Packaging in 2024: The big picture
South Korea’s packaging industry saw a decisive shift towards eco-friendly materials and right-sized packs in 2024, driven by sustainability goals and economic pressures. Across industries, novel pack formats like paper-based bottles, refill pouches and label-free containers gained ground as companies worked to cut plastic waste and meet growing demand for “green” packaging. For example, beauty giant Amorepacific replaced many plastic cosmetic containers with glass jars and even launched a shampoo bottle made of 50% paper, reducing plastic content by 72-90% in the packaging of those products, while expanding refillable product lines to further curb disposable packaging. Beverage makers are similarly innovating with label-free water bottles, while lighter, rPET packaging was introduced to improve recyclability, directly responding to consumer concerns about plastic pollution and microplastics. At the same time, high inflation and cost-of-living pressures have triggered a mini-size trend, with brands rolling out smaller pack sizes so price-conscious shoppers can buy only what they need. These developments reflect how both environmental awareness and affordability needs are reshaping packaging in South Korea, as consumers seek sustainable, convenient options and regulators push for reduced plastic use.
2024 key trends
Beyond sustainability and downsizing, government policy and digital innovation emerged as key packaging drivers. In 2024, regulators took aim at excessive e-commerce packaging, introducing strict rules to curb waste in online deliveries. Companies shipping products to consumers must now limit empty space in boxes and stick to single-layer packaging, a response to parcel waste surging to nearly 40% of South Korea’s municipal trash thanks to the online shopping boom. This crackdown has pushed retailers to redesign shipping materials and avoid overly large or multi-layered parcels, aligning packaging practices with the nation’s zero-waste ambitions. South Korea is spearheading a shift towards packaging minimalism and smart labelling. Notably, authorities moved to eliminate traditional bottle labels in the beverage industry, mandating QR codes printed directly on bottles to convey product information instead. By early 2025, all bottled water in Korea had become label-free, with scannable codes replacing plastic or paper labels, an innovative step that boosts recyclability and caters to consumers’ mobile-connected lifestyles. These trends underscore how regulatory action and technological adoption are reshaping packaging across industries, from tightening wasteful shipping practices to embracing digitalised, clutter-free package designs that meet both environmental goals and modern convenience.
Smaller packs and sustainable materials drive food packaging innovation in South Korea
In 2024, South Korea’s food packaging landscape was notably shaped by the dual forces of demographic change and economic pressure. The continued rise in single- and two-person households, now accounting for over 60% of all homes, has driven a marked shift towards smaller pack sizes across categories such as rice, noodles and snacks. Retailers and manufacturers responded with innovations like 150g rice packs and dual-serving cold noodle kits, designed to reduce food waste and align with consumer preferences for freshness and affordability. This trend was further reinforced by high inflation, which encouraged consumers to purchase only essential quantities, making compact and portioned packaging formats more appealing. At the same time, sustainability remained a central theme in food packaging innovation. South Korean food companies increasingly adopted paper-based and biodegradable materials in response to both consumer demand and evolving government regulations. For example, Maeil Dairies introduced organic milk in FSC-certified paperboard cartons with plant-based inner linings and resealable caps, while Ottogi transitioned to compostable packaging for its noodle cups and snack bags. These developments reflect a broader industry commitment to reducing plastic use and enhancing recyclability, with paper and fibre-based formats gaining traction across multiple food categories.
Recycled materials and label-free bottles lead South Korea’s sustainable beverage packaging shift in 2024
In 2024, South Korea’s soft drinks and hot drinks packaging was all about sustainability, particularly boosting recycled content and slashing single-use plastics. Recycled PET adoption surged as new regulations kicked in: since 2023 all beverage PET bottles must contain at least 3% recycled plastic, with the mandate rising to 10% by 2026 and targeting 30% by 2030. This policy push prompted local brands to innovate with high-rPET bottles and more recyclable designs. For example, leading water producer Jeju Samdasoo launched Green bottles made with around 35% rPET and set ambitious goals (50% rPET by 2025, moving towards 100%) to meet these standards. Beverage companies also tackled packaging waste by rethinking multipacks: plastic shrink wrap and ring carriers for can multi-packs are gradually being replaced by paperboard holders and wrap-around cartons, cutting plastic use and aligning with global trends towards fibre-based packaging.
