The latest edition of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) Packaging Trends Report, based on the winners of WorldStar Awards 2024 and WorldStar Student 2024, is now available for free download.
The report, based on packaging entries from the latest group of WorldStar winners, identified trends in eth following categories:
- Consumer Awareness & Preferences
- Single-Use Plastics Regulations
- Extended Producer Responsibility
- Recycled Content Requirements
- Labelling Legislation
- Design for Recovery
- Substance Restrictions
The report also analyses each WorldStar category and links them to the main trends identified in the winning packages.
Trends in the report are considered in the context of:
- Life cycle analyses to validate assumptions, compare design options, and measure true carbon footprint;
- Packaging costs to ensure sustainable options are financially viable; and
- Performance to compromise on food safety and avoid food spoilage and waste.
The report finds that circularity is a “must have” feature and impacting packaging design, with trends toward reduction, recyclability, compostability and non-fossil raw materials leading to the uptake of mono-materials; the reduction of waste, weight and layers; and the need for renewability.
“Consumer, regulatory and legislative, circularity, and technical drivers create a dynamic and rapidly changing global environment for packaging,” the report stated.
“The global impact of the consumption trends in packaging is profound and the industry is ready to face them. It is possible to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging through innovation and collective and collaborative efforts.
“The commitment [to] sustainability, [aligned] with consumers expectations and needs is a turning point to a future where packaging is not only functional and attractive, but also environmentally responsible.”
The Packaging Trends Report was produced by WPO press and communication liaison officer, Liliam Benzi.
To access the full report, click here.
