Ecommerce Packaging Trends for 2025 - Customisation & Beyond
Ecommerce is a sphere dominated by speed, as consumers become ever-increasingly unwilling to settle for less than high-quality products accompanied by first-class customer service and delivered at lightning pace.
It makes sense, then, that ecommerce packaging trends also evolve at breakneck speed in line with changing consumer demands, in order for online retailers to capitalise on cultural trends and supercharge their brand recognition.
In this post, we’re taking ecommerce businesses on a whirlwind tour of the hottest packaging trends set to maintain their grip on the industry throughout 2025. By capitalising on these packaging trends, you can earn the loyalty of your customer base and accelerate your online growth in the months and years to come.
Less is more: minimalist packaging
In recent years, shoppers have warmed to the sleek, minimalist look when it comes to product packaging. Lean, stripped-back design is becoming particularly prominent among premium brands for whom the quality of their product says it all. Minimalism means keeping graphics and typography to a minimum and, above all else, foregoing unnecessary extras - and this gives ecommerce brands an opportunity to save on their packaging costs while earning buy-in from their customer base.
Have it your way: personalised packaging
The increasing appetite for customisation is a trend reflected on both the consumer and company side of the retail coin. From custom construction in packaging boxes - across size and shape specs, divider options and more - to personalised graphics on cardboard containers, parcel tape and other packaging elements, it’s all about finding a bespoke packaging solution that communicates quality and authenticity to your consumer base.
One man’s trash: reusable packaging
In a continuing bid to reduce, reuse and recycle in light of the intensifying climate crisis, green-minded brands are turning to innovative packaging solutions that can be reused and repurposed for a more sustainable alternative to disposable and even traditional recyclable packaging materials. With examples including foldable boxes that can find new life as a stationery organiser and durable containers that can be reincarnated as a household storage solution, there are many ways your ecommerce packaging can be useful in its next life.
Under wraps: discreet packaging
Discreet ecommerce packaging is nothing new, as long-time buyers of vape pens, lingerie and adult products can attest to, but these customer-conscious packaging solutions are being more broadly rolled out for everything from medications and CBD products to politically affiliated subscriptions and premium items. The underlying ethos is that your customers deserve their privacy when ordering personal, intimate or socially divisive products, and it’s your responsibility as an ecommerce retailer to exercise discretion for their sake.
Keep in touch: interactive packaging
Customer retention is paramount in ecommerce due to the relative affordability of direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales, and of retaining an existing customer vs acquiring a new one. Hence the recent trend in interactive ecommerce packaging, which continues the dialogue between brand and customer, rather than letting the exchange end at the point of delivery. Adorning your product packaging with a custom QR code linking to added-value content like product demos or online freebies means you can further engage customers after they’ve received their order, and use interactive packaging features to earn their continued loyalty.
If you’re overhauling your ecommerce packaging for 2025 and need some expert input on how to boost your products’ ‘doorstep appeal’, welcome to No1 Packaging. We’re one of the UK’s leading ecommerce packaging providers and we can’t wait to talk through your needs for this year and beyond. Get in touch now to turn 2025’s packaging trends into increased customer lifetime value.
