Unwrapping the Future: Packaging Trends to Watch in 2026

Sustainability Is Shaping the Future of Packaging

As 2025 comes to a close, sustainability continues to move from a “nice to have” to a core business priority. For brands across food, beverage, retail, and nutraceuticals, packaging is one of the most visible ways to reduce environmental impact, and one of the easiest ways to show customers that sustainability is more than just a talking point.

Heading into 2026, the conversation around packaging is shifting. It’s no longer just about whether something can be recycled, but about material choices, lifecycle impact, logistics efficiency, and transparency. Brands that take a thoughtful, informed approach now will be better positioned to meet customer expectations, retailer requirements, and regulatory changes down the road.

Here’s why sustainability should play a significant role in your 2026 packaging strategy - and how practical solutions like paper bottles, recyclable aluminum, corrugated packaging, and evolving flexible formats fit into the bigger picture.

1. Customers Expect Packaging That Matches Their Values

These days, consumers are paying closer attention to what their products come in and not just what’s inside them. They want packaging that feels responsible, easy to understand, and aligned with their own environmental values.

Packaging that supports these expectations helps the planet and builds trust with your customers. When people see brands making thoughtful material choices and backing up sustainability claims with real action, it strengthens confidence and long-term loyalty.

In a crowded market, that trust can make a real difference.

2. Regulations and Retail Standards Are Evolving

Sustainability isn’t just being driven by consumers. Governments and major retailers are continuing to tighten expectations around packaging waste, recyclability, and producer responsibility. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, plastic reduction targets, and carbon reporting requirements are becoming more common, especially heading into 2026.

Brands that plan ahead and adapt early are far less likely to be caught off guard. Building sustainability into your packaging strategy now helps future-proof your business and keeps your products aligned with changing requirements.

3. Sustainable Packaging Options Are More Practical Than Ever

One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainable packaging is that it limits creativity or performance. In reality, today’s material options offer more flexibility than ever - without sacrificing durability, shelf appeal, or branding.

Here are some of the key materials shaping sustainable packaging strategies in 2026:

Paper-Based Packaging for Bottles and Rigid Formats

Paper-based packaging is gaining momentum as a way to reduce reliance on traditional plastic and glass in certain applications. A strong example is the paper KB Bottle, made from 100% recycled paperboard and designed for non-carbonated liquids like wine, spirits, and edible oils.

Compared to glass, the paper KB Bottle has a significantly lower carbon footprint, uses less water overall, and is lightweight and shatterproof, making it easier to transport and safer to handle. It’s a practical option for brands looking to reduce environmental impact without reinventing their entire product line.

Recyclable Aluminum

Aluminum continues to stand out as one of the most circular packaging materials available. It can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, which makes it a strong choice for brands focused on long-term sustainability.

At KinsBrae, printed, labelled, and sleeved aluminum cans allow brands to cut down on waste while still delivering the premium look and shelf presence that brands want to achieve. It’s a material that balances sustainability, performance, and design, all in one package.

Corrugated Packaging

Corrugated packaging remains one of the most reliable and widely recyclable options available. Made from renewable resources and accepted in recycling programs across North America, corrugate plays a key role in both shipping and retail-ready packaging.

Today’s corrugated solutions go far beyond plain brown boxes. With digital printing, brands can create custom corrugated trays, carriers, retail displays, and shipping cartons that protect products while reinforcing brand identity. Using FSC-certified corrugate also helps support responsible forestry practices, an added benefit for brands with sustainability goals.

Flexible, Recyclable, and Compostable Pouches

Flexible packaging continues to be popular thanks to its lightweight design, convenience, and space efficiency. Traditionally, however, flexible pouches were made from multiple layers of different materials, which made them difficult to recycle.

Newer options are helping change that. Many recyclable pouches now use mono-material plastic structures (such as all-PE films), making them easier for recycling facilities to process compared to traditional multi-layer pouches.

There is also growing interest in compostable pouches, which are designed to break down in industrial composting environments. While compostable films aren’t suitable for every product or market, they can be a good fit for brands looking to reduce conventional plastic use and meet specific sustainability goals.

Choosing the right flexible format depends on product requirements, end-of-life access, and customer education, which is why guidance from an experienced packaging partner matters.

4. Sustainability Can Improve Efficiency and Reduce Long-Term Costs

Sustainable packaging isn’t just about materials; it’s also about efficiency. Lightweight options like paperboard and aluminum reduce shipping weight, which can lower transportation emissions and freight costs.

Smarter packaging design can also improve palletization, reduce storage needs, and cut down on damaged product. Over time, these operational benefits can help offset material costs and improve overall efficiency.

5. Digital Printing Supports Sustainability Goals

Digital printing plays an important role in sustainable packaging strategies, especially for brands that need flexibility. It allows for shorter runs, lower minimum order quantities, and faster design changes, which reduces excess inventory and material waste.

KinsBrae’s in-house digital printing and sleeving capabilities make it easier to test new designs, run seasonal packaging, or update branding without overproducing. Less waste, more control, and better alignment with sustainability goals.

6. Sustainable Packaging Builds Brand Loyalty

Customers notice when brands make responsible choices, especially when those choices are visible. Packaging is one of the most direct ways to communicate your values at the point of purchase.

Simple touches like recyclability messaging, material callouts, or QR codes linking to sustainability information help customers understand what you’re doing and why it matters. When sustainability is clear and honest, it strengthens brand loyalty over time.

7. The Right Packaging Partner Makes It Easier

Building a sustainable packaging strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with a knowledgeable partner helps ensure materials, design, and production all align with your goals.

At KinsBrae Packaging, sustainability is built into the way we work. From the paper KB Bottle and recyclable aluminum cans to corrugated packaging, flexible options, digital printing, and in-house design support, we help brands navigate sustainable packaging with confidence.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Sustainability isn’t a trend that’s going to fade - it’s becoming the standard. Brands that take the time to plan now will be better prepared for what’s ahead, both environmentally and commercially.

By choosing smarter materials, reducing waste, and working with experienced packaging partners, you can build a packaging strategy that supports your business and the planet.

Ready to Plan Your 2026 Packaging Strategy?

If you’re thinking about updating your packaging in the year ahead, now’s the time to explore sustainable options that fit your brand, your products, and your goals.

Contact Kinsbrae Packaging — we’d be happy to help you plan what’s next!