Bag in box invention

We are all used to getting drinks, wine especially, in a plastic container which itself is contained in a cardboard box. The origins of bag-in-box packaging can be traced back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the need for a more efficient and convenient way of storing, selling and delivering drinks and liquids. The concept was initially developed by an Australian inventor – Charles L. Underwood – who filed a patent in 1955 for a “flexible liquid container.”

The bag-in-box packaging system was designed to address several challenges associated with traditional packaging methods, such as bottles and cans, not least the cost of making them. These challenges included issues like storage space, transportation costs, and product wastage from breakages and the like. By utilising a flexible bag – hermetically sealed like a balloon – housed within a sturdy cardboard box, the bag-in-box system offered significant advantages in terms of storage efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and shelf appeal.

Bag in box evolution

The earliest applications of bag-in-box technology were primarily focused on industrial and commercial use, particularly in the food and beverage industry. One of the earliest adopters of this packaging format was the wine industry, which saw the potential for bag-in-box packaging to revolutionize the way wine was stored, transported, and sold.

In the 1960s and 1970s, bag-in-box packaging gained popularity in Europe, particularly in countries like Sweden and France, where it was embraced by both consumers and manufacturers. The convenience and practicality of bag-in-box packaging made it ideal for an expanding range of products, including fruit juices, soft drinks, and dairy products.

In the following decades, bag-in-box technology continued to evolve and improve, with innovations such as improved barrier films, tamper-evident closures, and dispensing systems enhancing the functionality and reliability of the packaging format.

By the late 20th century, bag-in-box mixers had become commonplace in households, restaurants, and catering services around the world. Today, they are widely used for a variety of beverages, including cocktails, juices, syrups, and soft drinks, offering consumers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packaging formats.