Packaging in 2024: The big picture
India’s packaging industry underwent rapid transformation driven by sustainability imperatives, evolving consumer lifestyles, regulatory shifts, economic pressures and the expanding influence of digital commerce in 2024. Packaging increasingly became a strategic lever for brands, a statement of values for consumers and a focal point for innovation. Novel pack types and formats moved into the mainstream, including flexible pouches, mini and travel-size packs and refill solutions. Flexible paper was recording positive growth in beauty, home care and food, while plant-based bioplastics began emerging in dairy and beverages. Innovations such as the biodegradable milk packets introduced by KMF Nandini in Bengaluru illustrated how high-volume and price-sensitive categories were adopting compostable solutions that decomposed within 90 days and served as organic fertiliser.
2024 key trends
In 2024, India’s packaging landscape was being reshaped by a dynamic interplay of sustainability, convenience and premiumisation that reflected the evolving expectations of consumers and brands alike. Eco-conscious innovation moved to the fore as companies such as Garnier adopted circular solutions, with its fully recycled plastic bottles demonstrating that sustainability had become a core business approach rather than a passing trend.
Paper-based and portion-control packs gaining popularity in food packaging
Paper-based formats and portion-control packs were gaining popularity across India’s food packaging industry as consumers placed greater emphasis on convenience, value and measured consumption. Paper and paperboard solutions became increasingly common in categories such as bakery, dry snacks and secondary retail packaging, supported by the country’s well-established recovered-fibre ecosystem and growing domestic paperboard capacity. Players responded to changing household habits by introducing smaller, more functional pack sizes. Nestlé Milkmaid’s mini pack exemplified this trend, offering an easy-pour, resealable cap that ensured precise usage, while keeping the product fresh across multiple occasions. The appeal of such compact, user-friendly formats was particularly strong among health-conscious consumers and smaller households, which preferred controlled portions over larger, single-use packs. The market also saw increased reliance on small packs, recloseable sachets and multipacks across food and snack categories, driven by affordability pressures, portion-control preferences and a growing need to reduce in-home waste. Single-serve and trial packs played a central role in urban purchasing behaviour, in which experimentation, convenience and low-commitment formats often outweighed the appeal of bulk buying.
Increasing use of rPET and cartons to combine sustainability with convenience
PET bottles continued to be the dominant pack type in India’s non-alcoholic beverages packaging industry. However, the industry has been steadily embracing aseptic cartons and recycled PET (rPET) to extend shelf life and reduce reliance on virgin plastics. SIG’s aseptic carton facility in Ahmedabad enabled juice and dairy brands to adopt cartons, offering a sustainable, hygienic and convenient alternative to traditional packaging. At the same time, established dairy brands such as Amul and Britannia’s Winkin Cow continued to use recyclable PET bottles, balancing practicality with environmental responsibility. In carbonates, PepsiCo India introduced 100% rPET bottles for its Pepsi Black variant, reinforcing its “reduce, reinvent, recycle” packaging strategy. These developments reflected a growing industry trend towards circular, eco-conscious packaging solutions that combine convenience, safety and sustainability.
Rising demand for convenient and eco-friendly packaging fuels shift towards aluminium cans
In 2024, the alcoholic beverage packaging landscape in India was being reshaped by the growing adoption of aluminium cans, driven by consumer demand for portability, eco-friendliness and premium convenience. The beer and RTDs categories were leading this shift, with brands such as Kingfisher and Budweiser expanding their canned offerings. Industry investment supported this trend, highlighted by Ball Corp’s USD60 million aluminium can plant in Sri City.
Eco-friendly packaging and travel-size options gaining popularity among younger consumers
Growing environmental consciousness and evolving lifestyle trends reshaped India’s personal care industry, with packaging that combined sustainability and convenience emerging as a key focus. Garnier India, for example, transitioned its Fructis bottles to 100% recycled plastic and replaced tissue mask sachets with paper, significantly reducing plastic usage while preserving a premium feel. Compact and travel-size formats became increasingly popular, as brands such as Lakmé and Himalaya catered to younger, budget-conscious consumers who valued portability and ease of use for their on-the-go routines.
