To attract customers and thrive in today’s competitive environment, fast food outlets, cafés, restaurants offering takeaway, and producers of ready-to-eat meals must stay on top of the latest packaging trends. In this article, we explore what’s new in takeaway food packaging for 2025, which innovations are shaping the industry, and what to consider when sourcing disposable tableware and food containers.
7 Food Packaging Trends to Watch in 2025
In recent years, the packaging industry in the UK and around the world has undergone major changes. The rise of food delivery, growing environmental regulations, and rapid technological development are key drivers of this shift. Let’s take a closer look at the trends defining food packaging in 2025.
Using biodegradable, industrially compostable, or recyclable materials in packaging production is the leading trend in food packaging for 2025. This direction has been gaining momentum over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The growing demand for sustainable materials is driven not only by government regulations limiting plastic use, but also by changing consumer behaviour. More and more customers prefer packaging that is both safe for health and gentle on the environment.
Businesses are increasingly using custom packaging with logo printing to enhance brand recognition and turn containers into mobile advertisements. Tailoring packaging for specific products — such as sushi, burgers, or salads — also helps protect food during transport and preserve its quality.
Adding personal messages or uplifting quotes to packaging creates a sense of connection and makes customers feel valued.
Simple, clean packaging design continues to gain popularity. By avoiding overly bold graphics and focusing on functionality, businesses allow the product itself to take centre stage.
Minimalist packaging also reduces manufacturing costs, making it a cost-effective solution. That said, in certain markets, vibrant and expressive packaging may still be more effective. At Univest, we offer both plain white and kraft paper packaging, as well as custom-designed solutions tailored to your brand.
When purchasing food, today’s consumers expect transparency. Labels must clearly present ingredients, nutritional values, and safety certifications, empowering customers to make informed decisions.
In the UK, providing accurate product information on packaging is a legal requirement — and an essential step toward building consumer trust.
Printed labels are giving way to QR codes, offering consumers quick access to detailed product information, brand stories, promotions, or ingredient sourcing.
This technology enhances engagement, enables direct interaction via websites or social media, and offers businesses valuable data for improving customer retention.
Emerging technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), are reshaping the packaging industry. Innovations such as smart sensors allow brands to monitor the condition of perishable products like meat or seafood in real time.
One notable trend is colour-changing packaging that reacts to changes in the food’s chemical composition — helping ensure freshness and safety.
Both businesses and consumers now prioritise packaging that is easy to open, close, carry, and dispose of. Packaging suitable for freezing and microwave heating is also in high demand, particularly for ready-to-eat and takeaway products.
Eco-Friendly and Forward-Thinking with Univest
At Univest, we stay ahead of the curve by tracking packaging innovations and aligning our products with UK and EU regulations and evolving customer expectations.
We supply high-quality, sustainable packaging and disposable tableware to:
- fast food outlets;
- vending and catering companies;
- ice cream producers;
- manufacturers of ready-made meals.
If you need guidance on product selection or want to learn more about our quality standards, feel free to contact us by phone, via messenger, or by requesting a call-back through our website.