Packaging in 2024: The big picture
In 2024, Mexico’s packaging industry experienced a significant shift, driven by sustainability and material innovation. Companies moved quickly to adopt eco-friendly solutions by replacing traditional plastics with paper, cardboard, bioplastics and other biodegradable options, and redesigning packaging to minimise virgin material use due to stricter environmental regulations and more conscious consumers. This evolution spanned industries such as food, beverages, personal care and household products, where lighter flexible formats, refillable or reusable options and compostable or recyclable alternatives gained traction over conventional single-use packaging.
2024 key trends
Sustainability has become the strategic pillar of the packaging industry in Mexico, driven by stricter regulations and conscious consumers. Companies are adopting recyclable, biodegradable and compostable materials such as bioplastics and recycled cardboard, along with solutions that reduce the carbon footprint. The circular economy is redefining packaging, designing it to be reused or reintegrated into the production cycle, minimising waste and optimising resources.
Food packaging shifts towards paper and reduced sizes to meet environmental and economic demands
Food packaging in Mexico is characterised by greater sustainability and adaptation to economic and health pressures. This is reflected in material changes, increased use of paper and reduced plastic, smaller pack sizes, single-serve packaging and the growth of multipacks. Global companies with a presence in Mexico, such as Nestlé, are introducing paper packaging innovations in categories that previously relied on plastic. Nestlé launched cardboard containers for products like protein powders, reducing plastic use by 90% compared to previous packaging. In addition, Nestlé has introduced high-barrier paper packaging in challenging categories such as instant coffee and confectionery. Recent cost pressures and inflation have led many food companies in Mexico to reduce package size or content while maintaining price, rather than increasing it directly. This phenomenon, known globally as shrinkflation, was highly evident in 2022-2023 amid elevated inflation. By 2024, although overall inflation had eased, smaller sizes remain in the market, consolidating a lasting shift in packaging. Sustainability and cost management have become key drivers of packaging innovation in Mexico. The transition towards paper-based solutions and the persistence of smaller formats reflect a market adapting to environmental demands and economic realities, setting the stage for long-term changes in consumer packaging preferences.
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging balances plastic dominance with growing eco-friendly solutions
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging in 2024 was seeing a clear shift towards sustainability, even as plastic (PET) remains dominant. The country achieved a record PET collection rate of 64%, driving the use of rPET in beverages. At the same time, aluminium cans continued to gain ground in some soft drinks categories. While there is no mass substitution as yet, interest in alternatives to plastic is increasing, including paper/cardboard and solutions to reduce shrink wrap, especially among environmentally focused brands.
Alcoholic drinks packaging shifts to meet sustainability goals
The alcoholic drinks packaging landscape saw a clear shift towards sustainability, with aluminium cans gaining significant traction, particularly in the beer and RTDs categories. This shift was largely driven by evolving consumer preferences for portability and convenience, the growing influence of younger generations and increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability. While glass bottles continue to play a vital role in premium offerings and returnable systems, aluminium cans were the fastest-expanding packaging format in 2024. The widespread adoption of single-use cans aligns Mexico with broader international packaging trends. Compounding this shift, the Mexican government introduced elevated import tariffs in 2024 of 35% on primary aluminium ingots and 20% on alloyed billets and slabs. These policy changes have had a direct impact on the cost structure and supply chain dynamics of aluminium packaging. Driven by consumer trends, sustainability goals and trade policies, aluminium cans have become central to Mexico’s alcoholic beverage packaging shift, reflecting a long-term move towards lightweight, recyclable and globally standardised solutions.
Beauty and personal care brands adopting refill and reuse models to cut single-use plastics
Mexico’s beauty and personal care packaging industry is embracing refillable and reusable solutions as the leading sustainability trend. Brands are increasingly offering refill packs and durable containers to reduce single-use plastic, driven by environmental concerns and consumer demand. While other innovations such as bio-based plastics and package-free formats are emerging, refillable packaging has gained the strongest momentum, with global and local companies investing heavily in refill programmes. This approach, under which consumers buy a sturdy container and replenish it through refill packs or in-store stations, has shifted from niche to mainstream. Industry leaders like L’Oréal Groupe México aim to ensure that, by 2025, 100% of the plastics they use are recyclable, and more products are designed for reuse or refill. Alongside this trend, companies are exploring bioplastics, upcycled materials, zero-packaging designs and improved recycling systems to address waste from multiple angles. These efforts signal a future in which beauty products deliver benefits with far less environmental impact. Mexico is actively contributing, and the refill revolution stands out as the most impactful and widely adopted innovation.
Refill systems and recycled materials becoming standard in home care packaging
The home care packaging industry in Mexico is undergoing a sustainability-driven transformation. Emerging trends include refillable systems, eco-friendly materials, advanced dispensing technologies and concentrated product formats. These innovations aim to reduce single-use plastics, enhance convenience and address both regulatory pressure and growing environmental awareness among consumers. Brands are adopting solutions such as flexible refill pouches, in-store refill stations and packaging made with recycled materials like rPET and rHDPE, reflecting the industry’s commitment to a circular economy and readiness for stricter plastic regulations. Flexible pouches were gaining traction as refills, while squeezable tubes grew by 15% and flexible packaging remained the dominant format thanks to its cost-effectiveness and durability. Innovation is highlighted by Amcor’s 2-litre recyclable pouch, which reduces plastic weight by 90% and carbon footprint by 80%, aligning with regulations and consumer demand for circular solutions.
Pet food packaging moves towards sustainable and practical solutions
Pet food packaging in Mexico is increasingly focused on sustainability and convenience, with flexible packaging the dominant format. Brands are introducing flexible formats like pouches and resealable bags, as well as portioned packs to reduce waste. Premiumisation is evident in designs that emphasise quality and transparency, while durability for e-commerce is now essential. Regulatory and social pressure to reduce environmental impact, combined with consumer demand for practicality and quality, and the rapid growth of e-commerce, are driving the adoption of sustainable and resilient packaging. This not only enhances customer experience, but also strengthens brand perception in a market where pets are increasingly considered to be part of the family. Premiumisation and transparent design align with consumers’ willingness to pay more for products that reflect care and responsibility. Purina Mexico exemplifies this trend through a recycling programme with Ecolana and Bike Recycling, which has collected about 119,000 units of packaging. The process involves washing, shredding and thermo-pressing materials into sheets used for pet shelter roofs. Currently, 95% of dry food packaging is recyclable.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Mexico 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 Mexico, 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 Mexico 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 Mexico?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Mexico?
- 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 Mexico?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Mexico
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Food packaging shifts towards paper and reduced sizes to meet environmental and economic demands
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging balances plastic dominance with growing eco-friendly solutions
Alcoholic drinks packaging shifts to meet sustainability goals
Beauty and personal care brands adopting refill and reuse models to cut single-use plastics
Refill systems and recycled materials becoming standard in home care packaging
Pet food packaging moves towards sustainable and practical solutions
Mexico tightens packaging regulations to promote circularity and reduce the use of plastics
Plastics Pact promotes innovation and shared responsibility for sustainable packaging
Plastics agreement seeks to reduce waste and boost recyclability in packaging by 2030
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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