DHL predicts that 2026 will mark a turning point for the packaging industry, as manufacturers increasingly move away from single-use formats and adopt closed-loop manufacturing models. According to the global logistics group, rising regulatory pressure, combined with growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, is accelerating the shift toward circular, reusable and recyclable packaging solutions.

The company expects demand for sustainable packaging to grow significantly, driven by consumers who actively seek brands aligned with environmental values. DHL is encouraging businesses to prioritise decisions around biodegradable materials, lightweight packaging designs and intelligent packaging technologies in order to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-focused market.

This outlook follows the introduction of the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act in the United States, which aims to establish uniform standards for recyclable packaging claims. The legislation is designed to reduce consumer confusion around recycling labels and improve real-world recycling outcomes. Congressman Randy Weber, who introduced the bill, noted that misleading claims have historically made responsible disposal more difficult for consumers.

Biodegradable and compostable materials are expected to play a central role in the packaging transition. DHL forecasts that companies will increasingly replace traditional plastics with paper-based solutions and bio-based alternatives such as polylactic acid (PLA), derived from cornstarch, and mycelium-based packaging made from mushroom roots. These materials offer improved environmental performance by decomposing under composting conditions within months rather than persisting for decades.

Leendert van Delft, Vice President Global Sales Programmes, Marketing & Global E-Commerce at DHL, highlights that these solutions are becoming more accessible. Thanks to rising demand and maturing supply chains, biodegradable and circular packaging options are no longer limited to large multinational brands. Small and medium-sized enterprises can now source them through specialised suppliers, co-packers or ready-to-use formats suitable for e-commerce.

DHL also recommends that businesses adopt lightweighting strategies as part of their sustainability efforts. This involves reducing material usage while maintaining strength and functionality through thinner substrates, alternative folding designs and advanced material engineering. Such approaches not only lower raw material consumption but also reduce shipping costs and carbon emissions across the supply chain.

Beyond materials, DHL sees strong momentum behind circular packaging models, including deposit return schemes and reusable packaging systems. By incentivising consumers to return packaging, brands can encourage repeat purchases while extending the lifespan of materials. These models are gaining traction as companies seek to balance environmental responsibility with commercial viability.

The report highlights Smurfit Westrock as an example of closed-loop manufacturing in action. The company integrates circularity throughout its value chain, using renewable raw materials to produce paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging. Innovations include paper-based bottle wraps that replace shrink film and recyclable produce punnets designed to protect fresh goods while remaining fully recyclable, renewable and biodegradable.

Looking ahead, DHL also expects significant growth in smart packaging technologies. Tools such as QR codes and NFC tags can provide consumers with location-specific recycling guidance, improving disposal behaviour and reducing contamination in recycling streams. Brands like Danone have already begun deploying QR-enabled How2Recycle Plus labels, allowing consumers to access real-time local recycling information via their smartphones.

According to DHL, the combination of closed-loop manufacturing, sustainable materials and smart packaging will redefine how packaging is designed, used and recovered. As regulatory frameworks tighten and consumer expectations evolve, circular packaging is set to become not just an environmental initiative, but a core element of competitive strategy across global supply chains.