Global Plastic Packaging Market 2

Market Overview 2
Plastic Packaging Market Analysis 4
Application Insights 5
Regional Insights 6
Global Plastic Packaging Market Report Segmentation 6
Middle East & Africa Plastic Packaging Market 8
MEA Plastic Packaging Market Analysis 8
MEA Plastic Packaging Market Trends 9
MEA Plastic Packaging Industry Overview 10
Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Industry 11
Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Market Analysis 11
Market Share of Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Industry 12
UAE Plastic Packaging Industry 12
UAE Plastic Packaging Market Analysis 13
UAE Plastic Packaging Market Trends 14
Food Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share 15
UAE Plastic Packaging Industry Overview 16
UAE Plastic Packaging Market Leaders 17
Egypt Plastic Packaging Industry 18
Egypt Plastic Packaging Market Analysis 18
Egypt Plastic Packaging Market Trends 19
Food is expected to Hold the Significant Market Share 20
Egypt Plastic Packaging Industry Overview 21
Egypt Plastic Packaging Market Leaders 21

1
 Global Plastic Packaging Market

Market Overview

The global plastic packaging market was valued at USD 384.35 billion in 2023 and is
expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2024 to 2030. Expanding the size of key
application industries including personal and household care, pharmaceuticals, food &
beverages, and growing penetration of e-retail across the globe are primarily fueling growth
of plastic packaging. Plastic offers both rigid & flexible, lightweight, and transparent forms of
packaging on account of which the key industries such as food and beverage, household &
personal care, and industrial primarily prefer it as a substitute over its counterparts such as
glass or metal. Furthermore, engineered plastic exhibit’s ability to endure extreme
environmental conditions and not degrade in extreme temperatures, thereby preserving the
integrity of products such as cosmetics and food & beverages. Moreover, the low cost and
excellent printability associated with plastic make it a lucrative packaging material.

An overview of the global plastic packaging industry is as follows:

2
 ● The global plastic packaging industry is a large and growing sector that produces and
uses plastic materials for various packaging applications, such as food and beverages,
personal and household care, pharmaceuticals, and e-retail.
● The global plastic packaging market was valued at USD 384.35 billion in 2023 and is
expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2024 to 2030, according to a report by
Grand View Research.
● The industry is driven by the expanding size of key application industries, the versatility,
durability, low cost, and lightweight properties of plastic packaging materials, and the
innovation and development of new plastic packaging products and technologies.
● The industry is segmented by material, product, technology, and application. The major
materials used for plastic packaging are polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene
terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene. The major products are rigid and
flexible plastic packaging. The major technologies are injection molding, extrusion, blow
molding, and thermoforming. The major applications are food and beverage, personal
and household care, industrial, and pharmaceutical/healthcare.
● The industry is also facing challenges such as environmental regulations, consumer
awareness, and competition from alternative packaging materials, such as paper, glass,
and metal. The industry is adopting strategies such as biodegradable, recycled, and
smart plastic packaging to address these challenges and enhance sustainability.
● Some of the major companies operating in the global plastic packaging industry are
Mondi plc, ALPLA Group, Huhtamaki Oyj, Amcor plc, and Berry Global Inc.

The packaged food & beverage sector is witnessing robust growth globally for the past
several years. Growing urban populations, changing lifestyles, rising economical activities in
emerging countries, and increasing penetration of e-retail across the globe are expected to
significantly drive the demand for packaged food.

The robust growth of the e-commerce sector is also likely to open new avenues for industry
growth. E-commerce companies prefer flexible and lightweight packaging solutions to
reduce the transportation cost. The growth of online shopping for daily fresh foods, FMCG
products, and electronic gadgets as well as clothing is expected to spur the industry growth.

Furthermore, the increasing introduction of innovative packaging solutions such as active

packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, edible packaging, and bioplastic packaging is
also expected to open newer avenues for plastic packaging in the coming years. Rising
sustainability awareness and a stringent ban on single-use plastic to curb plastic pollution
are likely to pose a threat to the growth of the industry in the coming years.

The disruption of the material supply chain due to COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted
the packaging industry. The lockdown in China in the first quarter of 2020, which is one of
the key plastics manufacturers and suppliers , with more than 30% of the global share, and

3
closure of the trade boundaries among the global countries has impacted plastic packaging
manufacturers globally. The shortage in supply of plastics from Chinese manufacturers
increased the demand-supply gap since major manufacturing plants were shut down to
curtail the pandemic spread. However, the demand-supply gap was majorly observed in the
first quarter of 2020.

