5 Packaging Trends You Should Know in 2025

With near-constant changes in sustainability guidelines driven by brands and governments alike, rising consumer expectations for new, innovative and eco-friendly product packaging, and the ever-present pressure to keep up with competitors, consumer packaged goods and sustainability leaders are tasked with keeping up with the latest trends on the market.?

Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to packaging in 2025 goes beyond the incorporation of more recyclable materials. The latest trends in packaging might be surprising, ranging from bio- and plant-based material packaging to whipped-cream cans used for sunscreen. In this blog, we break down the hottest packaging trends to watch in 2025.?

Bio-Based Packaging Gives New Life to Wood Pulp, Mushrooms & More

Putting practices in place to lighten the environmental footprint of a brand is still – and increasingly – a top priority for CPG decision-makers. One type of packaging rising in popularity that brings an innovative approach to sustainable packaging is bio-based packaging. Bio-based packaging is made from renewable, often plant-based materials such as wood pulp, bamboo, sugarcane ethanol (Bio-PE or bio-PET), rice husk, mycelium, and hemp.

Innovative and eco-minded brands like Noodees and Alter Eco are leading the charge in bio-based packaging. Noodees, for example, uses packaging derived from FSC-certified wood pulp that dissolves easily down the drain, leaving behind no residue or waste. As consumer demand for sustainable packaging continues to surge, bio-based packaging will likely be an option many brands turn to.?

Easier Recycling of PET plastics with Water-Soluble Dissolvable Labels

It’s not only the primary packaging that’s adapting to suit sustainability initiatives. Labels, too, are evolving for the new era of eco-packaging.?

One such solution is water-soluble (i.e. dissolvable) labels. Water-soluble labels completely dissolve in water, including both the adhesive and label face. Because the removal means containers are entirely clean and residue-free after use, they are ready for reuse or recycling immediately.?

Some solutions, like SmartSolve’s water soluble labels, improve the recyclability of PET plastics, as concluded in independent testing by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). Water soluble label stock can be printed on virtually any web or sheet fed press including dry offset, digital, letterpress and flexography, making them an ideal eco-friendly alternative to traditional labels or even wash-off labels (which still leave behind the label face).

QR-Coded Eye Shadow? The Rise of Smart Packaging Technology?

From QR codes to RFID tags, smart packaging is another trend on the rise in the packaging industry. With near constant access to technology, consumers expect the same conveniences from the packaged goods products they purchase. Smart packaging incorporates technology to provide added functionality to a product’s packaging. You might even find it on a McDonald’s Happy Meal box!

While this is used often for benefit to the consumer or even for marketing purposes, it can also be beneficial for the manufacturer, sometimes offering enhancement to things like temperature control, delivery tracking, and supply chain management.?

Smart packaging isn’t just trendy – it’s expected to hit nearly $53 billion this year, with growth driven by consumer demand for both sustainable and tech-savvy product packaging.?

Minimalist Packaging is A Sleek & Sustainable Packaging Newcomer

Minimalist packaging is another trend to watch across industries in 2025. Minimalist packaging cuts down on excess and non-recyclable components to offer a sleeker, more eco-friendly package. Minimalism in beauty packaging design can also look like repurposed packaging that’s encouraged to be reused for a new purpose once it’s served its initial use.?

Because of its aesthetic appeal, consumers are flocking to innovative brands that cut down on materials without sacrificing design. It might even boost the perception of purity and value to consumers.?

From Ice Cream Cartons to Spray Cans: “Chaos Packaging” Takes Center Stage

At first thought, the concept of putting olive oil in a soda can or sunscreen in a whipped-cream canister sounds odd and even potentially off-putting. But some experts think that’s exactly why “chaos packaging” is on the rise in 2025. Essentially, chaos packaging is putting products into container formats that don’t typically fit the category or product type, like the aforementioned examples.?

Not only is this type of packaging different and eye-catching, but often, it serves more practical purposes for the intended product use. While it’s a fun and unique approach to packaging, it has yet to be determined if chaos packaging will stand the test of time. But it’s most definitely a rising trend in 2025.?

Stay Ahead of the Evolving Landscape of Packaging

In 2025, packaging innovation is more than just adopting recyclable materials – it’s about reimagining the way we think about sustainability, consumer experience, and brand identity. With growing pressure to meet environmental goals, keep up with competitors, and dazzle consumers, brands are embracing bold new trends that push the boundaries of creativity and functionality.?

What will you try differently in 2025? How will you embrace sustainability and stand out in a sea of competition? Try one of these innovations (or all five!) and you might just hit a gold mine of packaging success.?

To Learn More

To learn more about SmartSolve’s product offerings and how you can use them for your specific application,?request a sample?or?contact our team?today.