Packaging Trends & Inspiration 2024-2025

Explore the emerging and mainstream trends in packaging design that will inspire creative professionals to innovate and elevate their work in 2025.

This report, curated by Piers Fawkes from PSFK in late 2024, delves into the rapidly evolving world of packaging design. It covers the driving trends shaping today’s aesthetics, the emergence of new industry themes, and a rich collection of creative ideas to inspire innovative packaging solutions.

Packaging today is a strategic tool for storytelling, brand differentiation, and building emotional connections. Brands are embracing trends like minimalist designs, nostalgic elements, and playful or functional features to engage consumers deeply. From heritage patterns evoking cultural authenticity to sustainable practices, brands are crafting packaging that not only catches the eye but also builds lasting emotional bonds, fostering brand loyalty and driving repeat purchases.

Today, companies are taking a highly strategic and creative approach to packaging, recognizing that it serves as a critical touchpoint in engaging consumers. Packaging has evolved beyond merely protecting or presenting a product; it is now a powerful tool for storytelling, brand differentiation, and emotional connection. By leveraging trends such as minimalist design, nostalgic aesthetics, and playful or functional packaging elements, brands aim to resonate deeply with consumers on multiple levels.

In particular, companies are focusing on eliciting emotions of nostalgia, trust, and excitement. Whether it’s through the use of heritage patterns that evoke cultural authenticity, toy-like designs that bring a sense of fun and childhood joy, or sustainable practices that align with consumers’ values, brands are crafting packaging that not only attracts attention but also builds a lasting emotional bond. The goal is to create packaging that is not just visually appealing but also meaningful, making consumers feel more connected to the product and, by extension, to the brand itself. By doing so, companies hope to foster brand loyalty, drive repeat purchases, and ultimately, position their products as integral parts of consumers’ lives.

The report covers key trends including Cut Glass, Full Spectrum, Encased, Toyed, Blank Page, Half&Half, Copper Top, The Future 1984, and Grind It, offering insights and inspiration for packaging designers.