Esko Forecasts Agentic AI, Smart Packaging And Sustainability As Key 2026 Trends

Esko’s 2026 Packaging Trends report, based on a global survey and expert interviews, identifies three major forces reshaping packaging: sustainability now mandatory due to tightening regulations, smart packaging with Digital Product Passports (DPP) enabling traceability and consumer engagement, and agentic AI creating self-optimizing workflows that reduce complexity and boost efficiency. Survey data shows 84% of respondents rating sustainability as important or very important for 2026, shifting it from differentiator to baseline competitiveness amid financial reporting pressures. Agentic AI advances beyond basic automation to intelligent systems handling end-to-end processes, while DPPs turn packaging into digital carriers for supply chain transparency. Esko Marketing Director Jan De Roeck emphasized the unprecedented pace of change, urging packaging leaders to embrace these shifts for agility, risk reduction and new opportunities rather than hesitation. The free eBook provides actionable preparation strategies ahead of an upcoming Trends Talk webinar.​