Looking back over 2025, it’s clear that this has been a year of both challenge and quiet transformation for the food logistics sector. We’ve had to get smarter, faster and more collaborative – sometimes all at once- as we adapt to shifting regulations, rising costs and an increasing demand for sustainability across the supply chain. While it hasn’t been easy, there are signs that some of the tough lessons learned are starting to pay off.
The economic pressures that carried over from 2024 didn’t ease off much this year. Fuel prices, inflation and ongoing supply chain disruptions forced many businesses to reevaluate their operations, especially in terms of cost and efficiency. What’s been encouraging, though, is how those conversations have evolved. It’s no longer just about trimming costs – there’s a growing recognition that smarter, more sustainable practices are often the most efficient in the long term.
One area where we’ve seen real progress is in the wider adoption of reusable transit packaging. Companies that previously might have dismissed reuse as too complex or costly are now taking a second look. Whether that’s due to environmental concerns or sheer practicality, the momentum behind circular models is growing. There’s also been a shift in attitude with business leaders realising that sustainability isn’t just a tick-box exercise, it’s a smarter way to build resilience.
That said, regulation has been a mixed bag. The continued rollout of the Plastic Packaging Tax and the delayed but impending implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme have made everyone take stock. The goals behind these policies are sound; less plastic, better recycling. But we’re still in a phase where the execution feels clunky. There’s a real opportunity in 2026 for policymakers to fine-tune how these systems support reuse and durability, not just recycling.
One thing that stood out in 2025 was the increase in public and industry awareness around packaging misuse and loss. Campaigns and conversations that might once have stayed within niche circles are now reaching a much broader audience. That’s hugely important. If we want circular models to work, it’s not just about building better systems it’s about changing behaviour at every stage, from factory floor to delivery bay.
Looking ahead, I think we’re on the brink of even bigger shifts. Technology is moving quickly and the tools now available to logistics teams, from AI-based route optimisation to smarter tracking devices, mean we can manage our resources with a level of precision we simply didn’t have a few years ago. What’s more, those tools are becoming more accessible, so even smaller operators can start to benefit from the kind of insights that were once the preserve of big players.
The regulatory environment will also play a major role in shaping what comes next. As the EPR scheme beds in and expectations around reporting and accountability increase, businesses that have already invested in circular systems and strong tracking infrastructure will be better placed to comply. For those still working with linear or fragmented models, 2026 may bring some uncomfortable reckonings but also opportunities to evolve.
And perhaps most exciting is the potential for more collaboration across sectors. The old way of working where each business managed its own logistics in isolation is giving way to something much more dynamic. We’re seeing more conversations between manufacturers, retailers, service providers and technology firms about how to pool resources, align strategies and support each other’s sustainability goals. That’s where the real transformation lies – in the collective effort to build smarter, more responsible supply chains.
So yes, 2025 has been a tough year in many respects for the food industry, but it’s also laid some strong foundations. If we keep pushing for innovation, stay open to collaboration and make sure sustainability stays central to every decision we make, there’s a lot to be optimistic about as we move into 2026.
Author: Paul Empson, General Manager, Bakers Basco
