Current Challenges with Today’s Packaging
Before we dive into the trends to follow for your e-commerce packaging, let’s talk about some of the challenges surrounding it. Whether it’s flimsy wrapping or packs that do little to protect your goods from temperature fluctuations, there are numerous pain points in today’s packaging — and you and your customers may be experiencing them.
Here are some of the current challenges surrounding packaging:
Hard-to-Open Packaging
For many customers, one of the most frustrating experiences is hard-to-open packs or wrappers. For the most part, the packaging materials consist of plastic and lack perforations for easy opening.
Despite being durable, these materials can leave customers feeling dissatisfied. This is why many retailers and e-commerce owners consider
difficult packaging a pressing issue and are finding ways to address it in their operations.
Poor Product Protection During Transit
Frequent handling and transport can make your wrappers or packs more vulnerable to wear and tear, which can result in product damage. This can be detrimental to any e-commerce business, especially if the company sells fragile goods like electronics.
There are numerous reasons why some wrappers, boxes, or packs don’t offer much protection. One is the material used. For the most part,
cardboard is the go-to packing solution for businesses. However, despite its mainstay appeal and adoption, it offers little to no protection from fire, excess moisture, and even pressure.
Poor Recyclability
When it comes to packing materials, sustainability is often at the expense of durability and vice versa. A perfect example of this is single-use plastic. Although durable, plastic as a packing material can add to the already large volume of waste in landfills because it doesn’t lend itself to recycling easily.
There are other examples of packaging that aren’t the best candidates for recyclability. Polystyrene, in particular, is a major culprit behind waste as it’s also single-use and stays in landfills permanently.
Temperature Protection Concerns
Not every product can endure fluctuating temperatures. For instance, food and medical supplies are vulnerable to shifts in temperature and can be ruined by heat spikes by the time they arrive at their destinations.
Many e-commerce owners struggle with finding temperature protection solutions for their perishable products. Besides specialized shipping, business owners have had to resort to excessive packaging materials, which add to shipping and handling costs.
Packaging Trends for 2025: The Changing Landscape of E-Commerce Packaging
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials
There’s no doubt about it. Customers these days care about the planet, and more and more are recognizing brands with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. This is why recyclable, biodegradable, and minimalist packaging is taking center stage.
Sustainable packaging takes on numerous forms. One that many (ourselves included) are particularly excited about is
corrugated cardboard. Corrugated boxes and mailers have lightweight designs and lend themselves to easy handling and assembly — but the real magic lies in their sustainability.
Corrugated packaging is easily recyclable. In fact, up to
81% of all corrugated boxes end up recycled instead of being disposed of in landfills.
Based on this statistic, it’s safe to say that there’s a big push towards sustainable packing. Phase out single-use plastics and toxic polystyrene foams, and you’ll be positioning yourself as an eco-friendly brand whose values align with the earth-conscious consumer.
Beyond Product Protection: Enhancements for Customer Experiences
Do you remember when unboxing was just about getting your product out of the box? Those days are long gone.
In 2025, the unboxing experience is a vital part of the customer journey. Brands are pulling out all the stops to create memorable moments for their customers. Think intricate designs, high-quality materials, and a touch of creativity that leaves a lasting impression.
When customers feel that a brand has gone the extra mile, they’re more likely to share their experience on social media. This kind of organic promotion is invaluable, especially if you’re a small business looking to grow an audience.
Easy-to-Open Packaging
Nobody enjoys struggling to open packages. Recognizing this, e-commerce store owners are taking customer experience enhancements seriously in 2025 with easy-to-open packaging.
With more customers wanting hassle-free unboxing or unpacking experiences, there’s no longer a place for excessive plastic seals or tightly glued flaps. Instead, brands are opting for perforated edges, tear strips, and resealable closures that make unboxing effortless.
After all, customers value their time, and frustration-free packaging can make or break their perception of your brand.
However, there’s more to easily opened packaging than just convenience — it’s also about inclusivity. Easy-to-open packaging benefits those with limited dexterity, making your products accessible to a broader audience.
Embrace frustration-free packaging, and you’ll show that your business cares about customer comfort and satisfaction. If that doesn’t build customer loyalty, we don’t know what will.
Personalization and Customization
You don’t have to be a customer to see the value of personalized packaging. If you’ve ever received an order from a brand you trusted, you must have experienced the moment of surprise and delight when you open a box that feels personalized.
Personalized and customized boxes and mailers are a must if you want to stay competitive in today’s bustling e-commerce landscape. In fact, studies show that
nearly half of customers are more likely to reorder from a brand that uses unique, thoughtful packaging. And you can expect greater impact when you add luxury elements like embossed logos or vibrant designs.
Smart Packaging Technologies (Connected Packaging)
Do you want to add a tech twist to your packaging? With the massive adoption of QR codes, “connected packaging” is all the rage in 2025.
With QR technology, connected packaging allows customers to scan and access exclusive offers, product tutorials, or even a heartfelt thank-you video. It’s a small touch that makes a big impression and keeps customers coming back.
Minimalist Design Approaches
Sometimes, less is more when it comes to packaging. Minimalist design is gaining traction in e-commerce packaging. The approach is ideal for businesses aiming to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, and it’s also essential if you’re looking to cut back on excess packaging.
Adopting a minimalist packaging approach shows that your brand values efficiency and sustainability while maintaining a sleek, modern image. In today’s competitive market, this simplicity can make a powerful statement, especially for customers who value sustainability and a no-frills unboxing experience.
Automation in Packaging
Temperature-Protective Packaging for Fragile and Perishable Products
Some products aren’t built to handle the heat — or cold, for that matter. Temperature-sensitive items like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics require packaging solutions that can keep a consistent temperature throughout the shipping process.
In 2025, there’s an even greater demand for temperature control. Luckily, packaging designed for temperature fluctuations is evolving to meet business and customer demands head-on.
Today, brands are exploring innovative materials and technologies to keep their products safe, even during long transit times. For instance,
temperature-steady packaging is one of the key solutions we offer at PackageIt. These solutions can regulate temperature fluctuations, ensuring perishable goods arrive in perfect condition.
Preparing for the Next Era of E-Commerce Packaging
Staying ahead of packaging trends can set your business apart and meet the needs of the modern shopper. If you’re looking for solutions that future-proof your packaging, we’re just a call away.
At PackageIt, we can help your e-commerce business stay ahead of the competition with personalized, sustainable, and product-protective packaging that keeps your customers satisfied and your products safe.
Are you ready to tick “packaging upgrades” off your 2025 business resolutions list?
Contact us today.
