In the fast-paced world of food and beverage, staying ahead isn’t just about what’s on your menu — it’s about how you serve it up, wrap it up, and send it out the door.
As we roll into FY 25/26, customers want more than convenience; they expect sustainability, smart design, and packaging that feels fresh, functional, and share-worthy. So what’s next for food packaging? Here’s what’s trending — and how your business can stay ahead of the curve.
Sustainable Everything
No surprise here — sustainability continues to lead the way. But next financial year, it’s not just about swapping plastic for paper. Customers and councils are looking for certified compostable, plastic-free, and responsibly sourced materials that break down naturally and don’t end up in landfill.
What’s hot:
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Compostable coffee cups and lids
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100% recyclable & compostable grease-proof wraps
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Custom printed bags made from recycled kraft paper
Pro Tip: Choose suppliers with verified certifications (FSC, compostable standards) to make sustainability claims your customers can trust.
Branded, But Minimal
Minimalist branding is taking over menus and packaging. Clean, simple designs — think natural kraft bags with a bold single-colour logo or a subtle stamp — feel premium and modern, while also reducing unnecessary inks and coatings.
Why it works:
Less is more. It saves cost, reduces waste, and lets your product shine.
Trend tip: Look for clever finishing touches like food-safe inks, water-based adhesives, or compostable stickers to keep the whole package sustainable.
Smart Portion Packaging
As takeaway culture keeps booming, portion control is big — especially for side servings, sauces, and snacks. Expect to see more smart inserts, split trays, and leak-proof containers that keep different items separate and fresh.
Perfect for:
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Loaded fries or poke bowls with toppings kept crisp
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Bento-style boxes for variety menus
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Recyclable sauce pots with secure lids
Heat-Ready & Delivery-Proof
With food delivery now a staple, packaging that keeps hot food hot (and cold food cold) is getting an upgrade. Think heat-retaining wraps, strong takeaway bags, and sturdy double-wall cups that travel well — even when the driver’s late.
Trending materials:
Insulated sleeves, double-walled cups, compostable foils, and vented boxes for steam release (no soggy chips!).
Digital-First Touches
QR codes aren’t going anywhere. Expect to see more packaging with digital add-ons:
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QR codes linking to allergen info or ingredient sourcing
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Loyalty program sign-ups printed on coffee cups
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Augmented reality filters for fun, shareable moments
These tiny digital details help you turn every order into a repeat customer — or even a social post.
The Future Is Flexible
The takeaway? (Pun intended.) Food packaging for FY 25/26 needs to do more with less: less waste, less fuss, more durability, more brand power, and more feel-good sustainability.
At Cup & Carry, we’re ready to help you roll out smarter packaging solutions — whether you need compostable wraps, branded carry bags, or delivery-ready cups that keep your coffee hot and your customers smiling.
Ready to future-proof your packaging? Let’s chat.
