2024/25 Packaging Design Trends To Wrap Your Head & Eyes Around
By Mikelle Leow, 10 Dec 2024
Images courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
When it comes to wrapping our world’s goods, designers aren’t just thinking outside the box—they’re revamping it entirely. The latest Pentawards trends report, drawing insights from over 2,000 submissions across more than 60 countries, reveals how packaging design is adapting to cultural shifts, sustainability demands, and the general whims of consumers.
Here are 10 observations for 2024/25, and spoiler alert: nostalgia, geometry, and psychedelia are making bold comebacks.
#1 Leave No Trace
Sustainability continues to be the root of many ideas, with designs that practically disappear—or make use of waste materials to close the loop on production.
Image by This Way Up for OGT (ONE GOOD THING). Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Concepts seen at the award demonstrate a shift toward packaging that either biodegrades or turns into something useful, reflecting the growing emphasis on a circular economy.
Image by Wool Gusset Envelope. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Images by The Good of Nature - from Earth, to Earth. Images courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#2 Solo Symbolics
Forget clutter; this trend strips packaging down to a single, striking visual that defines the brand. Bold symbols and minimalistic structures can be incorporated to make an impression on shelves while creating instant brand recognition.
Demelza Rafferty for Stoney Vineyard. Images courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
It’s clarity over chaos, and the simplicity is as elegant as it is effective.
UNIDEA BANK for Guanlan Craft Beer. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#3 The Cube Effect
Boxy, but not boring. Cube-shaped packaging has reemerged, both for its aesthetic charm and its practical benefits. Its stackable, space-saving nature makes it a sustainability hero, reducing shipping costs and carbon footprints. Functionality and design in one neat package.
Denomination for Gallus Barossa Whisky. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Denomination for Gallus Barossa Whisky. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#4 Designing with Impact
More than just eye candy, this trend uses packaging to tell a story or deliver a meaningful message. Whether it’s through creative shapes, materials, or clever visuals, these creations aim to create emotional connections with consumers while challenging conventional norms.
Kids for Raras. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#5 Back to the Archives
Nostalgia is undoubtedly having its moment, with a wave of brands revisiting their archives to revive vintage logos, colors, and packaging elements.
Design Bridge and Partners for Pastiglie Leone: La Dolce Vita. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Such nods to heritage tap into a sense of familiarity and trust, appealing to audiences seeking a slice of the past in today’s fast-paced world.
PepsiCo - Pepsi Global Redesign. Images courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Auge Design for PASTA AGNESI. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#6 Art Deco Revival
Luxurious, Art Deco-inspired designs bring a touch of 1920s glamor to modern packaging. With bold geometric patterns and rich colors, this sophisticated trend has gained particular traction in the drinks industry.
Charmaine Choi for Flecha Azul Tequila. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Servaire & Co for ESTOUBLON. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
SERIESNEMO for HOUSE OF GATSBY. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#7 The Influence of Wes Anderson
Quirky, retro-inspired designs with a cinematic touch? Enter Wes Anderson’s influence. This trend adds whimsical visuals, pastel palettes, and nostalgic vibes, giving packaging a playful yet refined character that stands out without overpowering the product.
Onmi Design for PURLOM ¡A LA MESA!. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Size d.o.o. for Gloria. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#8 Simple Shapes Meet Stand-Out Shades
Bright colors and clean lines make their presence known in this vibrant trend. Evolving from previous bold visuals, this aesthetic thrives in the food sector, creating packaging that is both fun and functional while drawing eyes in crowded store aisles.
The Bar Brand People for Bloc Bottled Cocktails. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Wedge Studio Inc. for Ami Ami. Images courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Buddy Creative Ltd for Chococo. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#9 Inspired by Psychedelia
Packaging is getting trippy. With kaleidoscopic patterns and intense colors, this 60s-esque theme transports consumers to new dimensions, either by reflecting unique ingredients or crafting a futuristic aesthetic.
JAVIER GARDUÑO ESTUDIO DE DISEÑO for Niño Santo. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Design Bridge & Partners for Harvey Nichols - Pleasurama. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
forpeople ltd for Coca-Cola Creations Y3000. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
#10 Cultural Connections
Designs steeped in cultural heritage always fascinate, whether they’re paying homage to historical influences or tailoring to the nuances of specific markets. These thoughtful touches bridge global brands and local audiences, creating connections that resonate deeply.
RETBAA for Sensory Odyssey from Africa to the world. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
Lettera7 S.r.l. For Ecstatic - out of one’s senses. Image courtesy of Pentawards and featured with permission
[via Pentawards, images courtesy and featured with permission]