Packaging Trends for 2026
As 2026 approaches, packaging continues to evolve under the influence of new regulation, sustainability goals and changing customer expectations. To help businesses prepare, Macfarlane Packaging’s specialist team experts share their perspectives on the trends that will shape the future of packaging in the year ahead.
So, what packaging trends can you expect to see in 2026? In this article our experts will reveal how regulation, technology, design and innovation will define the next phase of packaging performance.
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The current packaging environment and its impact
In 2026, businesses will see a mix of rising packaging regulatory pressures, economic headwinds, supply chain constraints alongside consumer expectations. Success for many will depend on proactive planning – and your packaging can play a key role in that.
With the packaging market and trends for 2026 in mind, key considerations will be:
- Legislative Pressures
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the Plastic Packaging Tax and Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) mean businesses using packaging are facing significantly higher costs. These environmentally driven regulations are also upping the ante when it comes to using recycled materials and ensuring designs are recyclable or reusable to mitigate penalties. Plus, compliance reporting means added pressure on data collection and system investment. Recyclate is also going to be in high demand, adding to cost volatility.
- Economic Slowdown, Inflation & Tax Hikes
UK GDP growth remains modest and consumers are increasingly sensitive to price rises. On top of this, the rise in employer contributions to National Insurance in 2025 has added a significant amount of expense to all firms.
- Labour Market Stress
Labour shortages in logistics, manufacturing and retail are reducing flexibility and increasing costs. In many industries, time is money and not having the right or enough labour can put pressure on productivity.
Packaging trends for 2026
With these key factors shaping the current economic climate for businesses, what packaging trends will we see in 2026? Our experts have highlighted seven trends set to be on the rise throughout the year…
1. Easier to recycle packaging & circular design
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will have a far-reaching impact on packaging in 2026, particularly due to the Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM), which plays a central role in modulating fees based on ease of recycling.
Therefore, packaging trend number 1 for 2026 is expected to be easier to recycle packaging and circular design.
Rachel Fellows, Retail Sales Director for Macfarlane, explains “Packaging that scores as red or amber under RAM will carry higher costs. Companies across retail, eCommerce and FMCG are already reassessing their packaging portfolios to control costs and improve recyclability. And it’s now financially essential to design packaging that’s simple, lighter weight, recyclable and easy to process at end of life. Our Packaging Innovation Labs are helping customers achieve exactly that through testing, material evaluation and smarter design support.”
Design and material decisions will directly influence cost, compliance and brand reputation. The shift toward circularity goes beyond recycling. Reusable and refillable systems are becoming more viable as retailers explore scalable reuse models. Simplified material structures, mono-material designs and clear labelling will all help improve recovery.
2. Packaging data transparency
Businesses will be under pressure to collect and report more packaging data than ever before in 2026. So, trends number 2 is packaging data transparency.
Simon Richards, Head of 3PL for Macfarlane, highlights how regulation and sustainability goals are driving this change. “Accurate specifications, recyclability evidence and supplier declarations are now business-critical,” he explains. “Packaging is no longer just a purchasing decision; it’s part of your reporting infrastructure.”
As supply chain traceability requirements grow, integrating packaging data into logistics and procurement systems becomes essential for compliance and cost control. Connected technologies (like QR codes, NFC tags, AR, IoT sensors and live monitoring) are now available to enhance visibility, enabling brands to share sustainability information and product provenance with consumers, and improving safety and traceability for sensitive goods.
3. Packaging optimisation
Packaging optimisation is our third trend for 2026. At Macfarlane, we’ve always been advocates for well-engineered packaging and in 2026, packaging will continue to evolve as a performance tool. The right packaging can help businesses increase efficiency, reduce waste and meet rising customer expectations.
According to Scott Byrom, Industrial Sales Director for Macfarlane, operations are focused on packaging that is lighter, faster to assemble and more efficient to transport. “Businesses want packaging that cuts costs while improving speed and environmental performance. Packaging efficiency is no longer about saving time; it’s about creating competitive advantage” he says.
Right-sizing remains a critical strategy. By reducing unnecessary volume and optimising pack design, companies can lower transport costs, storage space and emissions, all while improving throughput and reducing damage.
4. Using less packaging
As the volume of packaging used by businesses comes into focus under environmental legislations, our next 2026 packaging trend is using less packaging.
David Patton, Head of Sustainability for Macfarlane Group explains “Reducing the amount of packaging being used will be one of the most effective strategies for businesses who want to lower their EPR and Plastic Tax liabilities. The basis of many of the levies is the volume of packaging used, so there’s a direct correlation between cost reduction and lower packaging weight.”
Using less packaging shouldn’t come at the expense of product protection either. Intelligent designs and performance materials can allow you to use less while ensuring your product gets to the end user in perfect condition.
5. Powerful packaging automation
Packaging trend 5 is powerful packaging automation – as it continues to reshape packaging operations, offering a way to balance productivity, cost control and sustainability – all while providing futureproofing.
David Thomas, our Business Manager for Load Containment and Automation, explains that automation is now at the centre of logistics and fulfilment strategies. “Automation helps reduce manual intervention, tackle labour shortages and improve consistency. The goal isn’t to replace people but to make their work safer, faster and more efficient, so they can focus on value-added tasks.”
The most efficient operations in 2026 will combine automation with live data insights, enabling real-time adjustments to packaging processes that enhance both performance and sustainability.
6. Smart, sustainable material selection
Sustainability continues to be a defining force in packaging design and packaging trends will reflect that. Our next trend is smart, sustainable material selection.
Richard Garratt, Head of Design from Macfarlane’s Innovation Labs comments “We’re seeing a marked shift to lighter weight, high performing materials that are renewable, recyclable and meet both environmental and commercial goals. As complex, multi-layer materials are harder to recycle and therefore taxable, businesses are looking for mono-material formats.”
Consumers are also demanding greater transparency about material origins and recyclability. Clear labelling, minimal inks and responsibly sourced materials will help brands demonstrate their environmental commitments.
“The future of sustainable packaging is smart, simple and circular,” Richard says. “It’s about designing solutions that are better for business and the planet, ensuring the packaging materials meet these criteria.”
Leveraging packaging trends in 2026
Packaging can play a key role in businesses succeeding in 2026. The right packaging can help you offset costs, improve productivity, save space and cut emissions from your supply chain. With regulatory, operational and sustainability pressures building, taking action now will be essential.
What practical steps can you take to leverage 2026 packaging trends?
- Book a packaging review – This will help you to understand how your current packaging performs, where costs and risks sit and where improvements can be made.
- Scenario plan – With the help of a packaging review, you’ll be able to model different material choices, design changes and operational workflows to see how they’ll impact cost, compliance and sustainability.
- Rationalise your packaging use – Reduce complexity and improve recyclability while maintaining protection and performance.
- Collaborate with Macfarlane – Work with our specialists, including our Macfarlane Packaging Innovation Labs, where expert testing, design evaluation and performance modelling help you address EPR, reduce waste, optimise protection and unlock new efficiencies.
At Macfarlane Packaging, we’re here to help businesses navigate these shifts with clarity, creativity and confidence, supported by expertise from every part of our organisation, including the Innovation Lab’s advanced testing capabilities and insight.
If you’d like to discuss how these trends will shape your packaging plans for 2026, contact our team to arrange a tailored consultation.