Intelligent Packaging: Ceresana Report on the European Market for Bags, Sacks, and Pouches

KONSTANZ, Germany - July 30, 2025 - PRLog -- Europe is combating the use of single-use packaging: The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce packaging waste by at least 15% by 2040. This is already having an impact on the demand for bags and sacks. Ceresana has now analyzed the entire European market for bags, sacks, and pouches made of polyethylene film, films made of other plastics, woven plastic strips (woven bags), and paper for the fifth time. In addition to market data, forecasts, and company profiles, the new market report also provides background information on the regulatory framework in the EU as well as the economic situation and the situation in the packaging and construction industry in the individual European countries.

Paper Instead of Polyethylene?

Many retail chains are now doing away with single-use plastic sacks and promoting reusable shopping bags. In supermarkets, loose fruit and vegetables are increasingly being packaged in small paper bags instead of thin plastic t-shirt bags. This is one reason for the declining consumption of bags, sacks, and pouches made of polyethylene (PE). In contrast, demand for pouch packaging made from other films is recording growth, for example because the plastic grades BOPP and BOPET have special properties. The consumption of garbage bags is also increasing slightly because fewer plastic carrier bags are finding a second use as bin liners. Ceresana expects the amount of household waste to fall in most European countries over the next few years – and with it the demand for waste bags made of paper or bioplastics.

Trend Towards Specialization and Customization

Around 7.8 million tonnes of bags are currently produced in Europe every year. Production is highest in Türkiye. Smart packaging, for example with sensors for temperature monitoring or interactive elements such as QR codes, artificial intelligence, digitalized production processes, and robotics are increasingly making it possible to tailor packaging to individual customer requirements, for example through flexible designs, small print runs, or target group-specific campaigns. In the context of the circular economy and bio-economy, recyclable, reusable, or bio-based packaging is becoming increasingly important. Stand-up pouches continue to expand their market share: Food, hygiene, and personal care products, as well as pet food, are products that are increasingly being packaged in stand-up pouches. The demand for heavy-duty and industrial bags, such as big bags (FIBC: flexible intermediate bulk containers), is particularly dependent on the construction industry and the demand for building materials.

Further information on the new edition of the market study "Bags, Sacks, and Pouches – Europe" (5th edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/bags-sacks-and-pouches-ma...