Food Packaging Predictions 2025: What the Industry Experts Say About Paper Straws?

Paper straws have become a leading solution, but are they the future of food packaging?

Unlike paper straws, plastic counterparts have been under fire for years. According to National Geographic, major brands (like Starbucks and McDonald's) and cities are phasing them out to reduce ocean pollution.

As 2025 rolls in, industry experts weigh in on what’s next for paper sippers and other packaging options and whether they truly live up to expectations. Let’s explore the latest predictions and what they mean for businesses and consumers.

Key Takeaways:

• Younger consumers prioritize sustainability and prefer paper sippers' eco-friendliness, taste integrity, and functionality over aesthetics.
• The paper straw market is expanding rapidly due to stricter plastic bans, rising environmental awareness, and corporate sustainability efforts.
• 2025 will bring intelligent packages for safety, recycle-ready materials, and customizable designs that showcase function and aesthetics.

What the Future Holds for This Market

According to Market Research Future, the paper straw market was worth USD 1.35 billion (approx. CAD 1.935 billion) in 2023 and USD 1.54 billion (approx. CAD 2.207 billion) in 2024. With a 13.80% annual growth rate, predictions state that it will grow to USD 3.80 billion (approx. 5.448 billion) by 2032.

Growing Demand for Environmentally-Friendly Alternatives Drives Market Growth

Businesses shift toward sustainable packing materials. For example, in 2021, Sun-Rype Products, a division of A. Lassonde Inc. replaced plastic sippers with recyclable straws on its 200ml beverage boxes in Canada. Other key factors include:

• Rising consumer awareness of climate change
• Stricter regulations
• Efforts to reduce plastic waste
• Growth of the food service sector
• Easy accessibility through various sales channels, particularly online retail
• Rapid growth of the online delivery industry

Global Impacts

• The ban on plastic tubes worldwide accelerates market growth.
• Companies like Bambrew in India develop bamboo-based cutlery and straws. This secures $2.35 million in funding to expand production.
• In 2021, Nestlé Brazil switched to eco-sippers for multiple brands.
• Similar initiatives in Malaysia and Indonesia prevented 1,700 tonnes of plastic waste.

Growing Opportunities

Environmentally-friendly alternatives present opportunities for companies as their sales rapidly increase and new startups are emerging to meet the growing demand.

The virgin paper segment is one of the fastest-growing in the market. This material, made directly from wood pulp and not previously used or processed, is known for its durability and strength. According to a report by Grand View Research, this sector will grow at the highest CAGR from 2021 to 2028.

Many manufacturers favour virgin pulp for its superior quality and strength in producing environmentally friendly sippers that can withstand liquids and retain their shape.

Recommended Options for Business Owners 

Paper Straws Appeal to Gen Z

A study from Food Science Technology confirms that sustainable options align with Gen Z’s values and preferences. The 215 young adults surveyed provided key insights into what matters most to this demographic when choosing an alternative option.

What are the Key Findings?

Taste Integrity Matters

The top priority for Gen Z is that these sipper do not alter the taste of their beverages. ‘No flavour’ was selected as the most important attribute nearly 80% of the time.

Texture & Feel Matter Less

Attributes like ‘dull edge’ were noted as positive, but ‘smooth touch’ and ‘colour’ ranked as the least important. This suggests Gen Z prioritizes function over aesthetics in the selection.

Straw Diameter & Beverage Perception

No differences were found in taste perception when using sippers of varying diameters. However, the thinner sizes slightly increased the perception of beverage viscosity due to the extra suction effort required.

Durability & Moisture Resistance

While they tend to lose firmness when exposed to liquids, especially water and saliva, beverages containing fats (like milk) help maintain straw integrity due to hydrophobic interactions.

Why Does Gen Z Prefer Paper?

• Eco-conscious mindset: Sustainability is a major concern for this generation.
• Functionality over aesthetics: Taste preservation takes precedence over appearance.
• Growing industry support: Businesses and regulations drive the transition to alternatives.

Neil Osment, MD of packaging market research company NOA, implies that the growing demographic prioritizes sustainability and supports brands that use renewable resources. Their preferences reshape demand to push more companies to adopt plant-based packing solutions. 

Packaging Predictions 2025

"I'm curious about what the food packaging industry holds this year 2025. Like what businesses and consumers should expect?" - Redditor

Ever grab a juice box and wonder why the wrapping feels different? Packaging is changing fast, and 2025 will bring major updates from the smart tech that tells you if your meal is safe to materials that make recycling easier.

Beyond the appeal of eco straws, here's what more we can watch out for in 2025:

Intelligent Packing and Safety

Shoppers rely on best-before dates, but those labels aren’t always clear. Intelligent packing is stepping in to fix that.

Recycle-Ready

Recycling is getting easier with packing designed to be separated properly.

• Larger, Clearer Labels: Expect bigger fonts and colour-coded instructions to help sort materials correctly. AI-assisted recycling systems will rely on this clear labelling to improve sorting.
• Flexible Wrapping Under Review: Many products come in flexible plastic packs, but they are not widely recyclable. Governments in Canada are adding flexible packs to producer responsibility programs.
• Easier-to-Recycle Materials: More sturdy containers and beverage packing will use materials that break down properly in recycling systems. Great for smoothies, cocktails, and milkshakes on the go.

Aesthetics over Functionality

Good design isn’t just for show. Brands make wrapping look better without sacrificing durability.

• Better Unboxing Experiences: Online orders will come in beautifully wrapped boxes that feel premium.
• Restaurant Takeout Gets an Upgrade: Restaurants step up their takeout game with visually appealing green containers that hold up for hours. Keeps meals fresh while looking great on social media.
• Balancing Looks & Performance: Customers want packaging that is ideal for function but still visually appealing. Greaseproof wrappers that look high-end but still work perfectly for messy meals.

Customizable Packs 

• Affordable Custom Prints: Digital printing makes it easier for brands to print logos, designs, and messages on the casing. Even small companies can order sizes of custom-printed boxes without high costs.
• Industry-Specific Customization: Restaurants use tamper-proof packing for delivery. Brands are offering ergonomic designs for easy handling.
• Interactive Packs: Some brands are testing scannable codes that offer exclusive content or product info. Customers can get more out of their packing beyond just holding a product.

The Future Starts Now

The use of alternative, eco-friendly drinking tubes is steadily increasing, gradually replacing plastic straws. While the shift may not be happening rapidly, it is still progressing, with the younger generation driving a more sustainable future. This growing demand is also encouraging various sectors, including food and beverage, to use eco-conscious alternatives and smart packing solutions aimed at reducing food waste.

Looking for high-quality, eco-friendly solutions? Patek Packaging offers a wide range of options to meet your needs. As a leading food packaging company near me, we help your business adapt to the future of packaging. Browse our selection today.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do eco straws actually make a difference?

Yes. They reduce plastic waste, decompose faster, and support eco-friendly initiatives. While not perfect, they help minimize ocean pollution and encourage sustainable solutions.

Are all eco straws biodegradable?

Most are, but not all. Some have coatings that slow decomposition. Always check certifications to guarantee they meet biodegradable and compostable standards.

What are other alternative drinking tubes?

Other alternatives that are biodegradable and compostable include grass, rice, bamboo, sugarcane, coconut, and wheat sippers.