Throughout our decades of supporting brands, manufacturers and retailers with their packaging requirements, here at Aegg, we’ve seen how global events, shifting consumer behaviour and evolving legislation can reshape the industry almost overnight. While predicting the future is never an exact science, 2026 is already signalling a year of significant change, and not all of it is easy.
The global economic outlook is, frankly, a little uncertain. Costs are rising, disposable income is tightening, and businesses are under pressure to do more with less. Yet within these challenges lie opportunities for innovation, efficiency and smarter packaging choices. Here are the trends we believe will shape the food and drinks packaging landscape in 2026.
With EPR now firmly part of business-as-usual, brands are feeling the financial impact of modulated fees more sharply than ever. Packaging that is difficult to recycle is being penalised, while simpler, lighter, more recyclable formats are rewarded.
EPR is no longer a future consideration: it’s a cost line on every P&L, and it’s reshaping packaging decisions across the board.
Aegg's lighter weight drinks bottle, the Yenice
The Plastic Packaging Tax continues to rise annually in line with inflation, placing additional pressure on brands using packaging with less than 30% recycled content.
Aegg's rPET heritage pot, made from food-safe recycled material
The UK continues to lead in sustainability commitments, but the global picture is more mixed. As international markets tighten rules around “green” claims, scrutiny is increasing, and so are compliance costs.
With disposable income falling, consumers are cutting back on dining out, premium spirits, and on‑trade purchases. At the same time, supermarket meal deals and ready‑to‑eat options are seeing renewed growth.
More consumers are choosing delivery over in‑store shopping, whether for groceries, meal kits or beverages.
With EPR’s red/amber/green cost structure now in full effect, packaging that is difficult to recycle, including heavily decorated or metallised spirit bottles, faces higher fees.
Expect a move toward “quiet luxury” in packaging: elegant, minimal, and recyclable.
Shipping rates from China remain unusually low, making imported packaging more cost‑competitive.
Low-cost imports may tempt some businesses. Long‑term sustainability and regulatory compliance need to sit at the heart of any strategy, underpinned by a resilient supply chain and trusted manufacturing relationships.
The reduction in interest rates could ease household budgets, and potentially reverse some of the “stay at home” behaviour currently shaping the market.
2026 may be a year of contradictions, and agility will be essential.
While the economic outlook for 2026 may feel challenging, the packaging industry is entering a period of rapid innovation driven by regulation, consumer behaviour and sustainability commitments. Businesses that embrace lightweighting, simplify materials, secure recycled content supply, and adapt to shifting consumer habits will be best positioned to thrive.
Packaging remains a powerful tool: not just for protecting products, but for reducing costs, improving sustainability performance and strengthening brand trust in a changing world.
This article was compiled by Aegg Creative Packaging, packaging partners to food and drink manufacturers, supermarkets, as well as food outlets across the UK. We provide recyclable and lighter-weight glass and plastic food and drinks packaging.
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