Global trade fragmentation is pushing exporters to identify alternative markets beyond traditional destinations. This report introduces the Market Alternative Index, a data-driven framework evaluating 54 economies across demand orientation, market scale, import reliance and purchasing power. The index identifies priority markets where strong demand fundamentals and import dependence create scalable export opportunities.

In 2024, Romania’s packaging industry faced notable changes, driven by solidified priorities in sustainability, shifting consumer expectations and economic pressures. Companies across various industries increasingly sought to make packaging more environmentally friendly, focusing on recyclable, lightweight and mono-material solutions. This trend was largely influenced by stricter regulatory standards and the growing interest of consumers in eco-orientated products.

The packaging market in Singapore experienced significant developments in 2024, driven by sustainability, recycling infrastructure and regulatory changes. Brands across food, beverages, beauty, home care and pet care are shifting towards eco-friendly materials, such as paper-based cartons, recycled PET and aluminium, alongside refillable and compostable formats. These changes reflect growing concerns over plastic waste and microplastics, as well as compliance with frameworks like EPR and BCRS.

In 2024, the Ukrainian packaging industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with growth observed across all major areas, despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. Manufacturers and brands responded to shifting consumer preferences, regulatory changes and supply chain pressures by investing in innovative, functional and sustainable packaging solutions.

In 2024, Turkey’s packaging market was experiencing a sweeping transformation, with sustainability, convenience and affordability the central pillars shaping packaging choices across food, beverages, home care, beauty and pet care. Flexible packaging types such as pouches, refills and mono-material films were gaining ground in nearly every industry, driven by both regulatory pressure and consumer demand for practical, eco-friendly solutions. The adoption of recyclable and recycled materials, inc

In 2024, the UK packaging landscape entered a period of accelerated transformation as sustainability priorities, policy changes and shifting consumer expectations converged. Public awareness of environmental issues, especially plastic pollution, carbon reduction and circularity has intensified, prompting both brands and retailers to move decisively away from traditional virgin plastics. This shift is reinforced by stricter regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees and up

In 2024, the US packaging market is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the demand for sustainable and operationally efficient solutions. Manufacturers are transitioning from conventional plastic packaging to alternatives such as paper, cardboard, bio-based substrates and advanced flexible formats designed to minimise material usage and optimise logistics. This shift is propelled by heightened consumer preference for environmentally responsible options and reinforced by regulatory fra

Across fmcg industries in the United Arab Emirates, sustainability is the dominant theme, with food categories such as dairy and processed meat replacing rigid plastics with paperboard cartons and compostable trays, while confectionery brands are introducing biodegradable wrappers. Beverage players are accelerating adoption of rPET bottles and paperboard cartons, reducing virgin plastic use. Alcoholic drinks are shifting towards aluminium cans due to tariff-related glass costs, while premium spi

Thailand’s packaging landscape reflected a decisive shift towards sustainability, convenience and affordability in 2024, reshaping formats and materials across food, beverages, beauty, home care and pet food. Regulatory pressure, consumer eco-consciousness and cost-of-living concerns are driving adoption of recyclable, biodegradable and compostable solutions, alongside smaller, flexible packs for portion control. Non-alcoholic drinks are leading this charge with 100% rPET bottles from Coca-Cola

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 shamp

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 increasing

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 a

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 exp

In 2024, the Polish packaging industry showed resilience and adaptability, with growth across most major categories despite inflationary pressures and evolving regulatory demands. Manufacturers and brands responded to shifting consumer preferences, EU sustainability targets and supply chain challenges by investing in innovative, functional and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

In 2024, Mexico’s packaging industry experienced a significant shift, driven by sustainability and material innovation. Companies moved quickly to adopt eco-friendly solutions by replacing traditional plastics with paper, cardboard, bioplastics and other biodegradable options, and redesigning packaging to minimise virgin material use due to stricter environmental regulations and more conscious consumers. This evolution spanned industries such as food, beverages, personal care and household produ

Japan’s packaging market was marked by rapid adoption of pack type formats like paper-based cartons, flexible pouches, refill packs and mini or portion-controlled sizes across food, beverage, beauty, home care and pet food categories in 2024. Sustainability and consumer demand for convenience and waste reduction were key drivers, with brands such as Kao, Lion, Suntory, Unicharm, KOSÉ, Shiseido and Muji leading innovations in bio-based plastics, refillable systems and flexible paper or aluminium

In 2024, Germany’s packaging market was shaped by rapid innovation in sustainable formats and a strong consumer shift away from conventional plastics. Across industries, recyclable paper-based packs, aluminium/plastic pouches and refillable containers saw notable growth, driven by regulatory pressure, rising environmental awareness and cost-of-living concerns. Folding cartons gained share in beauty and personal care and food, for example, while refillable pouches and concentrated products became

South Africa’s packaging market is undergoing a significant transformation, with sustainability and practicality at the heart of developments across non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, pet food, home care and hot drinks. The push for environmentally responsible packaging is evident in the widespread adoption of recyclable and biodegradable materials, such as flexible plastics with resealable features in pet food, plastic pouches and large HDPE bottles in home care, and the increasing use of meta

Malaysia’s packaging industry was shaped by a mix of economic pressures, sustainability imperatives and evolving consumer lifestyles in 2024. Rising input costs and inflation drove brands to prioritise affordability through smaller pack sizes and multipacks, while growing environmental awareness and microplastic concerns accelerated the shift towards recyclable and eco-friendly materials. Flexible plastics remained dominant for cost efficiency, but paper-based formats, mono-material solutions an

In 2024, Hong Kong’s packaging landscape was defined by a strong shift towards sustainability, regulatory compliance and evolving consumer preferences. The government’s ban on single-use plastics and the introduction of producer responsibility schemes for beverage containers catalysed widespread adoption of recyclable and renewable materials, with brands increasingly opting for paper-based, glass and recycled plastic packaging.

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 risin

In 2024, Australia’s packaging landscape across home care, beverages, food, pet food and beauty and personal care was defined by rapid innovation in both materials and formats, driven by sustainability imperatives, cost-of-living pressures and evolving consumer preferences. Flexible pouches, refill packs and concentrated product formats gained significant traction in home care, beauty and food, offering both waste reduction and cost savings. Aluminium cans and bottles, rPET bottles and FSC-certi

India’s packaging industry underwent rapid transformation driven by sustainability imperatives, evolving consumer lifestyles, regulatory shifts, economic pressures and the expanding influence of digital commerce in 2024. Packaging increasingly became a strategic lever for brands, a statement of values for consumers and a focal point for innovation. Novel pack types and formats moved into the mainstream, including flexible pouches, mini and travel-size packs and refill solutions. Flexible paper w

In 2024, Italy’s packaging landscape underwent a transformation driven by sustainability mandates, cost pressures and evolving consumer lifestyles. Across food, beverages, beauty, home care and pet care, brands embraced recent formats, such as paper-based packs and refill pouches, and growing formats, such as lightweight PET jars and flexible plastic, alongside smaller pack sizes (250-500ml) and single-serve options to meet portion-control needs and affordability demands.