Embracing Innovation: Cutting-Edge Technologies in Printing & Packaging

Pioneering technologies in printing and packaging at a glance:

• Digital printing enables faster turnarounds, variable data printing for personalization, lower costs for small/medium runs, anti-counterfeiting technology, and additional sustainable printing options.
• Sustainable packaging substrates including recycled paper, hemp, cotton, and straw appeal to eco-conscious consumers and can boost your brand's sustainability credentials.
• Augmented reality packaging provides immersive digital experiences by bringing product info, manufacturing tours, and branded entertainment to your consumers' mobile devices.
• Oliver Inc. offers cutting-edge printing tech paired with sustainable practices, human-centric design, secure proofing, and the convenience of a domestic partnership. 

For obvious reasons, your brand is focused on how your products can outperform your competitors—but have you considered investing more into your packaging design?

Neoteric printing and packaging technologies are opening new possibilities for brands to attract consumers. 

Sustainable substrates and augmented reality are just a couple of the latest folding carton trends captivating the increasing number of eco-conscious and digitally native consumers in the food and beverage, cannabis, consumer goods, health and beauty, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Digital Printing Is a Must for Brands

Traditional printing methods remain stalwart, but there are several reasons to integrate digital into your toolbox. 

• Ideal when you need a faster turnaround. Traditional printing involves creating physical design plates, meaning there’s a more significant set-up time. Digital printing, however, is ready to go once you have settled on a digital file. This cutting-edge printing method is best suited for small to medium print runs.
  
  Traditional printing is still typically better for large print runs because costs reduce dramatically with increased quantities. Digital is optimal for experimenting with new and customized packaging on a short timeline.
  
  
• Makes variable data printing possible. You can implement more customized folding cartons that engage customers through more personalized packaging. Be it special occasions or tailoring messaging for specific audiences, variable data printing gives you an agile and cost-effective way to become a stickier brand.
  
  
• Lower costs on low- and medium-volume print runs. Set-up times are much faster and less expensive with digital printing, perfect for small print runs such as promotionals.
  
  
• Utilize anti-counterfeiting technology. Illegitimate packaging is on the rise, undermining your consumer trust and tarnishing your brand’s reputation. Fortunately, digital printing accommodates covert and overt anti-counterfeiting solutions using sophisticated inks and microtext designed to stump criminals.
  
  
• Lean further into sustainability. As digital printing has become more advanced, so has sustainable packaging, lowering emissions and ecological impacts. Digital printing minimizes the amount of materials required during the proofing process and expends less energy since you’re not manufacturing the plates used in traditional printing methods.
  
  

Selecting Sustainable Packaging Materials

More and more consumers want sustainable packaging design. 

In fact, 43% of American consumers view the environmental impact of product packaging as extremely or very important, while 4% to 7% of consumers are willing to pay a premium well above 10%, according to a 2023 report from global consulting firm McKinsey. 

Although packaging materials may not sound like a frontier of technological advances at first blush, sustainable substrates add another layer of innovation to your products. 

Postconsumer recycled paper, hemp- and cotton-based substrates, casein protein, and straw are sustainable alternatives with high recyclability rates. Paperboard remains a go-to choice, but its sustainability depends on where it is sourced.

After all, some paper-based folding cartons are more environmentally friendly than others.

To qualify as truly sustainable, packaging materials must be sourced from responsibly managed timber as certified by nonprofits such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

Be certain to include messaging on your packaging that shares your sustainability story. Something as simple as “Made from postconsumer recycled paper” or an icon designating sustainability certification will go a long way in resonating with eco-conscious consumers. 

It shows your brand is a pioneer in creating a more sustainable future. Sustainable packaging outshines its less environmentally friendly peers on the shelf. 

Augmented Reality Pairs Well With Packaging

Consumers have come to expect packaging that dovetails with the digital world. Also known as connected packaging, this typically comes in the form of QR codes, URLs, barcodes, and hashtags. 

These digital elements help to bridge the gap between physical packaging and more immersive experiences, such as online videos, interactive games, social media campaigns, and instructional websites.

Augmented reality is at the leading edge of this technological trend. 

Your packaging still relies on QR codes, etc., but the consumer’s digital device helps create a 3D feature as an extension of your folding carton. 

For instance, they may download an app on their mobile phone that scans your barcode and pulls up a 3D visual showing all the ingredients that go into your product, or has your brand mascot doing something visually entertaining, such as a dance. 

You might even have a visual layout of your facility where consumers get taken through the entire manufacturing process of your product. 

Get creative. 

Collaborate With Oliver for Advanced Printing and Packaging

Implementing any of these innovative packaging techniques will differentiate your brand from among the glut of competitors in your industry. It takes an experienced printing and packaging partner to deploy them effectively, however.

That’s where Oliver comes in.

A nationwide leader in sustainable packaging, Oliver has the expertise to blend advancements in printing technology with a commitment to environmental responsibility. 

Our human-centric design approach means your packaging solution will be tailored to your brand’s needs. We employ cutting-edge printing technology to ensure your products stand out on the shelf and delight your customers. 

Oliver places your concerns at the heart of the design process:

• Discovery Phase: You’re gonna get a lot of questions from us. That’s because we care. It helps us figure out what resonates with your customers and energizes your brand.
  
  
• Design Execution: You want a printing and packaging partner with the perks of a large production company but the personal touch of a small shop. Oliver gives you that. It’s why we’re able to create personalized packaging solutions at an affordable cost. Oliver’s savvy designers will help you whether you’re in the ideation stage or already have a solid design concept.
  
  
• Proofing Your Design: Oliver provides a completely secure and conveniently accessible proofing approach. You can check projects online whenever (and wherever) it suits you. We’re happy to give you soft proofs or 3D visualizations.

Oliver has multiple shops across the United States. This means you’re never too far from where your substrates are being polished up and readied. That’s one of the major perks of partnering with a domestic printer. 

Plus, our communication always remains open for clients, even after your project has been printed and shipped. Our team loves throwing around new design ideas. And, of course, we’ll address any pressing questions you may still have. 

We’re just as happy as you are when your customers are delighted by innovative packaging designs. After all, we view your brand as an extension of our own.

Your successes are our successes.  

Oliver Inc. is the nation's leading independent supplier of custom paperboard packaging solutions. Our advanced printing technology and steadfast commitment to excellence will elevate your next packaging design. Contact us today to learn more.