The future of sustainable packaging requires reducing weight without compromising package strength

Reducing packaging weight and advancing fiber-based solutions stand out among sustainable packaging trends for 2026. The *Packaging Tomorrow 2026* report examines how to combine material efficiency, recyclability, and product protection.

Resource efficiency and circularity as a business imperative

The report highlights that reducing weight and raw material consumption is a fundamental pillar for lowering the environmental footprint, but warns of the risks of compromising technical performance:

• Product protection against waste: An excessive reduction in grammage that compromises packaging strength can lead to breakage or product damage during the supply chain, resulting in a greater environmental and economic impact than the savings achieved on the packaging itself.
• Acceleration of fiber-based solutions: The shift from fossil-based packaging (plastics) to paper and cardboard materials continues to gain momentum, driven by recyclability regulations and circular design principles applied from the initial development stage.
• Circularity by design: Recyclability is no longer an optional commitment but a market-access requirement that influences brand value and regulatory compliance.

Key data on consumer and market trends

The overall analysis provided by the study reveals a clear shift in purchasing behavior and the perception of packaging:

• Purchasing decisions in Europe: 53% of European consumers state they have switched brands due to packaging that was not recyclable.
• Uncertainty regarding recycling: Despite it being a priority, only 9% of consumers in the UK feel completely confident about which materials can actually be recycled correctly.
• Connectivity and information: 79% of US consumers show a greater willingness to purchase products featuring QR codes or other interactive technologies to verify the product's origin, composition, and sustainability.

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