Amid rising demand for environmentally friendly products and stricter export standards, Vietnam’s paper and packaging industry is emerging as a sector full of potential.
Visitors explore product displays at the exhibition. Photo: Van Huong – Vietnam News Agency
On May 7, the Vietnam International Paper and Packaging Exhibition – VPPE 2025 officially opened at the WTC Expo International Convention and Exhibition Center, Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province. The event features over 250 booths representing nearly 500 brands from more than 15 countries and territories.
Organized by the Vietnam Packaging Association, the exhibition runs from May 7 to 9 and aims to showcase advanced technologies and equipment in the paper and packaging sector while creating trade connections for domestic and foreign enterprises.
With growing demand for eco-friendly products and export quality, Vietnam’s paper and packaging industry is recognized as a sector rich in opportunities. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s exports of paper and paper products exceeded USD 2 billion in 2024, growing at an average annual rate of 10–12% over the past five years. The paper packaging sector is projected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2026, driven by the trend of replacing plastic packaging and the growth of e-commerce.
Officials cut the ribbon to open the Vietnam International Paper and Packaging Exhibition – VPPE 2025. Photo: Van Huong – Vietnam News Agency
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Bui Minh Tri, Vice Chairman of Binh Duong Province People's Committee, emphasized: “VPPE 2025 not only attracts investment and promotes supporting industries but also opens opportunities for businesses to adopt green production methods, enhancing value and competitiveness.”
Currently, Binh Duong leads the country in industrial development, with nearly 30 industrial parks and over 4,100 foreign direct investment enterprises. The packaging sector, especially paper packaging, plays an essential supporting role for key export industries such as textiles, footwear, electronics, food, and furniture. The demand for biodegradable and recyclable packaging is rapidly increasing.
At the exhibition, many domestic businesses signed technology cooperation agreements and sought suppliers of internationally certified raw materials to serve both domestic and export markets. Equipment on display at VPPE 2025 includes automatic paper production machines, paper bag production lines, high-speed offset printing machines, water recycling systems, and environmentally friendly paper surface treatment chemicals.
Mr. Tan Dat, representative of IDC Saigon Company, commented: “E-commerce is witnessing growing trends in livestream selling and affiliate marketing. This is a major boost for retail and packaging industries. Moreover, modern technology is the key to improving productivity and product quality.”
Ms. Bui Nhat Bich Quan from Khoi Thinh Co., Ltd., said: “Greening packaging is no longer just a trend but a requirement from laws, consumers, and the business community. Composite packaging – combining multiple material layers – is favored due to its environmental friendliness and superior preservation functions. New technologies allow businesses to flexibly produce smart packaging that saves energy and uses recycled materials.”
The adoption of recycled materials and energy-saving production processes not only reduces costs but also meets the rising demand for green consumption. Particularly, paper packaging serving food delivery and e-commerce is rapidly growing, with sophisticated designs enhancing user experience.
Visitors explore product displays at the exhibition. Photo: Van Huong – Vietnam News Agency
This year’s exhibition features participation from major international brands such as Konica Minolta, Andritz, Pulppy, OKI, Polystron, alongside domestic enterprises including Liksin, An Lac Labels, Khai Tue, MCCAL, Sunrise, etc. The strong presence of international companies highlights the attractiveness of Vietnam’s packaging market, especially as global corporations seek new manufacturing hubs to replace China.
In addition to the exhibition area, VPPE 2025 organizes a series of specialized seminars updating technology trends and sharing production management experiences. Topics focus on digital technology applications in the paper industry, energy savings, export packaging standards, and green transformation in supporting industries.
Within the exhibition framework, the 2025 Vietnam Packaging Enterprises General Conference discussed solutions to promote sustainable development, particularly in response to increasingly strict traceability and environmental standards required by new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs).
Delegates visit the product display area at the exhibition. Photo: Van Huong – Vietnam News Agency
Moreover, the “Vietnam Packaging Innovation Awards 2025” ceremony was held to encourage businesses to innovate in design, apply recycled materials, and optimize production processes. This initiative is considered a driving force for startups to access a multi-billion-dollar market.
With steady growth momentum, sustainable development strategies, and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam’s paper and packaging industry is expected to continue booming during the 2025–2030 period. Many businesses are heavily investing in recycling technologies, using bio-based pulp, and adopting circular economy models.
The VPPE 2025 exhibition is not only a commercial meeting point but also a testament to the strong transformation of Vietnam’s packaging industry — shifting from traditional manufacturing to smart production, and from resource exploitation to green and sustainable development models.