Premiumisation and sustainability redefine South Korea’s alcoholic drinks packaging
In 2024, South Korea’s alcoholic drinks packaging landscape was shaped by a strong shift towards premiumisation and sustainability. Clear glass bottles gained significant traction, with major breweries like OB (Cass Fresh), Lotte Chilsung (Kloud Crush) and Hite Jinro (Terra Light) adopting transparent packaging for their flagship beers. This trend was driven by consumer preferences for product visibility and perceptions of freshness and quality, helping glass bottles gain share in beer. The return of on-trade consumption and the popularity of refillable glass formats further supported this shift. Meanwhile, metal beverage cans remained essential for ready RTDs and multipack promotions, especially among younger consumers seeking convenience and variety.
Eco-friendly and refillable packaging takes centre stage in South Korea’s beauty industry in 2024
In 2024, South Korea’s beauty industry made a major push towards eco-friendly packaging, as leading K-beauty brands shifted away from single-use plastics in favour of biodegradable materials, reusable designs and refill systems. Companies like Amorepacific spearheaded this movement with high-profile product launches that dramatically cut plastic waste. For example, Sulwhasoo creams were repackaged in glass jars instead of plastic (reducing plastic content by around 72%), and the LABO-H shampoo debuted in a bottle made of 50% paper, slashing plastic use by nearly 90% compared to the old packaging. Amorepacific also expanded its refillable product lines (30-plus refills introduced by 2023) and even removed unnecessary inner lids from items like Laneige’s lip mask, a simple design tweak expected to save about 7.3 tonnes of plastic per year.
Refillable and user-friendly packaging drives sustainable innovation in South Korea’s home care industry in 2024
In 2024, South Korea’s home care packaging landscape was shaped by a strong shift towards refillable, eco-friendly and user-centric formats. Refill pouches gained significant traction, particularly for laundry detergents, surface cleaners and fabric softeners, as brands like Pril, LiQ and Downy embraced flexible packaging to reduce plastic waste and support reuse. These pouches often featured concentrated formulations, enabling smaller, lighter packs that align with both sustainability and convenience goals. At the same time, ergonomic spray bottles, leak-proof pouches and child-safe caps became more common, reflecting consumer demand for packaging that simplifies household tasks.
Convenience and sustainability shape South Korea’s pet food packaging
In 2024, South Korea’s dog and cat food packaging landscape was shaped by a strong push for convenience and a growing shift towards sustainability. Flexible aluminium/plastic remained the dominant format for dry pet food due to their lightweight, durable and resealable features, which help maintain freshness and simplify storage, qualities embraced by leading brands like Royal Canin and Hill’s. For wet food, thin wall plastic containers gained share as a lighter, easier-to-handle alternative to metal cans, while 85g single-serve flexible aluminium/plastic packaging was the preferred size for wet cat food, offering portion control and reducing waste.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in South Korea 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 South Korea, 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 South Korea 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 South Korea?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in South Korea?
- 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 South Korea?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in South Korea
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Smaller packs and sustainable materials drive food packaging innovation in South Korea
Recycled materials and label-free bottles lead South Korea’s sustainable beverage packaging shift in 2024
Premiumisation and sustainability redefine South Korea’s alcoholic drinks packaging
Eco-friendly and refillable packaging takes centre stage in South Korea’s beauty industry in 2024
Refillable and user-friendly packaging drives sustainable innovation in South Korea’s home care industry in 2024
Convenience and sustainability shape South Korea’s pet food packaging
Recyclability and recycled content mandates
Deposit return and waste reduction initiatives
Impact on industry and consumers
Mandatory recycled content targets
Design for recyclability and label-free packaging
Transparent PET bottle sorting and consumer responsibility
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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