Packaging Innovations 2025: Where next for the packaging industry?

Last week, DS Smith attended Packaging Innovations 2025 in Birmingham. Here, Ashwin Moorthy, Head of Design and Innovation, writes about his key takeaways from the event:

It was great to be back in Birmingham with our DS Smith team, meeting colleagues across the industry, customers and other stakeholders to hear about upcoming legislation, discuss the big changes and to see and hear more about the key trends shaping packaging.

So, what are the key takeaways for the year ahead? There were several things which stood out for me and the team at the event:

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

As a business, we support EPR, which was a central focus at the event this year and featured several talks including the launch of PackUK as the scheme’s administrator, discussing the aspirations and ambitions of investing in efficient and effective local recycling services, delivering with business and supporting the circular economy.

It was clear that the impending arrival of EPR is front of mind for many businesses, and they are focusing on ensuring that their packaging meets the new legislative requirements going forward. As industry adapts in response to the legislation, there is a real sense of opportunity and momentum for more sustainable fibre-based packaging innovation in this space.

Sustainable alternatives

Sustainability at every stage of the packaging process was at the forefront of exhibitors’ and visitors’ minds - from new materials through to technologies.

A renewed interest in end-of-life recycling saw visitors engage our team in discussions about DS Smith’s market-leading work in this area. Visitors at our stall were eager to discuss operations at our Kemsley Paper Mill and learn more about our Recyclability Evaluation Service and Circular Design Metrics to gain deeper insight into our recyclable packaging offering.

The range of solutions on display at Packaging Innovations demonstrated industry is meaningfully considering the next stage of evolution in sustainable packaging. One area is the introduction of renewable bio-based coatings as an alternative to current plastic film laminates & coatings, which are being extensively tested and trialled by our teams. Further development and implementation at scale of these coatings will have a major impact on improving functionality and recyclability of fibre-based food packaging requiring moisture and other barriers. We anticipate it will be at the forefront of future research, development and innovation.

Innovative Design

Some of the more interesting packaging and material innovations this year offered much more than just functionality. There were many examples of visually interesting and creative methods of protecting the product, displaying a brand’s credentials with renewable and recyclable packaging.

Our consumer packaging solutions such as Fruit & veg punnets, Easy Bowl, Lift Up, E-commerce packaging range and High Quality Print drew lots of interest and curiosity. Attendees at the event commented on the design structure and versatility offered by the various solutions. The feedback supports our continued focus on redefining packaging for a changing world.

Conclusion

Good opportunity for the industry to come together and experience the latest packaging innovations, whilst considering the opportunities and challenges ahead. At DS Smith, our main priority remains responding to customer challenges and pushing ourselves to develop innovative and sustainable packaging solutions