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Packaging isn’t just about protecting products anymore, it’s about creating an experience. In 2026, expect packaging to work harder than ever: telling stories, connecting digitally, and making sustainability stylish rather than preachy. Here’s a look at the trends that will shape shelves, online baskets, and customer expectations next year.
Smart packaging is no longer futuristic, it’s here!
QR codes and NFC tags are turning packs into interactive experiences, giving customers instant access to recipes, loyalty rewards, or behind‑the‑scenes brand stories. This isn’t just about tech; it’s about building emotional connections and making packaging part of the customer journey.
KB Tip: Our custom print tape and branded boxes make it easy to integrate QR codes and elevate your unboxing moment without adding complexity.
Minimalist design continues to dominate, but 2026 adds personality. Think bold typography paired with hand‑drawn illustrations, tactile finishes, and nostalgic colour palettes that feel warm and human. Premium doesn’t have to mean sterile, brands are embracing authenticity and craft.
KB Tip: Pair our premium kraft cartons with eco‑friendly water‑activated tape for a sleek, sustainable look that feels high‑end yet approachable.
Paper‑based alternatives are everywhere—from e‑commerce mailers to food‑to‑go wraps. They’re lighter, recyclable, and give brands a natural, crafted aesthetic that consumers love. Plus, they photograph beautifully for social media, making them a win for marketing as well as sustainability.
KB Solution: Our Spacefil™ paper void‑fill and paper tape range help you cut plastic without compromising protection or style.
Online shopping isn’t slowing down, and neither is the demand for clever packaging. Expect right‑sized boxes that cut waste, resealable mailers for hassle‑free returns, and designs that make the unboxing moment Instagram‑worthy. Packaging is now part of the customer experience, not just a delivery method.
KB Solution: Explore our Custom Box Calculator that allows for no wasted space and self‑seal mailers for smarter fulfilment that saves time and reduces costs.
Design tools are helping brands create packaging that’s not only beautiful but efficient, optimising shapes, reducing waste, and even predicting how a design will perform on shelf. It’s tech behind the scenes, creativity up front, and it’s changing how packaging is developed.
KB Angle: Our bespoke packaging service combines smart design with practical solutions, so you can innovate without sacrificing functionality.
Packaging is often the first physical touch-point for a brand. In 2026, it’s also a conversation starter, a sustainability statement, and a digital gateway. Brands that get it right will stand out, not just on shelves, but in hearts and feeds.
Explore our full range of sustainable, smart and custom solutions today. Or Contact Us to start creating packaging that works harder for your brand.
Join us at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 at the NEC Birmingham (11–12 February) and discover how KB solutions, like case taper machines, eco tapes, and custom cartons, make packaging smarter, sleeker, and more sustainable.
Packaging Trends for 2026 Packaging isn’t just about protecting products anymore, it’s about creating an experience. In 2026, expect packaging to work harder than ever:
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