Sustainability will continue to be ‘one of the strongest drivers of change’ in the packaging industry in 2026, according to new research from packaging software and hardware solutions provider Esko.
As well as sustainability, smart packaging, digital product passports and the increased use of agentic AI are among the most significant trends influencing the packaging industry, the company said in its annual Packaging Trends study.
‘Pace of change’
“The pace of change we are experiencing today is unlike anything before,” said Jan De Roeck, marketing director at Esko. “The invention and adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, coupled with tightening sustainability regulations and new forms of digital packaging intelligence, are reshaping our sector in fundamental ways.”
As the company noted, sustainability remains a core focus for the sector due to tightening regulatory frameworks and growing expectations around transparency and traceability, which are prompting firms to rethink their use of materials, processes and how they manage data.
Digital product passports are set to play an increasingly important role this year, as companies seek to enhance both “traceability and consumer engagement opportunities,” De Roeck added.
“And then there is perhaps the most hyped of all the trends – artificial intelligence. While it will take time before companies fully understand where AI delivers value and where it does not, its potential is undeniable.”
Value creation
According to Esko, the focus on all these new dynamics is based around one core target – creating value for the customer. Businesses, therefore, need to concentrate on understanding how new solutions or regulatory requirements fit into their existing operations rather than merely adopting them without considering their potential.
“Our hope is that these perspectives will not only inform strategies but also inspire others to embrace the challenges our industry faces,” De Roeck added.
Esko plans to host a ‘Packaging Trends Talk’ in the coming days to discuss these trends in more detail. Read more here.
