# Participatory Packaging Brands seek closer consumer ties through modes of interaction. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 25, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/participatory-packaging ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 13 ## What is the Participatory Packaging trend? **Participatory Packaging:** With the conveniences of modern technology, consumers are becoming increasingly impatient and easily distracted, prompting retailers to look beyond exterior aesthetics to create an impression. In an effort to build ties with consumers, companies are turning to product designs that require participation, prompting individuals to become more deeply invested. Packaging that encourages user input or customization allow consumers to connect with products on a more interactive level, reflecting a turn towards more personally engaging marketing tactics. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 13 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 22, 2012 to Apr 22, 2015 - Published: Mar 25, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Participatory Packaging trend ### Participatory Packaging Consumer goods brands are creating product designs that require participation, encouraging individuals to become more deeply invested in their products. ### Interactive Packaging Brands are creating packaging designs that are playful, interactive and even educational to engage consumers. ### Personalization Consumers are becoming more interested in products that allow them to customize according to their preferences, from cosmetics to nail varnish. ## What the Participatory Packaging trend means for industry ### For Consumer Goods Innovation in packaging design can create a competitive advantage in the consumer goods industry. ### For Cosmetics Creating customizable and personalized products can attract consumers who are looking for a unique experience in their beauty routines. ### For Food and Beverage Creating interactive or playful packaging can make healthy snacks and beverages more appealing to children. ## Trend signals for Participatory Packaging Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 78%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 78% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Participatory Packaging trend 13 featured examples from Feb 22, 2012 to Apr 22, 2015. - [Playfully Interactive Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-packaging): Stafidenios Raisins Turns Packaging into a Toy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage interactive packaging design to enhance product appeal and engage with customers in a unique way. - [Innovative Nail Varnish Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-nail-polish-machine): This Nail Polish Machine Mixes From Your Stylish Inspirations (Category: Unique) Implication: The custom nail polish machine technology presents an opportunity for beauty companies to develop personalized products and enhance the overall customer experience. - [Fleshy Personified Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intimate-care): This Intimate Care Product Packaging Mimics the Human Body (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The beauty and personal care industry can explore innovative packaging designs that enhance the user experience and create a strong emotional connection with consumers. - [Mix-and-Match Facial Merchandizing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twister-sisters-packaging): Twister Sisters Packaging Invites Cosmetics Set Customization (Category: Fashion) Implication: Cosmetic companies can use mix-and-match packaging to offer personalized skincare regimens. - [Interactive Monkey Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exotic-snacks): Exotic Snacks Creates Playful Packs to Engage Kids in Healthy Eating (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Implementing interactive packaging designs to engage children in healthier eating habits can disrupt the traditional approach to food packaging. - [Bowling Pin Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottle-design-concept): Constantin Bolimond's Bottle Design Concept Becomes a Toy After Use (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of interactive packaging by exploring unique designs that enhance consumer interaction and engagement with their products. - [Travel Coffee Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-coffee): This Nescafe Travel Coffee Concept Makes Coffee on the Go Easy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Coffee companies and packaging manufacturers can invest in innovative and sustainable packaging designs tailored to meet the needs of the growing on-the-go coffee consumer base. - [Cosmetic-Creating Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rowenta-naturalis1): The Rowenta Naturalis Prepares Professional-Quality Salves (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The Rowenta Naturalis is a sign of the continued demand for personalization in skincare, presenting an opportunity for disruption in how companies create and market beauty product… - [Meta Nail Polish Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stickon-nails): These Stick-On Nails are Served and Stored in Nail Polish Bottles (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Beauty and cosmetics companies can incorporate bottle-shaped packaging concepts into their marketing strategies to broaden their audiences. - [Augmented Sausage Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-package): Bemis' Transforms Branding with Interactive Package Systems (Category: Marketing) Implication: Exploring opportunities to revolutionize packaging in the food industry by integrating AR technology and cloud-based systems for interactive and dynamic packaging experiences. - [Package Assembled Playthings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tube-toys): Oscar Diaz's Tube Toys Form Fun Minimalist Vehicles (Category: Eco) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can explore incorporating inventive packaging designs that transform into playable toys. - [Interactive Phone Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/non-toxic-revolution): This Design for Non Toxic Revolution Helps Those in Need (Category: Marketing) Implication: The integration of QR codes in food and beverage packaging can provide consumers with detailed information about ingredients, sourcing, and nutritional content. - [Zodiac Pastry Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2014-year-of-the-horse): E-g-sain's Golden Horse Boxes Celebrate the 2014 Year of the Horse (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Developing unique and eye-catching pastry packaging that aligns with current trends and resonates with consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) - [Scent Rituals](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/scent-rituals) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [’90s-Inspired Fall Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-and-jason-bolden) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)