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Packaging has always been crucial across various industries, particularly cosmetics, as a protective barrier for products. However, technological advancements, boost in e-commerce after Covid-19 and a normalising trend towards sustainability coupled with evolving consumer preferences in the beauty industry have created new demands for innovative packaging solutions for beauty products like serums, lotions, shampoos, and perfumes that provide eco-friendly product protection to enhance the overall consumer experience.
According to a market research report by Future Market Insights, the global next-generation packaging market is poised for substantial growth, projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% between 2022 and 2032. By the end of this period, the market is expected to reach a valuation of US$49.3 billion. This robust growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for innovative beauty packaging solutions that enhance product protection, align with sustainable practices, and cater to evolving buyer preferences.
By leveraging innovative printing techniques, designers can ensure that the patterns, graphics, text and colours on the packaging boxes are sharper, more vibrant, and visually appealing. Printing techniques like Soft Touch textured printing and laminated coatings elevate perceived product quality by enhancing tactile appeal and prestige. These special finishes add aesthetic value through memorable sensory experiences, catching consumer attention with packaging that impresses. According to consumer study in 2021, sustainability is rated as an important purchase criterion for 60 percent of consumers globally. By selecting sustainable printing processes and materials, printing technology can be adopted to meet the perceived value and needs of eco-friendly consumers.
Printing technology such as high definition printing effects, enable information such as the product name, specifications, composition, usage instructions, and shelf life to be printed with precision and clarity on the advisory inserts within as well as on the cosmetic packaging box. This ensures that customers can easily access and understand the basic details of the product, enhancing their confidence in its quality and suitability for their needs.
Furthermore, printing technology also enables the inclusion of anti-counterfeiting marks, QR codes, and other security features on cosmetic boxes. These measures help ensure product authenticity, safeguarding consumers against counterfeit products that could harm their health or compromise their trust in the brand. QR codes, in particular, enable product traceability, allowing consumers to access additional information about the product’s origin, manufacturing process, and safety certifications.
Printing technology can apply special processing methods such as hot stamping or embossing on premium or seasonal gift boxes to enhance brand’s logo or spotlight a compelling slogan to reinforce brand recall and position of the product in the buyers’ minds. Furthermore, printing technology such as variable printing, enables the creation of distinct packaging designs tailored to different consumer groups and market demands. This customisation caters to consumers’ individual preferences and needs, elevating the market competitiveness of products. Applying printing technology in cosmetic packaging empowers brands to effectively communicate their unique value proposition, connect with target consumers, and achieve a competitive edge in the market.
Digital printing is a direct print process that applies ink directly onto the product packaging. (https://www.sttark.com/blog/digital-printing-for-packaging-an-introductory-guide)
Offset printing, also called offset lithography, is a method of mass-production printing in which the images on metal plates are transferred (offset) to rubber blankets or rollers and then to the print media. (https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/offset-printing-offset-lithography)
Hot stamping is a lithography printing process that uses heated image mould or stamping dies to transfer metal foils or pre-dried inks onto a surface. (https://creativeretailpackaging.com/blog/simple-yet-impactful-sustainable-packaging-design-techniques/)
Embossing involves raising a design element on a material, causing the area to literally stand out. Conversely, debossing means lowering a design feature into a material to create actual depth. (https://www.oliverinc.com/blog/how-embossing-debossing-adds-value-to-your-folding-cartons) The deboss or emboss design is incorporated into a specially created custom mould. The mould is then installed into an emboss/deboss machine, much like a die cut process, the alignment markers are set and the mould is applied onto the material. The pressure and heat then create the required features, depth and shape.
Also known as Ultra Violet Printing is a printing technique that uses special UV curing ink that allows the ink to be printed onto a large range of materials. The printer will place the ink on the material and a specifically designed UV light, acting as a catalyst, will follow behind, drying (or curing) the ink so that it dries instantly. (https://granthams.co.uk/blogs/insights/what-exactly-is-uv-printing)
The market for variable data printing, particularly in the labels segment, is experiencing significant growth. It is projected to expand from USD 10.79 billion in 2016 to USD 22.27 billion in the coming years, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.61%. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for personalised and customised packaging and labelling solutions in various industries.
Variable data printing allows skincare brands to create a highly engaging and personalised customer experience.
Brands can utilise customer feedback, purchasing history, or demographic information to create targeted promotions or special offers that can be dynamically printed on the packaging. This level of customisation enhances customer interaction and fosters stronger brand loyalty by making the skincare packaging more relevant and individualised to each customer’s needs.
As a special form of digital printing technique, VDP offers efficient and cost-effective production of customised packaging as it does not require separate printing plates or setups for each variation. Skincare brands can easily incorporate personalised messages, promotional offers, or unique product information on each package, enhancing customer engagement and driving sales.
As an on-demand printing technique, VDP enables specific information, such as ingredients, usage instructions, or safety warnings, based on the specific product variant or regional regulatory requirements to be adapted and printed in a timely manner to ensure compliance while maintaining a cohesive and consistent packaging design.
Implementing variable data printing allows brands to assign distinct codes or serial numbers to individual packaging during printing. These codes serve as identifiers that enable precise tracking throughout the product’s life cycle, from manufacturing to distribution. By scanning or entering the codes into a secure database, brands can retrieve valuable information about each package, including its production details, batch number, and expiration date.
Counterfeit skincare products pose risks to consumer health and safety, as they may contain sub-standard or harmful ingredients. Variable data printing helps combat this issue by providing a reliable method to authenticate products.
Each packaging is marked with a specific code or number, which can be cross-referenced with a secure database or verification system. Consumers can utilise mobile applications or dedicated online platforms to scan these codes and confirm the legitimacy of the skincare items they purchase. Brands can also verify the product’s authenticity by checking the unique identifier against the official records.
Including unique elements in variable data printing adds an extra layer of security. This could involve customising the packaging with specific patterns, holograms, or other visual elements that are difficult to replicate accurately. This additional security validation helps to give consumers confidence as they make informed purchasing decisions, while safeguarding the brand’s integrity.
With variable data printing, each package is marked with unique codes or serial numbers that serve as identifiers. Consumers can simply scan these codes using their smartphones or other scanning devices in real-time, so that the scanned information can be immediately cross-referenced with a secure database containing the authorised product information to verify whether the scanned product is genuine or counterfeit.
By providing real-time verification, variable data printing empowers consumers to make informed decisions and avoid purchasing fake skincare products at the point of purchase. This technology enables them to authenticate the product’s legitimacy, ensuring they invest in high-quality, safe, and effective skincare items.
The presence of unique codes, serial numbers, or other personalised elements on the packaging can throw light on the illicit activities of the counterfeiters. Law enforcement authorities can use this evidence to identify and track down the individuals or organisations producing and distributing fake products.
Including these unique identifiers enables authorities to establish a strong chain of custody, providing a solid foundation for legal proceedings. Using the packaging with the printed variable data as evidence, brands can demonstrate the authenticity of their products and prove that their intellectual property rights has been infringed by the counterfeit versions.
Furthermore, the unique identifiers serve as a reliable means of identification for the authorities to trace and establish the scale and extent of the counterfeiting operation. This evidence can be pivotal in prosecuting those involved and seeking appropriate legal penalties for their actions.
In wrapping up, with industry knowledge that empowers you to make informed decisions for your brand, creating skincare packaging designs becomes more enjoyable. With guidance from Pin Press experienced team of professionals, you can confidently select suitable packaging materials and labelling for your cosmetics products to gain brand recognition and showcase your brand to ideal customers.
Contact us today to learn more about how your skincare packaging can stand out from the competition!
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