Top 10 Strategic Imperatives in Packaging, 2026

This deliverable focuses on the major trends shaping the packaging industry, as companies look to identify and invest in areas that support future growth. Market dynamics are greatly influenced by megatrends such as sustainability, circularity, and digitalization. While many of these trends affect end-industries, such as brand owners, which, in turn, drive new product and business model development in the packaging sector, some directly impact the packaging raw material landscape.

The research highlights the implications of ongoing and upcoming regulatory bans and restrictions, which are expected to continuously challenge the market for raw materials, especially plastics, during the coming decade. Similarly, the volatile nature of international trade relationships could have a notable impact on the average prices and distribution networks of both raw materials and finished products. In this study, Frost & Sullivan identifies the top 10 trends poised to significantly impact the packaging value chain, providing insights into strategic opportunities for industry stakeholders.

Author: Christeena Thomas