Report Overview

Increasing demand for carton paper from the e-commerce sector and stringent regulations on plastic packaging are expected to boost the growth of UAE Packaging Market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

UAE Packaging Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

UAE packaging market size was estimated to be worth USD 13.75 billion in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the UAE packaging market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.85%, reaching a value of USD 19.34 billion by 2029. Major growth factors for the UAE packaging market include increasing demand for consumer goods including food and beverages and personal care products and the flourishing e-commerce industry in the Gulf nation. Furthermore, innovations in the packaging designs and materials brought on by the packaging manufacturers are anticipated to proliferate the market growth during the forecast period.

UAE Packaging Market – Overview

Packaging refers to the wrapping or bottling of goods to protect them from deterioration during storage and transit. Packaging serves a variety of purposes, including handling convenience, information transfer, tamper-resistance, physical protection, and aesthetics. Packaging is what presents the product in the best possible way, communicates the product's benefits to consumers, displays the product's price and value, and makes the product physically visible at different distribution points.

UAE Packaging Market

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand from the E-commerce Sector

According to a report by Dubai Economy, e-commerce in the UAE is expected to reach AED 73 billion (approximately USD 19 billion) by 2023. The increasing internet penetration and rising popularity and convenience of online payment platforms are significantly proliferating the growth of the e-commerce sector in the country. Good packaging ensures the safe delivery of the product, and labeling enables brand promotion. The expanding e-commerce sector is also anticipated to proliferate the demand for packaging in the UAE, propelling the overall market growth.

Restraints

Stringent Government Regulations on Packaging

The UAE government agencies are developing environmental safety measures in response to the growing environmental issues brought on by the widespread usage of plastic packaging materials. Several regulatory bodies are creating regulations requiring packaging businesses to restrict the use of particular packaging materials. According to The National News, all types of plastic bags will be banned in the Gulf nation as of January 01, 2024. Beginning January 01, 2026, the importation of plastic cutlery, drinkware, styrofoam, and packaging will be outlawed. This may act as a major restraint for the UAE packaging market.

Impact of COVID-19 on the UAE Packaging Market

The COVID-19 pandemic presented new growth opportunities to the UAE packaging market. The market witnessed a tremendous shift towards online stores for the purchase of regular groceries and other goods such as clothes. As a result, packaging recorded prolific demand from the e-commerce industry. Furthermore, food and beverages were flagged as essential items. Panic purchasing and extensive hoarding of necessary products and deliverables occurred as a result of people buying stuff in preparation for a lockdown. Bulk orders for everything from staple meals to fresh goods were placed through online platforms.

UAE Packaging Market

Segmental Coverage

UAE Packaging Market – By Type

Based on type, the UAE packaging market is segregated into paperboard, plastic, glass, and metal. The plastic packaging segment accounts for the highest market share owing to its high durability and sealability. It also helps extend the product's shelf life, cutting down on food waste by 8%. However, paperboard packaging is anticipated to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is mainly attributed to the imposition of a ban on single-use plastic in the UAE and a market shift towards sustainable packaging in the country.

UAE Packaging Market – By End-Use Industry

Based on End user industry, the UAE packaging market is segmented into food and beverage, industrial, and other end-use industries. The food and beverages industry dominates the UAE packaging market. Specific types of packaging materials are used for different foods and beverages to prevent contamination and increase the shelf life of the products. Attractive packaging acts as a crucial marketing tool for products to catch consumers’ attention and create a unique brand identity, which contributes to its demand in the food & beverages industry.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the UAE packaging market include Arabian Packaging Co. LLC, RAK Packaging Company Limited, Queenex Corrugated Carton Factory, Falcon Pack, World Pack Industries LLC, Universal Carton Industries LLC, Express Pack Print, Green Packaging Boxes IND LLC, Tarboosh Packaging Co. LLC, and Unipack Containers & Carton Products LLC.

To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In April 2021 - Deliveroo, an online food delivery company based in the United Kingdom, launched a new online packaging shop as part of its environmental, social, and governance objectives.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Paperboard

• Plastic

• Glass

• Metal

By End-use Industry

• Food & Beverages

• Industrial

• Other End-use Industries