Shape memory materials are becoming popular in packaging experiences. With this, you can create packaging that fits exactly as you want to, and once you’re done with it, it returns to the original type of container. It's a pretty color, because it offers some unique benefits that packaging might not develop otherwise.
The Process
How this works is simple. It’s essentially packaging that collapses for storage reasons, but then will expand back up when exposed to light, heat or moisture. While it might be a flat box right now, when the right elements are implemented, it becomes the box that will house the items.
Again, a simplistic process, but when you have packaging that does this, it can offer worthwhile solutions.
Applications
A very common one is reusable shipping containers. If you have a process where people can return the items, then they’ll be able to use this, as it’s reusable, and improves the way in which items get returned, as it can offer multiple uses.
Another one is expandable retail packaging, where the packaging grows when it’s on retail shelves, but stays pretty small otherwise. again, offers better storage for those moments you need it, until the time is right.
Finally, there’s flexible food solutions, such as food containers that can model and change based on these items inside, and then when you’re one, it returns to the original form. While not common, it’s becoming a means in which companies are able to bring forth packaging that they can enjoy.
The benefits of This
With this type of packaging, you reduce the waste by a lot, especially if the items are reusable. A lot of reusable packaging does save the planet, and reduces your carbon footprint. Some companies that have an ecofriendly focus also may mention this, because it offers a wealth of benefits you might not get otherwise.
It also minimizes the storage space. For smaller businesses, reduction of this is important, because you’re not wasting time and space trying to accommodate all of these items, but instead keep them all in one place.
Finally, it enhances the reusability of the items. A lot of times, with this type of packaging, you can encourage reusability of the times, and in turn, will help to improve your overall results.
So yes, with this type of packaging, you’re offering a more immersive, better experience that will really improve a customer’s overall view of the items inside, and how you as a business handle them.
The future of This Packaging
This type of packaging has a lot of unique changes and ways to really stand out and improve the experience of your packaging.
There's now smart packaging that will automatically reshape the items based on the environmental conditions. So if the packaging gets too warm, or too cold, it can be reshaped to fit the needs of the item that’s inside.
Overall, this type of packaging does offer an enhanced, functional experience that will really involve and excite many customers. When you have shape memory packaging, you’re not just helping the items get to their original form, you’re also improving the ability of the items inside as well to improve the experience of customers. By doing this, you’re giving them not just a better reusable experience, but also a safer, secure packaging that will in turn, make it even better for all parties that are involved, and really enhance the experiences that you get not just from one package, but from the future packages that use this type of means to protect as well.
