B2B packaging changes regularly, and 2025 will be no different. As wants and needs constantly adapt to the world around us, packaging must change with it. Here are a few of the biggest and best B2B packaging trends.
Returnable & Reusable
The first is a change that many have wanted for a very long time: returnable and reusable packaging. In simple terms, this is a type of packaging that can be used multiple times, or stored away and used for future returns or deliveries.
When combined with high-strength strapping buckles and seals, you have a long-lasting and durable packaging solution that you won’t have to replace any time soon. The collapsible aspect is also one set to be a game-changer as it makes the packaging far easier to return, and you can use a smaller vehicle to do the returns, saving money on fuel.
Eco-Friendly
Becoming more eco-friendly is a mission that countless businesses have undertaken. This extends into the packaging they are using as well, with many opting for recyclable, or, at the very least compostable packaging.
While this type of packaging often isn’t reusable, the recyclable aspect means the environmental damage caused by packaging is far less. This is vital when you consider the vast amounts of packaging that is used on a daily basis.
Minimalist
Part of being more eco-friendly is being as minimalist as possible. This means more businesses are not only focussing on packaging products and shipments effectively, but also aiming to use as little packaging as possible.
Smart Packaging
With the growing popularity of IoT and more companies opting for smart solutions across the board, it is no surprise that smart packaging is quickly becoming the next big thing. For example, RFID and QR codes can be used for real-time tracking and authentication.
For example, businesses that ship and transport goods such as food and pharmaceuticals have also begun implementing temperature and humidity sensors to ensure their goods are kept in perfect conditions for safety and longevity.
Modular Packaging
An interesting trend that is becoming more popular is modular packaging. This is a method where businesses use adjustable packaging that fits perfectly, reducing waste, size, and weight.
This is also combined with packaging that is designed to interlock and stack, allowing for better storage in warehouses and trucks, minimizing wasted space, and ensuring more packages can be transported and stored.
Adjustable Packaging
Adjustable packaging is another trend that is gaining traction to save money on purchasing and using packaging of multiple sizes. It can be adjusted to fit the size of a product, meaning businesses can use one type of packaging for various products, while still saving space.
AI-Driven Packaging Solutions
AI also plays a role in business and packaging solutions, with companies using AI to determine the optimal packaging size, taking storage space, transport needs, etc., into account, and the materials the company should use.
This means that businesses can always make the right decision when it comes to which packaging to use, and the material it should be made from. This ensures the safety of the goods, as well as helping to save money.
For more minor aspects, AI is also used to analyze a product and determine what type of, and how much, filler it needs to remain protected, saving businesses money.
Tamper-Proof Packaging
Counterfeit goods have been a problem for decades, and the technology to help prevent or even eliminate counterfeiting is finally here. Businesses are adding holograms, tamper-proof seals, and encrypted barcodes to ensure safety and security.
Companies that sell high-value items such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and other expensive goods are leading the charge when it comes to making packaging as safe and secure as possible.
Lightweight Packaging
Businesses are always looking for ways to reduce the costs of shipping and transporting goods, and the one area where a lot of money can be saved is in how heavy the packaging is. Therefore, the lighter the packaging is, the better it is for the bottom line.
A honeycomb design, for example, is lighter than a regular box, but offers the same levels of protection and stability. Molded pulp is also lightweight, but is a much better eco-friendly choice compared to styrofoam.
Temperature-Controlled Packaging
There has been massive growth in the bio-pharmaceutical and food sectors, and with this growth, businesses need better ways to transport their goods. Regular insulated packaging doesn’t cut it anymore, and businesses want the best packaging money can buy.
Phase-change materials, or PCMs, for example, are materials that absorb or release large amounts of heat depending on their state, helping to keep the temperature around them consistent.
Vacuum insulation panels are also exploding in popularity thanks to their superior insulation abilities, when compared to similar solutions.
Customized Packaging
Customized packaging is also becoming more popular among businesses as many want their money spent on packaging that is tailored to their needs. This includes branding, shape, weight, size, etc.
This is an umbrella term as it ranges from packaging that has specific strength points, such as the corners, or custom-made inserts to help protect products that are an unusual shape.
