2025 Packaging Trends Report

As we look ahead to 2025, the packaging industry is set to embrace smarter, faster, and more consumer-centric innovations than ever before. Next year’s top trends are powered by AI advancements, the rise of 2D barcodes, and growing demand for sustainability and wellness solutions. Read on to discover the key packaging trends that will shape 2025 and beyond. 

Trend: AI Transforming Packaging 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the packaging industry, driving advancements in production, sustainability, and design at unprecedented speeds. With the packaging AI market valued at $2.3 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 55.7% over the next decade, AI is rapidly embedding itself into operations, from optimizing supply chains and reducing waste to enhancing quality control with predictive maintenance. 

Retailers like Walmart leverage AI to analyze vast amounts of real-time camera-enabled data, improve inventory management, and identify hidden buying trends. Amazon also places itself at the cutting edge of AI by using a predictive tool to create right-sized packaging. This minimizes shipping materials and furthers sustainability goals. 

Packaging designers are also embracing generative AI to prototype and test new concepts quickly, refine user-targeted designs, and create unique, limited-edition packaging tailored to niche demographics. Some celebrities are even giving brands rights to their image for an AI-produced on-pack image. Think opportunities for digital printing that bring to life bold, customized ideas to improve customer experience while brands also benefit from efficiencies.  

Trend: Balancing Health and Indulgence
Today’s consumers face a tug-of-war between wellness goals and the desire for indulgence, leading to a rise in “imperfect” but enjoyable solutions that break the mold. The buzz around GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, like Ozempic, has further emphasized nutrient-focused eating, sparking opportunities for brands to adapt packaging and products that meet evolving needs. 

Simple and clear on-pack claims highlighting protein, fiber, and vitamins resonate not only with weight-loss drug users but also with consumers designing their own balanced diets. Portion-control packaging is gaining traction by catering to those adjusting to appetite changes while ensuring essential nutrients are met.  

This has led to the emergence of brands leading the way with thoughtfully portioned, high-protein products that are designed to support consumers, including GLP-1 weight-loss drug users, with balanced nutrition tailored to their evolving wellness goals. Some brands, like Conagra, announced plans to add labels and claims to pre-existing products to promote these benefits, while others, like Nestlé’s Vital Pursuit, have created a completely net-new product to fill this rising need. 

To stand out on crowded shelves and lean into consumers’ cravings for indulgence, brands are creating collaborations and sensory-driven innovations—think unexpected partnerships, unique flavors, and limited-time releases. A recent standout is the Coca-Cola x Oreo collaboration, which proves how cross-category creativity can capture consumer attention and drive novelty. 

Trend: Sensible Sustainability 

Consumers remain committed to sustainability but are increasingly pragmatic, demanding tangible evidence to back up claims and avoid greenwashing. Brands are under pressure to align packaging strategies with both Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and publicly stated goals, making clear labeling and on-pack education more critical than ever. Tools like QR codes are emerging as effective ways to educate consumers about packaging end-of-life processes and recycling steps. 

Partnering with aligned suppliers who prioritize sustainable innovation is key. Products with verified sustainability claims continue to outperform non-sustainable alternatives—seeing 1.5% higher growth in recent years. Pet care leads the way in growth among sustainability-focused categories, signaling opportunities for other sectors to follow suit. 

Meanwhile, climate change, geopolitical disruptions, and cyber threats are challenging supply chains by impacting sourcing and pricing. Transparency is essential: brands that communicate openly about supply chain changes, reformulations, or ingredient alternatives can maintain trust while reinforcing their sustainability commitments.  

Trend: The Future of 2D Barcodes 

After 50 years of the traditional UPC, 2D barcodes—such as QR codes—are taking center stage, transforming how consumers interact with product packaging. These next-gen codes are not only the future of checkout scans, but also offer a wealth of information at the tap of a smartphone, from product origins to sustainability efforts. 

A 2024 survey found that 79% of shoppers are more likely to buy products with scannable codes, proving that access to clear, detailed product data influences purchasing decisions. Retailers worldwide are already preparing for this shift, with plans to fully accept 2D barcodes at checkout by 2027. 

The new GS1 web-enabled barcodes go beyond UPC functionality, improving inventory tracking, supply chain visibility, and product traceability while enhancing the consumer experience. This technology also supports sustainability goals by providing transparency into sourcing, materials, and sustainable practices—empowering shoppers to make informed, responsible choices.