Packaging in 2024: The big picture
In 2024, Hong Kong’s packaging landscape was defined by a strong shift towards sustainability, regulatory compliance and evolving consumer preferences. The government’s ban on single-use plastics and the introduction of producer responsibility schemes for beverage containers catalysed widespread adoption of recyclable and renewable materials, with brands increasingly opting for paper-based, glass and recycled plastic packaging.
2024 key trends
In Hong Kong, brands have accelerated investments in refillable formats and return systems to reduce packaging waste and foster reuse, reflecting a broader shift towards packaging circularity. In home care, companies introduced concentrated refill pouches and solid formats, such as laundry sticks and tablets, minimising packaging volume per use, while retailers like Watsons launched refill pack collection programmes to encourage consumers to return used pouches for recycling or reuse.
Hong Kong’s food packaging shifts towards sustainability and size optimisation
A major trend in Hong Kong’s food packaging industry in 2024 was the rapid adoption of sustainable pack types and size optimisation, with brands like Ferrero and Nestlé leading the shift to paper-based formats, such as folding cartons and flexible pouches, in categories like confectionery, sweet spreads and ready meals. For example, Ferrero introduced recycled glass jars and recyclable lids, while GS Retail’s YOUUS frozen pizzas adopted folding cartons for both sustainability and premium appeal.
Hong Kong’s non-alcoholic drinks packaging driven by rPET adoption
In 2024, Hong Kong’s non-alcoholic drinks packaging was defined by a heightened sustainability drive, with leading beverage companies ramping up use of recycled PET (rPET), exemplified by CocaCola’s launch of 100% rPET bottles. At the same time, brands moved away from plastic shrink wrap, with Bonaqua, for example, eliminating plastic shrink-sleeve labels on water bottles, and RTD coffee brands shifting to paperboard cartons to cut plastic waste. Aluminium cans maintained a strong presence and even gained traction as fully recyclable alternatives to plastic packaging. These shifts were driven by Hong Kong’s new environmental regulations (including an April 2024 ban on certain single-use plastics) and rising consumer eco-awareness, spurring packaging innovations across categories, from bottled water to RTD teas. This trend encompassed both new materials and revived formats, for example CocaCola’s rPET bottles and the return of refillable glass water bottles in hotels, highlighting a broad push for circular, low-waste solutions in the beverages industry.
Hong Kong’s alcoholic drinks packaging pivots to cans for sustainability and convenience
In 2024, Hong Kong’s alcoholic drinks packaging saw a clear shift towards metal cans, which gained ground at the expense of glass bottles in key areas like beer and RTDs. This growing use of cans was driven by practical and sustainable advantages – they are lightweight, easy to transport and more recyclable than glass – qualities prized by both consumers and retailers. Cans also keep beverages colder for longer in Hong Kong’s hot, humid climate, adding to their appeal over heavier glass bottles. Glass bottles still dominate wine and spirits packaging, but even in these categories the global trend towards single-serve wine in cans and bag-in-box formats hints at future shifts as brands explore more portable, eco-friendly options. Beverage makers responded with packaging innovations, Asahi introduced a 2litre “mini-keg” can for its Super Dry beer to cater to social sharing occasions, and brands like Bacardi and Smirnoff expanded their RTDs lines in sleek cans to match on-the-go lifestyles. While tariff or raw material cost changes did not significantly alter packaging choices in Hong Kong, the broader sustainability push and new local regulations (such as a ban on certain single-use plastics) reinforced the pivot to cans and other low-waste formats.
Beauty and personal care packaging shifts towards hybrid and eco-conscious materials
The shift towards hybrid and eco-conscious materials, particularly the adoption of kraft/plastic composite tubes, was a major beauty and personal care packaging trend in Hong Kong in 2024. Lisson Packaging is a notable example, having introduced squeezable tubes that combine a paperboard exterior with a thin plastic lining, significantly reducing plastic content, while maintaining the familiar functionality required for creams, cleansers and lotions. This innovation directly addresses growing consumer and regulatory pressure for sustainable solutions without compromising usability. In addition, brands such as Origins Hong Kong are using folding cartons made from FSC-certified recycled paperboard for outer packaging, especially for gift sets and multipacks. These changes reflect a broader alignment with environmental goals and evolving consumer expectations for responsible consumption.
Home care packaging trends focus on refillable, eco-friendly and concentrated formats
In 2024, home care packaging in Hong Kong was being strongly shaped by three interconnected trends as brands invested in refillable containers, eco-friendly materials and concentrated or multi-dose formats that enable smaller pack sizes. For example, Watsons launched a Refill Pack Recycling programme, encouraging consumers to return used pouches for recycling or reuse, while global players like Unilever and Procter & Gamble were piloting refill pouches and reusable bottle systems. On the materials side, packaging manufacturers such as Dow and brands like Liby were introducing mono-material recyclable flexible packs with post-consumer recycled content. Kao Hong Kong launched the Attack Laundry Stick, a concentrated solid format that reduces packaging volume per use. These examples illustrate how the industry is moving towards lighter, more sustainable and more efficient packaging through innovation and collaboration.
