discover the sustainable packaging trends for 2025

Key Sustainable Packaging Trends for 2025

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Technology, regulations and consumer demands are the three factors determining the evolution of supply chains across the globe. When it comes to fresh foods, the most powerful push is towards sustainability. For this reason, the Logistic Packaging team will discuss the most important sustainable packaging trends that will shape 2025.

Let us start with the most important one for the fresh food sector:

1. Consumer Demand for Increased Food Safety

Sustainable packaging must also meet increasing safety demands. People are more aware than ever of the risks of food contamination from low-grade plastic packaging. They want the assurance that the secondary packaging for fresh food will not leak chemicals and will not allow dirt and other contaminants to spoil the products.

The good news is that returnable plastic packaging for agriculture and food processing already meets these standards. The packages are made of safe raw materials, approved for food contact.

Also, they have features that help protect the fresh food in transit, such as:

  • Perforated bottoms and sides to allow ventilation and liquid drainage
  • Smooth inner walls to prevent crushing and marking of sensitive products
  • A comprehensive range of lids for each type of container to protect the contents from contamination
  • Complete washing and sanitizing of the packaging to prevent cross-contamination.

2. The Effects of EU PPWR

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is coming into force this year. The regulation introduces strict measures to reduce packaging waste and increase sustainability.

In line with sustainable packaging trends, the regulation will impose a gradual phasing out of single-use packaging. Among other rules, the PPWR requires transport packaging to reach a 40% reuse rate by 2030 and a 70% reuse rate by 2040.

With a lifespan of up to 5 years, plastic pallets, large foldable containers and crates for fruit or bakery meet this demand and help companies comply with PPWR.

3. The Rising Circular Economy

The strategy for long-term success has changed from cutting costs to the adoption of the circular economy. It has three core principles:

  1. Reduce
  2. Reuse
  3. Recycle

This new philosophy influences sustainable packaging trends. Both consumers and regulating bodies push companies to switch from single-use to reusable packaging solutions. Also, they have to increase their recycling efforts in order to reduce the amount of packaging waste they generate.

The answer to both these demands is choosing returnable plastic containers, pallets and crates. These packages show great results in stress tests and can withstand intense use cycles over a long period of time,

Moreover, they are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Logistic Packaging already carries several ranges of products made from recycled materials. As early adopters of the circular economy concept, we are trying to make our own industry more sustainable.

4. The Global Demand for Reusable Packaging Is Constantly Increasing

Market research companies indicate that companies are increasing their spend on reusable plastic packaging. According to Global Market Insights inc., the global reusable packaging industry will reach USD 214.3 billion by the end of 2032.

This growth will be fueled mainly by the food and beverages industry, which is facing stricter safety and hygiene standards and needs to replace unreliable cardboard and wooden packaging.

5. Smart Packaging Innovations

From embedded RFID chips to smart tags monitoring product temperature, adding innovative features is possible for reusable plastic packages only. They are sturdy enough to accept an embedded tag, hot stamping or other methods to imprint a barcode, QR code or handling instructions.

The purpose of smart packaging is to prolong the shelf life of various products and to keep them safe in transit, even during rough journeys. It is also a reliable way of tracing the origin of various products, guaranteeing a responsible and ethical use of resources.

Logistic Packaging is ready to help your company adopt these sustainable packaging trends and optimize your costs and operations. Send us an email to start discussing your packaging project with one of our consultants!