SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING: GEN Z SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PACKAGING DESIGN

Packaging Speak Out – Vietnam is an annual packaging design competition organized by SCGP in collaboration with SAC, aimed at celebrating creative designs and inspiring change in the packaging industry. This year’s theme, “Packaging for a Brighter Tomorrow.” promises to provide a rewarding platform for talented young designers.

Packaging – A New Playground for Gen Z to Make a Real Impact
Gen Z is seen as a proactive generation with exceptional creativity across various fields, particularly in packaging design, a field that has attracted significant interest among young people. Here, they not only showcase their talent but also convey profound messages on social and environmental issues through each design.

Throughout the seasons of Packaging Speak Out – Vietnam, many outstanding ideas have emerged, vividly reflecting modern packaging design trends. For example, last year,  Team GEM made a lasting impression by combining aesthetics and emotional connection with consumers through their packaging for Vietnamese farmers’ cacao products. Meanwhile, Magic Cat’s packaging made from recycled materials clearly conveyed a message against plastic pollution. Team Lotus & Water Lily stood out with their multi-purpose IBRICK packaging, which could be assembled into toys or decorative items.

Mr. Andy Ho, Founder and Creative Director at Bracom Agency, emphasized the importance of combining practicality and sustainability in packaging design: “Among all the emerging trends, one factor remains unchanged. Packaging design today not only needs to ensure aesthetics but must also pay particular attention to practicality. This challenges young designers to find a way to balance creative ideas with material choices that meet sustainability criteria and strictly adhere to safety and environmental regulations.”

In addition to sustainability, Gen Z is also catching up with new packaging trends that bring practical value to consumers. A prime example is e-commerce packaging, known for its durability and ease of transport. Moreover, premium product packaging, focusing on luxury and user experience, is becoming increasingly popular. These trends not only help products stand out on store shelves but also contribute to enhancing brand value.

The New Future of Packaging – Harmonizing Market Demand and Environmental Responsibility

This September, Packaging Speak Out 2024 officially returns with the theme “Packaging for a Brighter Tomorrow” The competition promises an exciting and high-quality season, advancing sustainable and highly practical packaging solutions.

The seminar “Catch the trends: packaging for market and consumers demand” held on September 21 as part of the competition, provided valuable insights into new trends and market requirements for packaging to over 200 participating students. The speakers, who are seasoned experts in packaging design, shared the development of sustainable packaging through concrete and practical examples, giving students fresh and creative perspectives as they work on their competition entries.

“The experts helped me realize that packaging design is not just about choosing materials or appearance, but also about effectively conveying values that resonate with consumers, which then motivates them to make a purchase,” said Võ Lê Quốc Thái, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, after attending the seminar.

The insights shared during the seminar not only guided students in their creative direction but also clearly reflected SCGP’s vision of sustainable packaging. Mrs. Juthamart Sayampol, Creative Design Management at Inspired Studio and Packaging Solutions, SCGP, emphasized: “We believe that using recycled and recyclable materials not only minimizes environmental impact but also adds new value to packaging, from aesthetics to consumer engagement. With creativity and flexibility, the younger generation will shape the future of sustainable packaging, meeting market demands while protecting the planet.”