As we enter 2026, Packaging Scotland asks a number of industry stakeholders what major trends, challenges and opportunities they expect will feature prominently this year
Lightweight materials, an increase in recycled content, and evolving regulatory changes are among the key trends and challenges tipped to concentrate the minds of packaging professionals in 2026.
Peter Atkinson, chief executive of Macfarlane Group, said packaging that cost-effectively protects products, is lightweight, uses recyclable materials that are themselves recycled and where necessary enables returns is what customers are demanding. In addition, they are looking for guidance to navigate the plethora of environmental legislation that has been introduced such as EPR and the Plastic Packaging Tax.
“The approach Macfarlane Packaging is taking is to use our Innovation Labs and specialist protective packaging design engineers to create solutions for the most demanding packaging challenges. This not only includes reducing the cost of packaging and improving the sustainability for our customers’ products but also providing advice on reducing the cost of packing, storage and delivery.
“Packaging use is increasingly part of the reporting structure for many businesses and we are harnessing developments in connected technologies to demonstrate the traceability and provenance of packaging.
“The future will require smart packaging design to help companies protect their products using less packaging while ensuring that what they do use is made with sustainable materials.”
Steve Davis, global director of product management at Industrial Physics, believes that packaging will continue to evolve in 2026 through precision and data, not material substitution. “The focus is shifting from ‘more operators with better tools’ to ‘more automation with better data’. As gauges get thinner and processes more demanding, the challenge is proving equivalent performance with less material – and that’s where advanced measurement and process control come in.
“At Industrial Physics, we’re developing non-destructive, automated testing systems that provide real-time, data-rich insights into coating integrity, surface quality and dimensional stability. This allows manufacturers to detect drift earlier, cut waste and lightweight safely, preserving both sustainability and product assurance. Those who succeed in 2026 and beyond will be those who can prove thinner packaging using less material still performs flawlessly. Precision, not substitution, will define the future of sustainable packaging.”
Barbara Russell Scott, MD of Edinburgh-based Young Spirits, anticipates that the landscape of spirits packaging will be shaped by a combination of sustainability, brand differentiation, and operational resilience. “We anticipate lightweight glass, increased recycled content, and low-carbon alternative materials becoming an expectation, not a niche choice – all without compromising premium cues.
“We also expect to see a rise in bespoke bottle forms, innovative embellishments, and tactile finishes as brands compete for global shelf standout, particularly in export markets. Volatility across the supply chain remains the industry’s biggest challenge – fluctuating glass availability and rising energy costs will drive the industry towards more flexible, multi-source packaging strategies. At the same time, tightening regulatory frameworks around recyclability and Extended Producer Responsibility will impact decision-making and continue to push brands to innovate responsibly.
“Balancing creativity and sustainability is the key to making your mark in 2026.”
Phil Brown, sales director at Fortress Technology Europe, highlighted the integral role machine vision will play in the increased adoption of AI technology being applied to areas such as contaminant detection, traceability, and compliance. “Adding vision capabilities for label verification to existing contaminant detection technology strengthens quality control by capturing an image and processing it against set quality control parameters. Integrating multiple inspection technologies into a single combination system is another trend that’s escalating.
“Intuitive data management and the accessibility of AI now make it possible to integrate any combination of metal detection, checkweighing, X-ray and vision inspection technologies, significantly reducing machine footprint and increasing OEE. Adding vision to any combination of these inspection technologies could lead to more comprehensive collection of data on each inspected pack, eventually enabling processors to view details on contaminant detection results, weight, size, label integrity and adherence to quality standards in one data reporting package.”
Phillip Crum, head of data insights at Valpak by Reconomy, highlighted some of the new regulations coming into effect. “In September, UK packaging producers – brands and importers – will receive the first pEPR fees under the new modulated system. Meanwhile, many of the EU’s PPWR rulings come into force in August.
“The most savvy brands are assessing their packaging, with an eye to optimising or switching packaging materials. Effective redesign incorporates a staggering range of factors – from compliance and production costs to environmental impacts such as recyclability, carbon footprint and end-of-life outcomes. It may sound obvious, but we also need to ensure that brand identity and effective product protection are built into this process. Redesign can be expensive, so it’s important to get it right.
“Assessment and modelling are crucial. Benchmarking can show businesses how their product compares with others and suggest options change; life cycle assessment measures wider environmental impacts. Modelling is the environmental equivalent of ‘measure twice, cut once’ – test the impact and then invest in change.”
Charlotte Pike, marketing manager at glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark, said the firm will be adding to its standard range in the spirit and cosmetic markets as customers move to more sustainable packaging.
“While the shift to more environmentally friendly fuels depends on the development of suitable infrastructure, Beatson Clark is already reducing its environmental impact by increasing recycled content and lowering the weight of our containers. Our new spray decorating plant is perfect for customers in the spirit and cosmetics sectors who are often looking for eye-catching colours, effects and textures.”
Charlotte added that pEPR is the biggest challenge facing the sector. Beatson Clark is working to take weight out of its products without diminishing the integrity, strength or design of the containers. “The pEPR scheme is unfair in its current form, but we are determined to support our customers. By continually innovating in design and efficiency, we’re helping brands keep glass packaging both sustainable and cost-effective.”
Jude Allan, MD of OPRL, focused on recycling, stating that England’s Simpler Recycling initiative will bring consistent recycling collections for households in 2026, with the aim of driving up recycling rates by reducing complexity.
“However, success hinges on consumer engagement. At such a crucial stage of the packaging reforms – with many of the systems in place – participation by householders will prove essential.
“With mandatory UK labelling on hold, attention has turned to the labelling element of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Although not yet finalised, this remains scheduled for 2026, with a subsequent two-year transition.
“OPRL has spent 15 years developing the tools to help consumers do the right thing when it comes to recycling. The message is unequivocal: consistent, accessible information transforms consumer behaviour. Our advice to industry is, don’t wait passively, seize this moment to engage members of the public, and make sure that your hard work is reflected in consumer behaviours.”
