Key Corrugated & Paper Packaging Trends to Watch

The dynamic transformations the corrugated industry is experiencing are influenced by innovation and changing demands. Industries like e-commerce and corrugated packaging have been significantly impacted by these shifts. The entry of modern, competent technologies has made the creation of better designs and materials possible.

This National Box Month, it’s worth recognizing how corrugated and paper packaging has evolved to meet the moment. The newly emerging trends in this space are widely embraced by businesses due to their lightweight, durable, customizable, and eco-friendly characteristics—making them ideal for a wide range of applications across industries.

As businesses and consumers continue to prioritize practical and sustainable solutions, corrugated and paper packaging stands out. With improved structural integrity, refined designs, and digital printing capabilities, these solutions not only meet functional needs but also support broader environmental goals.

Quick Review of the previous Trends

• Meeting eco-friendly packaging standards remained a key focus of the industry.
• More businesses and brands transitioned to paper-based packaging materials, replacing plastic packaging.
• Brands got the opportunity to explore more customization options with new digital printing technologies.
• E-commerce growth demanded more comprehensive and adaptable packaging designs for online businesses.
• Increased focus on innovation of smart packaging solutions.

Trends to Expect

In this new year, the packaging industry must prepare to face certain challenges yet grow with opportunities.

Challenges:

• Increased pressure of finding new eco-friendly solutions, meeting regulatory requirements, reducing waste and using recycled materials.
• Supply chain challenges, impacted by geopolitical changes and raw material shortages.
• Increased pressure on companies to adapt new packaging strategies to meet changing regulations.
• The growing possibilities of sustainable packaging materials becoming more expensive than traditional ones.
• Staying updated with small and major changes in materials and packaging, digital printing and technologies.
• Balancing durability and sustainability for packaging in the e-commerce industry.

Opportunities:

• Companies can get creative in innovative ways to develop sustainable materials and designs.
• Adapting circular economy with a focus on packaging reuse and closed-loop system.
• Merging technology into packaging with QR codes, NFC tags and more.
• The growing e-commerce market gives opportunities for packaging industries to cater to them with innovative solutions.
• Increased opportunities for personalization and customization with the new digital printing technology.
• Looking at the demand for packaged goods allows the packaging industry to explore newer markets.
• Innovating packaging that keeps the natural goodness of food, preserving them and making them safe for consumption.
• The possibilities of improved efficiency, decision-making and an eco-friendly supply chain using the power of automation and AI.

Top 7 Paper Packaging Trends

1. Sustainability Remains Primary

What are your expectations when entering a store or buying products online as a consumer? By now, we have all become accustomed to spotting eco-friendly packaging, be it the parcel in which your products are packed or the paper bag in which you buy groceries. As consumer preference for brands showing eco-conscious efforts rise, the brands are also giving their best efforts to meet their customer’s requirements.

2. Advanced Digital Printing

Technologically advanced digital printing has already made statements in 2024. But this year, the focus has shifted to improving speed and affordability. More and more businesses are seeking printed packaging solutions. Local trend in digital printing demands the creation of innovative personalized designs, receipts, ready-to-display packaging and short-run productions. The advantage businesses get from printing is establishing brand identity and creating engaging customer experiences.

3. E-commerce-Centric Packaging

Consumers today prefer the convenience of ordering a product within few clicks and receiving them directly at their doorstep. The expectation is that the products must be delivered in an optimal state. E-commerce businesses are exploring options of water-resistant packaging, box designs that are easy-to-assemble, and safe and efficient logistics. As we look ahead to 2025, we observe a growing focus on ensuring product safety as well as providing a surreal unboxing experience.

4. Smart Interactive Packaging

Businesses are getting playful with what they can do with smart technology. QR codes, NFC tags, augmented reality experiences – we have all experienced them. However, more can be extracted from them to improve the interactive experience. Several studies reveal that consumers are willing to pay extra for the user experience than the actual cost of the product.

5. Anti-Counterfeiting Measures

As global markets continue to expand, the risk of counterfeit products rises. 2025 brings more experimentation with holographic labels, tamper-evident seals, and product serialization. Brands facing challenges with fake products threatening their reputation can expect to breathe a sigh of relief.

6. Paperization Trend

The focus of companies is shifting to fiber-based alternatives, meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. Corrugated and kraft paper packaging not only meet the minimalistic design preferences of consumers but also make the packaging more attractive. This trend is set to ignite innovation of molded fiber material, which is durable and biodegradable. For convenience, packaging companies are experimenting with making these new paper packaging options reusable.

7. Trade Regulations

As the market got impacted by the trade regulation, it’s clear that staying informed and proactive is vital for the packaging industry. Collaborating across the supply chain, investing in innovative materials, and focusing on compliance are all essential strategies for navigating these regulatory challenges while pursuing sustainable growth. Strategic geographical presence is important for evolving businesses.

Keeping Up With Trends With AP Group of Companies

The trends experienced by the packaging industry are dynamic. These transformations shape the way businesses meet customer expectations. While there are trends that vanish in no time, some, like sustainability, are here to stay. Understanding these transformations and refining old practices to create something new is the only way to succeed.

For packaging companies, the challenges today are far beyond simply ensuring product quality and meeting delivery timelines. They require experts who can provide current industry insights and adapt to their growing business needs.

Being a key player in the packaging industry for almost 80 years, Atlantic Packaging Group of Companies is constantly embracing the changes. Through the years, we have found our recognition as a packaging solutions provider advocating sustainability. With green initiative as our foundation, we have mastered the skill of adaptation and the excitement of exploring the unexplored.

Atlantic Packaging has worked with many brands to create unique packaging designs. This has only been possible because of the rich expertise our designers bring to the table.

Sustainability, to the packaging industry today is not a surpassing trend, it marks a lasting commitment, shaping the future. Whatever change may come in the future, they can innovated to meet new consumer demands. For instance, consumers in the present wants brands to listen. They feel valued when their preferences are considered. It shows the brand’s efforts meet their expectations.

Learn how we can help you create innovative packaging designs. Contact us today!