2025 Packaging Trends That Are Driving Growth, Not Decline

While headlines often focus on slowing demand in certain segments, the broader packaging industry continues to evolve, and in many areas, grow rapidly. In 2025, innovation, digitization, and sustainability are fueling growth across key segments. For packaging manufacturers, this shift creates new opportunities, especially for those who adapt operations to meet changing customer needs.

Below are the top 7 growth-driving trends reshaping the industry today.

1. eCommerce 2.0 Drives Demand for Smarter, Protective Packaging

While the early waves of eCommerce focused on standard goods and broad logistics efficiency, today’s growth is concentrated in more specialized categories, including:

• Perishable foods
• Pharmaceuticals
• Beauty & skincare
• Luxury goods
• Subscription boxes

Each of these products introduces new packaging challenges that go beyond traditional corrugated demands. To meet these challenges, manufacturers must deliver better, not less, packaging, including:

• High-performance cushioning
• Temperature-controlled or insulated packaging
• Tamper-evident features
• Custom-branded unboxing experiences

This evolution in eCommerce calls for an entirely new level of packaging sophistication that prioritizes both function and customer experience.

2. Sustainability Becomes a Revenue Driver

Sustainability is no longer only regulatory pressure. It now sits at the center of many brand strategies, reflecting both consumer expectations and retailer mandates. More than ever, brands want to align with packaging partners who provide credible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that reduce environmental impact.

Brands are actively seeking:

• Lightweight recyclable materials
• Fiber-based alternatives to plastic
• Compostable or biodegradable solutions
• Packaging that clearly communicates environmental impact

By treating sustainability as a strategic value proposition rather than a compliance hurdle, manufacturers can turn green initiatives into new business opportunities and improved margins.

3. Premiumization: Packaging as a Brand Experience

In a marketplace flooded with choices, brands are increasingly investing in packaging to create memorable first impressions and deliver lasting value. The “unboxing moment” reflects a broader trend where packaging is seen as an extension of the product and a key element of the customer journey.

This is particularly true in luxury goods, electronics, direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscriptions, and niche retail categories. Companies are investing in:

• High-quality print finishes
• Personalized or short-run custom designs
• Premium corrugated structures
• Color consistency and high-resolution graphics
• Multi-substrate solutions

As brands compete to stand out on shelves and online, packaging has become a critical tool for storytelling, differentiation, and price justification.

4. Food and Beverage Packaging Grows with Demand for Convenience

Amid shifting economic conditions and changing lifestyles, consumer demand for convenience foods, ready-to-eat meals, and grocery delivery continues to rise. This trend has major implications for packaging, especially in the food and beverage industry, which continues to be one of the most stable and resilient areas of the industry.

Packaging for this segment must combine safety, functionality, and sustainability. Materials need to be leak-resistant and microwave-safe for convenience meals, while breathable and protective solutions are essential for fresh produce.

There is also increasing demand for compostable trays and cartons that reduce landfill impact. In addition, the growth in grocery and beverage logistics has spurred a surge in demand for high-volume corrugated packaging that can withstand temperature fluctuations and long transport times.

Manufacturers with the ability to deliver speed, compliance, and food-grade quality standards are poised to thrive in this high-demand environment.

5. Digitization & Smart Packaging Create a Competitive Edge

Smart packaging is evolving from a niche innovation to a competitive necessity. As consumers and brands alike demand more transparency, safety, and engagement, digital features are being embedded directly into packaging formats.

These enhancements are not only improving product security but also enabling new forms of interaction and data capture. This includes:

• QR codes linked to product authentication
• Track-and-trace integration
• Sensors indicating freshness or temperature
• NFC-enabled engagement features

By embracing digital transformation, packaging manufacturers can move beyond commoditization and offer value-added services that foster deeper brand relationships and increase switching costs.

6. Reshoring Increases Demand for Local Packaging

The pandemic, geopolitical instability, and rising transportation costs have reshaped global supply chains. As a result, many brands are localizing their manufacturing operations to reduce risk and increase responsiveness. This shift is creating significant opportunities for regional packaging manufacturers who can deliver agility and service excellence.

Local packaging manufacturers are seeing increased volumes of smaller, more frequent orders as brands seek just-in-time inventory and faster turnaround. These conditions favor plants with digital scheduling capabilities, short lead times, and flexible production setups.

In addition, the demand for more customized and market-specific packaging is rising as companies seek to localize branding and product assortments.

This reshoring movement is a structural shift that packaging manufacturers must strategically embrace to remain competitive.

7. Automation and Optimization Unlock New Capacity

As labor shortages persist and operational costs rise, packaging plants are turning to automation and data-driven systems to sustain performance and drive growth. These investments are not aimed at workforce reduction but at augmenting human capabilities and unlocking hidden capacity.

Automation solutions, including robotic palletizers, automated die cutters, and conveyor systems, are improving throughput and consistency. Meanwhile, real-time plant visibility platforms such as Kiwiplan enable managers to make data-informed decisions on scheduling, maintenance, and quality control. Predictive analytics tools reduce unplanned downtime and improve yield by identifying issues before they escalate.

By integrating ERP and MES platforms with machine-level data, manufacturers gain a competitive edge through greater control, higher customer satisfaction, and better use of resources.

 The Bottom Line

While some macroeconomic pressures remain, many areas within the packaging industry are experiencing strong, positive momentum. Manufacturers who lean into sustainability, automation, innovation, and niche market opportunities are not only weathering shifts in demand but positioning themselves for long-term success.