The Growing Demand for Sustainability in Packaging
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a core expectation from consumers, businesses, and governments around the world. Eco-friendly packaging solutions have been trending upward for the last decade, and year after year, public demand is increasing. Businesses are now looking at sustainability not just from an environmental perspective but also from a brand-building perspective. Companies adopting sustainable packaging practices are differentiating themselves in competitive markets, appealing to an ever-growing pool of eco-conscious consumers.
Let’s dive into the world of sustainable packaging and unpack some of the industry trends to expect in 2025.
Recyclable and Monomaterial Sustainable Packaging
Note: Monomaterial refers to packaging made from a single type of material, simplifying and improving overall rates of recycling.
In the world of eco-friendly packaging, recycling remains the cornerstone of sustainability efforts. The logistics and affordability of using the trendiest forms of biodegradable packaging don’t always work out, which is why using recyclable material like corrugated boxes for sustainable packaging is still the most popular packaging trend for 2025.
At Atlas Packaging, we specialize in creating custom recyclable solutions for our clients in a wide range of industries, from food and beverage to e-commerce and beyond. Some of our most popular eco-friendly packaging options include:
- Corrugated Packaging: Made from recyclable cardboard, corrugated boxes are a staple of sustainable packaging. Their durability and flexibility make them ideal for everything from shipping to product display.
- Paperboard Packaging: Lightweight and fully recyclable, paperboard is perfect for creating premium, visually appealing product packaging.
- Recyclable Foam Options: Atlas offers polystyrene and polyethylene foam solutions that are designed to be recycled efficiently when paired with proper infrastructure.
As mentioned in our note above, adopting monomaterial packaging further simplifies the recycling process. Corrugated packaging made entirely from cardboard, for example, eliminates the need for separating components, reducing contamination and improving recycling rates. It’s great for your wallet and the environment at the same time.
Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Materials
When it comes to waste reduction, biodegradable packaging is playing an increasing role. Compostable materials are the most eco-friendly packaging option, as materials like plant-based plastics and seaweed reduce waste naturally. Potato starch is another material we’re seeing become more popular for food and single-use packaging (it’s used to create thin films for wrapping food items like bread, fruits, and vegetables).
These kinds of materials keep non-recyclable materials out of landfills, and though they might not be extremely common in 2025, interest is growing year over year.
Additional Sustainable Packaging Materials
There’s a long and growing list of alternative packaging materials that are trending right now, here are a few you might find interesting:
- Cornstarch-Based Plastics (Commonly used in food packaging)
- Bamboo (Highly renewable, used for containers and wraps, very durable)
- Sugarcane (Used for containers, trays, cups)
- Hemp (Fibers and pulp from hemp plants are used to create paperboard and bags)
- Coconut Husks (Commonly used for storage containers and food packaging)
In addition to these alternatives, edible packaging is also become increasingly talked about as we head into 2025–the idea that packaging could be eaten or easily dissolved is now more than a novelty. This is of course most notable in the food and beverage sector. New innovations offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging while reducing waste. Perfect for single-use items such as straws, wrappers, and portable containers, edible packaging is an exciting new option for environmentally conscious consumers.
These materials align with growing consumer expectations surrounding sustainability, even if they haven’t hit the mainstream just yet. They’re a great showcase of what’s to come in the industry as widening options become available for today’s businesses.
Lightweight and Minimalistic Makes for Eco-Friendly Packaging
Minimalistic packaging is lighter, and lighter products cost less to ship. When there’s less to ship, there’s less of an impact on the environment. It’s a beautiful little chain of events.
By streamlining packaging design and using thinner (but still strong) materials, companies can achieve the same protective benefits with less environmental consequences. Here at Atlas, we pride ourselves on creating custom lightweight solutions that optimize material usage without compromising product protection.
One way to help you save is by reducing the thickness of corrugated boxes. Sleek designs use fewer resources while also appealing to eco-conscious consumers, a win-win.
Reusable Packaging Systems
A circular economy is an economic model that aims to reduce waste and make the most of resources, creating a closed-loop system. It’s in direct contrast to the traditional linear economy, which follows a take, make, and dispose approach.
Reusable packaging systems directly promote a circular economy, which is a growing trend in 2025. Many businesses are looking at reusable packaging programs by incorporating durable, eco-friendly packaging materials like BPA-free plastics and stainless steel.
Deposit-return schemes are also gaining traction, with some achieving up to 85% return rates. These efforts are environmentally responsible and foster customer loyalty by aligning with sustainable values.
Meeting the Moment with Sustainable Packaging Solutions
The trends shaping sustainable packaging in 2025 offer businesses opportunities to reduce their environmental impact while also meeting consumer expectations.
Here at Atlas Packaging, our team is committed to helping businesses navigate this new era of eco-friendly packaging. If you’re looking to incorporate recyclable materials into your packaging or for other sustainable packaging options, our team has the expertise to elevate your packaging while minimizing environmental impact.
Contact us today to explore how we can support your sustainability goals.