As we move into 2026, packaging is entering a period of accelerated change. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) are reshaping how packaging is designed, assessed and paid for, while rising pressure from consumers, regulators and investors is pushing sustainability higher up the corporate agenda.
Advances in materials, design and digital tools are increasingly aligned. The result is a clear shift away from complex, hard-to-recycle formats and towards packaging that balances performance, compliance and recyclability. From reuse and refill models to mono-material formats, smart packaging and circular materials, the trends gathering pace in 2026 signal a fundamental rethink of packaging’s role in the value chain.
Reuse and Refill: Are Consumers Ready for This?
With circular economy frameworks developing worldwide, reuse and refill models are moving beyond niche trials and into mainstream strategies. Across food and drink, cosmetics and personal care, brands are increasingly testing refill pouches, returnable containers, take-back schemes and deposit-return approaches that extend well beyond drinks packaging.
Where these models are implemented effectively, they can offer more than environmental benefits. Reusable packaging can improve supply-chain efficiency through better pallet utilisation, fewer single-use components and reduced transport impacts. Over time, this can translate into lower carbon emissions and more resilient packaging systems.
However, success depends on careful planning. Reverse logistics, cleaning and refilling infrastructure, and clear consumer guidance all need to be in place for reuse models to deliver meaningful outcomes at scale. Despite growing policy momentum, many barriers remain – including complex logistics, high upfront investment and consumer convenience. As a result, many organisations are waiting for stronger consumer demand before committing at scale.
Mono-Material Packaging: Designing for Recyclability
One of the clearest design trends emerging ahead of 2026 is the move towards mono-material packaging. Formats made from a single material stream, such as all-paper or recyclable PET, are significantly easier to identify, sort and recycle at scale.
Under RAM, packaging that cannot be easily identified, separated or recycled through established collection and sorting systems is likely to receive a lower recyclability classification. These lower-performing assessments are not purely academic: they directly increase exposure to higher compliance fees under Extended Producer Responsibility, particularly where packaging contributes to contamination or fails to be captured effectively by the recycling system.
By contrast, mono-material designs typically achieve higher recycling capture rates and more consistent recyclability outcomes. Designing for mono-material recyclability can therefore play a critical role in future-proofing packaging portfolios against tightening regulatory expectations and the financial impacts of modulated fees.
Alongside this shift, minimalist and zero-waste packaging approaches are gaining momentum. By removing unnecessary layers, fillers and decorative elements, brands can reduce material complexity and waste while maintaining protection, functionality and brand identity.
Smart and Sustainable Packaging: Data-Driven Design
Technology is increasingly being embedded into packaging, making packaging a functional part of the product journey, not just a protective wrap.
Smart packaging solutions may include:
- RFID or NFC tags
- QR codes and digital links
- Embedded data carriers
These technologies can support end-to-end tracking, shelf-life insights, tamper protection and customer interaction. Especially in time-sensitive and regulated sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals and distribution, smart packaging has the potential to reduce spoilage, improve quality control during transport and strengthen product integrity.
When applied thoughtfully, digital features can also support better data collection and reporting, helping businesses understand how packaging performs in real-world conditions and where improvements can be made.
Circular Materials: Closing the Loop
Another defining trend for 2026 is the growing shift toward circular materials and packaging designed explicitly for recycling. Driven by EPR obligations and wider sustainability commitments, many organisations are reassessing their reliance on virgin plastics and exploring fibre-based, bio-based or compostable alternatives where appropriate.
For businesses, prioritising circular and recyclable materials can support environmental targets, improve RAM outcomes and, in many cases, reduce lifecycle waste-related costs. The emphasis is shifting from simply choosing “greener” materials to designing packaging that works within existing collection and recycling systems.
What This Means for Businesses in 2026
2026 will be a year of adaptation. For brands, retailers and packaging producers that align packaging design and data with RAM and EPR expectations, there is an opportunity to reduce risk and unlock competitive advantage.
These trends go beyond aesthetics. They represent strategic shifts with real operational, regulatory and reputational implications.
Steps businesses can take now include:
- Reassessing materials and formats to prioritise designs that support effective collection, sorting and recycling
- Evaluating smart packaging opportunities where digital features deliver clear operational or compliance benefits
- Improving labelling and consumer guidance to reduce contamination and improve recycling outcomes
Consumers and regulators increasingly expect packaging to be easy to recycle and demonstrably sustainable. Brands that adopt these developments early are better positioned to control future costs, strengthen sustainability credentials and build consumer trust.
In 2026 and beyond, packaging is more than a vessel. It is an intentional asset that reflects a business’s environmental values, operational efficiency and readiness for a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Across sectors, the shift towards circular reuse models, recyclable materials and smarter packaging is moving quickly from optional initiative to business imperative.
Preparing for 2026 with Clarity
Preparing for 2026 starts now. Clarity supports producers by aligning packaging design and data with RAM and EPR requirements, helping to reduce fee risk and improve recyclability performance.
Find out more about our RAM Assess tool, or speak to our team to understand how your packaging strategy can be strengthened for the years ahead.
