5 Key Packaging Trends You'll See First at the PPMA Show 2025

Bringing together a range of leading exhibitors, the PPMA Total Show promises to be the number one event for the presentation of packaging, processing, and automation technologies. With a variety of expert-led seminars and live demonstrations, this will be an ideal opportunity to find out about the future of the packaging industry. Read on as we explore some of the trends that you’ll see for the first time here.

The Rise of Re-usable and Re-fillable Packaging

Increased awareness of environmental damage has led to a growth in the consumer and regulatory demand for sustainable packaging. The statistics back this up, with 81% of international customers now demanding sustainable packaging and 64% more likely to buy from companies that offer it. 73% of UK consumers have been reported as seeing cardboard packaging as important, with 77% believing that brands should use as little packaging as possible.

Many of the companies set to exhibit at the PPMA Total Show are taking steps to fulfil such demands through the introduction of reusable and refillable packaging systems. There’s been some investment in the development of packaging materials that break down naturally, minimising environmental harm. We’re also seeing the introduction of systems that encourage customers to return and refill packaging, particularly across the food and beverage sectors.

Replacing Plastic Packaging with Paper

Recognising the importance of environmental protection, various brands are also making the switch from single-use plastic to biodegradable and recyclable paper-based packaging. This is being driven partly by the consumer demand for improved sustainability, with bans on single-use plastics across regions such as the EU, India, and the Asia Pacific.

The development of such paper-based packaging solutions will be reflected at the PPMA Show, with a variety of companies showcasing paper trays, wraps, and cartons. Visitors will learn how such paper-based packaging can make a difference in product protection and shelf life.

Smaller Lightweight Packaging Solutions

Paper is one example of the smaller and lighter forms of packaging being adopted for reduced costs and environmental impact. We’re seeing the introduction of minimalist designs that are kinder to the planet. Simply designed packaging is typically easier to produce and recycle, with fewer resources being used and better alignment with environmental targets.

Examples of small and lightweight packaging include:

• Flexible plastic tubes for products such as lotions and gels, ideal for the reduction of shipping costs and environmental impact
• Paperboard and cartonboard for food, cosmetics, and consumer goods, minimising raw material use, transport costs, and waste
• Edible and biodegradable packaging, which helps in the reduction of shipping weights and plastic waste.

Such innovations will be showcased at the PPMA Total Show, highlighting the potential for precise portioning and packaging weight reduction.

AI And 3D Printing Integration

AI-based design is becoming increasingly common, with the use of consumer data for the production of tailored and customised packaging. AI enables efficiency in prototyping, with the best use of resources for clever and adaptive design. 3D printing technologies are also being used for the reduction of material waste and optimisation of production.

Ishida will be among the exhibitors showcasing such innovative production line solutions at the PPMA Show. Along with their advanced range of packaging equipment, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the AI-powered Sentinel 5.0. This system can be used to monitor complete food production and monitoring lines, with insights shared and automatic adjustments made for improved performance. AI-enabled packaging inspection and automation systems will also be presented by such brands as Acrovision and Rockwell Automation.

Minimal Packaging Design

As mentioned, minimalist, clean, and eco-friendly packaging designs are being more widely adopted. Digital print-on-demand technologies are enabling companies to produce packaging in exact quantities, so minimising material waste. The commitment to reduced environmental harm is also being reflected in the use of energy-efficient digital printing technologies, such as LED UV and inkjet. Waste and energy consumption is being further reduced through the widening adoption of automation and AI.

Such developments will be a focus at the PPMA Show, with the exhibition of digital printing systems, sustainable inks, and efficiency-boosting packaging design software. Advanced print and branding technologies will be showcased by brands such as Autopak Machinery and NewTech Intelligent Automation.

Discover More At The PPMA Show

With more than 350 exhibitors, the PPMA Total Show will provide the opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art materials, containers, and packaging design all under one roof. Set to take place at Birmingham’s NEC Arena from the 23rd to the 25th of September, this must-attend event will also include a variety of seminars, helping industry professionals stay ahead of the latest trends. Go ahead and register for your free ticket today.