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\u2019s specialist team experts share their perspectives on the trends that will shape the future of packaging in the year ahead.<\/h3>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n<\/section>\nThe current packaging environment and its impact<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn 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 \u2013 and your packaging can play a key role in that.<\/p>\n
With the packaging market and trends for 2026 in mind, key considerations will be:<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nEconomic Slowdown, Inflation & Tax Hikes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nUK 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Packaging trends for 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\nWith 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\u2026<\/p>\n
1. Easier to recycle packaging & circular design<\/strong><\/h2>\nExtended 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.<\/p>\n
Therefore, packaging trend number 1 for 2026 is expected to be easier to recycle packaging and circular design<\/strong>.<\/p>\nRachel Fellows, Retail Sales Director for Macfarlane, explains \u201cPackaging that scores as red or amber under RAM will carry higher costs.\u00a0 Companies across retail, eCommerce and FMCG are already reassessing their packaging portfolios to control costs and improve recyclability. And it\u2019s now financially essential to design packaging that\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nDesign 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.<\/p>\n
2. Packaging data transparency<\/strong><\/h2>\nBusinesses will be under pressure to collect and report more packaging data than ever before in 2026. So, trends number 2 is packaging data transparency<\/strong>.<\/p>\nSimon Richards, Head of 3PL for Macfarlane, highlights how regulation and sustainability goals are driving this change. \u201cAccurate specifications, recyclability evidence and supplier declarations are now business-critical,\u201d he explains. \u201cPackaging is no longer just a purchasing decision; it\u2019s part of your reporting infrastructure.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nAs 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.<\/p>\n3. Packaging optimisation \u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nPackaging optimisation is our third trend for 2026.<\/strong> At Macfarlane, we\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\nAccording to Scott Byrom, Industrial Sales Director for Macfarlane, operations are focused on packaging that is lighter, faster to assemble and more efficient to transport. \u201cBusinesses want packaging that cuts costs while improving speed and environmental performance. Packaging efficiency is no longer about saving time; it\u2019s about creating competitive advantage\u201d<\/em> he says.<\/p>\nRight-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.<\/p>\n
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