Packaging in 2026 is not just a container, it is a strategic tool that communicates brand values, ensures compliance and builds trust with consumers. For Australian cosmetics, food and supplement brands, the focus has shifted firmly toward sustainability, transparency and innovation. Below are six critical trends that will define the year ahead.
1. Compliance First Packaging
Compliance is now a driver of design, not an afterthought. In Australia, the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is evolving, and brands must remove outdated “Return to Store” messaging for soft plastics. This means on-pack information must be accurate, transparent and consistent with current collection pathways. In addition, the federal government is progressing with national design standards to improve recyclability and reduce packaging waste. These frameworks will set clear parameters for what can and cannot go to kerbside. For brand owners, it means packaging must be designed for recyclability at the start, not retrofitted later. For Weltrade’s customers in cosmetics, food and supplements, this translates to a proactive need for updated artwork, packaging specifications aligned with Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) guidelines, and validated recyclability claims. A compliant pack is no longer optional, it is the baseline for doing business. Compliance in 2026 also means preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and APCO’s future eco-modulation fees, where costs are linked to both the packaging design and the volume of packaging a brand sells. Recyclable, well-designed packs attract lower fees, while problematic plastics such as PVC, polystyrene or PFAS-treated materials attract higher ones.
2. Smart Codes and Digital Product Passports
Technology is transforming packaging into a communication channel. The global retail industry is preparing for the GS1 “Sunrise 2027” deadline, when qr/2d codes will replace traditional EAN codes. In 2026, smart codes will move from optional to essential in some international markets. For Australian brands, this means adding QR or Data Matrix codes that connect to GS1 Digital Link standards. These codes can hold far more information than a standard barcode, from product provenance and batch traceability to expiry dates and recall instructions. They can also unlock brand storytelling, allowing consumers to scan and access ingredient sourcing, sustainability credentials or usage tutorials. Looking further ahead, Europe’s introduction of Digital Product Passports will influence global markets. Export-oriented brands in food, cosmetics and supplements will need to prove supply chain transparency, recyclability and material composition. Early adoption of 2d/QR codes in 2026 will prepare brands for this shift and give consumers the confidence they increasingly seek.
3. Mono-Material Packaging
Multi-layer laminates and mixed materials have dominated packaging for decades, but they are increasingly difficult to recycle. In 2026, the clear shift is toward mono-material structures. These are packs designed from a single resin family, such as all-PP (polypropylene) or all-PE (polyethylene), which can move easily through recycling streams. At Weltrade, we are seeing demand grow across skincare jars, supplement closures and food tubs for solutions that simplify components into one material system. This trend is not just about recyclability, it also improves efficiency in manufacturing and provides a clearer story for brands to tell consumers. The message “this pack is made from one material and can be recycled” is simple, powerful and increasingly expected by shoppers.
4. Refill and Reusable Systems
Some consumers are no longer satisfied with single-use packaging, particularly in cosmetics and premium food supplements. Refill formats are becoming mainstream, extending the life of durable containers while reducing total material use. In cosmetics, this includes refillable jars, pumps and compacts where the consumer replaces only the inner cartridge. In supplements, powders and concentrated formulas are increasingly offered in refill pouches or sachets, designed to be transferred into reusable containers at home. For food, concentrated syrups and mixes that minimise transport volume are gaining ground. For Weltrade customers, the opportunity is in designing systems that combine functional convenience with a premium feel. The consumer must enjoy the refill process, not see it as a compromise. Brands that succeed here will gain loyalty, as refills tie the consumer to their original packaging for multiple cycles of use.
5. PCR Content as a Standard Specification
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin is now a specification point rather than a marketing claim. By 2026, many leading brands are mandating minimum PCR percentages across their packaging portfolios. Cosmetics often use PCR PET or HDPE for bottles and jars and PCR PP for closures. Food and supplements face additional challenges because food-grade PCR, especially rPET, is in high demand but limited supply. The cost of sourcing certified PCR will remain higher than virgin resin, but brands are prioritising it because of consumer demand and regulatory pressure. Weltrade is actively supporting brands in securing reliable PCR sources and validating resin performance. The focus is on balancing recycled content with product safety, aesthetics and functionality. Transparent claims, such as “made with 50 percent recycled plastic,” build trust and strengthen a brand’s sustainability profile.
6. Lightweight Components
Opting for Lightweight plastics is also gathering pace, reducing resin use without compromising strength or integrity. In food and supplements, lighter tubs and closures lower transport emissions, reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency. The challenge is ensuring these packs still deliver the performance and premium feel consumers expect. Weltrade’s approach is to combine technical expertise with careful manufacturing processes, ensures the end result looks sleek, feels high quality and meets recyclability requirements.
Colour of The Year
Although Pantone has not declared a colour for 2026 yet, according to cosmeticsbusiness.com soft pink and matcha green hues, along with more darker, cinematic marketing, are pitched to be the big colour and packaging trends in beauty in 2026.
Final Thoughts
For Australian cosmetics, food and supplement brands, 2026 will be a year defined by compliance, sustainability and transparency. The six trends outlined here are not optional extras, they are the forces reshaping the entire industry. Weltrade Packaging is committed to helping brands navigate this landscape with packaging that is compliant, functional and future-ready. Whether it’s transitioning to mono-materials, introducing refill systems, integrating smart codes or specifying PCR resin, we support our partners in making packaging a competitive advantage.