2025 Packaging Trends: Insights from the World’s Best Designers

Packaging is no longer just about protecting products—it’s a key driver of consumer experiences and brand success. As we head…

Yu Dai
January 10, 2025
2025 Packaging Trends

Packaging is no longer just about protecting products—it’s a key driver of consumer experiences and brand success.

As we head into 2025, the industry is evolving rapidly, fueled by changing consumer preferences and technological innovations.

The global packaging market is expected to reach $508.37 billion in 2025, growing at an impressive rate of 7.2% from the previous year.

Personalized packaging is gaining momentum, with Gen Z nostalgia-style designs becoming increasingly popular.

Shipping Box (2)
source: WITPAX

These designs tap into a sense of personality consumer desire for unique expressions and connections. The personalized packaging market is set to grow from $36.23 billion in 2024 to $51.32 billion by 2031.

Sustainability is also taking center stage, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations pushing companies toward lighter, more eco-friendly packaging solutions.

This article will explore the key trends shaping packaging in 2025, highlighting the innovative strategies that are transforming the industry.

The Packaging Industry trends in 2025

1.Gen Z Aesthetic Beyond Clichés

Soap Gen Z Style
Gen Z style soap boxes

The Gen Z design style is evolving past common stereotypes. Presently, searching “Gen Z design” on platforms like Pinterest reveals an abundance of vivid colors, unique typefaces, and a maximalist approach.

Yet, as this design aesthetic becomes mainstream, its effectiveness tends to wane.

Genz Rigid Box
source: Instagram

Successful brands are those that tailor their designs to resonate with their target audiences, focusing on authenticity rather than imitation.

Brands like Liquid Death and Skims successfully manipulate this trend by pushing boundaries and refining their approach to meet the needs of Gen Z consumers.

2.Packaging that Influences Brand Success

Creating Brands with Purposeful Design

In 2025, packaging design will shift towards a more mature approach. Trends that feel overly familiar will likely fade, as brands that focus on genuine connections with their audiences will thrive.

Dollar Shave Club
Source: DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB

It’s key for companies to move beyond trends and understand the unique needs of different consumers. This awareness can bring forth innovative ideas that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Bright, clear designs that communicate information swiftly will also be important. Packaging that allows consumers to grasp essential details in under eight seconds will be more successful. This concentration on user-friendly design helps brand messages resonate strongly.

Brands That Challenge Norms

Some brands have bravely stepped away from the common trends of 2025.

For example, companies like Liquid Death and Skims have created distinctive looks that break from the mainstream.

These brands focus on originality rather than mimicking others. Innovative agencies will continue pushing the boundaries of design as they interpret what younger consumers want in a fresh and relevant way.

The rise of culinary packaging will also play a role in shaping cultures.

Food brands are expected to embrace global flavors and diverse textures. This creativity in food packaging can lead to exciting experiences for consumers, enhancing their connection to the products.

3.Packaging for Cultural Expression

The Emergence of Global Flavors and Innovations in CPG

Food packaging is becoming a crucial way to share and connect cultures. In 2025, brands will bring in new global flavors and innovative designs.

This open approach is important not just for emerging brands, but also for larger companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. There will be exciting developments in not just flavor, but also textures and product formats.

Highlighting Culture Through Design Examples

Packaging can powerfully express culture.

A company like Bowi uses design elements inspired by different cultures, which makes their products stand out.

Examples like their Leria-inspired designs show how color, layout, and flavor can come together to represent cultural stories. In 2025, these practices will become essential in food packaging, influencing designs in various other products as well.

4. Eco-Friendly Packaging Trends in 2025

Sustainable Packaging Trends

More and more customers are becoming conscious of the environment, striving to reduce their carbon footprint in everyday life.

Product packaging plays a significant role in this, and consumers are inclined to choose brands with a greener image.

This shift has led to the growing popularity of sustainability in brand packaging strategies.

Biodegradable Packaging

In the image, rows of black bottles are securely nestled in cream-colored packaging trays, each topped with a wooden cap. These trays demonstrate the advantages of corrugated boxes, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solution that enhances both visual appeal and environmental responsibility.

Biodegradable packaging is quickly becoming a go-to for brands committed to sustainability.

Made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, mushrooms, and cellulose, it naturally breaks down over time with minimal environmental impact.

Unlike traditional plastics that can take centuries to decompose, biodegradable packaging dissolves back into the earth, offering a guilt-free solution for eco-conscious businesses.

Whether for food, beauty products, or everyday items, it’s an ideal way to meet the growing demand for greener, waste-free alternatives.

Soluble Packaging Solutions

Our custom packaging box, shown in the image, is filled with white packing peanuts, emphasizing the sustainable benefits of using corrugated materials. It offers an eco-friendly solution that aligns with modern sustainability goals.

Soluble packaging is set to transform the industry by dissolving in water and leaving no waste behind. This concept is gaining traction among eco-conscious consumers.

By mixing the right amount of water, users can create products like shampoos and hand wash with zero hassle, making it an appealing option in the beauty sector.

Edible Packaging

Edible packaging is an exciting innovation that’s turning the packaging world on its head. Made from natural ingredients like seaweed, rice, and starch, this packaging is not just eco-friendly—it’s meant to be eaten!

