Packaging in 2024: The big picture
Switzerland experienced a transformative year for packaging in 2024, with sustainability, convenience and innovation to the forefront. Brands responded to regulatory momentum and shifting consumer values by accelerating the adoption of novel formats like paper-based packs, recyclable PET bottles, cellulose fibre trays, compostable pouches and refillable containers. Paper and mono-material packs gained traction in food, drinks and home care, driven by both environmental regulations and consumer avoidance of plastics due to microplastic concerns. In dairy, soft drinks and even beauty, leading players like Emmi, Coop, Coca-Cola or Wella launched recyclable and recycled-content packaging, while flexible pouches and stand-up packs became the norm in categories ranging from laundry detergent to pet food, reflecting a move towards lightweight, low-waste solutions.
2024 key trends
Switzerland’s packaging landscape in 2024 was defined by sustainability, smart sizing and consumer convenience, but a few other notable trends stood out. Firstly, the rise of premiumisation and storytelling through packaging became increasingly important, especially in categories like confectionery and beauty. Brands invested in visually striking, reusable and limited edition formats and refillable glass jars in beauty, to create memorable experiences and reinforce brand identity.
Sustainable packaging and smart sizing drive Swiss food trends 2024
In 2024, the dominant food packaging trend across Switzerland was the move towards sustainability and convenience, with notable shifts in both pack type and size. Paper-based and recyclable packaging gained ground in several categories, driven by regulatory pressure and consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions. For example, in dairy, Emmi and Coop launched white recyclable PET bottles for milk and dairy drinks, supporting closed-loop recycling and aiming for 100% recyclability by 2027. Flexible plastics and thin wall plastic containers remained popular for yoghurt and cheese, while plant-based dairy saw rapid adoption of shaped liquid cartons, especially for milk alternatives. In processed meat and seafood, cellulose fibre trays emerged as a sustainable alternative to plastic, and meals and soups packaging saw the introduction of recyclable paperboard soup pots, reflecting a broader industry shift towards paper and mono-material packs.
Sustainability and innovation driving packaging trends in Switzerland’s non-alcoholic drinks
Non-alcoholic drinks in Switzerland, covering soft drinks and hot drinks, is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by sustainability, convenience and premiumisation. Both industries are innovating in packaging design, with soft drinks focusing on recyclability and lightweight materials, while hot drinks are emphasising eco-friendly solutions and smaller, premium formats to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Declining alcoholic drinks volumes, but cans on the rise in Switzerland
In 2024, Switzerland’s alcoholic drinks packaging market saw a clear decline in total packaging volumes, mirroring reduced consumption across key categories. Beer was driving this drop in demand, with Feldschlösschen, Switzerland’s largest brewery, reporting a 1% fall in lager sales. This contraction was driven by poor weather, changing consumer preferences towards healthier lifestyles and economic pressures that limited discretionary spending. Beer packaging volumes fell, with domestic production down 1.7%, and per capita consumption of domestic lager dipping below 50 litres for the first time. These shifts highlight how macroeconomic and social factors are reshaping demand for packaged alcoholic beverages, especially in mainstream segments.
Sustainable innovation and regulatory momentum transform Swiss beauty and personal care packaging in 2024
In 2024, Switzerland’s beauty and personal care packaging market was shaped by a surge in sustainable innovation and regulatory momentum. Packaging volumes increased as brands responded to consumer demand for eco-friendly and premium solutions, with notable launches like Wella’s Welloxon Perfect bottles made from up to 70% recycled plastic and Alpine beauty brands adopting biodegradable and recyclable packaging with extra protective layers. Glass jars were the fastest-growing pack type, favoured for their recyclability, luxury appeal and compliance with stricter labelling requirements. The forthcoming Packaging Ordinance (VerpV), set for 2027, accelerated early redesigns and encouraged the use of recycled content and take-back systems, prompting brands to shift away from difficult-to-recycle plastics toward glass, recyclable PET and post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.
Refillable, flexible and sustainable packaging redefine Switzerland’s home care market in 2024
In 2024, home care packaging unit volumes increased in Switzerland, reflecting a market energised by innovation, sustainability goals and evolving consumer preferences. Flexible pouches have become a popular choice in laundry care and dishwashing, replacing bulkier cartons due to their lightweight nature and reduced material use. This reflects Switzerland’s home care packaging landscape undergoing a major transformation as flexible and refillable pack types move from niche to mainstream. The popularity of solutions like Swiss Pack’s refillable spout pouch for Lidl’s FORMIL laundry detergent highlights how refillable and low-waste packaging is becoming central to both brand strategy and consumer choice. Flexible pouches and stand-up packs are increasingly favoured for their lightweight design and reduced material usage, while innovations such as DS Smith’s award-winning recyclable packaging for Procter & Gamble demonstrate the industry’s commitment to circularity. Over the coming years, leading players are expected to expand their portfolios with circular, low-waste solutions, ensuring Switzerland’s home care packaging market remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
Convenience and sustainability driving Swiss dog and cat food packaging trends in 2024
In 2024, convenience and freshness were at the forefront of dog and cat food packaging trends in Switzerland. Pet owners increasingly preferred resealable pouches and single-serve formats, making it easier to store food, maintain freshness and manage portion control. Brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin and Pedigree responded with resealable packaging for both wet food and treats, while flexible plastic is the dominant choice for dry food due to its lightweight, cost-effective and user-friendly nature. For wet food, aluminium/plastic pouches and trays are popular, offering portion-controlled servings that preserve flavour and nutritional value. Smaller pack sizes, such as 1kg dry food bags and 85g wet cat food pouches, became staples for urban pet owners and those seeking to reduce waste and try different varieties without committing to large quantities.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Switzerland 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 Switzerland, 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 Switzerland 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 Switzerland?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Switzerland?
- 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 Switzerland?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Switzerland
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Sustainable packaging and smart sizing drive Swiss food trends 2024
Sustainability and innovation driving packaging trends in Switzerland’s non-alcoholic drinks
Declining alcoholic drinks volumes, but cans on the rise in Switzerland
Sustainable innovation and regulatory momentum transform Swiss beauty and personal care packaging in 2024
Refillable, flexible and sustainable packaging redefine Switzerland’s home care market in 2024
Convenience and sustainability driving Swiss dog and cat food packaging trends in 2024
Switzerland prepares for a circular economy overhaul in packaging
Impact of EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Swiss response
Deposit Return Schemes and Reverse Vending Systems in Swiss beverage packaging
Strengthening the circular economy through packaging reform
National collection initiatives: RecyPac and RecyBag
Environmental goals fuel packaging innovation
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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