M. Jericho Banks PhD

PL Buyer: The Next Step for PL Packaging

February 8, 2012

FROM RETAILWIRE:
A few private label experts were asked by Private Label Buyer in a recent roundtable what were the major packaging trends to watch for in 2012. The answers included: sustainability, functionality (easy to open) and communications. Do you think store brand packaging is lagging behind national brands?      [more...]

I was disappointed to find that "less" wasn't on the list of PL packaging objectives. "Less" means less layers of packaging. Less excess cardboard and unnecessary plastic. I thought that was a major packaging goal these days.

I was also disappointed not to be given a definition of "sustainable" packaging. What does that mean? Does it mean that the materials in the packaging are both recycled and recyclable? Or just one of the two? Or something else entirely?

Continuing on my course of being easily confused, why do "value tier" products get large descriptions while "premium tier" products get smaller descriptions? Why is that a guideline and what, exactly, is the definition of a "description?"

And finally, thanks for the tip about the importance of packaging remaining closed "If I take it and I turn it upside down and shake it or anything else." That's good to know.