That means no waste, no plastic, and a unique way to enjoy your product and packaging in one go.

Perfect for snacks, meals, and even gourmet items, edible packaging is customizable to suit different textures and flavors. It’s a win-win for both the environment and your brand, especially as more consumers are looking for food safety and enviormental-friendly options. 

Disappearing Packaging: The Smart Solve Solution

Smart Solve has developed a unique packaging material that dissolves completely in water. This paper is certified flushable, meaning it can vanish in sinks, showers, or toilets without leaving residue.

Reusable Packaging Systems and Ecosystems

Reusable packaging solutions also present a way forward. Systems like returnable shipping boxes and reusable cups offer pathways.

However, achieving success will require a structured ecosystem to facilitate clean transport and return to retail. Collaboration among brands is essential for making these systems effective.

A custom packaging box is placed on a brick ledge in front of a black door, accompanied by a potted plant on the left side.

Minimalist Packaging Design: Reduce the Waste

Minimalist design continues to be a modern and fashionable trend in 2025, popular across industries for its sleek, clean aesthetic.

By focusing on simplicity and essential information, it enhances product presentation while keeping communication clear and effective.

How to Get a Minimalist Design


Correctly measuring box dimensions is essential for minimalist packaging.

The right method and tips are very important to ensure a perfect fit, reduce excess material, and create a sleek design.

Accurate measurements also save on storage and shipping costs. Click here to get the right dimensions and check out our tutorial for helpful tips.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Minimalist packaging not only offers a stylish look but also plays a key role in sustainability. With fewer materials used, it reduces waste, lowers carbon emissions, and cuts down on transportation costs.

This modern, eco-conscious approach helps brands appeal to environmentally aware consumers while showcasing their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

Personalized Packaging

Customized packaging is a key strategy for building a strong brand image and creating memorable customer experiences.

Especially during festive campaigns, custom packaging helps brands make a lasting impression and connect with consumers on a deeper level.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is transforming personalized packaging by offering brands a quick, cost-effective way to create unique designs. It allows for the easy addition of variable data, like names or custom messages.

A great example is Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign, where digital printing was used to swap out their logo with popular names, giving consumers a more personal connection to the product. This tailored packaging not only boosted engagement but also increased sales and brand loyalty.

6.EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): The Future of Packaging Policy

EPR infographic
Credit:Toward Zero Waste

EPR requires producers to manage their packaging’s lifecycle, promoting sustainable designs and reducing environmental impact. It’s becoming central in packaging policy, encouraging brands to create recyclable, eco-friendly solutions.

Encouraging the Circular Economy

EPR supports a circular economy by holding producers accountable for their packaging’s entire lifecycle. It incentivizes recyclable materials, reducing waste and conserving resources in a more eco-concious production system. 

Avoiding Plastic Packaging

EPR policies push brands to reduce plastic packaging. Alternatives like biodegradable plastics, paper, and glass are becoming more popular, helping reduce plastic waste and fostering eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Transparent Packaging Materials

Consumers demand transparent packaging that reveals product contents and sourcing. EPR encourages the use of clear materials that promote product traceability and build trust by highlighting recyclability and sustainability.

Building a Responsible Supply Chain

EPR promotes ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and partnerships with recycling programs. Brands adopting responsible practices improve their environmental footprint and set industry standards for sustainability.

Impact on the Packaging Market

EPR is transforming the packaging market, driving eco-friendly innovation. However, it also introduces rise in Prices. EPR policies may increase production and material costs for companies, which can be passed onto consumers, leading to higher prices for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

7.Smart packaging- Latest Packaging Design Trends

Smart packaging Packaging Technologies

Smart packaging is taking packaging to the next level with tech that connects products and consumers in new, exciting ways. By incorporating features like QR codes, RFID tags, and sensors, it provides real-time information on freshness, temperature, and even product authenticity.

This advancement in packaging technology not only enhances consumer convenience but also improves product safety and traceability. 

Interactive Experiences

Smart packaging is gaining momentum, offering a fresh way for brands to engage with their customers.

With features like QR codes, RFID tags, and sensors, smart packaging allows consumers to interact with products in real-time, learning more about freshness, authenticity, or even personalized offers.

As the rise in popularity of smart packaging continues, it’s reshaping the way products are experienced.

This tech-savvy approach not only boosts convenience but also enhances product safety, ensuring consumers stay informed. 

AR in Custom Makeup Packaging

Augmented Reality (AR) merges the physical and digital realms, creating an engaging and immersive experience for customers.

In modern cosmetics packaging, AR enables consumers to unlock interactive product details by scanning QR codes or using AR-powered apps.

Dermalogica has incorporated AR through a partnership with Aircards, allowing customers to scan a QR code on the packaging and experience a 3D animation.

This feature not only educates users about the product’s ingredients and benefits but also encourages them to share their experience on social media.

Wrapping it Up

Understanding packaging trends is essential, but you don’t have to follow them all.

What matters is how you leverage them to keep your brand ahead in a competitive market.

Custom packaging is a great way to boost your brand’s image and promote sustainability.

Witpax can handle all the technical details, offering eco-friendly solutions like FSC-certified materials and soy ink.

Let us focus on the packaging while you focus on your product.

Get in touch with Witpax today and bring your brand’s vision to life with innovative packaging!