Megatrends: What’s Delivering Big in Packaging for 2025?Megatrends: What’s Delivering Big in Packaging for 2025?

Explore these four bold innovations transforming packaging in 2025, blending sustainability, technology, and creativity to reshape the industry.

Meaghan Ziemba, Principal

January 28, 2025

5 Min Read
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It’s less than a month into the New Year, which means thinking about possible new technologies and innovations in the packaging world.

At last fall’s Pack Expo, I saw a glimpse of upcoming trends that are reshaping how we think about sustainability and tech and creating unforgettable experiences for consumers. From game-changing eco-friendly materials to mind-blowing tech solutions, there’s so much to look forward to this year.

So grab your coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer), and let’s dive into the packaging trends of 2025 that are worthy of your attention.

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1. Sustainability is the gold standard for 2025.

Consumer demands for sustainability are pushing new packaging standards in 2025. Everyone — and I mean everyone — is talking about biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials. Plant-based plastics? Check. Paper-based alternatives? Double check. These types of innovations are making it easier to replace single-use plastics.

Reusable packaging is also gaining traction, especially in food delivery and personal care. According to the U.S. Plastic Pact roadmap, “100% of plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.” 

So, think about those sleek containers that scream, “Use me again!” They’re not just trendy — they’re part of the big push towards a circular economy where waste is, well, not a thing, and performance is still a priority.

Related:Packaging Hottest Topics for 2025, So Far

Carbon-neutral packaging processes are also becoming increasingly popular. Companies are slashing emissions and investing in renewable energy to create a closed-loop system that is as efficient as it is ecological.

Plus, advances in compostable films and plant-based materials are making it easier than ever for brands to improve circularity without compromising quality. Think flexible packaging made from seaweed or paperboard containers that can decompose in your backyard compost bin.

And let’s not forget about automation. Smart machinery and robotics are making processes more efficient and less wasteful. Material usage is being optimized, and automated sorting systems in recycling facilities are improving the accuracy and speed of material recovery.

I think it’s safe to say that automation is the secret sauce to helping the packaging industry hit those ambitious sustainability goals while keeping operations efficient and cost-effective.

Pro Tip for Brands: Communicate your sustainability efforts clearly. Consumers love knowing how their choices make a difference, so don’t be shy about showcasing your eco initiatives on your packaging.

Related:Informa Markets Engineering Events Come Together to Help California Wildfire Victims

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2. Smart packaging enhances customer experiences.

Who would have expected quick-response (QR) codes to still be a thing in 2025? No longer being used just to order off restaurant menus, QR codes are being used to unlock product stories, track supply chains, and even provide augmented reality (AR) experiences straight from the shelf.

A 2024 GS1 survey revealed that “79% of shoppers are more likely to purchase products with a scannable barcode/QR code (via smartphone) that provides the information they want.”

On the logistics side, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and packaging that is Internet-of-Things enabled are helping brands optimize supply chains and reduce losses. Imagine packaging that tells you if it’s been tampered with or tracks temperature changes to ensure product integrity. These innovations are reshaping how businesses manage inventory and ensure customer satisfaction.

Pro Tip for Brands: Smart packaging isn’t just about the tech; it’s about the experience. Make sure your tech-enhanced features add real value for your customers, whether it’s convenience, safety, or just plain fun.

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3. AI drives packaging production solutions.

If automation is the secret sauce, then artificial intelligence is the spice that really gives packaging that extra kick. Not only is AI helping brands design for sustainability from the ground up, but it’s also allowing businesses to analyze data on consumer behavior and waste trends.

Related:Perturbing Predictions for Packaging in 2025

With AI, companies can design smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable packaging solutions personalized to their specific customer segments.

One company that caught my eye at Pack Expo was Oxipital. They developed an AI-vision platform that addresses the high-variability challenges in manufacturing environments. Manufacturers gain actionable insights from real-time data collected around:

• Defect Mitigation — Identify and classify defects at any production stage to pinpoint origin, optimize quality, reduce waste, and improve margins.

• Quality Assurance — Identify, measure, and track a range of product attributes to ensure products are in spec at any point in the production process.

• Live Monitoring — Gain real-time info into production quality to respond faster, minimize downtime, and improve efficiency.

• Continuous Improvement — Identify and analyze production trends to make data-driven decisions, anticipate future issues, and drive continuous improvement.

Pro Tip for Brands: Harness the power of AI for sustainability and for packaging production operations. Use AI tools to analyze consumer behaviors and material performance to create packaging solutions that are not just eco-friendly but also operationally efficient. Automation can streamline processes, reduce waste, and support scalable reuse and recycling systems, ensuring your sustainability goals are achievable and impactful.

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4. Packaging design focuses on consumers.

Several other trends driving the industry focus on what customers want:

• Minimalist designs — Consumers are drawn to more modern, fresh, and authentic designs.

• Customization and personalization — Whether it’s limited-edition designs, packaging with customer names, or seasonal variations, personalization makes consumers feel special and keep coming back for more.

• Functional packaging — Consumers want packaging that works as well as it looks. Think pouches, easy-to-open designs, and packaging that doubles as storage.

Pro Tip for Brands: Put yourself in the consumer’s shoes. Test your packaging to ensure it’s as user-friendly as possible, and highlight those functional features in your marketing.

Wrapping it up.

As we dive into the New Year, I look forward to seeing how the blend of sustainability, technology, and creativity transforms the industry. But the most intriguing part is seeing how AI will continue to shape these trends — especially its role in driving sustainability and creating smarter, more efficient solutions.   

About the Author

Meaghan Ziemba

Principal, Mavens of Manufacturing

Meaghan Ziemba, Principal, Mavens of Manufacturing

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