Manufacturers of plastic packaging products use various raw materials, including virgin
plastics, recycled plastics, and biobased plastics, as well as other combinations such as
plastics with paper and aluminum, to develop desired packaging products. Virgin plastics
account for a significant share of the global plastic packaging market; however, the
popularity of recycled plastics and biobased plastics has significantly increased worldwide
over the past several years owing to their sustainability.

Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The Global Plastic Packaging Market size is estimated at 103.48 Million tonnes in 2024, and is
expected to reach 123.26 Million tonnes by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.56% during the
forecast period (2024-2029).

Compared to other packaging products, consumers have shown an increasing inclination

toward plastic packaging, as plastic packages are lightweight and easier to handle. Similarly,
even the big manufacturers prefer plastic packaging solutions because of their lower cost of
production.

● Plastic containers are becoming important in the beverage, food, cosmetics, and
pharmaceutical industries. New filling technologies and the emergence of heat-resistant
packaging material opened up new possibilities and options in the market. While PET
bottles are common in multiple segments, beverages, cosmetics, sanitary products, and
detergents are predominantly sold in polyethylene (PE) bottles.
● Banning plastic bags, along with other types of plastic packaging, is the most used
remedy to solve the problem of plastic waste worldwide. According to National
Geographic, as of June 2021, 115 countries had taken that approach in various ways.
For instance, plastic bags less than 50 microns thick are banned in France. In Tunisia,
plastic bags less than 40 microns thick are forbidden.
● Several global companies increasingly recognize the urgency of recycling PET into
food-grade products, such as beverage containers. The trend can drive the growth of the
demand for PET in the world. For instance, the Coca-Cola Company intends to use 50%
recycled PET in its containers by 2030. Also, Unilever is committed to making 100% of
its plastic packaging reusable or recyclable by 2025.
● The e-commerce industry's rapid expansion will probably create new opportunities for
market expansion. To cut the cost of transportation, e-commerce enterprises favor
lightweight and flexible packaging options. The sector is anticipated to increase as more
people shop online for everyday fresh foods, FMCG products, electrical devices, and
clothing.

4
 ● Additionally, greater opportunities for plastic packaging are anticipated in the upcoming
years due to the growing introduction of innovative packaging solutions, including active
packaging, modified environment packaging, edible packaging, and bioplastic
packaging. However, the industry's existence is expected to be challenged by growing
sustainability awareness and a strict prohibition on single-use plastic to reduce plastic
pollution.
● Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers and businesses have had to
alter how they view packaging health and safety. Since the early days of the pandemic,
single-use plastic has been gaining importance; consumers were concerned that
reusable packaging would increase the risk of transmission.

Application Insights
The food and beverage application segment led the industry and accounted for a revenue
share of over 51.0% in 2023. The segment is expected to witness substantial growth during
the forecast period. Changing consumer lifestyles and food preferences have led to the
growth of the packaging and processed food manufacturing sector, which in turn is likely to
propel the demand for plastic packaging. Also, increasing consumption of alcoholic and
non-alcoholic beverages especially amongst the young population is expected to support
the industry growth.

Single-serve consumer packaging has been witnessing significant growth in the past few
years owing to its convenience. Growing consumer attention towards health and well-being,
an increase in awareness regarding waterborne diseases coupled with rising spending
capacities have propelled the demand for packaged drinking water across the globe, which
is expected to impact them positively.

5
Regional Insights
Asia Pacific led the plastic packaging market and accounted for a revenue share of over
43.0% of the global revenue share in 2023 and is projected to expand further at the fastest
CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Rapidly growing application industries in key economies, such as
China, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand are expected to drive the regional
demand over the forecast period.

China dominated the Asia Pacific market in terms of both production and demand. The high
population in the country supports the expansion of food and beverages, personal care,
automotive, construction, and consumer electronics industries are anticipated to act as key
drivers for the growth of the plastic packaging industry growth in the country.

Europe Plastic Packaging Market:

Europe emerged as the second-largest regional market for plastic packaging after the Asia
Pacific; however, it is anticipated to witness a sluggish growth rate over the forecast period.
Stringent regulations on the use of plastic packaging coupled with significant sustainable
awareness among the consumers are primarily attributed to the slow growth of the market
in the region.

