Packaging in 2024: The big picture
Packaging in Saudi Arabia continued to be shaped by sustainability, cost efficiency and consumer convenience in 2024. Across food and beverage categories, there is a notable shift towards eco-friendly materials such as paper, board and recycled PET (rPET), driven by recyclability goals, regulatory support under Vision 2030 and growing consumer environmental awareness. Smaller, portion-controlled packs are becoming more common in dairy, baby food and processed meats due to health trends and rising costs, while multipacks and larger value packs remain popular among families. Non-alcoholic beverages are increasingly adopting lightweight, recyclable bottles and cartons, supported by local recycling hubs and “design for recycling” initiatives.
2024 key trends
One of the key trends for 2024 in Saudi Arabia was the shift towards sustainable and recyclable packaging, driven by consumer environmental awareness and regulatory support under Vision 2030. Brands are increasingly adopting paper, board and recycled PET (rPET) materials to reduce plastic usage and overall environmental impact. For example, Almarai sources 83% of its cardboard packaging from recycled material, while SADAFCO collaborates with Tetra Pak to promote carton recycling. This trend not only meets sustainability goals, but also offers cost and efficiency benefits for manufacturers.
Sustainability and portion control shaping 2024 food packaging trends
Food packaging showed clear movements in both pack types and pack sizes across major categories in 2024. Paper and board packs are steadily replacing plastics in dairy, plant-based dairy, sauces and processed fruit and vegetables as brands respond to sustainability goals and tightening regulations. These materials offer strong recyclability, reduced environmental impact and a more premium look, making them increasingly preferred by consumers. For example, Almarai reports that 83% of its cardboard packaging now comes from recycled material, reflecting its commitment to sustainable packaging. Meanwhile, SADAFCO (the Saudi Dairy & Foodstuff Company) has partnered with Tetra Pak to reduce packaging waste and promote carton recycling, in line with Vision 2030.
Growing rPET adoption and paper-based alternatives reshaping non-alcoholic drinks packaging
In 2024, a key trend in non-alcoholic beverage packaging in Saudi Arabia was the increased adoption of rPET (recycled PET). For example, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) exported over 1,650 tonnes of rPET flakes to the UK, reflecting an expanding capacity for recycled material production.
Metal cans gain share as cost pressures and regulations reshape alcoholic drinks packaging in 2024
In 2024, metal beverage cans were gaining share in alcoholic drinks packaging in Saudi Arabia, driven by regulatory support, cost efficiency and changing consumption patterns. Volatile raw material prices and global supply chain disruptions have made aluminium cans more economical and stable compared with glass, particularly for beer and RTDs. New technical regulations prioritising recyclability and reduced single-use plastics have further accelerated this move towards cans.
Manufacturing growth, innovation and regulatory reforms driving Saudi Arabia’s beauty and personal care packaging expansion
Saudi Arabia’s beauty and personal care packaging industry continued to gain momentum in 2024, driven by expanding local manufacturing and rising demand across skin care and cosmetics. A notable advancement was the introduction of new automated personal care production lines in Jeddah, which improved efficiency and helped manufacturers better meet both domestic and regional requirements. This growth reflects the increasing need for high-quality, category-specific packaging solutions in moisturisers, serums and other fast-moving beauty products.
Product concentration, innovation and material shifts influencing Saudi Arabia’s home care packaging landscape
In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s home care packaging market recorded a decline in overall volumes, mainly due to reduced demand in laundry care as consumers shifted towards concentrated products requiring less packaging. Plastic pouches were the fastest-growing pack type, especially in automatic dishwashing. Brands such as Finish, Pril, Ariel and Tide increasingly relied on pouches for their convenience and lightweight appeal.
Evolving consumer needs and portion control influencing Saudi Arabia’s pet food packaging
In 2024, metal cans remained the leading pack type for dog and cat food in Saudi Arabia, valued for their strong sealing properties and ability to maintain freshness. Brands such as Royalist and Butcher’s continued to rely heavily on cans, reflecting steady consumer trust. Aluminium trays continued to grow in wet dog food, offering excellent protection and convenient single-serve options, with brands like Lily’s Kitchen and Stuzzy adopting 150g trays. Folding cartons, used by Greenies and JRB Foods, recorded strong growth in treats and mixers due to their affordability, recyclability and ease of handling.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Saudi Arabia?
- 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 Saudi Arabia?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Saudi Arabia
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Sustainability and portion control shaping 2024 food packaging trends
Growing rPET adoption and paper-based alternatives reshaping non-alcoholic drinks packaging
Metal cans gain share as cost pressures and regulations reshape alcoholic drinks packaging in 2024
Manufacturing growth, innovation and regulatory reforms driving Saudi Arabia’s beauty and personal care packaging expansion
Product concentration, innovation and material shifts influencing Saudi Arabia’s home care packaging landscape
Evolving consumer needs and portion control influencing Saudi Arabia’s pet food packaging
SASO issues draft technical regulation on packaging in Saudi Arabia
MEWA introduces new packaging and labelling rules for fresh produce
National circular packaging committee advances EPR preparations
Saudi Investment Recycling Company advances circular economy initiatives in 2025
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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