Packaging in 2024: The big picture
In 2024, Sweden’s packaging landscape was evolving around sustainability, convenience and cost pressures, which are currently driving innovation across all major industries. Flexible pack types such as pouches, refills and mono-material films are gaining ground in food, pet food, home care and beauty and personal care, offering lightweight, resealable and space-saving solutions that appeal to busy, eco-conscious consumers. Paper-based formats, brick cartons and biodegradable packs are increasingly favoured as brands respond to both regulatory demands and consumer expectations for reduced plastic use and improved recyclability. Economic factors like inflation and raw material costs are pushing brands to introduce both smaller, portion-controlled packs for affordability and larger value sizes for bulk buying. While there is increasing awareness of microplastic concerns, the main momentum is towards recyclable, refillable and alternative materials, rather than outright avoidance of plastic. Sweden’s packaging industry is pushing for practical, sustainable formats that balance environmental responsibility with everyday convenience.
2024 key trends
A key trend in Sweden’s packaging industry in 2024 was the move towards smart, functional designs like resealable closures, easy-open pouches and transparent windows that make products easier and safer to use. Refill systems and lightweight packs are cutting single-use plastics in beauty and home care, while food and pet food brands apply user-friendly formats for better storage and portioning. Brands want to stand out and meet the needs of today’s busy, eco-conscious consumer, trying to make packaging in Sweden smarter and more sustainable.
Sustainability and practicality driving food packaging trends in Sweden
In 2024, Sweden’s food packaging market was focused on sustainability and convenience. Companies were switching to recyclable and renewable materials like mono-material plastics, fibre-based caps and gable top cartons. There is a general move towards packaging that is easier to recycle, such as mono-material cheese packs and plant-based edible coatings for produce. Economic pressures are leading to both smaller, portion-controlled packs and larger value sizes, especially in dairy and plant-based foods. Flexible pouches and resealable packs are popular for their convenience and waste reduction.
Sustainability and recycling transforming non-alcoholic drinks packaging in Sweden
In 2024, Sweden’s non-alcoholic drinks packaging market was being shaped by a strong focus on sustainability and recycling. Metal beverage cans are the main packaging type for soft drinks and are gaining share due to their infinite recyclability and ability to protect beverage quality, while PET bottles remain popular for products such as Loka and Mer’s Fruit Drinks, valued for their durability and recyclability. Glass bottles, although less commonly used in soft drinks, saw strong growth in 2024, used by Schweppes Indian Tonic for the 200ml size and Zingo for the 330ml pack – they have a high recycling rate thanks to Sweden’s advanced glass collection system. EU regulations are driving increased use of recycled PET (rPET), and Sweden’s deposit return system (pant) was planning to raise deposit amounts in 2025 to further boost recycling rates. Companies are also innovating with lighter packaging and new features like snap-on caps in Sweden, and there is growing interest in biodegradable and fibre-based packaging solutions. Overall, the industry is moving towards more eco-friendly, practical and circular packaging to meet both consumer and regulatory demands.
Shift to sustainable, lightweight packaging in Sweden’s alcoholic drinks market
In 2024, Sweden’s alcoholic drinks packaging market was moving towards lighter, more sustainable options due to health trends, regulations and Systembolaget’s sustainability policies. Total packaging volumes declined as consumers bought less alcohol and favoured smaller pack sizes. Glass bottles and heavy packaging types lost share, while metal cans and PET bottles gained ground thanks to their recyclability, convenience and lower transportation costs. Brands like Mariestads use metal cans, while brands like Ekobryggeriet use PET bottles.
Eco-friendly and minimalist packaging driving growth in Sweden’s beauty and personal care market
In 2024, Sweden’s beauty and personal care packaging market was experiencing steady demand, largely driven by consumer demand for sustainability and minimalist design. Flexible paper/plastic packs were the fastest-growing format, valued for their flexibility and low material use. Brands like L’Oréal have embraced this trend, with products such as the Men Expert face mask, exemplifying how flexible packaging can deliver convenience, portability and sustainability. These formats are especially popular for single-use items and skin care treatments, aligning well with Swedish consumers’ preference for practical yet environmentally conscious solutions.
Lightweight and refillable formats gaining ground in home care
In 2024, Sweden’s home care packaging market grew, driven by innovation, e-commerce expansion and a strong focus on sustainability. Brands are reducing plastic use by introducing mono-material designs, refillable packs and bottles made from recycled plastic, such as ICA’s SKONA detergent bottle with 95% recycled content. Flexible and lightweight packaging, such as pouches and collapsible metal tubes, for example Sini’s Toilet Cleaner that comes in pouches with a refillable bottle along with it, which are gaining popularity for convenience and recyclability reasons. Folding cartons and premium, minimalist designs are also on the rise, trying to attract eco-conscious and design-focused consumers. The market is expected to keep growing as brands invest in recyclable, reusable and durable packaging to match both regulatory requirements and changing household needs.
Bulk packs and treat-sized formats shaping Sweden’s pet food trends
In 2024, thanks to its convenience and resealability, flexible packaging remained the dominant packaging format for dog and cat food in Sweden, led by aluminium/plastic pouches, although flexible plastic is also popular for its ability to support larger pack sizes that suit bulk buying and easy storage. Brands like Pedigree and Whiskas use flexible packaging for both wet and dry foods, while local brands such as Glufs are incorporating recyclable materials to meet growing sustainability demands. Innovative features like peelable packs, resealable pouches and transparent windows are becoming more common, reflecting consumer interest in convenience, freshness and ingredient transparency. Eco-friendly developments include biodegradable packs from Planet Pet Society and a rising interest in brick liquid cartons for wet dog food, offering a compact and sustainable alternative to plastic. Looking ahead, small pack sizes for cat treats and mixers are expected to grow, supporting portion-control and premiumisation trends as Swedish pet owners seek variety and healthier options for their pets.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Sweden 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 Sweden, 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 Sweden 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 Sweden?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Sweden?
- 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 Sweden?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Sweden
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Sustainability and practicality driving food packaging trends in Sweden
Sustainability and recycling transforming non-alcoholic drinks packaging in Sweden
Shift to sustainable, lightweight packaging in Sweden’s alcoholic drinks market
Eco-friendly and minimalist packaging driving growth in Sweden’s beauty and personal care market
Lightweight and refillable formats gaining ground in home care
Bulk packs and treat-sized formats shaping Sweden’s pet food trends
EU laws driving packaging changes in Sweden
Regulations support move towards sustainability goals but also raise industry costs
Consumers and brands unite on recycling and eco-friendly packaging
E-commerce growth sparks packaging redesign for online sales
Deposit Return System strengthens recycling in Sweden
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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