Global Plastic Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an
analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the
purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global plastic packaging market
report on the basis of material, product, technology, application, and region:

6
7
 Middle East & Africa Plastic Packaging Market
The total market value of packaging materials in the Middle East and Africa was 89.49 billion
U.S. dollars in 2022. It is forecast that the Middle East and African market value will increase
considerably, reaching 116.99 billion U.S. dollars by 2030 across all countries. Saudi Arabia is
expected to lead the market, with a contribution of 17.01 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 and an
estimated 21.20 billion U.S. dollars in 2030.

MEA Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa plastic packaging market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.54%
during the forecast period. With changing consumer trends toward healthier products,
regulations, and drive toward sustainability in the MEA region, there is a significant impact on
plastic packaging professionals to innovate and evolve materials, designs, and technologies for
their customers.
● The beverage industry is the fastest-growing end-user of plastic packaging due to the
rising consumption of bottled water and soft drinks. In the latest study published by
academics from the UAE and Egypt, although the UAE has stringent municipal water
quality standards, bottled water was the source of over 80% of the plain drinking water
among participants.
● There is a rising trend of oxo-degradable plastics. Several countries in the Middle East
and Africa, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Ivory Coast, South

8
 Africa, Ghana, and Togo, are promoting the use of oxo-degradable plastics or have even
made their use mandatory.
● The African continent is also expected to become a high-growth region for the plastic
packaging industry, with demand being driven by increased markets for consumer
products, growing individual incomes, an expanding population of youthful consumers,
and booming domestic economies, particularly those in East and West Africa.
● New materials are being developed that are expected to gradually substitute plastic,
which might present a challenge for the vendors in the market. Moreover, the growing
concern of the user toward the environment and the increase in demand for sustainable
packaging solutions, which are made from materials such as paper and other types, can
hamper the market's growth.
● Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers in the Middle East drastically ramped up
their online purchases of food products. According to Dubai-based Choueiri Group, the
main grocery items purchased were products with short shelf life. This was mainly driven
by freshness and high nutritional benefits to help boost immunity. The top grocery
products for online purchases were dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and bread. The
online survey was conducted between mid-March to April, involving 2800 participants.

MEA Plastic Packaging Market Trends

This section covers the major market trends shaping the MEA Plastic Packaging Market
according to our research experts:

● The Middle East and African region is witnessing an increase in the demand for
pharmaceutical packaging, which is majorly driven by countries such as Saudi Arabia.
Healthcare remains a fundamental aspect of the Saudi Arabian government. Increasing
flexible plastic packaging solutions demand, such as pouch demand across end-user
industries, is driving the market's growth.
● Flexible and rigid plastic packaging dominates the market. Due to the demand for a more
ordered structure, the packaging sector is anticipated to experience a significant volume
expansion during the projected period. In addition, it is expected that meat and dairy
consumption will rise, driving up plastic packaging demand. Thus, the market for flexible
plastic packaging is growing due to all these causes.
● Middle Eastern producers of plastic bags and pouches are also anticipated to access
lower-cost feedstock and raw materials, including crude oil and polypropylene, thereby
driving local manufacturing of plastic pouches. Thus, this is driving the use of flexible
plastic packaging in e-commerce.
● Additionally, Saudi Arabia's consumer sector is expanding quickly, presenting many
prospects for flexible packaging suppliers. The nation's need for high-end packaging with
robust barrier protection is rising. Saudi Arabia accounts for maximum packaging
demand in the GCC. As a result, these elements are anticipated to propel the growth of
the flexible packaging market.

9
 ● As per the distribution of polymer production capacity in the Gulf Cooperation Council
from 2016 to 2022, shown in data from GPCA statistics, Kuwait has a production
capacity share of polymers of about 30% in 2022.

MEA Plastic Packaging Industry Overview

The Middle East and Africa Plastic Packaging Market is highly competitive, with multiple players
in the market operating regionally. The market appears to be moderately concentrated,
gradually moving towards the fragmented stage, with the major vendors in the market adopting
strategies such as product innovation and partnerships, among others, in order to expand their
reach and stay competitive in the market. Some of the major players in the market are SABIC,
Zamil Plastic Industries Co., and Takween Advanced Industries, among others.

