2025 has been a year of constantly changing packaging trends for brands.
Several trends have stood out more than the rest, including a sharper focus on sustainability, investments in technological integrations, and a need for bold design to take centre stage.
Let’s take a moment to recap the significant, trending stories from our industry over the previous twelve months.
Industry shifts, including the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, have only served to increase the demand from consumers for sustainable packaging. It is no longer good enough to talk the talk around sustainability, brands must put their words into action.
The pressure for a circular economy where packaging is recycled and reusable is only intensifying, presenting real opportunities for corrugated packaging. Refillable packaging systems designed to reduce single-use waste are entering the market more and more, alongside long lasting transport packaging and consumer-facing refillable packaging – popular across the cosmetic, food and beverage industries.
Alongside reusable and recyclable outer packaging, how items are packed for transit must now align to the principles of a circular economy. Paper and shredded corrugated filler packaging is commonplace, most notably used by Amazon. These solutions offer the same cushioning qualities as bubble wrap, but without the harmful environmental byproducts.
And finally, while the ethos of ‘shopping local’ is commonplace for consumers, it’s not always been the case for brands building their supply chains. One significant movement in 2025 has been a widespread shift towards sourcing materials locally.
Local sourcing is an effective way of reducing harmful emissions from transportation, while helping to build stronger localised economies which are self-sufficient. Consumers also see this as a major draw when choosing their favourite brands.
While it’s not new for 2025, the momentum behind smarter packaging is only increasing. Smart packaging saves time and resources, making it more efficient for businesses to ship goods from the moment a consumer places an order.
Integrations such as QR codes and NFC tags make the entire order and delivery process quick, transparent and accountable, while opening the door to greater levels of automation.
Such technological advancements also bring consumers closer to the brands they love. Codes can be designed for home scanning on smart devices, giving consumers access to exclusive content, offers and insights from the comfort of their sofa while further embedding brands into their everyday lives, increasing long-term consumer loyalty.
Design trends always come and go over time, but 2025’s trends look to be here to stay for a little while yet.
The pressure to be impactful and remain in the mind of the consumer amid increasing competition, only continues to increase. Therefore this year, the focus has been on minimalistic, impactful packaging designs where function is rarely compromised. Brands must also be able to tell their unique story succinctly to capture hearts and minds.
The ‘less is more’ approach has never been more appropriate. Clean lines, negative space and an appropriate use of colour have all become integral to packaging which makes consumers feel compelled to engage.
But with every trend, come the disruptors. These are brands that refuse to align to new norms and choose to go against the grain to divide opinions and create debate.
Contrary to the minimalist approach, some businesses have adopted a trend known as ‘dopamine design’, where vibrant block colours, patterns, and design styles reminiscent of the 1960s and 1990s have commanded attention in shops and on doorsteps. This approach unlocks a feeling of nostalgia, a tactic which always sells. Consumers love a feeling of familiarity and it often makes them compelled to spend money.
2025’s trends are certainly here to stay as we enter 2026. If your brand is struggling to remain ahead of the curve, or you need a packaging partner who can enhance your current outputs, then look no further. Our team is here to advise.
