Top five packaging trends for 2026

The Picture shows a transparent food packaging with meat inside

2025 has proven to be one of the most significant years in recent memory for the packaging industry. Few industries have had to deal with such a turbulent 12 months, from the legislation like the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) coming into effect, to the continual evolution of consumer preferences

And, as the industry turns to 2026, the pace of change will not slow down. At kp, we are continually collaborating with our customers to ensure we keep our finger on the pulse of packaging. That means we’re in the perfect position to unpack the trends that will define 2026, helping you to stay ahead of the curve.

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Convenience adds value

Time-poor consumers continue to prioritise convenient products that they can easily fit into their hectic schedules. Convenience food, food-to-go, and foodservice packaging have a huge role to play in meeting the demands of these consumers.

According to 2025 data from Smithers, 83% of consumers say convenience when shopping is more important now compared with five years ago. This aligns with broader lifestyle shifts, as over 50% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, with rising numbers of single-person households driving demand for smaller pack sizes, resealable formats, and microwaveable solutions.

For packaging producers, this means delivering lightweight, functional pack designs that support easy handling and portability, while also meeting strict sustainability and regulatory standards. At kp, we support these needs by developing high-performance rigid and flexible packaging solutions designed to perform across fast-moving channels like food-to-go and home delivery.

the picture is showing a food to go packaging tray with fish and chips inside

Is sustainability still a differentiator?

Sustainable packaging is no longer a niche; it’s the baseline. However, ‘sustainability’ is a broad term, one that consumers and regulators are more educated about than ever before. This is why the real point of differentiation in 2026 won’t be whether packaging is sustainable, but how. Brands that can articulate this will be best placed to succeed.

Brands are under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable impact that backs up any claims they make. As legislation like the EU’s PPWR and UK extended producer responsibility (pEPR) schemes tighten, the focus is shifting from broad eco-statements to transparent data on recyclability, recycled content, and carbon performance.

For manufacturers like kp, this creates a dual opportunity to lead on credible sustainability through designed-for-recycling solutions and high PCR content, and to help customers tell a clearer story about environmental impact. In short, the differentiator is no longer simply having a sustainability strategy - it’s about how robust, transparent, and future-proof that strategy truly is.

At kp, we are proud to have been at the forefront of this change with innovations like kp 100% Tray2Tray®, a fully recycled and recyclable food-safe solution made entirely from PET flake recovered from other food trays.

Legislation drives material choices

PPWR and global EPR schemes represent the biggest regulatory changes the packaging industry has seen in at least a generation. EPR is pushing brands to rethink not only their packaging formats but also their business models, prioritising circularity, recyclability, and lightweighting.

Deposit return schemes (DRS), rolling out across multiple EU member states and the UK in the coming years, are expected to boost rPET availability, a critical enabler for plastic circularity. For packaging manufacturers, 2026 will be a year of aligning design innovation with policy frameworks.

Multiple hands are looking on a digital screen at their workplace

At kp, we are proud to have been at the forefront of this change with innovations like kp 100% Tray2Tray^®, a fully recycled and recyclable food-safe solution made entirely from PET flake recovered from other food trays.

Technology and innovation accelerate

2026 represents the last full calendar year businesses will have to prepare for Sunrise 2027: the project that will update standard barcodes into enhanced 2D barcodes that can hold much more data, including URLs for digital content, sustainability and sourcing information, recall alerts and allergen data. This means materials innovation, digitalisation, and smart packaging are set to play a much bigger role in the coming 12 months and beyond

Market growth continues, shaped by emerging regions

The global packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% to reach $1.43 trillion by 2028, according to the latest Smithers data. However, this growth will increasingly be driven by emerging markets, where rising incomes and urbanisation are creating new opportunities for packaging solutions that can be produced cost-effectively at scale.

Meanwhile, high-income regions – including North America, the EU and UK - will lead on premiumisation, sustainability, and innovation, setting new standards that will ripple globally.

An asia woman is doing grocery shopping in the food to go section

At kp, our global footprint allows us to support customers locally, with services tailored to suit the needs of each market. And thanks to our integrated supply chain and deep industry expertise, we help ensure you’ll never be left behind by an evolving trend.

Get in touch with our team today to learn how we can support your packaging goals in 2026.

Get in touch with our team