10 Paper Bag Design Trends to Watch in 2025

As sustainability becomes more important to customers and businesses, packaging design is evolving fast, especially when it comes to paper bags. A paper bag is no longer just a way to carry something, it’s a chance to show your brand's style, values, and creativity.

Here are 10 paper bag design trends for 2025 that you should keep your eye on:

1. Minimalist Design

Minimalism is more than just a trend, it’s a statement. In 2025, more brands are choosing simple, clean designs that let the product and brand speak for themselves. Expect to see more white space, soft colour palettes, and elegant fonts.

This style doesn’t just look modern—it also gives a feeling of calm and clarity, which is something customers appreciate in a busy world. When combined with recycled or FSC-certified paper, minimalist designs reflect both style and sustainability.

2. Bold Typography

Big, bold fonts are gaining popularity as brands look for ways to stand out. Instead of using busy graphics, many paper bags now feature powerful words, brand names, or slogans in strong lettering. It’s a clean, but confident approach.

Using typography as the main design element also helps reinforce brand identity. When customers carry your bag, they become walking billboards—with your message front and centre.

3. Natural Tones & Textures

Eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. In 2025, we’ll see more paper bags with natural tones like brown, beige, olive, and soft green. These earthy colours give an honest, grounded feel that connects with sustainability-minded consumers.

Uncoated or rough textures—like kraft paper—will also be popular. They give a handmade, authentic look that feels closer to nature, while also reminding customers that the packaging is recyclable.

4. Custom Die-Cut Shapes

Custom-shaped paper bags are a creative way to grab attention. Instead of using standard templates, some brands are adding unique handles, cut-out windows, or fun silhouettes to their paper packaging.

These design elements not only help a brand stand out on the shelf, but also add a sense of luxury or surprise. Even small changes like a curved top or a circular window can create a big impression, all while keeping materials 100% paper-based.

5. Logo-Centric Branding

In 2025, many brands are going back to basics: putting the focus on their logo. A strong, well-placed logo on a high-quality paper bag can feel bold and luxurious—even if the design is simple overall.

This style works well for boutique brands, fashion labels, and cafes. It’s clean, memorable, and ensures your brand is front and centre in every customer’s hand.

6. Reusable Paper Bags

With growing concern about single-use packaging, there’s a big move toward reusable paper bags. These bags are made from thicker paper and include reinforced handles or extra layers for durability.

They’re especially popular with food delivery services, gift shops, and eco-conscious retailers. Some even come with printed care instructions to encourage customers to reuse them multiple times—turning packaging into a long-term branding tool.

7. Interactive Packaging

In 2025, packaging design will extend beyond the physical. Expect to see more paper bags with QR codes, scannable graphics, or even AR (augmented reality) elements that link to websites, campaigns, or video content.

This interactive trend helps brands build deeper connections with customers. For example, a customer could scan the code on a bag to learn more about your sustainability practices, view your product line, or even get a discount code for their next order.

8. Seasonal or Limited-Edition Prints

Brands are starting to treat paper bags like collectable items. Special designs for holidays, events, or product launches can help create buzz and increase customer engagement.

Limited-edition paper bag designs give people something new to look forward to, and they’re more likely to share them on social media. Plus, these short-run designs can be printed using digital methods, making them easy to produce with minimal waste.

9. Glassine Paper Windows

Glassine — a smooth, translucent paper — adds a soft, premium feel to packaging, and shows that your brand is serious about reducing plastic waste. It’s a subtle yet effective way to combine design and sustainability.

10. Sustainable Messaging

Customers today want to know where things come from—and where they’re going after use. That’s why more brands are printing messages directly on their paper bags, sharing stories about their materials, ethics, or environmental goals.

Clear, honest messaging builds trust. Whether it’s a simple “100% Recycled Paper” stamp or a short paragraph about your FSC certification, these details matter—and they make your packaging feel more thoughtful and intentional.

The future of packaging is not just sustainable—it’s smart, stylish, and deeply connected to customer values. At TPBI UK, we help brands design paper bags that combine beauty with responsibility. From kraft paper to custom die-cuts, we offer a wide range of eco-friendly packaging solutions to suit your brand.

Ready to create your own custom paper bag design for 2025? Contact us here to start designing your custom paper bag today.