Hello to a new year, new colour… and new ways of doing things. We’re ushering in 2023 with Pantone’s colour of the year, Viva Magenta, with all the vim and vigour it denotes. This years’ selection represents an “out-there”, bold, and brave attitude – one that captures our mindset as we continue to push ourselves to move beyond print and highlight mind-expanding ideas found in everything from fashion to packaging design.
The past few years of the Pandemic accelerated self-expression via the digital world – from the metaverse, to NFTs, to avatars, we adjusted our worldview through digital pixels. As we enter a new year in a re-opened world, we’re energized by Viva Magenta’s symbolism; a hybrid colour selection for a hybrid world – the perfect balance of reds taken from warmth of our natural environment to the richness and depth embodied through digital possibilities.
If Viva Magenta is signalling anything, it’s that the world is ready to feel again; a re-connection of optimistic and authentic self-expression, which we’re noticing in packing design trends for 2023. Here’s a snapshot of trends we’re inspired by and eager to start experimenting with.
1. Minimal Outside, Maximal Inside
It’s what’s on the inside that counts. We’re loving the understated and humble tones coming out of luxury packaging. From cardboard corrugate, craft boxes, to recycled paper this au naturel vibe brings an element of curiosity to the unboxing experience, beautifully executed by brands like Tom Dixon, Gucci, and Burberry.
2. The Power of Type
When was the last time you received a handwritten note? The authenticity felt from script font and artistry found in typography layouts is showing up in packaging design and takes us back to our playful, personal selves. A trend we’ve embraced in our own Proprint branding, and as admirers of all things typography, we’re happy to see this trend translate across CPG packaging design.
3. Bold Colour Blocks & Soft Curves
Tapping into a softer side of ourselves, this trend picks up the ease and fluidity we’re all moving towards in 2023. Rounded organic shapes are met with playful and bold colours to portray an endearing and approachable attitude to packaging.
4. Tranquility Meets Packaging Design
Quieting down after a few years of uncertainty and unrest is much needed for 2023. We embrace the wellness, peace, and calm feelings we’re seeing in everything from cosmetic to food packaging design.
5. Being Flexible & Sustainable in 2023
Flexible and sustainable packaging are trends we’re eager to see brands adopt in full force this year. From digitally printed to innovative and smart designs centred around renewable materials – packing design in 2023 continues to be sustainably reimagined.
Remember what it feels like when your eye catches a beautifully designed package, when you touch and open a box to then, have the surprise, delight, and reveal of opening what’s inside? We do, and get excited around how this tactical, interactive experience feels personal, curated, and unique.
As the world becomes more flexible, aware, and conscious so do trends in retail and packaging design. We’re motivated, more than ever to explore, experiment, and express ourselves through these deeper tones.
Keep up with us here on our blog and social channels as we share a new 2023 lens into what we’re watching, reading, and listening to around all things print – and beyond!
