While there is something to be said for tried and true, lasting success for businesses relies on moving with the times. In 2025, we’re expecting nimble companies to make the most out of packaging’s role in their brand communication. Additionally, we’ll continue to see more nuanced reasoning behind packaging choices with respect to waste minimisation and sustainability goals.
By meeting specific needs in terms of both form and function, highly bespoke packaging is going to find its stride in 2025. That could mean streamlining packaging design to get the most out of production equipment. It might be a custom substrate that better protects product from the factory floor all the way to its final use, a signature closure device or a sturdy boxed base. Or it could be a cheeky graphic placement on the seal that makes the recipient smile. Almost anything is possible in packaging these days so this is the year to explore.
Public demand for recyclable packaging is strong, and for this reason some of our clients are moving away from woven polypropylene (WPP) towards a multi-walled paper sack, where suitable. Paper is not only a recyclable and compostable product but the design options available can add efficiencies on certain production lines. For companies requiring a more flexible or air and water tight container, single-polymer laminates will ensure plastic packaging is as recyclable as it can be. It should be noted, however, that work is underway on creating recycling options for WPP in Australia and New Zealand.
While there isn’t yet any legislation governing it, customers and business leaders tend to agree on the benefits of a move away from traditional laminates towards single polymer products like Smart Flex, to enable easier recycling. Australia’s Soft Plastics Taskforce is working on rebuilding a sustainable recycling programme while in New Zealand, the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme continues to grow. This scheme allows traditional laminates with less than 30% of certain substrates, but it pays to be ahead of the curve and follow public sentiment around the importance of recyclability.
When a bag is filled with a fine substance that must be kept dry, like powdered milk or lime, traditional sewn bulk bags can cause problems. In the new year, it’s likely more businesses will be catching on to the benefits of a seamless bulk bag like the FUSION. Created in one seamless form, these bulk bags have no sewing holes or thread, which means no sifting, leaking and thread contamination. Fully coated for moisture protection, these bags also don’t require a liner, so more product can be contained in each bag. Plus, these big boys can carry a crisp graphic design, an added opportunity for brand communication.
Modern product design gravitates towards unfussy, clean lines and strong, pastel-hued colourways. This ensures a good level of readability and accessibility, even from a distance. Branding tends to be lowkey and fun-filled, with nature often playing a part in the design. Logos are clear cut and minimal, either monochromatic or taking on a reduced palette reflective of the contents. For those who keep an eye on colour trends, it might be helpful to know that the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2025 is Mocha Mousse, a soft, flat pale brown – “a versatile shade infused with inherent sophistication and earthy refinement”, according to the panel of colour experts.
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