Sustainability and convenience converge in Hong Kong’s pet food packaging trends
In 2024, dog and cat food packaging in Hong Kong was characterised by a clear convergence of sustainability and convenience, reflecting evolving consumer expectations and brand strategies. The most notable trend was the rise of single-serve, portion-controlled pouches, particularly the 100g format for wet dog food, valued for freshness, portability and waste reduction. Plastic pouches continued to gain traction due to their resealable functionality, lightweight nature and versatility across wet, dry and semi-moist products. Simultaneously, sustainability efforts accelerated, with innovations like FurryGreen’s upcycled 100g and 80g eco-friendly packs made from surplus food and the industry-wide move towards flexible paper packaging to replace less sustainable materials. These developments illustrate how packaging design is increasingly guided by both environmental responsibility and user practicality, balancing ease-of-use with reduced material impact.
Delivery:
Files are delivered directly into your account soon after payment is received and any tax is certification is verified (where applicable).
This report comes in PDF.
Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Hong Kong, China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of packaging types.
If you're in the Packaging industry in Hong Kong, China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Packaging in Hong Kong, China report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Packaging in Hong Kong, China?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Hong Kong, China?
- Have there been any packaging legislative changes in the past 12 months?
- How are consumption trends impacting the packaging landscape?
- What are the key trends and latest product developments in packaging?
- How important are sustainability and recycling to consumers in Hong Kong, China?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Hong Kong, China
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Hong Kong’s food packaging shifts towards sustainability and size optimisation
Hong Kong’s non-alcoholic drinks packaging driven by rPET adoption
Hong Kong’s alcoholic drinks packaging pivots to cans for sustainability and convenience
Beauty and personal care packaging shifts towards hybrid and eco-conscious materials
Home care packaging trends focus on refillable, eco-friendly and concentrated formats
Sustainability and convenience converge in Hong Kong’s pet food packaging trends
Impact of plastic ban on packaging design and material innovation
Impact of PRS development on beverage packaging design and circularity
Sustainable packaging momentum in beverages
Retailers and brands driving in-store recycling campaigns
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Packaging
-
- Baby and Child-specific Products Packaging
-
- Bar Soap
- Bath Additives
- Body Powder
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Hand Sanitisers
-
- Intimate Washes
- Intimate Wipes
- Liquid Soap
-
-
- Eye Liner/Pencil
- Eye Shadow
- Mascara
- Other Lash and Brow Make-Up
-
- BB/CC Creams
- Blusher/Bronzer/Highlighter
- Foundation/Concealer
- Powder
- Other Facial Make-Up
-
- Lip Gloss
- Lip Liner/Pencil
- Lipstick
- Other Lip Products
-
- Nail Polish
- Nail Treatments/Strengthener
- Polish Remover
- Other Nail Products
-
-
- Deodorant Creams
- Deodorant Pumps
- Deodorant Roll-Ons
- Deodorant Sprays
- Deodorant Sticks
-
- Hair Removers/Bleaches
- Women's Pre-Shave
- Women's Razors and Blades
- Fragrances Packaging
-
- 2-in-1 Products
- Colourants
- Conditioners and Treatments
- Perms and Relaxants
- Salon Professional Hair Care
- Standard Shampoos
- Styling Agents
-
-
- Men's Post-Shave
- Men's Pre-Shave
- Men's Razors and Blades
-
- Men's Bath and Shower
- Men's Deodorants
- Men's Hair Care
- Men's Skin Care
-
-
- Dental Floss
- Denture Care
- Mouth Fresheners
- Mouthwashes/Dental Rinses
- Tooth Whiteners
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
-
- Body Care
-
- Face Masks
-
- Liquid/Cream/Gel/Bar Cleansers
- Facial Cleansing Wipes
-
- Basic Moisturisers
- Anti-Agers
- Lip Care
- Toners
- Hand Care
-
- Adult Sun Care
- Baby and Child-specific Sun Care
-
-
-
- Dark Beer
-
- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
-
- Domestic Lager
- Imported Lager
- Non/Low Alcohol Beer
- Stout
- Cider/Perry
- RTDs
-
- Brandy and Cognac
- Liqueurs
- Rum
- Tequila (and Mezcal)
- Whiskies
- White Spirits
- Other Spirits
-
- Fortified Wine and Vermouth