Regulatory requirements and sustainability goals accelerate adoption of refill and biodegradable formats
In 2024, home care players in India reimagined packaging to be more sustainable, efficient and consumer friendly. Companies adopted refillable containers, concentrated formulations and precision dispensing technologies to reduce packaging waste, optimise usage and lower costs for consumers. Refill pouches and concentrated detergents allowed households to use smaller volumes without compromising effectiveness, reducing both plastic consumption and shipping weight. These innovations aligned with government regulations such as the MoEFCC Plastic Waste Management Rules and MoHUA circular economy guidance, which encouraged manufacturers to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their packaging.
Single-serve and resealable pouches drive convenience and freshness in pet food packaging
Single-serve and resealable pouches became increasingly popular in India in 2024 for packaging a wide range of pet food products, including wet cat food, dog food and premium treats. These pouches offered multiple advantages such as portability, easy storage and the ability to maintain product freshness through controlled dispensing. Busy pet owners, particularly in urban areas, valued the convenience and efficiency these formats provided, allowing them to serve meals quickly, while keeping food safe from contamination.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in India 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 India, 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 India 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 India?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in India?
- 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 India?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in India
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Paper-based and portion-control packs gaining popularity in food packaging
Increasing use of rPET and cartons to combine sustainability with convenience
Rising demand for convenient and eco-friendly packaging fuels shift towards aluminium cans
Eco-friendly packaging and travel-size options gaining popularity among younger consumers
Regulatory requirements and sustainability goals accelerate adoption of refill and biodegradable formats
Single-serve and resealable pouches drive convenience and freshness in pet food packaging
Rising compliance costs drive packaging innovation and differentiation
Single-use plastic policy accelerates transition to sustainable packaging solutions
Stricter plastic waste management rules and the shift towards digital traceability
Incentive-based collection and digital systems support shift to circular packaging models
Mono-material and recyclable pouches transform dairy and food packaging
Recyclable and reduced-plastic packaging options expand in response to consumer demand
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Packaging
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- Baby and Child-specific Products Packaging
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- Bar Soap
- Bath Additives
- Body Powder
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Hand Sanitisers
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- Intimate Washes
- Intimate Wipes
- Liquid Soap
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- Eye Liner/Pencil
- Eye Shadow
- Mascara
- Other Lash and Brow Make-Up
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- BB/CC Creams
- Blusher/Bronzer/Highlighter
- Foundation/Concealer
- Powder
- Other Facial Make-Up
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- Lip Gloss
- Lip Liner/Pencil
- Lipstick
- Other Lip Products
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- Nail Polish
- Nail Treatments/Strengthener
- Polish Remover
- Other Nail Products
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- Deodorant Creams
- Deodorant Pumps
- Deodorant Roll-Ons
- Deodorant Sprays
- Deodorant Sticks
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- Hair Removers/Bleaches
- Women's Pre-Shave
- Women's Razors and Blades
- Fragrances Packaging
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- 2-in-1 Products
- Colourants
- Conditioners and Treatments
- Perms and Relaxants
- Salon Professional Hair Care
- Standard Shampoos
- Styling Agents
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- Men's Post-Shave
- Men's Pre-Shave
- Men's Razors and Blades
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- Men's Bath and Shower
- Men's Deodorants
- Men's Hair Care
- Men's Skin Care
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- Dental Floss
- Denture Care
- Mouth Fresheners
- Mouthwashes/Dental Rinses
- Tooth Whiteners
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
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- Body Care
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- Face Masks
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- Liquid/Cream/Gel/Bar Cleansers
- Facial Cleansing Wipes
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- Basic Moisturisers
- Anti-Agers
- Lip Care
- Toners
- Hand Care
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- Adult Sun Care
- Baby and Child-specific Sun Care
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- Dark Beer
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- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
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- Domestic Lager
- Imported Lager
- Non/Low Alcohol Beer
- Stout
- Cider/Perry
- RTDs
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- Brandy and Cognac
- Liqueurs
- Rum
- Tequila (and Mezcal)
- Whiskies
- White Spirits
- Other Spirits
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- Fortified Wine and Vermouth
- Non-Grape Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Still Light Grape Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
