Packaging Trends in Malaysia 2026: The Future of Packaging Box Printing Malaysia
There was a time when Nokia and Ericsson were the top-selling handphones in the world. Almost everyone was using them. Then the iPhone was launched. People loved the new technology, the user-friendly touch screen, internet browsing, and good camera. In a very short time, smartphones replaced traditional handphones in the market.
The same thing happened in photography. Kodak and Fujifilm were once the kings of camera film. When digital cameras were introduced, people found them very convenient. You could take photos and see them immediately. No need to wait one or two days to develop film. Very quickly, Kodak and Fujifilm lost their dominance.
If you don’t change, you will be replaced. This applies to industries, businesses, and even personal skills. The world keeps moving forward. If we stay the same, we will slowly become irrelevant. Packaging is no exception.
Packaging trends are always changing. In marketing, we must understand what consumers want and how new technology influences buying behaviour. Packaging Box Printing Malaysia is also evolving as consumer expectations change.
1. Design Trend
When Covid-19 happened, Malaysia went through MCO and CMCO. Around 32,000 lives were lost, and everyone was encouraged to get vaccinated and wear masks when going out. Supermarkets limited the number of customers allowed inside, so people had to queue outside.
Customers wanted to finish shopping as fast as possible. They did not want to browse for too long. Packaging design during this period became simpler. Products needed to clearly show what they were selling so customers could make quick decisions. Simplicity became a strong design trend during and after Covid-19.
Although many people started online shopping during Covid, after the pandemic, many returned to physical shopping. Malaysia is a hot country, and people enjoy shopping malls because of air-conditioning. On weekends, shopping malls are always crowded.
This is why colourful, attractive, and eye-catching packaging is making a comeback. Good design, strong colours, and clear images help products stand out on crowded supermarket shelves.
2. 3D Hot Stamping and Spot UV
Packaging is very competitive in Malaysia. Apart from good design and colour, print finishing plays an important role. When many products are placed side by side on a supermarket shelf, special finishing helps packaging stand out.
When customers see packaging with hot foil stamping or spot UV, they often feel the product is more premium. As more brands use print finishing, traditional finishing is becoming very common.
The latest trend is digital 3D Hot Stamping and Spot UV. Similar to embossing, the thickness of the hot stamping or spot UV can be increased. Customers can run their fingers across the surface and feel the tactile effect. This makes the packaging more memorable and attractive.
Normal print finishing will soon look ordinary. 3D Hot Stamping and Spot UV will help packaging look different in a sea of similar products.
3. Sustainable Printing
In recent years, South East Asia has experienced serious floods and landslides. Many lives were lost, and millions were affected. Consumers are becoming more aware that climate change is linked to deforestation and irresponsible development.
Because of this, more consumers prefer brands that care about the environment. After Covid-19, many companies realised that being environmentally friendly also improves brand image and helps increase sales.
More companies are choosing FSC® certified printing for Packaging Box Printing Malaysia. FSC® certification ensures paper comes from responsibly managed forests. It protects the environment, supports workers’ rights, and promotes sustainable practices.
When consumers see a packaging box with FSC® certification compared to one without, many will choose the eco-friendly option. FSC® certified printing will continue to be a strong future trend in Malaysia.
4. Vegetable-Based Ink Printing
Besides FSC® certified paper, some companies are also exploring vegetable-based ink printing. Traditional inks are petroleum-based and release harmful chemicals. Soy-based ink, which is made from soybean oil, is more environmentally friendly.
However, many printing companies in Malaysia find soy-based ink costly and slower to dry. This is why vegetable-based inks, made from different plant oils such as linseed or corn oil, are becoming an alternative.
Vegetable-based ink is more eco-friendly and supports easier recycling. This will gradually become another future trend for Packaging Box Printing Malaysia.
5. Custom Packaging Will Thrive
During festive seasons like Christmas, many supermarkets display custom packaging at the front. Chocolates, cookies, biscuits, and snacks are packed in unique shapes with special die-cuts and premium finishing.
Companies understand that during festive periods, people buy gifts for friends and family. Unique and beautiful packaging makes the gift more meaningful and memorable.
Custom-made packaging helps products stand out and attract attention. When customers notice a packaging first and pick it up to look closer, the chance of purchase becomes much higher.
Custom packaging will continue to be one of the most effective ways to increase sales and will remain a key trend in Malaysia.
Final Thoughts
Today, the market is very competitive. Companies are no longer looking for basic printing only. They are looking for a reliable packaging box printing company in Malaysia that understands custom packaging, premium print finishing, and sustainable printing.
At Uniquelink, we have been an FSC® certified printer for many years, and we specialise in custom packaging box printing in Malaysia. We continuously invest in new technology such as 3D Hot Stamping and 3D Spot UV, giving our clients more choices for premium and tactile print finishing that helps their packaging stand out.
If you want your packaging to stay relevant, competitive, and in line with the latest trends, it is important to keep evolving and improving.
Please contact Uniquelink today. Let us show you the latest innovations in Packaging Box Printing Malaysia and help your brand stay one step ahead of the competition.