Trends in Custom Packaging: What Businesses Need to Know
Want to differentiate yourself from the competition?
You've already got the products, website, and marketing down, but is your packaging helping or hindering your efforts? Did you know custom packaging solutions are one of the most effective tools you can leverage to grow your brand today?
The custom packaging market is exploding -- valued at $45.92 billion in 2024 and set to reach $71.10 billion by 2032.
The issue?
Most brands are using one-size-fits-all boring packaging that leaves customers cold, while their competitors are using custom packaging to build brand affinity, increase revenue, and wow customers at the moment of unboxing.
This article will share the top trends in custom packaging you should be aware of now.
Let's get into it.
Here's what we'll cover:
Why Custom Packaging Solutions Matter More Than Ever
The Sustainability Revolution in Packaging
Digital Print Technology & Customization
Smart Packaging & Connected Experiences
How To Choose The Right Custom Packaging Partner
Why Custom Packaging Solutions Matter More Than Ever
Custom packaging solutions for your business are more important than they've ever been.
You see, packaging is playing a bigger role than ever before in purchase decisions. Packaging is the first thing a customer sees when they walk into a store, browse online, or open their delivery packages.
Did you know 73% of consumers say they've purchased an item they weren't initially planning on buying due to attractive packaging?
Consumers are drawn to beautifully designed and creative packaging. When scrolling through social media, shiny and well-designed boxes also get much more attention from potential buyers.
If a box is unique, stylish, and easy to share, a consumer can gain more followers on social media by sharing their purchase, with nearly 40% of people saying they're more likely to post online if they get excellent packaging with their order.
It's free marketing.
Companies that focus on packaging solutions for their custom products see less damage to their goods, lower shipping and handling costs, and higher consumer satisfaction and loyalty rates.
Whether you use a specialized production process like a blow molding supplier or a third-party printing service, custom packaging for your business is much more than just adding some colors to plain boxes. It's an extension of your brand and brand story that can create an entire customer experience from the moment your consumer receives their package in the mail.
The Sustainability Revolution in Packaging
Hang on to your hats. Here's one you may not have seen coming...
Packaging can make or break a business. And when it comes to sustainability, it's no exception.
87% of consumers will buy more sustainable products if they're more accessible. And they're willing to spend more to make it happen.
The global sustainable packaging market is huge -- with a value of over $300 billion and predicted to grow rapidly in the next few years as consumer and government demand increases.
Companies need to switch to sustainable materials like recyclable packaging, biodegradable solutions, and more sustainable designs, while consumers are demanding more sustainable alternatives at the same or even lower prices.
Paper and paperboard have become king, making up about 40% of the sustainable packaging market and options.
Customers aren't just looking for eco-friendly, they want you to show them. Brands with a clear and honest commitment to sustainability are getting preference by customers.
Minimal or less packaging is the biggest trend right now, with 61% of customers valuing brands that use less packaging.
Digital Print Technology & Customization
Digital printing technology is disrupting custom packaging faster than you can say "click, print, and ship."
Old-school printing processes needed big, expensive plates, long lead times, and massive minimum orders. With digital printing for packaging, all of that goes out the window.
Create fully customizable packaging with lightning-fast turnaround times, no minimums, and high-quality colors and designs to target different customer segments.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs can use these new technologies to test out different packaging designs without the financial risk. Limited edition packaging, seasonal designs, and personalization options for individual consumers are now all possible.
Run a short campaign for the holidays? You got it. Change up your branding mid-year? No problem. Thanks to digital print technology, brands can be agile and responsive to shifting trends and consumer needs with their custom packaging.
Smart Packaging & Connected Experiences
Smart packaging is here. And it's only going to get more advanced and more significant in the coming years.
QR codes, RFID tags, and NFC technology are being embedded in all kinds of packages, turning "regular" boxes and bags into fully interactive and connected experiences.
Scanning a package can now open up an entirely new world of product information, videos, discounts, brand stories, and augmented reality experiences for consumers.
Consumers are connecting more with brands that offer a richer brand and product experience through their custom packaging. The global internet of packaging market generated $23.66 billion in 2025 and is set to surpass $54.43 billion by 2034.
Smart packaging is also helping with brand authentication and anti-counterfeiting measures. Luxury goods, high-end cosmetics, and premium food brands are using these technologies to protect their reputation and ensure consumers get genuine products.
Collecting data on where consumers are buying, what they do with their packages, and how they interact with these "smart" boxes also gives brands incredible insights.
How To Choose The Right Custom Packaging Partner
Picking the right packaging partner can make or break your efforts.
You want to find a supplier that can meet your volume needs while also offering flexibility and customization options. Here are some questions to ask when vetting potential custom packaging partners:
Can they fulfill your volume needs? Do they have the capacity for small batch orders or large production runs without quality suffering?
Do they have sustainable packaging options? Are eco-friendly and sustainable materials available with your chosen partner?
How long is their lead time? Speed to market is more important than ever, so you need a partner who can produce quickly without sacrificing quality.
Do they offer design support? The best partners help with more than just production — they can assist you in creating unique and compelling packaging designs to tell your brand story and resonate with your customers.
Ask about their experience in your industry. Packaging for the food and beverage industry is vastly different to clothing or cosmetics, so look for partners with experience serving your market to save time and trouble.
Making It Happen
Custom packaging is so much more than a box or a bag.
For many brands, packaging is the last part of the customer journey, yet it plays a massive role in the customer experience. The trends we've talked about above are a must for brands that want to see significant growth with custom packaging:
Sustainability is non-negotiable.
Digital print technology allows for more flexibility and creativity with custom designs.
Smart packaging and connected experiences are the future.
Find the right custom packaging partner for your business.
Brands that are winning with custom packaging view it as an investment and not an expense.
Good packaging will also increase your customers' perceived value of a product. Build brand affinity, loyalty, and awareness with better packaging. It's also a massive influencer of social media sharing and can help reduce product returns.
So where do you start?
Pick one trend that makes sense for your brand and start small. Test it out and see what you learn. If it works, scale it up. The main thing is just to start. Your competitors are already on it.
Packaging solutions for your custom products don't have to be complex or expensive. They do, however, need to be thoughtful and intentional to help you position your brand strategically in the future.