10
 Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Industry

Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 8.06 billion in 2024, and is
expected to reach USD 9.26 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.81% during the forecast
period (2024-2029).
Plastic packaging has become popular among consumers over other products, as plastic is
lightweight and unbreakable, and is also easier to handle. Even significant players across
regions manufacturers prefer to use plastic packaging, owing to the lower cost of production.
Moreover, the introduction of polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and
high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is expanding the applications of plastic bottles. The market
has been witnessing an increasing demand for PET bottles.
● Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as one of the key markets in the Middle Eastern area
for the plastic packaging sector. Aside from the oil and gas industry, the nation has a
sizable consumer base and a broad range of industrial pursuits, contributing to the rapid
annual increase in demand for plastic packaging.
● Additionally, the strong growth in the revenues from the non-oil sector and a
considerable recovery in the Saudi Arabian economy due to the reviving crude oil prices
are expected to set a positive outlook for the packaging industry in the country. Over the
past few years, it has been observed that consumers in the country are moving toward
sustainable packaging. Therefore, recyclable plastic packaging is expected to gain
traction in the industry.
● Moreover, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a growing demand for halal beauty products. As
the country majorly consists of Islamic population, these products have gained enormous
popularity in the region. The popularity of these products is not limited to the Muslim
community only. They have also gained importance among non-Muslim consumers,

11
 which is the major factor in the region's growth of halal cosmetics and vegan cosmetic
products.
● The increasing awareness of the environmental effect of single-use plastic and
unsustainable business practices have empowered consumers to demand a higher
standard of products with less environmental impact.
● Multiple countries changed their usage of single-use plastics due to the COVID-19
epidemic, which affected the market under study. In order to keep up with an increase in
demand for single-use plastic packaging and medical goods, supply networks became
overburdened.

Market Share of Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Industry

The plastic packaging industry is highly fragmented in the country, comprising market
incumbents and accompanied by several regional Saudi Arabian contract packaging firms.
Sustainable competitive advantage can be gained through design, technology, and application
innovation.
In April 2022, Sealed Air announced a partnership on an advanced recycling program that will
concentrate on recycling flexible plastics from the food supply chain and recreating them into
new certified circular food-grade packaging.

12
 UAE Plastic Packaging Industry

UAE Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The United Arab Emirates Plastic Packaging Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.02%
during the forecast period. The country's shifting regulations, consumer trends toward healthier
products, and commitment to sustainability significantly impact the plastic packaging industry's
ability to develop new products, designs, and technologies for its clients. The trends may drive
the market growth during the forecast period. The Russia-Ukraine war has slightly created an
indirect impact on the overall ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates plastic packaging market.
● Approximately 40% of the plastic used in the United Arab Emirates is single-use, and the
country consumes 4 billion plastic bottles per year, according to Euronews. Plastic
consumption per capita has shown an upward trend over the past decade in the United
Arab Emirates, mainly due to the development of new products and material substitution
in established markets. In many cases, plastics are still the material of choice,
irrespective of metals, paper, etc., in a range of standard products. Also, plastics are the
third most exported commodity in the United Arab Emirates.
● Moreover, the standardization of the 'Made in UAE' initiative, which introduces local
manufacturers to the global market, is helping the country to reduce its reliance on
imports and strengthen its export potential. The growth of this kind in the manufacturing
sector encouraged considerable investments in the packaging industry. Most of the
investments in the packaging sector are made toward adjusting their packaging practices
to the country's current economic situation and evolving standards. With low purchasing
power, the country's retail sector witnessed several consumer behavior changes.
● Packaging solutions that are lightweight, durable, and comfortable are some factors that
have augmented the use of plastics as a packaging material across the country.

13
 ● Further, the demand for plastic packaging continues to surge even though serious
concerns are being raised about its environmental impact. However, the market will face
challenges from government regulations and consumer demand, pushing manufacturers
to look for biodegradable plastic packaging solutions derived from sustainable sources.
● However, Government bodies are imposing regulations on the usage of single-use
plastics in the country. For instance, in August 2022, according to the Emirates News
Agency (WAM), the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) decided that the city of Sharjah in
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will outlaw single-use plastic bags and materials as of
January 1, 2024. As of July 1, 2022, Dubai has restricted single-use bags for carrying
items. The stringent regulations on plastic products may restrain market growth.
● The COVID-19 epidemic has allowed it to impose regional regulations on plastic items
and bans or restrictions on single-use plastics. Additionally, as businesses had to close
due to the lockout and customers started to reduce spending, the demand for luxury
products and packaging for non-food items has been negatively impacted. The nation's
consumers have increased their online purchases of food goods. According to the
Dubai-based Choueiri Group, the primary groceries being purchased were those with
limited shelf life. It was primarily motivated by the need for freshness and the high
nutritional value of boosting immunity. Dairy goods, fruits & vegetables, and bread were
the most popular grocery items for online shopping.
● Further, the Russia-Ukraine war slightly affected the country's packaging since it does
not rely much on Russia or Ukraine for the trade of plastic products.

