The Future of Packaging 2030

The global demand for packaging is on the rise, surpassing $1 trillion in sales in 2021. While this may suggest a bright future for the packaging industry, there are critical challenges that need to be addressed. Packaging plays a vital role in product safety, distribution, protection, innovation, design, and meeting consumer and value chain needs. However, the industry is facing a truckload of tough issues that require strategic adaptation to avoid being left behind.

Merely evolving is no longer sufficient; packaging must undergo transformation in the face of these challenges. To navigate the changing landscape, the Future of Packaging (FoP) program has been helping industry players since 1998. By bringing together key stakeholders across the packaging value chain, FoP enables them to anticipate industry shifts, identify new drivers and trends, and find solutions to move forward.

Today, packaging has made incremental improvements in terms of sustainability, cost efficiency, production speed, barrier properties, and decorative and smart options. However, these advancements, though promising, have not fully prepared the industry for evolving marketplace expectations. The sector will need to address issues such as waste, sustainability, materials safety, and the growing impact of e-commerce.

In conclusion, the future of the packaging industry demands more than just incremental changes. It necessitates proactive strategies to tackle emerging challenges and meet evolving consumer demands and market trends.