Welcoming 2026: Ideas galore to improve your packaging
5th Jan 2026
Welcome to 2026! At ASC Direct, we love helping businesses get the most from their packaging. Everyone we are speaking to across every sector is facing a year shaped by smarter operations, tighter budgets, and higher customer expectations. This presents both challenges and opportunities—especially when it comes to managing packaging costs while maintaining performance, protection, and sustainability.
The packaging you choose is incredibly important. It makes sure your products arrive in pristine condition and is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with your brand. The new year is a great time to review the packaging you are using as there are many ways to make improvements that could reduce cost, improve fit and impress customers.
Check out these great ideas
The team have already started to look at innovative ideas and new ways of working to help our customers get the most from their packaging in this coming year. Some are captured in great case studies showing how our customers are:
Make sure you are making the right material choice, using the right format and taking advantage of printing capabilities to inform and impress – just speak to our friendly expert team for the best advice and suggestions.
Consider our eco-friendly products
Sustainability remains top of mind for customers and stakeholders alike. Corrugated packaging is already one of the most recyclable packaging materials available, but reviewing your packaging can further reduce environmental impact. Using sustainable void fill, paper tape and paper mailing bags all contribute to leaner, more responsible packaging.
Let us know if we can help with ideas to improve your sustainable packaging goals.
Look at right-sized design for efficiency
Evaluating box sizes, board grades, and format design can uncover opportunities to reduce costs without sacrificing performance. Right-sizing boxes, for example, can lower material usage and dimensional weight charges, while optimising board strength can eliminate unnecessary spend on overbuilt packaging. In many cases, small adjustments deliver outsized returns.
A new year brings a fresh opportunity to question old assumptions. The corrugated boxes that worked for your business in the past may not be the best fit for where you’re headed in 2026. By proactively reviewing your packaging strategy, you can uncover cost savings, improve efficiency, and position your operation for a stronger, more resilient year ahead.
Here’s to a productive, profitable, and well-packaged 2026!
James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth.
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