Packaging should not be one of the final decisions you make in your product development or supply chain process. Consider it possibly one of the most important choices you could make for the next 1 to 5 years of your business. Here’s why. 

Advances in automation, digital printing, and connected technologies are reshaping how packaging is designed, produced, and used. From AI-driven artwork management to smart codes, invisible watermarks, and connected packaging, these tools help brands move faster, reduce risk, improve sustainability, and deliver better outcomes for retailers and consumers. 

Today, packaging plays an active role in compliance, logistics, traceability, and transparency, not just marketing. Retailers demand faster artwork turnaround and fewer errors, regulators expect stronger traceability, and consumers want clear, trustworthy product information. At the same time, brands must manage more product variants, reduce waste, and respond quickly to change. 

This article breaks down what we can expect in 2026, why it matters, and how brands can adopt these technologies practically and cost-effectively.  

Agentic AI for Faster Packaging Artwork 

Agentic AI is the hot topic when it comes to innovative packaging solutions. Instead of manually updating files, AI handles repetitive and high-risk tasks across multiple SKUs and formats. 

Common uses include: 

This is ideal for brands that run frequent promotions or have specific packaging requirements, as it can significantly cut approval cycles and reduce costs. Agentic AI does not replace creative teams but assists them by removing friction so the focus can remain on design quality rather than file management. 

Premium Packaging Materials for Beautiful Packaging 

Engaging the sense of touch is a major trend emerging this year. Advances in finishing technologies now allow custom packaging to deliver tactile, premium experiences that go beyond visual appeal. Brands can use embossing, debossing, soft-touch coatings, and selective varnishes to create packaging that feels as impressive as it looks. These finishes help products stand out on shelf and leave a lasting physical impression, reinforcing quality and brand perception. 

These subtle finishes let brands convey craftsmanship and premium quality through bespoke packaging designs. That said, some coatings and laminates can affect recyclability, so it’s important to consider your sustainability goals before moving forward. At Boxes To Go, sustainability is a top priority, and we work closely with you to find solutions that balance premium finishes with eco-friendly practices. 

Digital Watermarks For Smarter Sustainable Packaging Solutions 

As sustainability continues to take centre stage in packaging, technologies like digital watermarks are becoming increasingly important. Modern packaging is often made from multiple materials, which can make recycling more difficult. Digital watermarks are invisible patterns embedded into packaging artwork that allow automated sorting systems to identify the material composition and direct it to the correct recycling stream. 

Some of the sustainable benefits include: 

Major brands such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Mondelez have already started using digital watermark technology. For brands focused on circularity, these invisible markers offer a future-ready way to support recycling infrastructure while keeping pack designs intact, helping products stay visually appealing and environmentally responsible. 

NFC & RFID: Innovative Packaging That Talks Back 

Near Field Communication (NFC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) are increasingly being used beyond individual products to secondary packaging, such as cartons, display boxes, and shipping cases. By embedding these small electronic tags into packaging, brands can turn boxes into data carriers that communicate information throughout the supply chain. 

Typical data include: 

Not every product requires smart packaging, but applying NFC and RFID to high-value or high-risk items can deliver real benefits. These technologies make packaging intelligent, giving brands and retailers real-time visibility, improving inventory management, reducing loss, and helping products reach customers safely and on time. 

GS1 Digital Link & Enhanced QR Codes 

Traditional QR codes usually link to a single destination, such as a website or product page. GS1 Digital Link takes this further by allowing one code to serve multiple purposes across the supply chain and for consumers. The same code can be scanned by retailers to support inventory tracking, logistics, and compliance, while also providing consumers with detailed product information, allergen warnings, usage instructions, or sustainability credentials. Additionally, it can be used to manage recalls, promotions, or updates without the need to reprint packaging. 

As retailers increasingly adopt 2D barcodes powered by GS1 standards, designing your packaging with this technology in mind helps future-proof your artwork. It ensures your packaging remains functional and compliant across markets while avoiding costly redesigns. By integrating GS1 Digital Link codes, brands can simplify operations, enhance transparency, and provide consumers with richer, more reliable product information.