- Non-Grape Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Still Light Grape Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
-
-
-
-
- Fresh Coffee Beans
-
- Fresh Ground Coffee Pods
- Standard Fresh Ground Coffee
- Instant Coffee
-
-
- Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Fruit/Herbal Tea
- Instant Tea
- Other Tea
-
- Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Other Plant-based Hot Drinks
-
-
- Asian Speciality Drinks
-
- Carbonated Bottled Water
- Flavoured Bottled Water
- Functional Bottled Water
- Still Bottled Water
-
- Cola Carbonates
- Non-Cola Carbonates
-
- Liquid Concentrates
- Powder Concentrates
-
- 100% Juice
- Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice)
- Nectars (25-99% Juice)
- Coconut and Other Plant Waters
- Energy Drinks
- Sports Drinks
- RTD Coffee
-
- Carbonated RTD Tea and Kombucha
- Still RTD Tea
-
-
-
- Cat Treats and Mixers
- Dry Cat Food
- Wet Cat Food
-
- Dog Treats and Mixers
- Dry Dog Food
- Wet Dog Food
-
-
-
- Dried Baby Food
-
- Liquid Milk Formula
- Powder Milk Formula
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
-
- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
- Packaged Bread
- Packaged Cakes
- Packaged Pastries
- Dessert Pies and Tarts
- Breakfast Cereals Packaging
-
-
- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
- Gum
- Sugar Confectionery
-
-
- Butter and Spreads
-
- Processed Cheese
- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
-
- Flavoured Milk Drinks
-
-
- Fresh Milk
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Goat Milk
-
- Powder Milk
-
- Sour Milk Products
- Yoghurt
-
- Chilled and Shelf Stable Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
-
- Condensed Milk
- Cream
- Fromage Frais and Quark
-
- Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
- Edible Oils Packaging
-
- Frozen Yoghurt
- Impulse Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Take-Home Ice Cream
-
-
- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
-
- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
-
-
-
- Chilled Processed Meat
- Frozen Processed Meat
- Shelf Stable Meat
-
- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Meat and seafood substitutes inc Tofu
-
-
-
- Dried Ready Meals
- Shelf Stable Ready Meals
- Chilled Ready Meals
- Frozen Ready Meals
-
- Chilled Pizza
- Frozen Pizza
-
- Meal Kits
- Quick Recipe Kits
- Chilled Lunch Kits
- Prepared Salads
-
- Dry Soup
- Shelf Stable Soup
- Chilled Soup
- Frozen Soup
-
-
- Noodles
-
- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
-
-
- Bouillon
- Gravy Cubes, Powders and Pots
- Herbs and Spices
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Tomato Pastes and Purées
-
-
- Liquid Recipe Sauces (excl pasta sauces)
- Dry Recipe Sauces
- Pasta Sauces
-
- Barbecue Sauces
- Chili Sauces
- Fish Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Oyster Sauces
- Salad Dressings
- Soy Sauces
-
- Dips
- Pickled Products
- Other Sauces and Condiments
-
-
- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Salty Snacks
- Savoury Biscuits
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
-
- Chocolate Spreads
- Honey
- Jams and Preserves
- Nut and Seed Based Spreads
- Yeast-based Spreads
-
- Fruit Snacks
- Snack Bars
- Sweet Biscuits
-
-
-
- Candle Air Fresheners
- Car Air Fresheners
- Electric Air Fresheners
- Gel Air Fresheners
- Liquid Air Fresheners
- Spray/Aerosol Air Fresheners
- Other Air Care
- Bleach
-
-
- Automatic Dishwashing Liquids
- Automatic Dishwashing Powders
- Automatic Dishwashing Tablets
- Dishwashing Additives
- Hand Dishwashing
-
-
- Electric Insecticides
- Insecticide Baits
- Insecticide Coils
- Spray/Aerosol Insecticides
- Other Home Insecticides
-
- Carpet Cleaners
-
- Dryer Sheets
- Liquid Fabric Softeners
- Laundry Aids
-
-
- Powder Detergents
-
- Compact Powder Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Detergents
- Other Detergents
-
-
- Floor Polish
- Furniture Polish
- Metal Polish
- Shoe Polish
-
-
- Cleaning Solution
- Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks (Excluding Wipes)
- Wipes (Excluding Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks)
- Bathroom Cleaners
- Descalers
- Drain Openers
- Floor Cleaners
- Home Care Disinfectants
- Kitchen Cleaners
- Multi-Purpose Cleaners
- Oven Cleaners
- Scouring Agents
- Window/Glass Cleaners
-
-
- In-Cistern Devices
-
- Rim Blocks
- Rim Liquids
- Toilet Care Tablets/Powders
- Toilet Cleaning Systems
- Toilet Liquids/Foam
-
Why buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Packaging research and analysis database.
NEW REPORT GUARANTEE
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!