Packaging in 2024: The big picture
Across Spain, sustainability is the dominant theme. Food categories such as dairy and processed foods are replacing rigid plastics with paperboard cartons and compostable trays, while confectionery brands are introducing biodegradable wrappers. Beverage players are accelerating adoption of recycled plastic bottles and paperboard cartons, reducing virgin plastic use. Alcoholic drinks are shifting towards aluminium cans and bottles due to lighter weight and recyclability, while premium spirits explore lightweight glass bottles. Beauty and home care brands lead innovation with refill systems, solid formats and bio-based plastics, reducing packaging waste.?
2024 key trends
The most pervasive trend across industries in 2024 was the move towards eco-friendly packaging materials. Heavy glass and rigid plastics are being replaced by paper-based cartons, recycled PET bottles, compostable films, bio-based plastics and refill systems. This shift is driven by regulatory mandates on recyclability and minimum recycled content, rising raw material costs and growing consumer concerns about environmental impact and microplastic contamination. Sustainability is no longer optional, it has become a core requirement shaping packaging choices across food, beverages, beauty, home care and pet care. Lighter, recyclable and refillable formats now dominate shelves as brands seek to reduce carbon footprints, simplify supply chains and align with consumer expectations for transparency and responsibility.
Material makeover through paperboard innovation and lightweight formats in food packaging
In 2024, Spain’s food packaging landscape shifted dramatically as rising raw material costs, supply chain pressures and stringent EU sustainability rules pushed brands away from heavy glass and rigid plastics towards lighter, eco-friendly solutions. Paperboard cartons, monomaterial paper and flexible pouches grew in popularity, offering recyclability and reduced transportation weight. This transition was supported by Leche Celta’s introduction of four dairy and lactose-free Pastoreo products in 1-litre SIG Midifit cartons, Lactalis Puleva rolling out ISCC-PLUS-certified recycled cartons in partnership with Tetra Pak, and Don Simón debuting Pure-Pak eSense cartons, an aluminium-free renewable pack. Danone adapted its production lines for Alpro yoghurts in lightweight tubs and pouches, while Campomayor’s WOVO brand switched from plastic pots to single-serve liquid cartons.
Spain taps into the future with rPET bottles, anchored lids and paper carriers in non-alcoholic drinks packaging
In 2024, Spain’s non-alcoholic drinks packaging market was being driven by sustainability mandates and shifting consumer preferences, generating a clear move towards rPET adoption, shrink wrap alternatives and paperboard innovation. Brands like Aquarel (Nestlé) and Font Vella (Danone) switched to 100% rPET bottles, while anchored caps became mandatory in July 2024 to ensure full recyclability. Circularity rules and eco-design guidelines are driving a shift away from plastic shrink wrap multipacks towards paper-based carriers and fibre-based bundling systems, reducing single-use film waste. Health and cost trends in Spain are driving demand for lighter, flexible packaging formats, such as aluminium-laminated pouches and brick-style liquid cartons. These formats are favoured for their convenience, portability and sustainability credentials. For example, Capri-Sun uses aluminium-laminated pouches for its juice drinks, which are lightweight, easy to carry and increasingly made with recyclable monomaterials to support environmental goals. Although aluminium cans remain stable under Spain’s upcoming deposit return system, the real growth lies in recycled plastics and renewable paperboard, reflecting a packaging landscape that prioritises recyclability, convenience and premium eco-credentials.
Metal bottles seeing strong growth in alcoholic drinks packaging in Spain
In 2024, Spain’s alcoholic drinks packaging market was defined by a strong shift towards lighter, recyclable formats, driven by sustainability mandates, cost pressures and changing consumer habits. Metal bottles continued to see very strong growth in 2024, with aluminium bottles leading the move, as brands like Diageo introduced limited-edition Baileys bottles, claiming savings, while wineries such as Aluvinum launched canned wines using recycled aluminium. Eco-awareness and circular economy rules are seeing producers replace heavy glass with aluminium for lower transportation emissions and easier recycling. Premiumisation, however, produced the opposite effect in beer, in which glass bottles were regaining share from metal beverage cans for their perceived authenticity. Overall, sustainability and convenience are reshaping alcoholic drinks packaging, balancing aluminium growth with niche glass revival and emerging eco-friendly substrates.
Glamour shifts to refillable, recycled and futuristic solutions in beauty and personal care packaging
In 2024, Spain’s beauty and personal care packaging market was defined by a strong shift towards sustainability and refillability, driven by eco-conscious consumers and regulatory mandates. Brands are eliminating virgin plastics and embracing greener alternatives, such as Nivea’s tins made from 80% recycled aluminium, Berioska’s switch to glass, cardboard and aluminium, and private label refill solutions like doypack pouches and reusable make-up pads. Innovations like Quadpack’s ShapeUp tube, a monomaterial polyethylene dispenser with recycled content, and Banbu’s solid deodorants with reusable bioplastic applicators highlight the convergence of sustainability and convenience. Premium players are also adopting cardboard and paper formats, exemplified by Capsa’s 2-in-1 cardboard box and EGISA’s eco-friendly folding cartons. While dissolvable sachets, naked packaging and upcycled materials are not yet mainstream, rising environmental awareness and regulatory pressure are producing packaging that is recyclable, refillable and increasingly interactive.
Sustainability, convenience and concentration reshaping home care packaging
In 2024, home care packaging was seeing strong trends in refillable containers, eco-friendly materials, advanced dispensing technologies and smaller pack sizes for concentrated products. Consumer demand for sustainability and upcoming EU recyclability mandates have driven innovations such as Gualapack’s 100% recyclable monomaterial polypropylene refill pouches, designed to fit into rigid shells for a “reduce, reuse, recycle” model, and Ocado’s 3-litre HDPE reusable containers for fabric conditioners and detergents, which can withstand up to 60 reuse cycles and replace five single-use bottles per cycle.
Recyclable pouches and resealable packs transform pet food packaging
In 2024, a major trend in Spanish dog and cat food packaging was the shift towards formats that prioritise sustainability and convenience, driven by evolving consumer expectations. As pet owners become more environmentally conscious, manufacturers are responding with recyclable packaging solutions, such as ProAmpac’s QUADFLEX pouches, which are made from kerbside recyclable materials and designed to reduce landfill waste while preserving food quality.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Spain 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 Spain, 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 Spain 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 Spain?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Spain?
- 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 Spain?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Spain
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Material makeover through paperboard innovation and lightweight formats in food packaging
Spain taps into the future with rPET bottles, anchored lids and paper carriers in non-alcoholic drinks packaging
Metal bottles seeing strong growth in alcoholic drinks packaging in Spain
Glamour shifts to refillable, recycled and futuristic solutions in beauty and personal care packaging
Sustainability, convenience and concentration reshaping home care packaging
Recyclable pouches and resealable packs transform pet food packaging
Royal decree reshapes packaging compliance
EU packaging law for reusable and recyclable designs
Recycling, reuse and waste reduction shape the industry
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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