I’m officially ready to close the book on January. After what felt like a marathon of a month, it’s officially wrapped. Before we dive headfirst into February, though, it’s time to look back at everything January revealed about where packaging is headed.
From retro-infused soda cans and fast-food–inspired branding to sustainability-driven innovations, celebrity-backed launches, and even major regulatory updates, inspiration was everywhere. Whether brands were refining premium cues or rethinking functionality, January made one thing clear: packaging in 2026 is anything but boring.
Scroll on to see the top stories from January and the designs that set the tone for the year ahead.
