Top Packaging Trends for 2025

The packaging industry is changing quickly, and ideas that were popular years ago are rarely seen on store shelves today. In 2025 and beyond, the packaging industry is at a pivotal moment shaped by consumer expectations, new regulations, and sustainability deadlines. For CPG companies, staying informed on packaging trends is essential for compliance, competitiveness, and building consumer trust. Below, we explore the top packaging trends for 2025 and how they impact supply chains, visibility, and consumer engagement.

Are Packaging Trends Constantly Changing?

The short answer? Yes. 

Consumer demands, technology innovation, and political shifts all have an effect on packaging trends. While some trends like sustainability continue to dominate, others — such as digital and sensory-driven experiences — are gaining momentum. 

For supply chain leaders, this rapid evolution means balancing cost efficiency with the need for innovation.

Why is Staying Up-to-Date on Packaging Industry Trends Important?

In today’s competitive market, consumer behaviors shift quickly. In order to succeed, brands must adapt to stay visible and relevant.

Packaging extends to your sales and marketing efforts by shaping how customers see and experience your product. 

Done well, it helps you stand out on shelves, share your brand message, and create a positive unboxing experience for consumers.

However, outdated or poorly designed packaging can quickly damage brand perception, weaken trust, and diminish product appeal.

Staying current with packaging trends keeps your brand relevant, cost-efficient, and competitive. Brands that embrace packaging trends can:

• Stand out on crowded shelves
• Optimize costs while meeting sustainability goals
• Stay compliant with evolving regulations
• Build lasting consumer loyalty through design and user experience

Ignoring these shifts can result in higher costs, compliance challenges, and missed connections with consumers.

Shifting Political Landscape and Regulatory Uncertainty in 2025

The U.S. political transition in 2025 has heightened economic caution across industries. Consumers and businesses alike are trimming spending and bracing for uncertainty. 

Under the Trump administration, shifts in tariffs, environmental policy rollbacks, and regulation changes could reshape commerce. Now more than ever, strong supply chain risk management strategies are essential to navigate global shipping complexities and protect margins in this unpredictable climate.

Anticipated Impact of Tariffs on Packaging Materials

Shifting trade policy and evolving tariffs are creating uncertainty across packaging supply chains. Tariffs on recycled materials and finished packaging are raising costs and complicating budgets. Even small per-unit increases can add tens of thousands of dollars to shipments.

The ripple effects extend beyond raw material costs. Higher packaging prices may delay product launches, rebrands, and marketing campaigns. Companies face tough choices: absorb costs and lower margins or raise prices and risk losing customers. Both affect competitiveness and brand perception.

Hidden costs are also rising. Managing imports, updating tariff codes, and working closely with customs brokers increases operational strain. Meanwhile, minimum order quantities may rise, creating higher upfront spending and warehousing challenges.

Forward-looking companies are using this period to strengthen supplier relationships, diversify sourcing, and explore cost-saving packaging innovations. Lessons from prior tariff cycles and the COVID-19 pandemic provide valuable playbooks for maintaining supply chain stability, even amid ongoing uncertainty.

Industry Groups Seek Policy Revisions

In December 2024, multiple trade associations urged the new administration to revisit regulations affecting PFAS, emissions, and labor standards, according to the LA Times. These policies have direct implications for the packaging industry, particularly food and beverage packaging, where PFAS and other chemical coatings are commonly used to prevent leaks and extend shelf life.

EPA and FDA Policy Shifts to Watch

Leadership changes at the EPA and FDA are leading to revised rules governing packaging chemicals, additives, and emissions standards. Updates to chemical approvals, emissions standards, and food packaging additives are on the table. These shifts may affect everything from coatings and inks to the recyclability of fiber, plastics, and glass. For CPG brands, even small rule changes can carry big consequences for compliance, labeling, and production timelines.

Sustainable Packaging is Still a Top Trend

Sustainability remains at the center of packaging design trends for 2025. With major CPG players facing 2025 sustainability deadlines, the industry is making moves to stay compliant. 

Instead of traditional materials like plastics or styrofoam, companies are turning to sustainable packaging alternatives to reduce waste and stay out of landfills. 

Here, we’ll go over five of the top sustainability solutions that lower environmental impact while meeting rising consumer expectations for environmental responsibility.

