MENA Sustainable Packaging Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

Sustainable packaging refers to the design, production, and use of packaging materials that have a minimal impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle. It aims to reduce waste generation, depletion of resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution. Sustainable packaging incorporates principles such as using renewable or recycled materials, optimizing packaging sizes and weights, promoting reusability or recyclability, and minimizing the use of harmful substances.

The MENA Sustainable Packaging Market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of 5.92% during the forecast period (2023-2030). The rising awareness among consumers about environmental issues and a growing preference for eco-friendly products have fueled the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, the rise of responsible corporate practices with companies integrating sustainability into their business strategies plays a significant role in driving the adoption of eco-friendly packaging. As the region witnesses a shift towards a more environmentally conscious mindset, these factors collectively propel the growth of the sustainable packaging market in the MENA region.

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into recycled content packaging, reusable packaging, and degradable packaging. The recycled content packaging held a dominant share of the market in 2022. This is mainly due to the increasing adoption of recycled content packaging as a means to reduce reliance on virgin materials, thereby reduction of carbon emissions and waste. Therefore, the rising demand for recycled content packaging is further fueled by changing consumer preferences with a growing population in the region actively seeking products packaged in an environmentally responsible manner.

Based on the application, the market is segmented into food & beverages, personal care, healthcare, and other. Healthcare are expected to grow with a higher CAGR during the forecast period in (2023-2030). This is mainly due to the demand for eco-friendly packaging in healthcare is driven by a dual commitment to patient well-being and environmental responsibility. As awareness of single-use plastic waste escalates, healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies in the MENA region are actively seeking sustainable alternatives.

Based on the material, the sustainable packaging market has been classified into paper & paperboard, plastic, and others. Paper & paperboard is expected to grow with a higher CAGR during the forecast period (2023-2030). This is mainly due to the rising environmental awareness and the pressing need to reduce single-use plastics drive the demand for paper-based packaging. For instance, on 04 January 2024, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has recently issued a formal decree prohibiting the use of single-use products, including plastic bags and other packaging materials. This ban took effect on January 1, with individuals found in violation facing fines of up to AED 2,000 (approximately USD 544).

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the sustainable packaging industry, the MENA market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and the Rest of the MENA. The Sustainable packaging market in Turkey held a significant share in 2022. Turkey has witnessed a surge in regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. The "Zero Waste" regulation, introduced in 2017, set ambitious targets for waste reduction and emphasized the importance of sustainable packaging in achieving these goals. As per the CMS Legal, in January 2024, the National Action Plan for Waste Management 2023 provides for the disposal of 35% of waste through recycling and 65% through regular storage by 2023.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC, Amber Packaging, Advanced Flexible Packaging Co., Napco National, Gulf Packaging Industries Limited Ltd., Takween Advanced Industries, Sealed Air, Mondi, Amcor plc, ENPI Group.