Bag-in-box packaging: The sustainable future of liquid packaging (2025 trends)
The global bag-in-box (BIB) packaging market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% (Smithers, 2024), driven primarily by market demand for cost-effective, environmentally friendly liquid packaging solutions. From wine to industrial chemicals, bag-in-box (BIB) solutions are replacing traditional bottle and drum packaging.
This guide includes:
What is Bag-in-Box (BIB)? (Design + Components)
Key Industries Using BIB (Wine, Food, Chemicals)
5 Major Advantages Over Traditional Packaging
How to Choose a BIB Supplier
1. What is Bag-in-Box (BIB) Packaging?
The Bag-in-Box system includes:
Flexible inner bag (typically multi-layer PE/EVOH for oxygen barrier)
Outer corrugated cardboard box (for protection and easy stacking)
Dispenser/tap (sterile or non-sterile options)
How it works: Liquid is filled into the sterile inner bag, and as the product is dispensed, the inner bag collapses, minimising oxidation and waste.
Note: Different products have their own unique valves.
2. Top industries using bag-in-box solutions
A. Wine and beverages
30% of European wine currently uses BIB (Wine Intelligence, 2023)
Key advantages:
40% reduction in transportation costs compared to glass bottles
Extended shelf life of over 6 months after opening
Main markets: France, Sweden, Canada
For wine and juice packaging, we have a new design, a valve-equipped packaging bag known as bag-in-box wine packaging or stand-up wine bags. This design features a butterfly valve and handle for easy carrying.
B. Food and dairy products
Liquid eggs, olive oil, syrup
McDonald's uses BIBs for sauces (saving 1,200 tonnes of plastic per year)
C. Industrial and Chemical Products
Liquid detergents, adhesives, lubricants, agricultural chemicals
UN-certified hazardous liquid design
3. 5 Reasons for Brands to Switch to Bag-in-Box Packaging
1. Cost savings 50% lighter than glass → Reduces logistics costs by $0.12/unit, compared to $0.35 for bottles (liquid containers)
2. Sustainability 75% reduction in carbon footprint compared to plastic barrels 1 BIB = 5 fewer PET bottles (EPA)
3. Extended Shelf Life Oxygen barrier keeps wine fresh for months 98% oxygen barrier rate (EVOH layer)
4. Customised Branded Boxes 90% of brands add logos (DS Smith survey)
5. Easy Handling Box = Recyclable, Bag = Low Waste, 60% reduction in landfill compared to cans
4. 2025 Box-in-Bag Market Trends
Trend 1: Smart Dispense Technology
IoT-enabled taps (e.g., tracking usage via NFC tags)
Example: Platina Wine's QR code links to tasting notes
Trend 2: Bio-based Films
PHA/PLA inner bags (compostable within 12 weeks)
Supplier Focus: Amcor's TerraEdge film
Trend 3: E-commerce Optimisation
Design compliant with Amazon standards (certified through drop tests)
Growth: BIB wine sales on DTC websites increased by 200% (2023)
5. How to Choose a Box-in-Bag Supplier
Ask the following 6 questions:
Certifications: FDA, EU 10/2011, BRCGS?
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Typically 5,000+ units
Delivery Time: 4-8 weeks for custom designs
Dispenser Options: Sterile tap or standard tap?
Testing Capabilities: Oxygen/microbial barrier testing?
Conclusion: Is bag-in-box right for you?
Bag-in-box packaging not only saves costs, but also offers sustainability and excellent shelf appeal. With innovative technologies such as smart dispensing and biomaterials, bag-in-box packaging is poised to dominate the liquid packaging market in the food service, wine and chemical industries.
Next steps:
1. Calculate savings (traditional packaging vs. bag-in-box packaging)
2. Request samples (test and evaluate compatibility with your own products)