The Biggest Sustainable Packaging trends we are expecting to see at Fine Food Australia 2026

Fine Food Australia brings together the most forward-thinking food businesses in the country. Each year distributors, manufacturers, café operators, caterers and specialty producers all gather under one roof to exhibit and engage. And each year, the Fine Foods exhibition floor is a sampler of where the Australian food industry is heading.

This year, sustainable packaging is no longer a conversation starter, it is an industry norm. With single-use plastic rules tightening across states, customer expectations shifting with sustainable awareness and more buyers openly asking for packaging credentials before signing an order. A clearer understanding of sustainability and expecting sustainable solutions is very much part of the Australian food and hospitality industry.

Here is what we are expecting to see this year, and what it means for Australian food businesses planning ahead.

PFAS-free packaging becomes the expected baseline

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are the chemicals used in many conventional food packaging products to create grease and moisture resistance. They have been linked to environmental and health concerns, and Australian regulators are paying attention.

What we are seeing on the ground is that buyers are already asking about PFAS-free options without being prompted. At Fine Food Australia 2026, we expect that question to be asked loudly and often. Suppliers who cannot give a clear answer about whether their packaging is PFAS-free are likely to find themselves at a disadvantage.

Explore our food wrapping range and bags range for options.

Sugarcane and plant-based containers are expected to take a bigger share of the floor

Sugarcane bagasse containers have been around for years now but adoption among food businesses has varied. The hesitation usually comes down to one of two things: cost or performance. Both concerns are becoming less valid as sugarcane containers have improved significantly in quality and  production efficiencies have resulted in better pricing.

They handle heat and moisture well, they hold up in delivery scenarios, and bulk pricing has come down as demand has grown. At Fine Food Australia 2026, we expect to see a much wider range of sugarcane and plant-based packaging on display, including clamshells, bowls, trays and plates.

For food businesses currently using conventional plastic containers for hot food, sugarcane is the most straightforward sustainable swap. It performs in the same conditions and it carries a strong story for your customers. See what is available in our food containers section.

Branded sustainable packaging

One of the more interesting trends coming out of the premium food space is the shift away from generic eco packaging toward branded sustainable packaging. Businesses are realising that switching to compostable or recyclable materials is only part of the story. The packaging that arrives at a customer’s door, sits on a café counter, or gets photographed at an event is still a brand touchpoint.

At Fine Food Australia 2026, we expect to see a strong presence of suppliers offering custom-printed compostable and recyclable packaging. The ability to combine an eco credential with brand visibility is no longer a luxury tier option.

For food businesses, branded sustainable packaging does two things at once. It meets the environmental expectation and it reinforces who you are before the food is even tasted. Request a quote to discuss custom printing options for your business.

Selecting the right size package for your product

There is currently a quieter conversation alongside the sustainable materials conversation and it is about using less. The right size package matches your product in a snug fit. Your product travels better, the packaging uses less materials and your business saves on the smaller packaging format.

At Fine Food Australia, we expect conversations about packaging audits, range consolidation and supplier partnerships that go beyond simply swapping materials. The most forward-thinking food businesses are asking whether they need every layer of packaging they currently use, not just whether it is made from the right stuff.

This is a conversation worth having before an expo. If you would like to review your current range and identify where you can simplify, contact our team and we can help you work through it.

What this means for your business

Fine Food Australia 2026 is likely to confirm what is already happening in the industry. Sustainable packaging is no longer a differentiator. It is a baseline expectation, and in some categories it is a legal requirement. Our blog on sustainable packaging regulations to watch in 2026 covers what is already legally required and what is coming next.

The businesses that arrive at the expo ahead of the conversation are the ones that have already mapped out their packaging range, identified where the gaps are and started conversations with suppliers who can provide certified, PFAS-free and credibly sustainable options at wholesale volumes.

Whether you are planning to attend Fine Food Australia this year or just keeping pace with what is coming, getting your packaging sorted before the industry turns its attention your way is the right move.

Frequently asked questions

What sustainable packaging standards should I look for in Australia?

Look for AS 4736 (commercially compostable) and AS 5810 (home compostable) on any packaging labelled compostable. For recyclable packaging, check whether it is accepted in kerbside or commercial recycling in your area. PFAS-free labelling is also worth confirming directly with your supplier.

What is PFAS and why does it matter for food packaging?

PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances used in conventional packaging to resist grease and moisture. They are persistent in the environment and linked to health concerns. PFAS-free alternatives are now widely available and are what buyers and regulators are increasingly expecting.

Is sugarcane packaging a practical replacement for plastic containers?

Yes, for most hot food applications. Sugarcane bagasse containers handle heat and moisture well and have become more cost-competitive as demand has grown. They are one of the more straightforward switches for businesses currently using plastic containers for hot takeaway food.

How do I know which packaging to switch first?

Start with your highest-volume items, usually cups, containers and bags, where the environmental and cost impact of switching is largest. If you are unsure where to begin, your packaging supplier should be able to do a basic audit with you and recommend the most practical starting points.

Ready to get ahead of the trend?

If Fine Food Australia 2026 has you thinking about your packaging range, now is a good time to review your range. Take stock of your products, what is sustainable, what is certified and how you could improve your range. Explore our full food packaging range, browse the full catalogue, or request a quote and we will help you work out where to start.