UAE Plastic Packaging Market Trends

This section covers the major market trends shaping the UAE Plastic Packaging Market
according to our research experts:

● The country's increasing per capita income resulted in a rise in consumers' disposable
income. According to the IMF, GDP per capita is anticipated to reach USD 50,348.816 by
2022, a 17.4% rise in value from the previous year, 2021.
● Further, according to ITC, in 2021, the exports of plastics and articles were valued at
around USD 8.01 billion, a 15.03% increase from the previous year, 2020, which was
recorded at about USD 6.96 billion. The growth in plastic exports may significantly
impact the GDP rise due to the country's increased production.
● Also, the region is witnessing significant manufacturing developments of plastic materials
such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used considerably in the rigid plastic
packaging landscape. In June 2021, Reliance Industries Limited and UAE's state-run oil
giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced that they would develop a
new petrochemical joint venture to produce Chlor-alkali, ethylene dichloride, and PVC
production facility at Ta'ziz Industrial Complex in Ruwais. The new unit will annually
produce 1.1 million tons of ethylene dichloride, 940 thousand tons of Chlor-alkali, and
360 thousand tons of PVC.
● Moreover, the pandemic shifted consumer trends towards online purchases, significantly
benefiting various plastic packaging companies in the country. UAE consumers turned

14
 online to access goods from retailers whose stores were closed and purchase essential
items when restrictions were in place.
● According to a joint study by Dubai Economy and global payments technology company
Visa, the United Arab Emirates is making rapid strides as the fastest-growing
e-commerce market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). According to the study,
UAE shoppers are among the top spenders online. In the broader Middle East, North
Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region, the UAE represents the most significant
annual spending per online shopper.
● Even though the demand for the packaging of non-essential industries decreased in the
region, UAE's rigid plastic packaging landscape was not significantly affected due to the
increase in the consumption of essential consumer goods. Demand rose for packaging
in dietary supplements, such as vitamins, usually packaged in plastic closures.

Food Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share

● The need for plastic packaging is anticipated to rise in the UAE due to the rising trend of
consumer goods, including food, beverages, and medicines. Demand is growing due to
the expanding need for portable, practical packaging options. As the country becomes
more urbanized, there is a higher focus on sustainability and convenience in packaging.
The general trend to move to flexible packaging is to take advantage of processed food
packages and adapt to changing lifestyles.
● According to Interpack, one of the prominent packaging trade fairs, 5% of the world's
packaged goods are consumed in the Middle East, where business is expanding rapidly.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the countries with the highest per capita consumer
goods consumption in the world because consumers prefer healthy food and beverages
and pay attention to more sustainable packaging.
● The need to provide more eco-friendly packaging grows as packaged food consumption
rises. Fortunately, some companies are rising to the challenge and developing innovative
and environmentally friendly food packaging that will revolutionize the industry and
promote environmental protection.
● For instance, in February 2022, Hotpack, a prominent UAE-based player in the food
packaging business, announced that the company would present its sustainable
packaging solutions at the Gulfood Summit 2022. The firm altered its packaging
specifications so that its products would still be functional, convenient, and affordable
while incorporating sustainability and cleanliness.

15
 ● Furthermore, as per USDA reports, United States exports of consumer goods to the UAE
in 2021 were valued at USD 897.6 million in this retail-dominant market. Among the
many goods exported to the UAE are tree nuts (USD 387 million), food preparations
(USD 72.3 million), beef and beef products (USD 60 million), dairy products (USD 55.6
million), poultry meats and products (USD 48.5 million), condiments and sauces (USD
44.1 million), and bakery goods, cereals, and pasta (USD 40.1 million). The significant
export of food products may demand food packaging companies to increase production,
where plastic is preferred to be suitable packaging material.

