A new report from Leeds Beckett University’s Business School explores how the packaging industry can reinvent itself over the next decade – building a circular, transparent, and self-sufficient system that balances functionality with sustainability.
What will the packaging of the future look like?
A new report published by researchers at the Leeds Business School of Leeds Beckett University points out that behind this seemingly simple question lies one of the greatest industrial challenges of the coming decade: redesigning an entire global system to make it sustainable, circular and self-sufficient.
The study identifies several factors that will influence the transition to more sustainable materials. These include geopolitical tensions, environmental regulation and consumer acceptance of new packaging formats. Together, these elements create both opportunities and constraints for the adoption of circular and sustainable solutions.
One of the report’s key points is the need to ‘lead with a vision’: moving away from isolated, short-term fixes towards a systemic model in which companies share knowledge and responsibilities throughout the value chain. This includes designing simpler, more recyclable packaging – such as mono-materials – harmonising sustainability metrics, and making joint commitments on emissions and recycling.
The role of governments is central in enabling this transition. The report highlights the need for public authorities to found scientific research, support innovation in recycling, and help create multi-stakeholder groups that include policymakers. It also calls for clear environmental principles and standardized Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for packaging, ensuring that producers can design and dispose of materials responsibly.
At the same time, collaboration between government and industry is essential to develop domestic manufacturing, strengthen circular economy practices, and localize supply chains to minimize disruptions and emissions across the value chain.
Universities and technology centres play a pivotal as bridges between scientific evidence, industry, and society. They are encouraged to provide independent, empirically tested evidence for corporate strategies, inform the media and the public about best practices, promote the adoption of renewable energy in line with net-zero targets, and help mitigate risks associated with consumer acceptance of new solutions, such as refill systems.
Public perception and education are equally important. The report recommends evidence-based awareness campaigns through television, social media, and other communication channels, guiding consumers towards best environmental practices and reinforcing the adoption of circular approaches in packaging and waste management. Educational institutions are also called upon to share knowledge about the role of packaging, how waste is processed, and other environmental factors that impact sustainability.
The vision for the future outlined in the report is evolutionary: a more transparent, connected ecosystem capable of learning from its own experiences. A model that combines efficient resource use, technological innovation, and shared responsibility to achieve the climate and environmental goals of the coming decade.
Although the analysis focuses on packaging, its conclusions are applicable across industries rely on high-performance materials, such as coatings, facing the same challenge: maintaining functionality without compromising sustainability.