Beyond the Box: Tracing the Dynamic Evolution of Packaging

Take a moment to consider the last item you purchased. Whether it was a simple snack, a new gadget, or even a piece of furniture, it likely came in some form of packaging.

This often-overlooked aspect of consumer goods has a rich and dynamic history, evolving alongside human civilization itself. From ancient times to the digital age, packaging has not just been about containment and protection, but also a reflection of our economic and technological advances.

The power of packaging should not be overlooked. A 2022 report by Pitney Bowes highlighted that Canada saw the transportation of approximately 1.3 billion parcels in that year alone, compared to an even more remarkable 21.2 billion parcels shipped across the United States.

In this article, we venture on an insightful journey into how packaging supplies have evolved and innovated over the years, enabling growth for businesses. We will also explore the present and future of packaging, delving into the newest trends and innovations that empower businesses to thrive with reliable packaging solutions. Read on to get started!

The Early Days: Function over Form

The story of packaging begins with a simple need: to protect and transport goods.

Throughout the ancient era, natural materials like leaves, gourds, and animal skins were used to store and carry products. As civilizations progressed, so did packaging techniques. The Egyptians used glass and pottery, while the Chinese innovated with paper. In these early stages, much of the packaging served a purely functional purpose, focusing on the safekeeping and transportation of goods with minimal need for presentation. Only the most valuable of goods would be decorated with ornate details.

For the millennia that followed, packaging was often kept in wooden crates or baskets. This became the mainstay packaging receptacle of the early modern period when world trade opened up significantly and goods no longer crossed roads but also oceans.

The Industrial Revolution: The Birth of Modern Packaging

The Industrial Revolution marked a pivotal turn in packaging history.

Mass production of goods necessitated more efficient and durable packaging solutions. Metal cans, invented in the early 19th century, revolutionized food storage with their airtight seals, significantly extending shelf life. Glass bottles also became widespread, especially for beverages, thanks to their reusable nature and visual appeal.

Both metal and glass are still essential packaging supplies used to this very day. Realizing the need to reduce packaging weight for shipping, research began into more suitable alternatives to heavy and stiff wooden crates. This brought about the invention of paperboard, with cardboard being patented and used in the late 1800s.

20th Century: The Rise of Plastics and Branding

The 20th century witnessed a seismic shift in packaging, primarily due to the rise of plastics and cardboard. Lightweight, versatile, and cheap to produce, plastic and cardboard quickly became the dominant packaging materials, easily replacing heavy glass and wood goods.

This era also saw the rise of branding and marketing, with companies recognizing packaging as a powerful tool to attract consumers. Iconic designs, like the Coca-Cola bottle, emerged, turning packaging into a brand statement. This focus on detail marked a key start in packaging being more than just a means to an end but also part of the product experience.

Branded packages carried significant weight in altering consumer shopping habits, particularly as companies relied on branding to compete in supermarkets, catalogs, and shopping malls.

Environmental Awakening: The Push for Sustainability

While packaging has contributed significantly to the world, it has come at a cost.

Over the last century, the world has become more aware of the impacts of human activity on the planet, including increased pollution from packaging waste and manufacturing. As we now know today, urgent action has long been necessary to protect the planet.

Within the packaging industry, the early 2000s saw a notable uptake in reusing and recycling packaging products, as well as developing environmentally-friendly solutions such as compostable packaging. Biodegradable packaging has also entered the market as a replacement for plastic goods, crafted from plant-based materials like cornstarch and mushroom mycelium.

These changes have been essential for protecting the planet while allowing businesses to still fully benefit from the rise of e-commerce. In a growing number of cases, environmentally-sustainable packaging is emerging as a more profitable alternative to petroleum-based packaging products.

The Digital Era: Smart Packaging and Personalization

In the last decade, the digital revolution has brought about smart packaging, merging technology with traditional packaging. New additions such as QR codes, NFC tags, and RFID technology have turned packages into interactive platforms, offering consumers new experiences, some of them even venturing into augmented reality. Personalization has also become a key trend, with companies offering customized packaging options, giving every buyer the chance to have their own unique unboxing experience.

The Future: Innovation and Beyond

As we look to the future, the evolution of packaging is bound to accelerate, driven by new technologies and a continued push for sustainability.

One recent example of this is edible packaging. This emerging packaging solution allows users to consume both the goods and the packaging beyond the outer layer. Research indicates that some of these edible packaging products could potentially be made from simple byproducts of food production, helping to reduce emissions and preserve food supplies.

Similarly, advancements in nanotechnology are leading to the development of ‘smart’ packaging that can indicate the freshness of food or change its properties based on environmental conditions. These changes will be significantly beneficial to the biological and chemical sectors – where keeping a product in a controlled environment during transit is essential to avoid it being compromised and potentially hazardous.

Bring Your Business Into the New Era of Packaging

Packaging has come a long way from its humble roots. And while we can appreciate its many virtues, there is still plenty of innovation left for businesses just like yours to take advantage of.

Enhance your business with Crownhill Packaging, a SupplyOne Canada company. Renowned for our commitment to innovation, we have been providing advanced packaging supplies and services to businesses throughout the US and Canada for many years. As pioneers in the packaging industry, we offer access to cutting-edge packaging products and solutions. This includes on-demand packaging, custom packaging, and eco-friendly products, helping to meet not just your operational needs, but also your wider business goals.

To learn more about how we can elevate your packaging strategy with affordable, quality packaging, contact our team today. We look forward to hearing from you!