Sustainability regulations, evolving demands and new tech amongst key concerns for year ahead

Packaging Solutions

Sustainability, smart packaging and the digital product passport and the fast growing use of agentic AI across the industry are just some of the significant packaging trends identified by Esko in its latest annual Packaging Trends study.

The global developer of integrated solutions for the print, packaging, and label industries has examined the expected packaging trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the industry in the coming year in the new report, which will also provide a platform for the latest ‘Packaging Trends Talk’ early in the new year.

‘The pace of change we are experiencing today is unlike anything before,’ said Jan De Roeck, Esko marketing director. ‘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 has become our own tradition for this time of year, our Packaging Trends report explores key issues and combines market analysis, expert insight, and the Esko perspective on what these trends mean in practice – for brands, converters, and the people who work with packaging every day.’

‘Sustainability will continue to remain one of the strongest drivers of change in our industry,’ he added. ‘The role of smart packaging in 2026 and well into the future will enable product passports, providing traceability and consumer engagement opportunities. 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.’

‘With Packaging Trends 2026, our goal is not simply to forecast what is coming, but to help converters, tradeshops and their brand customers prepare, adapt, and thrive in the changing landscape,’ said Jan. ‘Ultimately, whether we are talking about sustainability, smart packaging, or AI, the principle of competitiveness in packaging remains constant. It is all about creating value for your customer. If new substrates, new technologies, or new processes help you get to market faster while delivering that value, then those are worthwhile uses of our time.’

Available to download for free, the new Esko Packaging Trends 2026 e-book brings together insights from industry experts and technology leaders to explore these trends in depth.

‘Our hope is that these perspectives will not only inform strategies but also inspire others to embrace the challenges our industry faces,’ said Jan.

From examining self optimising packaging workflows and smart packaging through to the emergence and importance of end to end sustainability intelligence, the Esko Packaging Trends e-book takes a detailed look as practical solutions that assist brands and suppliers as they adapt to changing market conditions, trends and challenges.

Download your free copy here.

The latest Packaging Trends Talk from Esko will take place in early 2026, with details to be announced soon.