Key of packaging industry trends 2025

Packaging industry trends in 2025 are experiencing significant and distinct shifts compared to previous years. These changes are mainly driven by government regulations and evolving consumer preferences. Stay updated with VNK’s to strategically plan your purchasing strategy and keep your business ahead of the curve!

Figures reflecting plastic packaging market trends

According to a report from Precedence Research – Canada, the global plastic packaging market is witnessing positive signals. In 2024, the market value is estimated to reach $447.19 billion, marking a 16.35% increase compared to 2023. Among these, food and beverage packaging holds the largest share at 53%, followed by industrial packaging at 20%.

Experts predict that the plastic market will continue to grow rapidly and sustainably, with an estimated value of $465.48 billion by 2025 and projected to reach $663.84 billion by 2034, maintaining a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.03%.

Forecast of plastic packaging market value from 2025 to 2034 

Source: Precedence Research

Market Share of plastic packaging industry by sector 

Source: Precedence Research

Despite these promising numbers, the plastic market and plastic packaging industry still face significant challenges from environmental regulations across the globe. In several regions like India, Washington, New Zealand, the European Union,… there have been bans on single-use plastic products. Recently, France and Colorado (USA) introduced laws banning plastic packaging and plastic boxes for fresh produce, as well as plastic grocery bags in most retail stores and restaurants, aiming to transition towards a circular and sustainable economy.

However, it is undeniable that plastic bags bring practical benefits to various industries. Sectors such as retail, food and beverage, healthcare and pharmaceuticals favor plastic packaging for its low production cost, water and dust resistance, and effective brand promotion capabilities.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the plastic packaging industry holds substantial growth potential but is also fraught with challenges. Businesses must find a balance between market trends, customer preferences, and environmental safety to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Emerging trends in plastic packaging industry in 2025

Flexible and reusable plastic bags meeting user demands

Flexible and reusable plastic bags are increasingly appreciated by consumers, especially as environmental pollution intensifies. These types of bags, capable of being used multiple times, help reduce plastic waste, alleviate pressure on waste management systems and protect natural resources. Among the most popular options today are adhesive bags, food storage bags, and soft loop handle bags.

Mailer Bags (Seal Bags) – Trend of delivery bags in packaging industry trends 2025

One of the prominent plastic packaging trends is the rising popularity of mailer bags, including PE/PP seal bags and shock-resistant seal bags. Depending on the purpose of use, these bags can be designed as single-use or multi-use.

In the era of booming e-commerce, mailer bags have become a superior choice compared to other types of bags due to their lightweight, compact design, high security, quick packing process and minimal accessory costs.

Reusable mailer bags 

Mailer Bags – Trends in delivery bags

Ziplock/Zipper Bags

Ziplock bags, also known as zipper bags, are highly valued for their dustproof, waterproof and heat-resistant features, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Depending on the purpose, these bags may include features like aluminum or silver foil lining, vacuum-sealed designs to extend preservation or standing pouches with display windows for easy supermarket showcasing.

Due to their versatile designs and practical features, zipper bags have become an essential part of the food packaging trends and are widely used across various industries.

Ziplock/Zipper Bags – Food packaging trends

Soft Loop Handle Bags – Suitable for various goods

Soft loop handle plastic bags have a broad range of applications and are increasingly favored in industries from retail and food to fashion. T-shirt bags and soft loop handle bags stand out for their flexible design, high durability, and reusability, predicted to become a flexible packaging trend in the near future.

T-shirt bags are particularly popular in retail stores and supermarkets due to their simple yet convenient design, available in various sizes to accommodate diverse goods. These affordable, durable, and reusable bags are gaining traction, especially amid growing environmental concerns.

T-shirt bags

Flexi loop handle bags (also known as detachable or heat-pressed handle bags) are becoming a common choice for brand identity enhancement, particularly in highly competitive business environments. With a wide base and stylish design, these bags not only offer practicality but also convey an elegant and sophisticated brand image.

Flexi loop handle bags

Eco-friendly Plastic Bags – A rising trend in the packaging industry

As environmental pollution becomes increasingly serious, many countries have issued bans on plastic products to reduce waste. Against this backdrop, producing eco-friendly plastic bags is considered the optimal solution, meeting both current and future needs.

Biodegradable Plastic Bags

Biodegradable plastic bags decompose faster than traditional plastic, while still maintaining high durability, strength and water resistance. They are considered an optimal alternative to conventional plastic bags.

Completely Biodegradable Bags

Made from natural materials such as corn, cassava, and coffee, these bags decompose almost entirely in natural environments without leaving microplastics.

Partially Degradable Bags

These bags include additives such as EPI or OXIUM to accelerate decomposition, reducing degradation time from hundreds of years to just a few months or years.

Recycled Plastic Bags

Recycled plastic bags are made from previously used plastic materials, collected, processed and regenerated into new products while retaining most of the original plastic properties. By reusing existing materials, these bags significantly reduce plastic waste.

Many large countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and European nations have encouraged the use of recycled plastic by mandating a minimum recycled content requirement in packaging. In the healthcare sector, some types of bags such as patient belongings bags or commode bags made from recycled plastic have become examples of the sustainable product trend.

Thanks to their environmentally friendly attributes, these bags are increasingly seen as a packaging industry trend and are strongly encouraged for usage.

Diversified and vibrant designs for enhanced brand recognition

Beyond merely protecting products, plastic packaging plays a vital role in creating customer impressions and conveying brand messages, significantly boosting brand recognition and lasting impressions. Brands today increasingly focus on selecting packaging that not only aligns with current packaging trends but also harmonizes with their brand image.

Currently, consumers are looking for plastic packaging with diverse designs, distinctive visuals, rich colors, and high brand recognition.

Plastic bags printed in multiple colors to showcase brand images

VNK’s proudly stands as a pioneer in the plastic bag manufacturing industry, applying cutting-edge printing technology that supports up to 12 colors on both sides with 100% ink coverage. We ensure sharpness and precision in every detail, a quality that few factories in Vietnam can achieve.

Moreover, VNK’s maintains a stable production capacity of 10,000 tons per year, enabling us to handle large orders with diverse designs and types of bags. Whether it’s virgin plastic, biodegradable plastic, bio-based plastic, or recycled plastic, our factory meets every customer requirement with precision and quality assurance.

Additionally, customers partnering with VNK’s benefit from the dedicated support of our expert advisory team, ensuring optimal production solutions tailored to their specific needs. This comprehensive approach helps customers maximize their purchasing strategy. Thanks to these advantages, VNK’s confidently delivers the most flexible and efficient solutions for each market worldwide.