Packaging trends in 2026 are being defined by decisions and pressures that intensified throughout 2025, as sustainability targets, regulatory reform and cost control moved from ambition to operational reality.
Across food, beverage, consumer goods and e-commerce, packaging has become a strategic issue rather than a technical afterthought.
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Industry data and regulatory developments show a clear shift away from traditional plastics towards fibre-based, bio-based and data-enabled solutions, alongside growing focus on reuse, efficiency and accessibility.
For manufacturers, brand owners and supply-chain partners, the developments of 2025 now set the direction of travel for the packaging industry in the year ahead.
Sustainable packaging and regulation drive material change
One of the most significant packaging stories of 2025 was the rapid escalation of sustainable packaging from voluntary initiative to regulatory and commercial requirement.
Governments, particularly in Europe, expanded extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, increasing fees for hard-to-recycle packaging and placing more responsibility on producers to fund collection and recycling systems.
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By GlobalDataAs a result, many companies accelerated the move towards recyclable mono-materials, fibre-based packaging and bio-based alternatives such as polylactic acid (PLA), mushroom mycelium and algae-derived materials.
These materials, once limited to niche applications, began to scale in secondary packaging, food service and selected e-commerce uses.
In 2026, this shift is expected to deepen.
Rising EPR costs, tighter rules on environmental claims and growing scrutiny of plastic waste are pushing brands to redesign packaging for genuine recyclability and lower material intensity. Oversized and complex packaging formats are increasingly viewed as a financial and reputational risk, especially as consumers become more vocal about unnecessary waste.
Smart packaging and digital traceability move into the mainstream
Smart packaging gained momentum in 2025 as brands looked for better traceability, compliance and consumer communication.
QR codes, digital watermarks, sensors and near-field communication (NFC) tags were increasingly added to packs to provide product information, usage guidance and sustainability data.
This trend is closely linked to regulatory developments such as the planned introduction of digital product passports in the European Union, which will require detailed information on product origin, materials and environmental impact.
Smart packaging is also being used to support supply-chain visibility, cold-chain monitoring and anti-counterfeiting measures, particularly in food, pharmaceuticals and premium goods.
In 2026, digital packaging is expected to expand further as brands seek to meet regulatory requirements and respond to consumer demand for transparency.
For packaging suppliers, this creates new requirements around data integration, print capability and system compatibility, while raising questions about cost control and standardisation across markets.
Circular systems, efficiency and inclusive design gain importance
Circular economy models moved closer to large-scale adoption in 2025, with more brands testing refill and reuse systems, including returnable packaging, refill pouches and in-store refill stations.
While still limited in many regions, these models gained traction as companies looked to reduce single-use packaging volumes and long-term material costs.
At the same time, efficiency became a central concern. Rising transport costs and continued growth in e-commerce accelerated investment in right-size packaging technology, which creates boxes tailored to individual products.
These systems reduce void fill, lower material use and cut emissions linked to shipping.
Packaging design also began to reflect a broader definition of usability. Accessibility features such as easy-open mechanisms, clearer labelling, tactile elements and Braille embossing received greater attention, driven by ageing populations and expectations of inclusive design.
Together, these changes point to a broader redefinition of packaging’s role. In 2026, packaging is expected to function as part of a connected, circular and efficient system, supporting compliance, cost control and customer trust.
The packaging stories that emerged in 2025 suggest that success will depend less on novelty and more on practical redesign, regulatory readiness and measurable environmental performance across global markets.
