Beverage packaging is specific to the materials and methods that drink manufacturers use to encase, distribute, and promote their products. It’s of vital importance for product safety, shelf-life, and customer connection in a highly competitive market. 

 This will be a key theme of the upcoming PPMA Total Show, with visitors given the opportunity to explore the latest trends, sustainability drives, and design innovations shaping the beverage sector. Read on as we give a flavour of what to expect.

Key Trends in Beverage Packaging Innovation

The consumer and regulatory focus on sustainability continues to grow in 2025. 

 Beverage manufacturers are responding by finding alternatives to single-use plastics, with recycled and biodegradable materials becoming the norm.

 Continuing the eco-friendly theme, we’re seeing the replacement of traditional bottles with cans and boxes. 

 More brands are introducing strong, versatile, and easily recyclable alternatives made from materials such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). 

 Other examples of beverage industry innovation include:

• The development of biodegradable containers for reduced plastic consumption and carbon emissions

• The attachment of bottlecaps to plastic bottles for a more streamlined recycling process

• The introduction of label-free bottles, also supporting recyclability and minimising environmental harm.

Together with the eco-friendly packaging initiatives, there’s also a greater focus on functionality, with brands introducing self-chilling cans, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and edible dispensing tabs for fresh and unique customer experiences.

The Sustainability Imperative

As mentioned, the focus on packaging sustainability is being driven by a combination of consumer pressure and increasingly stringent regulations. 

 The statistics back this up, with 78% of consumers considering sustainability as a key factor when shopping, and over 50% willing to pay more for products in eco-friendly packaging. 

 The commitment to sustainability can also have a positive impact on brand reputation, as 57% of consumers are likely to share their purchasing choices online.

 There’s more of a focus on packaging sustainability from a legal perspective in 2025 too. 

 Beverage manufacturers continue to be influenced by the Plastic Packaging Tax, with a rate of £200 being charged per tonne of plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic.

 This encourages accurate record keeping, with manufacturers motivated to find ways of increasing the amount of recycled plastic for tax avoidance.

 Focused on minimising environmental harm, the UK government has introduced such initiatives as the recyclability assessment methodology (RAM). 

 This requires the UK’s large package producers to assess and report on the recyclability of product packaging. 

 Varying fees have to be paid for waste management, depending on whether the packaging is rated as red, amber, or green in terms of recyclability.

 The government’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme is also set to be introduced in October 2025. 

 This will require beverage manufacturers to take on the full cost of product collection, recycling, and disposal. 

 It should make for a greater focus on beverage packaging waste reduction and the increased use of sustainable materials. 

 Given the risk of financial penalties and reputational harm, it’s expected that beverage manufacturers will look to develop more eco-friendly supply chains and packaging formats.

Shelf Appeal & Design Innovation

Product differentiation continues to be vital, given the range of beverage products available on the supermarket shelves.

There’s an emphasis on making a visual impact, with the packaging feel also known to have a direct bearing on buying decisions.

 Leading brands are introducing textured drink containers, with bold colours and limited-edition designs. 

 It’s also becoming increasingly common to find packaging with wording highlighting the environmental focus. 

 Some containers are integrated with QR codes, with digital insights into the brand’s sustainable approach. Such QR codes also allow for product tracking, with consumers being encouraged to recycle and reduce the amount of packaging waste.

Discover the Future at the PPMA Show

From the increasing focus on sustainability to the use of stand-out designs, these key trends will be in focus at the upcoming PPMA Total Show. 

Being held at Birmingham’s NEC Arena from the 23rd to the 25th of September, this major event will give you the chance to:

• Explore the latest packaging technologies

• Find new ways of enhancing sustainability and regulatory compliance

• Network with leaders and innovators across the beverage sector

• See live demonstrations and discover packaging solutions that match your needs

Book your Free PPMA Show Ticket today and discover the kinds of packaging innovations that could set your brand apart.