1. Post-Consumer Resin (PCR)

Plastic is so versatile and deeply ingrained in society that removing it entirely is virtually impossible. However, recycling helps divert plastics out of landfills and gives new life to recycled plastic in the form of post-consumer resin (PCR). Growing innovations in processing and new legislation make PCR more attractive for brands seeking sustainable packaging solutions. Companies using PCR cut waste, meet environmental regulations, and strengthen consumer trust.

2. Bio-Based Materials

Traditional packaging relies on plastics that do not break down naturally and depend on fossil fuels. Bio-based materials change that. Made from renewable plant and marine sources, these materials reduce waste from single-use plastics and lower carbon impact. As sustainability expectations grow, bio-based materials are growing in popularity in packaging design trends for 2025.

3. Less is Indeed More

Minimalist packaging remains a top trend for its design appeal and material efficiency. Brands are now focused on reducing excess packaging. Rather than using an excessive amount of plastic or cardboard to package products, businesses are cutting back on waste and cutting down on costs by using less material to safely package and protect their products.

This streamlined approach proves that less is indeed more, creating more value for businesses and consumers alike.

4. Refillable and Reusable Packaging

Single-use packaging creates massive waste challenges. Consumers and regulators are pushing brands to find better solutions. Refillable and reusable packaging is growing across food, beauty, and household products. These systems cut waste, improve customer loyalty, and support long-term sustainability goals. More businesses are adopting this model to meet consumer demand and reduce environmental impact.

5. Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing Practices

Using biodegradable materials and reducing packaging waste are great ways to start addressing the environmental concerns plaguing us today. However, sustainable practices today require a broader commitment. Businesses worldwide are committing to responsible sourcing across the entire supply chain. By partnering with eco-friendly suppliers, businesses reduce their footprint and show accountability. Leading companies have made sustainability an important part of their brand identity to preserve the planet and build trust with their customers.

Modern Minimalistic Design

Minimalism continues to shape packaging design in 2025, especially for premium and eco-conscious products. Clean lines, muted colors, and simple layouts create a sense of sophistication while reducing clutter. 

A study from the Journal of Marketing found that simplicity in packaging increases perceived value, helping brands position products as higher quality. RXBar’s redesign is a strong example, using bold text and transparent messaging to reinforce both clarity and trust.

Minimalism also supports sustainability by lowering material use and reducing carbon footprints. However, perception matters. When store-brand packaging uses minimal design, consumers often view it as generic and associate it with lower-quality ingredients. In contrast, established brands leverage minimalist packaging to signal premium value and reinforce identity. 

Understanding these consumer perceptions helps businesses decide when “less is more” can elevate their product—and when it could unintentionally lower it.

Best practices for minimalist packaging design:

• Use clear typography and restrained color palettes to communicate quality.
• Highlight sustainability benefits through reduced material use and simple messaging.
• Balance simplicity with brand personality to avoid a “generic” look.

Create Interactive & Engaging Experiences Through Packaging

Packaging is now a digital gateway. From QR codes to NFC technology, brands are extending consumer engagement far beyond the shelf.

• QR codes redirect buyers to tutorials, reviews, or brand sustainability initiatives.
• NFC chips enable interactive storytelling with a tap.
• AI-powered personalization tailors experiences, such as recommending recipes or recycling instructions based on location.

In the age of social media and user-generated content, packaging that drives interactive unboxing moments can amplify brand visibility and social proof.

Full Sensory Engagement

Packaging that appeals to more than just the eyes is gaining traction. Brands are experimenting with:

• Textures that invite touch and signal premium quality
• Scratch-and-sniff labels that trigger olfactory memory
• Sound elements, like resealable closures that snap for freshness assurance

This sensory layer taps into the popularity of ASMR content, where sounds like crinkling, tapping, or snapping closures can create a soothing and satisfying effect. For many, these auditory cues enhance enjoyment and deepen brand connection. 

In a crowded retail space, sensory-driven packaging can help your product stand out while also encouraging repeat interaction, social sharing, and emotional loyalty.

Future Proof Your Approach to Adapt with New Packaging Trends

Packaging trends evolve quickly, and ignoring them can be detrimental to your business. Brands that adapt to the changing tides are better positioned to stay relevant, reduce risk, and strengthen customer loyalty.

At Paramount Global, we help you stay ahead with sustainable and innovative packaging solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of experts delivers full-service support across packaging and supply chains. Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your packaging and position your brand for long-term success.

Not ready to make the call? Check out our 2025 Packaging Design Guide for more design inspo!