(Plastic-Free Shrink Sleeves: Fully Biodegradable)
As we look ahead to the packaging industry in 2025, it’s clear that rapid changes are occurring across every sector of packaging, driven by sustainability demands, technological advancements, and evolving consumer expectations.
Below we discuss the trends we can expect, the latest industry news, and the implications of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.
Key Trends in the Packaging Industry for 2025
1. Sustainability Takes Centre Stage – The global shift toward sustainability remains one of the most significant trends driving the packaging industry in 2025. As environmental concerns increase, more companies are adopting eco-friendly materials, reducing their carbon footprints, and eliminating waste. Consumers and businesses alike are prioritising recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable packaging solutions. Innovations in biodegradable plastics, plant-based packaging, and upcycled materials are expected to grow significantly.
- Circular Economy Practices: Packaging is no longer a one-time use product. Companies will continue embracing circular economy models, where packaging can be recycled and repurposed for future use. Expect to see more brands implementing take-back or refill programs.
- Minimalist and Efficient Designs: The focus on reducing packaging waste will lead to minimalist designs that use fewer materials while still providing the necessary protection and functionality.
2. Smart Packaging and Digital Integration – By 2025, smart packaging will have fully integrated digital features, including NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, and RFID tags. These innovations enable better supply chain tracking, consumer engagement, and product authentication. Expect more interactive and personalised packaging experiences, such as augmented reality (AR) that lets consumers learn about a product’s story or sustainability impact.
- Track and Trace Technologies: With the rise of e-commerce, tracking products throughout the supply chain is becoming more important. Smart packaging can also help with anti-counterfeiting measures and improving inventory management.
3. Personalisation and Customisation – Consumers are increasingly demanding more personalised experiences, and packaging is no exception. In 2025, packaging will be highly customised to meet both functional and emotional needs. This might involve personalised labels, customisable colours or shapes, and packaging that can be easily adjusted for individual orders. This trend is being fuelled by advancements in digital printing technologies.
4. Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials – The demand for packaging that is not only recyclable but also biodegradable or compostable is growing. Materials like mushroom-based packaging, edible packaging, and seaweed-based films are expected to gain wider adoption. Additionally, sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic, such as plant-based plastics and paper alternatives, are becoming more affordable and viable for mass production.
5. The Rise of E-Commerce Packaging – E-commerce continues to surge, and with it, there’s a growing need for packaging that caters to online shopping. Expect packaging innovations that address the unique demands of shipping, such as protective yet sustainable materials, easier-to-open packages, and tamper-evident seals. Subscription box services and packaging designed for unboxing experiences will also continue to flourish.
Latest Industry News
1. Increased Focus on Recycling and Reuse – A key piece of the puzzle in the packaging industry’s sustainability efforts is improving recycling rates. Governments, brands, and consumers are all pushing for higher recycling rates and better material recovery. According to a recent report from the World Economic Forum, global recycling rates still fall far behind, and by 2025, there’s a strong push for packaging that can be more easily recycled or upcycled.
2. Regulations and Legislation – The packaging industry is also grappling with an increasing wave of regulations. Countries across Europe and North America are introducing stricter rules on packaging waste and recycling, while in Asia, there’s a push toward banning single-use plastics and incentivising more sustainable alternatives. In the U.S., various states are implementing “plastic bans,” forcing businesses to rethink their packaging choices.
3. Major Corporate Moves –
- Coca-Cola has recently announced its commitment to ensuring 50% of all its packaging will be made from recycled materials by 2025. This comes as part of the company’s broader efforts to address sustainability and environmental impact.
- Unilever has committed to cutting down on packaging waste by transitioning to more reusable, recyclable, or compostable materials for all of its packaging by 2025.
What to Expect from the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Proposal
One of the most significant regulatory changes on the horizon for the UK packaging industry is the growing adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. EPR policies require manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products and packaging, including the disposal and recycling phases.
1. Shift in Responsibility – Traditionally, local governments or third-party recyclers bear the burden of managing packaging waste. With EPR, companies will be held accountable for the entire lifecycle, including the collection, recycling, and reuse of their packaging materials. This forces manufacturers to rethink their packaging strategies, as they will now need to ensure their packaging is recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable.
2. Increased Costs for Producers – As part of EPR implementation, companies may face fees or levies to support the collection and recycling infrastructure. This could lead to higher upfront costs for packaging. However, it will also drive innovation in the packaging design space, as companies will look for cost-effective ways to reduce their waste output.
3. Focus on Circular Economy – EPR laws will incentivise companies to design products and packaging with a circular economy model in mind. More packaging will be designed for easy recycling or reuse, and businesses will need to focus on reducing waste and ensuring that materials can be reincorporated into the production cycle.
4. Consumer Participation – EPR will encourage greater consumer involvement in the recycling process, as businesses will likely need to collaborate with consumers on packaging return and recycling programs. This could lead to better consumer education on proper disposal methods and promote more sustainable behaviour.
5. Global Harmonisation – As EPR regulations grow in popularity, we can expect to see a greater harmonisation of global standards. Countries and regions may align their EPR policies to streamline the process for multinational companies, making compliance easier across borders.
By 2025, the packaging industry will have undergone significant transformation, with sustainability at the core of innovation. Expect to see more brands embracing circular economy principles, implementing eco-friendly materials, and adopting smart packaging technologies. EPR legislation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of packaging, shifting responsibility onto producers and encouraging a more sustainable approach to packaging design.
For businesses, the key to thriving in this evolving landscape will be staying ahead of regulatory changes, embracing sustainability, and investing in technologies that improve both the efficiency and environmental impact of their packaging. As consumer demand for sustainable and responsible packaging rises, the industry will continue to evolve toward a more environmentally conscious and efficient future.
Free Callback
Contact Us