5 Strategies for Leaders to Boost Innovation in Packaging
Innovation in packaging is an important part of staying ahead in an everchanging market. You have to be able to meet customers’ needs and supply an efficient, sustainable, and high-quality solution to stay ahead of competitors. This requires creating a culture where creativity and problem-solving are not only encouraged by leadership but valued.
In the packaging industry, what one might see as small improvements can actually translate to big savings and supply chain optimization. Thinking outside of the box will set you apart from the rest. In this article, we will discuss how innovation in packaging can lead to breakthroughs that improve processes, enhance sustainability, and can give you a competitive edge.
1. Encourage Open Communication and Sharing Ideas
The best way that leadership can encourage innovation in packaging is to create an environment where teammates feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Often, the best ideas come from unexpected sources, which is why it is important to make open communication a priority in team building. Packaging and manufacturing employees are often getting a front-row seat to the process and may have unique insights on how it could be improved.
You can foster open communication and idea sharing by accepting feedback in certain meetings, setting up a safe place for suggestions, or creating an idea board. It is important to establish an open-door policy where employees can feel heard.
2. Reward Innovation with Recognition and Incentives
Using rewards and incentives can be a great way to encourage innovation in packaging. When team members know their contributions matter, they are more likely to take the initiative to look for new solutions to common problems. One study found that 83.6% of employees feel that recognition affects their motivation to succeed at work. An example of this at Conner is our safety incentive program, where our employees can make suggestions on how to make their working environment safer and the winners receive money. You can also reward employees by mentioning new ideas in company meetings or newsletters, create an innovation award, or offer tangible rewards.
3. Lead by Example
Upper management sets the tone for innovation within their teams. By actively being involved in creative problem solving, you can inspire employees and encourage them to approach problems with a creative mindset.
You can lead by example by sharing your ideas openly, attending industry events to learn more about innovation in a broader perspective, and expressing enthusiasm for new projects and perspectives.
4. Stay Informed About Industry Trends and Share Knowledge
Innovation in packaging is fueled by knowledge, so in a constantly evolving industry, it is important to stay informed about industry trends. Leaders can encourage innovation by telling their teams about latest developments, new packaging designs, and other noteworthy information. Sharing knowledge and industry insights can spark new ideas within the team. This is an easy tip that can be used in pre-shift huddles and meetings.
5. Promote a Customer Focused Approach to Problem-Solving
Customer feedback can be one of your biggest assets for innovation in packaging. It is imperative to do a deep dive into your customer’s production process to find the perfect packaging solution for them. After that you have to keep checking in to make sure there are no hiccups or new issues they are facing. You can then use this feedback to talk to your team or engineers about possible solutions.
Encouraging your team to think from the customer’s perspective and seek out ways to improve the customer experience, is a subtle shift that can make a huge impact. Customer insights can highlight unmet needs that drive creative problem-solving.
Wrapping It Up
Empowering a team for innovation in packaging requires commitment, tools, and the right mindset from leadership. By encouraging open communication, rewarding contributions, showing your enthusiasm, staying up to date on industry improvements, and always putting the customer experience first, leaders can build a team that can not only take on today’s challenges but is also ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
At Conner, we believe that innovation is a vital part of team building. In an industry where competitive advantage relies on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and high-quality products, having a culture of innovation is an invaluable investment in the future of your business.