UAE Plastic Packaging Industry Overview

The market for Plastic Packaging in the United Arab Emirates is moderately consolidated and is
expected to attain a higher degree of competitiveness owing to the increasing investments, new
players, and growing applications in end-user industries. Major players have adopted product
launches, collaborations, and acquisitions to sustain the intense market competition. Some of
the key players in the market include Amber Packaging Industries, Huhtamaki Flexibles UAE,
Mondi Group, Arabian Flexible Packaging LLC, and Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC among
others.
● October 2022: Al Huraiz Packaging Industry (AHP), a significant corrugated carton
producer in the UAE, has been acquired by Hotpack Global, a prominent food packaging
maker specializing in plastic products in the area. Hotpack adds a 14th production facility
to its worldwide portfolio after purchasing Al Huraiz Packaging. To quadruple the
manufacturing capacity at this site, Hotpack invests an additional AED 100 million (USD
27.22 million).
● February 2022: Al Bayader International, a manufacturer, and provider of packaging and
cleaning solutions in the UAE announced a new business division created especially for
the food industry. These solutions are a part of a more extensive portfolio of inventive
food solutions that the new F&B division of the corporation has developed via intensive
research and development. Al Bayader International's food section expands its present
F&B packaging business to offer a one-stop shop for the industry.

16
UAE Plastic Packaging Market Leaders

17
 Egypt Plastic Packaging Industry

Egypt Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The Egypt Plastic Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 2.33 billion in 2024, and is
expected to reach USD 2.75 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.41% during the forecast
period (2024-2029).
The plastic packaging market is expected to be driven by several macro factors, including
evolving lifestyles, increasing urban residents, expanding economic activity nationwide, and
greater penetration of online retailers nationwide.
● Additionally, the plastic packaging market is anticipated to grow significantly over the
coming years due to rising demand in end-use industries, including food, beverage,
cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The plastic packaging market is
anticipated to be driven by an increase in modern retailing, increasing consumer
affluence, and accelerating e-commerce activities, particularly in emerging areas of the
nation.
● The e-commerce industry's strong growth will also probably create new opportunities for
the sector to expand. Lightweight and flexible packaging options are preferred by
e-commerce businesses to cut down on transportation costs. The market is anticipated
to be fueled by online shopping for everyday fresh meals, FMCG goods, technological
devices, and clothing.
● Plastic packaging professionals in this area significantly impact inventing and upgrading
materials, designs, and technologies for their customers due to shifting consumer
preferences toward healthier products, laws, and the drive toward sustainability. One of
the main issues for customers is sustainability. Manufacturers are creating lightweight
containers to solve this, and package size is also getting smaller.

18
 ● Furthermore, it is anticipated that more opportunities for plastic packaging will arise in
the forecast period due to the growing introduction of innovative packaging solutions,
including bioplastic, active packaging, and packaging for dynamic atmospheres and
edibles. However, the industry's expansion in the upcoming years will likely be
threatened by growing sustainability awareness and a strict restriction on single-use
plastic to reduce plastic pollution.
● The COVID-19 outbreak significantly impacted Egypt's SMEs that produce plastic
packaging. The effects of COVID-19 on SMEs resulted in both operational and financial
issues. Additionally, there was a noticeable disturbance in the supply chain regarding
output. Financially, they have little cash on hand, but instead of applying for a loan to pay
their bills, they temporarily choose to cut back on production. Further, the
Russia-Ukraine war has an impact on the overall packaging ecosystem.

Egypt Plastic Packaging Market Trends

This section covers the major market trends shaping the Egypt Plastic Packaging Market
according to our research experts:
● Due to the rising demand for flexible plastic packaging in end-use industries, including
the food, beverage, cosmetic & personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors, the market is
anticipated to expand considerably in the coming years. The expansion of the flexible
plastic packaging market is projected to be supported throughout the forecast period by
growth in modern retailing, high consumer income, and acceleration in e-commerce
activities in Egypt.
● Flexible packaging is in higher demand due to consumers' increasingly hectic lifestyles
and growing need for handy items. Flexible plastic packaging uses less energy and
resources, so it is less expensive to produce and takes up 35% less space on store
shelves, making it more cost-effective than other types of packaging.
● The development of new packaging choices has been driven by dynamic changes in the
sector, such as new regulatory measures. Growing concerns regarding using
biodegradable polymers for flexible packaging and their implications on the environment
have forced manufacturers to develop safe, secure, and eco-friendly packaging options
such as oxo-degradable plastics. Manufacturers are looking towards sustainable
packaging options that need fewer resources and energy to create a package, demand
less money for transportation, and provide a longer shelf life to ease cost pressure and
retain the integrity of product packages.
● Additionally, modern retailers increased their share of Egypt's channel distribution
significantly. The nation has moved away from grocery merchants and open markets to
supermarkets and hypermarkets during the past two years. In the upcoming years, the
food industry will increasingly use flexible packaging such as vacuum bags and pouches.
● According to International Trade Center (ITC) data, in 2021, the imports of plastics and
articles in Egypt were recorded at around USD 4093.208 million, a 37.42% increase in
the value from the previous year, 2020, which recorded about USD 2978.579 million.
Such a rise in imports may increase the adoption of flexible packaging in the country.

