PI Circular – Eighteenth Edition

Stakeholder Insights Signal a Shift from Strategy to Execution

Sustainability in packaging is entering a new phase. Findings from Plastic Ingenuity’s 2026 Thermoform Sustainability Report show that organizations are no longer asking why sustainability matters. They are focused on how to execute in a way that delivers measurable results while complying with emerging regulatory obligations.

The stakeholder study reflects a fully engaged and evolving landscape. Sustainability commitments are now universal. The differentiator is execution. Organizations are aligning internal teams, investing in capabilities, and embedding sustainability into core business decisions rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. This shift is moving sustainability from aspiration to accountability.

Regulation is accelerating this transition. Stakeholders consistently identify Extended Producer Responsibility and recycled-content mandates as the primary drivers of change. These policies are reshaping timelines and increasing accountability, requiring companies to evaluate packaging decisions through the lens of recyclability, material efficiency, and end of life outcomes. Sustainability is no longer a future consideration. It is an immediate operational requirement that directly impacts cost, risk, and compliance.

At the same time, priorities remain grounded in practical action, as evident by examining the study results. 70% of stakeholders identify Design for Recyclability as a top objective, reinforcing the importance of designing for real-world systems. 65% percent are focused on increasing post-consumer recycled content, reflecting continued demand for materials that support circularity while meeting performance expectations. In parallel, many organizations continue to prioritize material reduction to drive both environmental and economic value.

The study also highlights a clear move toward integration. Sustainability is being built into product development, sourcing strategies, and cross-functional collaboration. This system-level approach is helping organizations move more efficiently from concept to execution while improving their ability to respond to evolving regulatory and market demands. Companies that integrate sustainability early in the design process are better positioned to avoid downstream challenges and costs.

Another key theme is increasing complexity. Stakeholders are navigating changing definitions of recyclability, emerging legislation, and ongoing supply challenges for recycled materials. At the same time, expectations from customers and retailers continue to rise. As a result, there is a growing demand for partners who can provide data-driven guidance and actionable pathways forward. Organizations are looking for solutions that translate sustainability goals into decisions that work in practice and at scale.

For packaging leaders, the path forward is clear. Success will depend on aligning design, materials, and compliance into a cohesive strategy. Decisions made at the design stage will have lasting impacts across the value chain, influencing environmental performance, regulatory exposure, and total cost.

Organizations that take a proactive, system-level approach will be best positioned to lead in the next phase of sustainable packaging. The opportunity now is to turn insight into action and build packaging strategies that are both resilient and ready for what comes next.

Download the full 2026 Thermoform Sustainability Report to explore the complete stakeholder insights, data, and strategies shaping the future of thermoformed packaging.