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Sustainable Packaging Trends in 2025: What Brands Need to Know

As sustainability continues to drive consumer choices and regulatory pressures mount, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for packaging innovation. For brands looking to stay relevant, compliant, and competitive, sustainable packaging is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative.

In this post, we explore the top sustainable packaging trends in 2025 and what your brand needs to know to stay ahead of the curve—particularly when it comes to carton packaging.

  1. Recyclability Is No Longer Enough

While recyclable packaging was once seen as a sustainability gold standard, expectations in 2025 are higher. Stakeholders—including consumers, retailers, and regulators—are demanding:

  • Actual recyclability, not just theoretical (i.e., accepted by most kerbside recycling programs)
  • Design-for-recycling principles: single-material formats, minimal inks, and no plastic windows.
  • At Dollard Packaging, we have a plant-based, compostable window film that can be used instead of the traditional plastic window film.
  • Clear labelling to guide consumers on disposal.

What this means for your cartons: opt for mono-material paperboard cartons, eliminate plastic laminates where possible.

  1. Fibre-Based Packaging Takes the Lead

Carton and fibre-based packaging is becoming the preferred choice across industries—particularly in cosmetics, food, and e-commerce—due to its:

  • Renewable nature
  • High recyclability rates
  • Lower carbon footprint compared to plastic or foil alternatives

At Dollard Packaging, all of our board materials are FSC® Mix certified. This is verified using the FSC Chain of custody system which ensures all entities in the supplier chain are audited independently to ensure there is a link back to the original certified source of the material. The FSC® Mix label on a product means that this product is made of FSC®-certified and other controlled material.

  1. Minimalism in Design and Materials

Brands are embracing a “less is more” philosophy:

  • Reduced box sizes to eliminate dead space
  • Minimal graphics to reduce ink usage
  • Simplified structures that are easier to recycle or reuse

This not only reduces environmental impact but also creates a premium, clean aesthetic that aligns with modern brand values. We can help you find the optimum carton structure for your product, a structure that minimises waste and cost while being fit for purpose throughout the lifecycle of the product.

Read our Guide to Carton Structure here.

Important: it is vital that you begin your packaging project by consulting your carton manufacturer before you consult your graphic designer. This is because the most important initial issue regarding packaging is the structure of the carton or sleeve, not the artwork creation. The structure and the proposed cartonboard must be tested and approved before you approach a graphic designer looking for artwork creation.

  1. Lifecycle Transparency of your Packaging

In 2025, packaging must tell a story—preferably one backed by data. Consumers want to know:

  • Where materials came from
  • Whether workers were treated fairly
  • What happens after the packaging is used

Ensure that your packaging informs consumers of this information or provide and easy way for them to find this information.

  1. EPR & Legislation: No More Greenwashing

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are rolling out across the EU, Canada, and parts of the US, requiring brands to:

  • Pay fees based on how recyclable or sustainable their packaging is
  • Prove environmental claims with verifiable data
  • Phase out hard-to-recycle materials

Takeaway: Cartons that meet recyclability, composability, and labelling standards will minimize your EPR liabilities.

  1. Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging Options—With Caveats

Interest in compostable packaging continues, but there’s growing recognition that:

  • Compostable ? recyclable
  • It must be industrially composted (unless home compost certified)
  • Infrastructure for composting is still limited

  1. Carbon Footprint Labelling on Packaging

More brands are moving toward carbon labelling on their packaging to show the total CO2 impact of the product. If your cartons are made with renewable energy or from recycled fibres, these can be key differentiators for brands. We can help you find ways to make your packaging more sustainable.

 How Your Carton Packaging Strategy Should Evolve in 2025

To adapt to these trends:

  • Audit your current packaging portfolio
  • Switch to sustainable board grades (e.g., recycled, FSC-certified)
  • Simplify designs for recyclability

Find a packaging partners who understand compliance, innovation, and sustainability.

Sustainable Packaging from Dollard Packaging

We can help you make your packaging more sustainable in a number of ways.

Contact us to today to discuss your packaging. Sales@dollard-packaging.ie or telephone 01 8470044

Further reading

FAQs on Sustainable Cartons from Dollard Packaging

Making your Cartons more Sustainable – Category

Sustainability Regulations – News

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