Packaging Industry in the UAE Market Size

UAE Packaging Market Analysis

The Packaging Industry in the UAE is estimated at USD 9.07 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 11.80 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.41% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

The most important feature to be integrated into packaging is functionality. There is an increasing demand for secondary packaging in the country, because of the rising trend of folding cartons in categories, such as perfumes and skincare. As many consumers and companies are becoming more zero-waste compliant, sustainability is becoming a key development agenda in the United Arab Emirates. Packaging manufacturers in the country are investing in innovative packaging, in terms of both design and materials used, considering the demographic and lifestyle changes.

• Government bodies are setting packaging requirements for food companies by making changes to comply with the regulations pertaining to beauty and personal care. New rules and regulations have been introduced for milk, juices, and other beverages. Innovative pack designs are seen in beauty and personal care. There is an increasing focus on environment-friendly packaging.
• There is a shift to larger pack sizes in food packaging. For example, large pack sizes, like Nutella's 750 g pack, are proving to be increasingly popular, as they offer better value, while in baby food, the rising popularity of growing-up milk formula is also supporting the sales of larger packs.
• Moreover, as people become more tech-savvy and begin to value convenience and service speed, multiple online food ordering portals have emerged, significantly increasing restaurants and food service outlets' reach. An inclination toward home-grown brands and a growing cafe culture also play a role in shaping the restaurant market in the country. Such instances are expected to augment disposable food packaging such as plastic containers, cups, corrugated boxes, etc.
• There is slow growth in retail unit volume, due to the economic slowdown in the United Arab Emirates that hit the packaging industry, covering many packaging categories, including food, beauty, and personal care, soft drinks, and home care. Companies are looking for alternative ways for offering multipacks and larger pack sizes, which are more economical, as well as smaller packs, which are more affordable. High taxation on canned packaging is a factor that impacts the demand adversely.
• Food packaging is becoming a growing global concern owing to the large amount of waste it generates and the chemicals it contains that can be detrimental to health. Plastic packaging includes a broad array of plastic types, from Styrofoam to clear plastic “clamshell” packages to the lids on takeout coffee cups. The raw materials used in making plastic packaging might be harmful to the health, or there might be harmful chemicals added to the plastic to make it more functional.
• According to Tourism Development & Investment Company, 4 billion plastic bottles are consumed annually in the United Arab Emirates, and 40% of all plastic in the country is single-use. Plastic food packaging keeps food fresh and increases its shelf life. While disposable food containers make life easy with minimal maintenance and reduced dishwashing activities, they also propose a great health risk.
• The UAE's food packaging industry is expected to log in record growth over the next several years, owing to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and changing consumer trends. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in online orders being placed for ready-to-eat meals from restaurants and cafes and also for grocery deliveries of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and poultry. Manufacturers indicated that this trend shifted the focus towards improving the existing product portfolio in the industry and innovating on more eco-friendly packaging.