Reflecting on a pivotal year for the metal packaging industry.
At the start of 2025, we called it a pivotal year as we fully anticipated 2025 to be a defining moment in the evolution of the global packaging industry. With regulatory deadlines approaching, material innovations advancing, and sustainability moving from ambition to action, the year promised transformation.
As we look back, it’s clear that 2025 lived up to that promise. Across our industry, change accelerated driven by collaboration, insight, and a shared commitment to creating packaging that protects both products, people, and the planet. For AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings, it was a year of progress that redefined what’s possible.
Insights to inspire action
Knowledge remains one of the most powerful catalysts for change. This year, we continued to help our partners anticipate what’s next through fresh insights and research. We’ve endeavoured to explore the key trends reshaping packaging - from regulatory readiness to material transition and the growing role of sustainability in brand value.
With our white paper - Material Matters - released in June, we shared best practice and explored how metal packaging manufacturers, and the food and beverage industry can successfully navigate regulatory changes and sustainability reporting across the value chain. Knowing that the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is pushing companies to publish their ESG efforts on material topics we wanted to contribute to the conversation around ESG practices and help others navigate the complexities of compliance and reporting.
Collaboration that connects the industry
Progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows from shared understanding. And in 2025, we focused on strengthening those connections through open dialogue and accessible knowledge.
In June, our Shaping the Future of Metal Packaging Together webinar brought global experts and customers together to discuss how the industry can collectively navigate the BPA transition and beyond.
Innovation that delivers results
Innovation is only meaningful when it delivers real-world impact, and 2025 demonstrated just that. With the launch of product trials, we’ve enabled partners to experience first-hand how advanced coating technologies combine protection, performance, and sustainability. These trials not only give us an opportunity to show innovation in action but also reinforce our commitment to helping customers transition smoothly and confidently. As we continue to grow our portfolio of BPAni solutions and next generation coatings, technical support at trials and customer collaboration will remain at the heart of how we innovate.
Leadership that shapes change
Throughout the year, we continued to take an active role in shaping the global packaging conversation. In October, at Chemical Watch’s Key Regulatory Updates Europe 2025 in Brussels, we shared insights on how proactive innovation and regulatory readiness can help partners navigate evolving compliance landscapes.
Just weeks later, at Abralatas 2025 in São Paulo, we joined industry leaders to discuss how coating technologies and material innovation can support a more sustainable future for metal packaging.
Together, these engagements reflect our commitment to leading with knowledge — helping customers stay ahead of change while driving progress across the value chain.
Looking ahead: A future of possibility
As 2026 begins, the pace of change continues to build. New materials, evolving regulations, and rising sustainability expectations will continue to shape the future of packaging, and the decisions made now will define long-term success.
In times of transition, acting quickly can feel essential. But acting informed is what leads to progress that is successful and meaningful. That’s why collaboration, shared insight, and transparency across the value chain is so vital. And that’s how AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings will continue to help the industry anticipate change, make confident choices, and build a safer, more sustainable future for packaging.
Because real change means shaping change together.