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- Fresh Coffee Beans
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- Fresh Ground Coffee Pods
- Standard Fresh Ground Coffee
- Instant Coffee
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- Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Fruit/Herbal Tea
- Instant Tea
- Other Tea
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- Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Other Plant-based Hot Drinks
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- Asian Speciality Drinks
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- Carbonated Bottled Water
- Flavoured Bottled Water
- Functional Bottled Water
- Still Bottled Water
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- Cola Carbonates
- Non-Cola Carbonates
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- Liquid Concentrates
- Powder Concentrates
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- 100% Juice
- Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice)
- Nectars (25-99% Juice)
- Coconut and Other Plant Waters
- Energy Drinks
- Sports Drinks
- RTD Coffee
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- Carbonated RTD Tea and Kombucha
- Still RTD Tea
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- Cat Treats and Mixers
- Dry Cat Food
- Wet Cat Food
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- Dog Treats and Mixers
- Dry Dog Food
- Wet Dog Food
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- Dried Baby Food
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- Liquid Milk Formula
- Powder Milk Formula
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
- Packaged Bread
- Packaged Cakes
- Packaged Pastries
- Dessert Pies and Tarts
- Breakfast Cereals Packaging
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
- Gum
- Sugar Confectionery
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- Butter and Spreads
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- Processed Cheese
- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Flavoured Milk Drinks
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- Fresh Milk
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
- Yoghurt
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- Chilled and Shelf Stable Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Condensed Milk
- Cream
- Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
- Edible Oils Packaging
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- Frozen Yoghurt
- Impulse Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Take-Home Ice Cream
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Chilled Processed Meat
- Frozen Processed Meat
- Shelf Stable Meat
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- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Meat and seafood substitutes inc Tofu
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- Dried Ready Meals
- Shelf Stable Ready Meals
- Chilled Ready Meals
- Frozen Ready Meals
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- Chilled Pizza
- Frozen Pizza
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- Meal Kits
- Quick Recipe Kits
- Chilled Lunch Kits
- Prepared Salads
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- Dry Soup
- Shelf Stable Soup
- Chilled Soup
- Frozen Soup
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- Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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- Bouillon
- Gravy Cubes, Powders and Pots
- Herbs and Spices
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Tomato Pastes and Purées
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- Liquid Recipe Sauces (excl pasta sauces)
- Dry Recipe Sauces
- Pasta Sauces
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- Barbecue Sauces
- Chili Sauces
- Fish Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Oyster Sauces
- Salad Dressings
- Soy Sauces
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- Dips
- Pickled Products
- Other Sauces and Condiments
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Salty Snacks
- Savoury Biscuits
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Chocolate Spreads
- Honey
- Jams and Preserves
- Nut and Seed Based Spreads
- Yeast-based Spreads
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- Fruit Snacks
- Snack Bars
- Sweet Biscuits
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- Candle Air Fresheners
- Car Air Fresheners
- Electric Air Fresheners
- Gel Air Fresheners
- Liquid Air Fresheners
- Spray/Aerosol Air Fresheners
- Other Air Care
- Bleach
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- Automatic Dishwashing Liquids
- Automatic Dishwashing Powders
- Automatic Dishwashing Tablets
- Dishwashing Additives
- Hand Dishwashing
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- Electric Insecticides
- Insecticide Baits
- Insecticide Coils
- Spray/Aerosol Insecticides
- Other Home Insecticides
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- Carpet Cleaners
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- Dryer Sheets
- Liquid Fabric Softeners
- Laundry Aids
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- Powder Detergents
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- Compact Powder Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Detergents
- Other Detergents
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- Floor Polish
- Furniture Polish
- Metal Polish
- Shoe Polish
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- 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
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- In-Cistern Devices
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- Rim Blocks
- Rim Liquids
- Toilet Care Tablets/Powders
- Toilet Cleaning Systems
- Toilet Liquids/Foam
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This report originates from Passport, our Packaging research and analysis database.
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