19
Food is expected to Hold the Significant Market Share
● One of the significant applications of plastics is in food packaging. Due to their
advantageous characteristics, such as lightweight and low cost, rigid plastic packaging is
increasingly in demand from the food sector. It is replacing traditional materials like
paperboard, metals, and glass in the country.
● Flexible packaging is mainly used for dairy, snacks, and confectionery items. Flexible
packaging in the country is now used more frequently for meat, poultry, fruits, and
vegetables owing to advancements in packaging technology, such as controlled
environments and high-pressure processing.
● Further, the demand for frozen food packaging is also increasing in Egypt. In terms of
packing shape, frozen goods, especially ice creams, need flexibility. As a result, there is
a demand for flexible plastic packaging options because of these products. The
categories of fresh fruits, health bars, salads, and other fresh produce are particularly
popular with health-conscious consumers who want organic food.
● As per the United States Department of Agriculture Egypt report 2022, the retail food
industry expanded by roughly 3.4% from 2020 to 2021. Compared to 2020, the industry
saw sales of USD 30.2 billion increase to USD 31.3 billion in 2021. The 4,041
contemporary retail outlets, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience
stores, account for about 27.1 percent of total sales. Traditional grocery stores have
116,578 locations, accounting for 72.9% of total sales. The majority of retail stores in
Egypt are still small, traditional grocers.
● Further, as per GATS, TDM & FAS Cairo Research data, beef, and beef products, dairy
goods, spices, fresh fruit, tea, chocolate and cocoa products, tree nuts, soups and other
food preparations, fresh vegetables, chicken meat, and products were the main
consumer-oriented imports of Egypt in 2021. The top suppliers were India with USD 692
million (18%), Brazil with USD 324 million (9%), the United States with USD 243 million
(6%), Kenya with USD 202 million (5%), the Netherlands with USD 163 million (4%), and
Italy with USD 159 million (4%).

20
 ● Furthermore, the foreign footprints in Egypt are also creating enormous opportunities for
the Studied market. For example, Foodies, which specializes in providing cloud-based
all-in-one restaurant management solutions, estimated the Egyptian restaurant market to
be worth USD 17 billion annually in 2021. In 2021, the company planned to present its
management solutions to 2,000 restaurants in Egypt.

Egypt Plastic Packaging Industry Overview

The Egypt Plastic Packaging Market is highly consolidated and has a few major players. Some
participants benefit from the enhanced market reputation and broader regional presence. The
major players, who hold a sizable market share, such as Amcor Plc, Mondi Plc, DS Smith Plc,
Sonoco Products Company, and Tetra Laval Group, are concentrating on growing their
customer base throughout the end-user sectors. Few firms are involved in collaborations and
partnerships to implement a circular economy model of recycling plastics.

In September 2022, Mondi collaborated with Essity and Dow to develop fresh, recyclable
secondary packaging for its feminine care products. The solution highlights the companies'
dedication to advancing full recyclability and increasing the usage of recycled plastic in their
packaging. Additionally, mechanically recycled post-consumer material is used in innovative
packaging. Mondi collaborated with longtime supplier Dow and other businesses along the
value chain to identify the ideal resin formulation for this solution. The final product is an
extruded film that has been printed before being made into a bag.

In February 2022, BariQ for Techno and Advanced Industries announced the signing of a
contract for the development of a new PET bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the Giza
Governorate of Egypt that will be equipped with the latest plastic sorting technology from
TOMRA Recycling. The event provided beneficial networking possibilities and unveiled the new
plant's design, enabling it to generate more than 35,000 metric tonnes of food-grade rPET
annually while avoiding more than 80,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Egypt Plastic Packaging Market Leaders

21