5 Types of unique materials

September 16, 2021

Five types of unique materials used in Packaging Design and Manufacturing

There are 4 major buckets any packaging innovation can fall into - graphics, structure, material, and process. All of these together combine to call it the 'user experience' of unboxing/picking any packet off the shelf. Material is the most critical - if someone can develop or source a material that is o limited access - it automatically transfers to anti-counterfeit packaging. It adds brand value and brand recall because the customer finds it very unique and something not available with every other brand- the perception of the brand jumps to a premium category.

The Packaging Industry in India stood at USD 75.95 billion in 2019. Also, with many innovations happening, it will reach USD 103.32 billion by 2025. The supply chain will eventually improve too - with paper mills, film lamination manufacturers and chemical coating suppliers adding to the innovation value chain.

It's so easy for someone with a great idea to share it with the world in an instant, the pace of innovation is accelerating—and that opens up more areas than ever for exploration." -- Bill Gates, global philanthropist; co-founder, Microsoft

Following are 5 innovative materials in packaging that might bring about a wow on your face. More research is on the way and we are sure to see a tremendous impact in the near future.

1. Water soluble labels:

Instead of a plastic label ending up in a landfill, how about a water soluble label that washes off from a bamboo cup or a glass cup? This adds to re-usability. contact us, P. R. Packagings Ltd. to source such labels.

2. Leather/texture paper / PU/ leatherette , Microfibre paper/velvet flocking:

This adds to the tactile aspect of packaging - the touch - when the customer feels the package in their hand, and it is like a cloth or fur - especially in certain areas - it adds an interesting dimension of user experience in packaging

3. PLA coated bamboo fiber material:

With disposables on the rise in the new normal of post-COVID scenario, it is essential that packaging manufacturers, as well as consumers, look to alternatives to plastic to help unload the earth of the vast waste crisis. P.R. Packagings Ltd. provides the only bamboo cups coated with recyclable plant-based PLA coating derived from corn starch. Available in 350 mL cups at the moment, please contact us to source this.

4. Holographic film lamination:

Lens effect, pillar of light effect is possible when a holographic film lamination is done and a registered print run is done over it. It gives a 3d effect.

5. Seed/stone paper:

Paper with seeds embedded in it (be it tomato or basil) so that when the customer throws away the package it grows into a sapling. This is a classic example of a positive carbon footprint - the amount of CO2 generated in processing the material is negated by the end-of-life sapling that generates oxygen. Similarly, stone paper is untearable and has better longevity.

So, remember these 5 critical aspects when selecting a packaging partner, overseas or domestic. If you want us to give a quote, send a free sample, or give you a free design consultation - reach out to us at contact@prpack.net

The above-cited are just some examples of the vast innovation universe packaging products are spread out in. As research continues, more innovative material will be developed which will help us spearhead a sustainable future for further generations.