Bag-in-box packaging is environmentally-friendly, safe and convenient design is the key

[China Packaging Network News] Food is essential for people, and safety in food packaging has become a top priority. As the packaging industry continues to evolve, more attention is being paid to both the safety and convenience of packaging solutions. But what really affects the safety of food packaging? The materials used play a significant role, followed closely by the methods employed. In today’s era of rising health consciousness, safe and effective packaging has gained considerable attention, which has directly driven the growth of bag-in-box packaging.

Bag-in-box packaging, as its name suggests, consists of a flexible inner bag made from various materials, equipped with a spout or valve, and enclosed within a sturdy corrugated box. The inner bag is typically made from composite films and can be customized with different materials to suit various liquid products. It comes in sizes ranging from 2 to 10 liters, available as aluminum foil bags, transparent bags, or single or roll formats, all with standard can necks. Customized logos and markings are also possible.

Compared to traditional packaging, bag-in-box offers clear competitive advantages. These include extended shelf life, excellent light and oxygen barrier properties, minimal material usage, recyclability, compatibility with existing irrigation systems, and flexibility in handling different product specifications. It supports a wide range of filling processes, from aseptic to hot filling, and can be used with semi-automatic or fully automatic equipment. This leads to improved storage and transportation efficiency, lower costs, and reduced overall packaging expenses. Today, bag-in-box is widely used in fruit juices, wines, fruit drinks, mineral water, edible oils, food additives, pharmaceuticals, medical reagents, liquid fertilizers, and pesticides.

According to market research, bag-in-box packaging offers significant environmental benefits. As a low-carbon and eco-friendly option, it reduces material and energy use, minimizing environmental impact. The packaging uses only one-fifth the material of rigid containers, is easy to separate and recycle, and can be completely recycled. Its foldable design before and after use greatly reduces storage and transportation costs and energy consumption. Most bag-in-box packages are disposable, avoiding chemical cleaning and reducing environmental harm. With a maximum capacity of up to 1400 liters, this packaging model lowers per-unit packaging costs and extends product shelf life, reducing waste caused by spoilage.

Smurfit Kappa recently noted that demand for box-in-box packaging among companies supplying dairy products to the food service industry is increasing. The retail sector shows the most potential for growth.

Veronika Necasova from Smurfit Kappa said, “The dairy industry is showing strong interest in bag-in-box packaging, especially in fast-food restaurants that serve smoothies and milkshakes. They are already familiar with this packaging type.” She added, “We believe that the fastest growth in bag-in-box packaging will occur in the smoothie and milkshake sectors, while the broader dairy industry is also seeing steady growth. However, the retail dairy sector still uses less of this packaging. Portable product manufacturers often prefer soft packaging, and those producing smoothies and yogurt drinks tend to choose bag packaging over plastic alternatives.”

Necasova believes the increased demand for bag-in-box packaging in the dairy industry is due to its ability to improve product quality. “Industry professionals appreciate the hygiene standards and regulations that bag-in-box packaging meets because it is single-use,” she said. Overall, the beverage industry favors bag-in-box for its health benefits, long shelf life, and environmental friendliness. More people are discovering its many advantages: long shelf life, convenience, eco-friendliness, suitability for aseptic and high-temperature processing, and clean filling techniques.

Currently, the wine industry remains the largest market for bag-in-box packaging, but fruit juices, liquid eggs, water, and other edible oils are increasingly adopting this format as well.

Meanwhile, the market for vertical packaging bags is also growing rapidly. Wine and cocktails are the main drivers of this trend. Smurfit Kappa’s range of vertical bags has witnessed this development firsthand. Demand for such packaging is particularly strong in cocktail markets across the US, UK, France, and Northern Europe.

According to the editors of China Packaging Network, with the implementation of global environmental protection laws and national policies, especially the growing awareness of environmental issues, bag-in-box packaging is becoming increasingly attractive. Low-carbon and eco-friendly packaging solutions are expected to see even wider application in the future.