WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF CPG: TOP PACKAGING TRENDS PUT SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSUMERS FIRST

Packaging continues to evolve in creative ways balancing eco-progress and marketing with added informativeness, new tactile experiences and enhanced usability. Brands reach new heights of purpose-led engagement through sustainable innovations, eye-catching interactivity, augmented reality layers and miniaturized functionality.

Sustainable Materials Transform Unboxing

Compostable plant fibers, mushroom root, algae foam and discarded waste – simple yet revolutionary unpacking experiences emerge through organic materials instead of plastics. Brands also innovate around paper, glass and thin layered wood.

Disappearing and Dissolvable Packaging

Some packaging eliminates itself. From water-soluble seaweed bottles to zero-waste dissolvable sheet protectors for fragile items, some containers literally disappear during use. That leaves behind the item while erasing environmental damage.

Adding Textures, Weight and New Shapes

Brands experiment with die cuts, 3D puff shape molding and layered mixed material constructions asking us to engage with packaging beyond visual perception through textures and shifting forms mirroring the products within.

Augmented Reality Transforms Surfaces

Any package can transform into an interactive digital playground using smartphone augmented reality features. As AR permeates packaging experiences in 2024 and 2025 and beyond, evolving tech adds immersive shopping advice, entertainment and product views.

Packaging Takes On More Function

Beyond containing, protecting and marketing an item, packaging adopts expanded utility – from built-in serving tools and charging capabilities to a pizza box that converts into recycling bin. The future package proves many surfaces can containerize.

The next era of unboxing spotlights sustainability paired with an amplified sense of reveal, play and expanded usability. As packages engage more human senses while reducing associated waste, brands echo their purpose commitments through materials and experiential touches that linger.