Smart and Connected Packaging
What does 2025 have in store? Whilst AR and AI integrated solutions are transforming packaging development, the packaging industry still has some key challenges to tackle. Regulatory pressures and sustainability goals are driving innovation in material efficiency, recyclability, and circularity, as emphasised by industry leaders below: Lisa Cain, Technical Lead, Food and Confectionery – EMEA, at Smurfit Westrock says: “If there’s one thing driving the packaging industry in 2025, it’s regulation. The rules are coming in fast and getting tougher by the day. From stricter recyclability targets to material bans, it feels like every week brings a new challenge. It’s like aiming for a moving target—one that’s also shouting for us to ‘do better’! “But honestly, that’s the point. Regulations are pushing us to leave the “that’ll do” mindset behind and finally deliver the kind of innovation we’ve been talking about for years. From lighter, more efficient materials to designs that make recycling seamless, the challenges ahead are opening the door to smarter, better solutions. “Of course, this shift toward sustainability and minimalism isn’t without its headaches. Packaging minimisation requirements could make it harder for brands to create distinctive designs—unless those designs meet strict criteria or are protected by trademarks or design registrations. Meanwhile, the push to eliminate certain materials or switch to more sustainable alternatives demand a tricky balance between
52
The integration of Bria’s platform with HP SmartStream Designer’s ‘HP Spark’ technology enabled the creation of 9,000
unique Nutella® labels”
creativity, practicality, and compliance. “But meeting consumer demands doesn’t stop at convenience. Brands also need to deliver recyclability without sacrificing performance. In food packaging, for example, barrier performance and moisture resistance are essential, which is why so much R&D is going into recyclable paperboard coatings. Fibre-based packaging is stepping up to compete with plastics, and it’s exciting to see how far this can go.
“2025 certainly feels like a tipping point for packaging. The big question isn’t whether we can keep up; it’s how far we can push things. Regulations aren’t the villain here—they’re the nudge we’ve needed to do better, faster, and more sustainably. And if we can turn these challenges into breakthroughs, this might just be the year we surprise ourselves.” Steve Lister, Sustainability Consultant to Global Brands, Retailers & Partners says: “2025 is the year we move beyond recycling and circularity in print and packaging is the next big focus. 2025 is the year we break free from the cycle of waste, embracing circular design and materials in print and packaging.
Kennedy’s Confection December/January 2024/25
Recycling is just the beginning; the future lies in creating products designed for reuse and regeneration, ushering in a new era of sustainable innovation.” Luke Wilson, Managing Director of
FACER comments: “As we enter 2025, the UK's folding carton packaging industry is navigating a highly complex landscape. “The folding carton industry tends to be cyclical, and in any downturn of demand excess capacity presents itself in the system. With supply outstripping current demand, this tends to lead, in most cases, to a zero-sum game.
“There are a huge number of specialist SME players in the market which we believe will continue to consolidate before demand returns. Although when it does, those that are positioned in line with factors that will influence the future of packaging, stand to reap the rewards of a very large market full of potential. “The influencing factors we foresee involve the continuation of sustainability focus, technological advancements (AI, digital, AR, smart integration), evolving consumer
KennedysConfection.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
