Future of Packaging 2022

As sustainability moves from a ‘nice to have’ to a business essential, protective packaging is undergoing a major transformation. Companies are increasingly rethinking how they cushion and protect products in transit, seeking solutions that perform reliably while reducing environmental impact. One material leading this shift is paper void fill, a simple yet highly effective alternative to traditional plastic-based cushioning.

The UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework is set to undergo significant changes in 2026, following the draft amendments laid out in November 2025. These updates will affect how producers manage packaging waste, report on recycling efforts, and work with Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) under PackUK. From the introduction of fee modulation based on packaging use to revised definitions for fibre-based composites, the new rules will bring both operational and financial implications for businesses across the country.

Sustainable materials are rapidly reshaping tertiary packaging, offering smarter alternatives to traditional plastics and foams used for bulk shipping and pallet protection. Within the wider types of packaging used across supply chains, tertiary packaging plays a distinct role alongside primary packaging and secondary packaging.