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Why Sustainability Should Be Part of Your 2026 Packaging Strategy
- katy9453
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Sustainability: The Biggest Packaging Shift Heading Into 2026
As 2025 wraps up, one thing is crystal clear: sustainability isn’t a buzzword anymore, it’s shaping how brands think about packaging from top to bottom. Whether it’s reducing plastic, cutting carbon, or making recycling easier for customers, sustainable packaging has moved from “nice to have” to “must have.”
And the truth is, your customers are paying attention. They want to support brands that take real action toward reducing their environmental impact, and packaging is one of the easiest ways to show that commitment.
Heading into 2026, sustainability isn’t just good for the planet - it’s good for business. Let’s take a look at why it should be front and center in your upcoming packaging strategy and how solutions like paper bottles, aluminum, and corrugated packaging can help you get there.
1. Customers Want Packaging They Can Feel Good About
More and more shoppers are choosing products based on how they’re packaged. They want materials they understand, designs they can recycle, and brands that care about their impact.
Packaging that supports these values helps the planet and shows customers you’re serious about sustainability. When people see you following through (and not just saying the right things), it builds real confidence in your brand.
In a competitive market, trust matters. And sustainable packaging is one of the best ways to earn it.
2. Regulations Are Changing - and Fast
Governments, retailers, and distributors are raising the bar when it comes to waste reduction and recyclable materials. New rules around extended producer responsibility (EPR), plastic reduction, and carbon reporting are becoming more common, and brands that plan ahead will be the ones who stay compliant and competitive.
Getting ahead of these changes now means fewer headaches later. A strong sustainability strategy keeps your packaging future-ready and positions your brand as a leader rather than a follower.
3. Today’s Sustainable Materials Are Better Than Ever
The great news? Sustainable packaging no longer means compromising on quality or creativity. New materials and technologies make it easier than ever to build packaging that looks great, performs well, and reduces environmental impact.
Here are a few standout options heading into 2026:
Paper-Based Packaging
The paper KB Bottle is a great example of how far sustainable innovation has come. It’s made from 100% recycled paperboard, uses significantly less plastic than traditional bottles, and carries an 84% lower carbon footprint compared to glass - all while being lightweight, shatterproof, and easy to recycle.
It’s a smart choice for wine, spirits, edible oil, juice, and other non-carbonated beverages looking for a more sustainable path forward.
Recyclable Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the real heroes of circular packaging. It can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, which is something plastic simply can’t compete with.
At KinsBrae, our printed, labelled, and sleeved aluminum cans help brands cut down on waste while still delivering the premium shelf appearance customers love. It’s sustainability and style working hand-in-hand.
Corrugated Packaging
Corrugate continues to be a go-to material for brands looking for something sturdy, versatile, and recyclable. Because it’s made from renewable resources and accepted in recycling programs almost everywhere, it’s one of the easiest packaging swaps a brand can make.
With modern digital printing, corrugated packaging can now be fully customized - from bold graphics to retail-ready displays - without sacrificing recyclability. Whether you need shipping cartons, carriers, trays, or custom retail boxes, corrugate does the job while keeping your sustainability goals on track.
Flexible, Recyclable, and Compostable Pouches
Flexible pouches are still one of the most versatile packaging formats out there, and the good news is that they’re becoming more sustainable, too. Traditionally, pouches were made from multiple layers of different materials, which made them nearly impossible to recycle. But newer options are changing that.
Today, many recyclable pouches use mono-material designs (like all-PE structures), making them easier for recycling facilities to process compared to mixed-material films. These pouches still offer that lightweight, durable, convenient format customers love, but with a smaller environmental footprint.
There’s also growing interest in compostable pouches, which break down in industrial composting environments. While compostable films aren’t right for every product, they’re a strong option for brands looking to reduce traditional plastic use and offer packaging that aligns more closely with their sustainability goals.
Both recyclable and compostable pouches give brands more flexibility in choosing the path that best supports their environmental commitments, without compromising on performance or shelf appeal.
4. Sustainable Packaging Can Help Lower Long-Term Costs
While some eco-friendly materials may cost a little more upfront, they often save money over time. Lightweight options like aluminum and paperboard reduce shipping weight, which can lower your transportation costs significantly.
More efficient packaging can also reduce storage needs, improve palletization, and cut down on wasted materials. Over time, those savings add up, and your packaging becomes both greener and more economical.
5. Digital Printing Helps Reduce Waste and Increase Flexibility
Digital printing is a great tool for brands trying to be more sustainable. It allows you to print exactly what you need, avoiding high minimums, leftover inventory, and wasted materials from outdated designs.
With KinsBrae’s in-house digital printing and sleeving capabilities, you can run small batches, seasonal designs, or quick updates without worrying about long lead times or excess waste. It’s efficient, flexible, and perfect for brands experimenting with new looks or product lines.
6. Sustainability Builds Stronger Brand Loyalty
People remember when a brand puts their values into action. Sustainable packaging is one of the most visible ways to show customers what you stand for.
Adding small touches (like recyclability icons, QR codes that explain your materials, or notes about carbon savings), helps customers feel connected to your mission. It turns everyday packaging into a story worth sharing.
When customers see you’re committed to making responsible choices, they’re more likely to support you long-term.
7. The Right Packaging Partner Makes All the Difference
Transitioning to sustainable packaging doesn’t have to be complicated. When you work with a partner who understands materials, design, and production, it becomes a whole lot easier.
At KinsBrae Packaging, sustainability is a core part of what we do. Whether you’re exploring the paper KB Bottle, switching to recyclable corrugate, upgrading to aluminum cans, or testing flexible pouches, we’re here to support you from concept to creation.
Our team helps you find the right materials, the right printing method, and the right design to bring your sustainability goals to life.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Is the Year to Lead with Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t a trend - it’s the future of packaging. And the choices your brand makes today will shape how customers see you tomorrow.
By embracing eco-friendly materials, smart printing technologies, and well-designed packaging strategies, you’re not just reducing your environmental impact, you’re building a stronger, more resilient brand.
Ready to Start Planning for 2026?
If you’re looking to update or rethink your packaging for the year ahead, we’re here to help you explore sustainable options that fit your brand, your budget, and your goals.
