2025–2026 Trends: Why Your Industry Needs Sustainable and Efficient Packaging?

More than ever, the pursuit of sustainable packaging has become a strategic necessity for companies that want to thrive and meet market demands.

In this scenario, the pressure for eco-friendly solutions and the advancement of automation are shaping the future of the industry.

More than just a market trend, these transformations are now requirements from investors and consumers. Those who fail to adapt fall behind and lose competitiveness.

In this article, you will discover the key trends in the field for the 2025–2026 biennium, based on global practices and packaging solutions.

You will understand why sustainability, circular economy principles, and industrial automation form the foundation for creating sustainable and intelligent packaging. Enjoy the reading.

What to Expect for the 2025–2026 Cycle?

Did you know that between the 1950s and 2015, global plastic production grew more than 200 times?

According to recent trends, the coming months will be decisive for the industry.

The combination of new environmental regulations, more attentive consumers, and technological advancements is accelerating changes that once seemed far off.

This scenario demands that companies adopt agile, eco-friendly, and intelligent practices to ensure competitiveness and alignment with market requirements and legislation.

Within this context, three forces stand out:

1. Sustainable packaging
2. Industrial automation
3. Smart packaging

Below, we explore how each of these forces will shape the near future — and how Indumak is already prepared to support your company through this transition.

Sustainability and Circular Economy: The Future Is Now

The concern over the environmental impact of packaging is no longer a choice — it has become an obligation.

According to Packaging Technology Today, plastics remain at the center of the discussion, with a strong focus on:

• Bioplastics
• Recyclable materials
• Circular economy

The article states that the plastics industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, marked by the convergence of innovative trends that are driving a more sustainable and responsible future.

At the same time, the circular economy demands that every stage — design, production, use, and disposal — be integrated to reduce waste and promote reuse.

In this scenario, specialized companies must ensure that their production processes are aligned with these new materials.

Indumak is ahead of this trend, offering packaging solutions compatible with biodegradable and recyclable films.

Our customers are able to innovate without compromising efficiency, maintaining strong production-line performance even during material transitions.

The Automation Revolution and Industry 4.0

If achieving sustainability is a requirement, automation is the answer to competitiveness.

According to studies in the snacks and food sector, manufacturers are already seeking innovations in throughput and modularity to handle demand peaks and new product formats.

In this context, investing in an automatic packaging machine is not just a technological upgrade—it is a key driver of profitability.

Modular equipment enables quick adjustments, reduces downtime, and increases productivity.

And when we talk about Industry 4.0, automation reaches a new level, incorporating:

• Smart sensors;
• Predictive diagnostics;
• Integration with management systems.

These capabilities make the packaging stage more reliable and more connected.

Once again, Indumak stands out by offering machines that combine speed, precision, and intelligence.

Our portfolio includes automatic packaging equipment capable of reducing waste while delivering full connectivity with management software.

This means fewer failures, greater efficiency, and a packaging process ready for the future.

Smart packaging: connecting products and consumers

Another strong trend for the 2025–2026 cycle is smart packaging.

According to Food Connection, these solutions incorporate technologies capable of monitoring, detecting, and communicating information about the condition of the product or the environment in which it is stored.

They are also redefining how brands interact with consumers. Sensors, NFC tags, QR codes, and even augmented reality turn packaging into a communication channel.

Digital traceability technologies increase food safety, prevent fraud, and add value to the customer experience.

A report from Mordor Intelligence estimates that the demand for smart packaging will reach USD 22.67 billion in 2024, potentially growing to USD 31.98 billion by 2029.

This shows that modern consumers seek more than convenience: they want real-time information and transparency about product origin.

As a result, the benefits for customers and companies are significant:

• Reduced waste
• Better product preservation
• Increased food safety
• Greater logistical efficiency
• Improved consumer experience

Once again, Indumak positions itself ahead of the market. Our packaging machines are designed to operate safely and efficiently with technologies that support smart and flexible packaging.

This ensures that your company is ready to work with safe, efficient, and high-performance packaging—without compromising quality, productivity, or increasing costs.

Ready for the future of sustainable packaging?

The trends are clear: sustainability, automation, and intelligence are all part of the same movement.

In other words, the future of the industry is built on the fusion of these three macro-trends, resulting in an environmentally responsible, connected, and highly efficient scenario.

Companies that anticipate this transformation—investing in innovation and reliable partners—will be well-positioned to grow and meet the expectations of increasingly demanding consumers.

With decades of experience and continuous investment in technology, Indumak is a reference in packaging solutions.

Our automatic packaging machines, for example, enable operations with sustainable packaging materials, industrial automation, and innovative features.

Want to understand and prepare for these trends?

Talk to one of our specialists and discover the best machines for your operation.

The way you need it, tailored to your business. Request your quote.