Sustainable Packaging in 2026: What it means for coding & Marking

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Sustainable packaging is no longer a future ambition — it’s becoming a commercial and regulatory reality. By 2026, manufacturers across food, beverage, FMCG, and industrial sectors will face increasing pressure to reduce waste, improve recyclability, and provide greater transparency across the supply chain.

What many manufacturers underestimate, however, is the role coding and marking plays in making sustainable packaging work in practice.

In this article, we explore what’s changing, the risks of inaction, and how manufacturers can prepare their production lines for a more sustainable future — without sacrificing uptime, compliance, or efficiency.
Sustainability is Changing Packaging - Fast
Governments, retailers, and consumers are driving a rapid shift toward:
  • Recyclable and compostable packaging materials
  • Reduced plastic usage and lighter packaging formats
  • Improved traceability and transparency across products
While packaging materials are evolving, production lines still need to deliver clear, compliant, and durable codes — every time.

This is where many sustainability initiatives begin to break down.
Why Coding & Marking Matters More Than Ever
As packaging materials change, coding and marking systems face new challenges, including:
When codes fail, the consequences are real:
  • Product rework or rejection
  • Increased waste — the opposite of sustainability goals
  • Compliance risks and supply chain delays
  • Lost confidence from retailers and consumers
Sustainable packaging only works if coding and marking keep up.
What Manufacturers Need to Be Ready for by 2026
Forward-thinking manufacturers are already preparing for the next phase of sustainable packaging by focusing on:
  1. Code Legibility on New Materials

    ‍    Codes must remain clear and scannable on recyclable films, paper-based packaging, and lightweight substrates — without compromising line speed.
  2. Reduced Waste Across the Line

    ‍    Poorly applied or unreadable codes increase waste. Sustainable operations demand solutions that get it right the first time.
  3. Compliance and Traceability

    ‍    As regulations evolve, accurate batch, date, and product information becomes critical for recalls, audits, and retailer requirements.
  4. Future-Proofed Production Lines

    ‍    Manufacturers need systems that can adapt as materials, formats, and volumes change — not solutions that lock them into yesterday’s packaging standards.
    The Cost of Waiting Too Long
    Many manufacturers delay reviewing their coding and marking strategy until packaging changes are already underway. This reactive approach often leads to:
    • Last-minute equipment changes
    • Unexpected downtime
    • Increased operational costs
    • Compromised sustainability outcomes

    By contrast, early planning allows businesses to:

    • Test solutions before materials change
    • Minimise disruption to production
    • Align sustainability goals with operational performance
      How Aldus Tronics Helps Manufacturers Transition with Confidence
      At Aldus Tronics, we work alongside manufacturers as long-term partners, helping them navigate the shift toward sustainable packaging with confidence.

      Our approach focuses on:
      • Understanding your products, packaging, and environment
      • Ensuring coding and marking solutions perform reliably on new materials
      • Supporting compliance, traceability, and brand integrity
      • Protecting uptime and efficiency as sustainability demands increase

      Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, we help manufacturers make informed decisions that support both environmental goals and production performance.

        Sustainability Without Compromise
        Sustainable packaging doesn’t have to mean slower lines, higher waste, or compliance risk.

        With the right planning — and the right partner — manufacturers can meet sustainability targets while maintaining the reliability, quality, and efficiency their operations depend on.

        As 2026 approaches, now is the time to ensure your coding and marking strategy is ready for what’s next.

        Talk to Aldus Tronics About Future-Proofing Your Line

        If your business is exploring sustainable packaging or preparing for upcoming regulatory changes, our team is here to help.

        ‍Speak with Aldus Tronics about sustainable-ready coding & marking solutions

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