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4th Mar 2025
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ECommerce and retail are becoming more intrinsically linked every year, with around 30% of retail sales taking place online in 2024 and the figure continually rising. As the retail space develops it’s only natural that retail packaging shifts within it. With this in mind, businesses in every corner of the industry need to stay ahead of packaging trends, ensuring that they make decisions that align with customer expectations and environmental initiatives.
This blog explores where retail and eCommerce packaging is in 2025 and where it might be headed going forward. Consider it a guide to staying relevant within the packaging space, whatever you sell.
Sustainability remains the top development
This is no longer a trend but a requirement of businesses today. Sustainability is increasingly integrated into products and packaging alike. Not every product is easy to manufacture in a more eco-friendly way, however, retailers can embrace conscientious packaging in a responsible way for the planet and enhance their reputation with conscious consumers.
Examples of sustainable retail packaging solutions include:
Smaller is better (minimalism)
The move towards minimalism in packaging and retail is informed by both consumer tastes and the overarching focus on sustainability. Minimal retail packaging offers businesses a way to reduce their overall use of materials while forcing concise on-pack communication. Along with being more sustainable, the practice also aligns with the iPhone aesthetic of the 21st century, with simple clean designs being popular with modern consumers.
Discretion in private items
Discreet packaging for retail products is becoming more common – especially those that might be considered sensitive in one way or another. Things like elective medications, CBD products, adult toys, gifts and high-value jewellery can all benefit from being packaged discreetly with minimal branding
Brand storytelling and interactive packaging
Many brands are using packaging as a platform for storytelling. This can be printed directly onto the packaging itself, with written prose and diagrams. Alternatively, many brands are choosing to embrace minimalism/sustainability by including QR codes and smart features on packaging.
These features drive consumer engagement, leading them to online videos or social media accounts where they can learn more about the product. Alternatively, the QR code could lead to an info packet about a sustainable initiative, further supporting the brand identity and sustainability goals.
Stay up to date with retail packaging trends
Visit our blog for more insights into retail packaging supplies and processes.