Packaging Futures 23/24: Post-Plastic Futures

New Bio Heroes

Rising consumer interest in compostable packaging (as explored in our Packaging Futures 22/23 report Big Change Ahead) has led to pioneering start-ups and established manufacturers investing in innovative biomaterials. Whether derived from seaweed, mycelium, agricultural waste or secondary cellulose sources, these nature-based alternatives are edging closer to becoming commercially viable – available at scale, and competitively priced.

The Reductionist Roadmap

Despite consumer awareness and industry intentions, there is more single-use plastic waste than ever before (Plastic Waste Makers Index, 2023). Improved recycling processes for plastic and paper can stop the loss of valuable resources. Brands are adopting monomaterials, singular packaging formats and material efficiency as strategies for becoming less wasteful, while lowering carbon emissions will rise in prominence to become the key priority in years to come.

Industry Alliances Accelerate Change

Businesses are facing great challenges in their pursuit of sustainability targets – placing renewed emphasis on the notion that change cannot happen in isolation. In response, new alliances are being forged – across departments, categories and sectors – to share knowledge, investment and capacity. These connections are accelerating innovation and speed to market in an unprecedented joint effort that often transcends competition and exclusivity.

Visual Direction

Designing for circular and bio-based packaging offers an exciting challenge to rethink perceptions of luxury. Instead of heavy and smooth, cues revolve around lightness, mulchy surface textures and organic shades. However, engineering remains fundamental, as performance is key to delivering premium interactions and experiences. Juxtapositions of translucent bioplastics and matte paper bring visual and tactile interest.