Sustainable Packaging Trends Shaping 2025

According to Smithers, sustainable packaging will represent over USD 423B by 2028. Below are the five buyer-side trends we see most often in 2025 RFQs.

1. Mono-material structures

Multi-layer laminates are being replaced with all-paper or all-PE constructions to simplify recycling. For paper bags this means switching from PP rope handles to twisted-paper handles.

2. FSC and PEFC chain-of-custody

Brands increasingly require chain-of-custody certificates on the commercial invoice. When FSC or PEFC material is specified, buyers should confirm the exact certified source and required documentation before production.

3. Soy and vegetable inks

Soy-based inks reduce VOC emissions and de-ink more cleanly than petroleum inks during recycling. They print to within ΔE 1.5 of conventional offset on coated art paper.

4. Right-sizing & e-commerce inserts

DIM-weight pricing from carriers like DHL rewards smaller cartons; corrugated inserts replace EPE foam to keep packaging curbside-recyclable.

5. Digital short-runs

HP Indigo and Landa nano-graphic presses now compete with offset down to 500 units, enabling versioned packaging without plate costs.

Browse our recycled kraft paper bag range or read about our in-house print capabilities.