packaging, including soft touch, crackled effect, micro-perforations, and flush lids, enabling endless customisation options.
Design techniques offered for Eviosys’ customers include micro-embossed braille for the visually impaired, and hot stamping with a holographic effect to create 3D illusions.
With these additions, personalisation is not at stake when you choose the route to more sustainable packaging. Plus, with Eviosys’ 3D tool My Tin, customers can visualise their décor instantly, taking the stress out of the development, and facilitating decision time. Eviosys enables customers to create and visualise their designs with endless possibilities for a bespoke product.
Made in the UK
As part of the wider environmental shift, organisations are increasingly recognising the value of adopting a ‘local but global’ approach.
This entails leveraging local knowledge and expertise while also staying attuned to global trends and insights. It’s about creating a balance between understanding the unique needs and perspectives of local communities, but also adapting global strategies to address those needs effectively.
On top of the societal and environmental benefits of manufacturing locally, Eviosys demonstrates a deep understanding of both the global market dynamics and the local vision with 7 plants in the UK alone and the largest manufacturing footprint in EMEA.
Importance of trend-led insights
Analysing future consumer trends, Eviosys innovates new formats and finishes every year to enable brands to make a difference with smart and sustainable packaging.
With more manufacturers looking into innovation that will protect the environment, Eviosys’ recent innovations include ground-breaking products aimed at reducing plastic consumption and advanced technologies that promote packaging inclusivity through innovative designs.
This R&D work means the company can identify and offer solutions to customers and consumers’ biggest concerns and preferences. Eviosys’ extensive R&D Network spans across its operations in Europe, spearheaded by the new, dedicated R&D Centre located in Wantage.
The centre is at the forefront of pioneering research, technology development, and product design in the sustainable packaging sector.
With eco-design a prerequisite for all research and development. Eviosys’ products not only bring a bold and innovative approach to promotional packaging but also place ESG principles at the heart of any product.
To find out more about Eviosys’ research led innovation and eco-packaging, visit the website on https://www.eviosys.com/ or contact eviosysuk@grayling.com.
*In the lead up to the festive period, Eviosys surveyed 2000 Europeans in the UK, France, Germany and Spain to gather the latest information on consumer priorities, highlighting the top packaging considerations for consumers when shopping this season. Survey commissioned by Eviosys and conducted by Focaldata in November 2023. The samples consisted of 500 participants from each of UK, France, Germany and Spain, making up a Europe-wide sample of 2,000 participants.
