Top 3 Packaging Trends We Saw at NACS 2025 (and What They Mean for Your Brand)

The NACS Show 2025 once again proved that innovation in food and beverage packaging is moving fast but not always in the directions you’d expect. Between the rush of new products, emerging sustainability claims, and reimagined customer experiences, one thing became clear to our team: many brands still overlook the most visible piece of their packaging…the lid.

At LidWorks, we’ve spent 40 years perfecting that one essential detail. Here are the three biggest trends we noticed at this year’s show, and what they mean for brands ready to stand out.

1. The Lid Is Still an Untapped Branding Opportunity

Even in 2025, we were surprised by how many major brands are still using plain, unbranded lids. When every other element of the cup carries intentional design, the lid often remains generic.

That’s a missed opportunity. Your lid is what your customer sees, touches, and interacts with most. It’s the hero in every “morning coffee” photo and the detail that reinforces brand quality long after the cup leaves your store.

At NACS, the brands who did brand their lids stood out instantly. The difference wasn’t subtle…it was memorable.

2. Specialization Is the New Differentiation

Another interesting reaction we kept hearing at our booth:

“Wait… you only make lids?”

Yes, and that’s exactly what sets us apart.

While many companies divide their focus between cups, sleeves, straws, and other packaging components, LidWorks has dedicated four decades solely to perfecting the lid. That focus means better fit, smarter materials, faster lead times, and more design flexibility.

It’s proof that expertise matters and it’s what our customers count on.

3. Sustainability and Aesthetics Are No Longer Separate Goals

NACS 2025 confirmed that the future of packaging isn’t just greener, it’s clearer, cleaner, and better looking.
Brands are looking for materials that balance eco-responsibility with visibility and performance.

That’s exactly why our innovations, like Clarified Polypropylene (PP) and PLA resonated with attendees. These materials prove you can meet your sustainability goals without sacrificing design or clarity.

The Takeaway: The Lid Matters More Than Ever

As we wrapped up another successful NACS, one message rang loud and clear: the brands that pay attention to every detail, especially the lid, are the ones shaping the future of beverage packaging.

Whether you’re a coffee chain, QSR, or beverage brand, your lid is your first impression in a customer’s hand. So, make it count!

Ready to see the difference a LidWorks lid can make?
Contact us, today!