Packaging in 2025: The big picture
In 2025, the landscape of packaging in Australia across food, beverages, alcoholic drinks, beauty and personal care, home care and pet food was defined by the completion of nationwide container deposit coverage, the inability to fully meet 2025 National Packaging Targets, and a steady migration towards recyclable, recycled-content and mono-material formats. Retail unit volumes rose across most industries, supported by population growth, premiumisation, e-commerce development and the continued demand for convenient, single-serve packs, even as cost-of-living pressure and selective downsizing tempered the pace. Metal beverage cans and aluminium /plastic pouches were principal growth engines in beverages and food, glass advanced by leveraging on premiumisation in categories like beauty and condiments, and fibre-based formats moved decisively into applications long held by plastic and expanded polystyrene. Refillable systems, concentrated formulations and lightweighted bottles expanded in home care and personal care, while resealable pouches and aluminium trays continued to gain traction in food and pet food.
2025 key trends
Two trends stood out in 2025. The first was the embedding of smart, scannable features into packaging to support transparency and end-of-life guidance. QR codes are now used to share recycling instructions and sourcing information. Mondelez has placed a QR code linking to its recycling-guidance platform on the new Cadbury Drinking Chocolate. The new packaging features Sonoco’s EnviroCan design, facilitating a move from the traditional metal bottom to a paper bottom made from over 60% recycled cardboard. In addition, pet food players are adding codes for traceability alongside premium cues. This accelerates a shift from plastic to fibre, driven by recyclability targets and the absence of scalable kerbside collection for soft plastics.
Sustainability as the driving force in Australian food packaging innovation
In 2025, sustainability remained the central force shaping food packaging across all major categories, from dairy and sauces to confectionery, ready meals and baby food. Dairy, Australia's largest food packaging category by units, grew by 5% in 2025 to reach just over five billion units, underpinned by firm milk production and an expanding export base. This remained overwhelmingly a rigid plastic story built on HDPE milk bottles and thin wall plastic yoghurt pots. The clearest brand signal came from Chobani, whose recyclable 100% PET Gippsland Dairy Crafted pot — designed for kerbside recycling under Australasian Recycling Label guidance — won Best Packaging at the 2025 HIVE Awards. Flexible packaging was the fastest-growing pack group in dairy, up by 10% in 2025 to reach 1.4 billion units, leveraging on resealable, lightweight yoghurt pouches.
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging embraces recyclability and innovation
In 2025, total soft drinks packaging in Australia continued its shift towards recyclable, recycled-content formats, with retail volumes rising by 5% to 6.5 billion units as RTD (ready-to-drink), energy drinks and functional categories expanded. Metal, overwhelmingly dominated by beverage cans, remained the largest and one of the fastest-moving formats at 2.9 billion units, or a 45% share of the total, valued for its light weight, rapid chilling, complete barrier to light and oxygen, and strong recyclability. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, held second place on lightweighting and rising recycled content, reaching 2.4 billion units in 2025. Meanwhile, flexible packaging led growth in percentage terms, up by 8% to 139 million units, leveraging on aluminium /plastic pouches for juice and sports drinks.
Aluminium beverage cans gain momentum in alcoholic drinks packaging
In 2025, total alcoholic drinks packaging in Australia edged higher, with retail volumes up by 1% to 5.2 billion units. This performance was supported by the resilience of beer and the continued expansion of ready-to-drink products, seltzers and canned cocktails. Glass bottles remained the largest format at three billion units, or a 57% share of the total, underpinned by wine and premium beer. Metal followed at 2.2 billion units, overwhelmingly aluminium beverage cans, which were the principal growth driver in beer, cider, seltzers and canned cocktails. Flexible packaging was the fastest-growing pack type group, up by 26% to 12 million units, leveraging on aluminium /plastic pouches, although it remained a very small niche. Meanwhile, liquid cartons grew by 22% and paper-based containers — including bag in box wine — rose strongly to 28 million units in 2025.
Eco-friendly and refillable packaging leads beauty innovation
In 2025, total beauty and personal care packaging in Australia grew by 3% to 1.2 billion units, supported by premiumisation, e-commerce and rising demand for skin care, hair care and hygiene products. Rigid plastic remained dominant at 680 million units, or a 55% share of the total, reflecting the popularity of squeezable plastic tubes in skin care, HDPE bottles in hair care and bath and shower, and PET bottles. Meanwhile, glass was the fastest-growing pack type group in 2025, up by 5% to reach 91 million units as premium skin care and fragrances gained momentum.
Flexible, refillable and compact are the new home care packaging standards
In 2025, total home care packaging in Australia grew by 2% to reach 642 million units, supported by population growth and steady demand across laundry care, dishwashing, surface care and air care. Rigid plastic remained overwhelmingly dominant at 395 million units, reflecting, for example, the popularity of HDPE bottles as packaging for laundry liquids, bleach and surface care, and PET bottles for trigger spray products and in dishwashing. Meanwhile, metal was the fastest-growing pack type group in 2025, up by 3% to reach 88 million units, leveraging on the strength of metal aerosol cans in air care, home insecticides, polishes and surface care. In addition, refill formats advanced strongly, with refill stand-up pouches rising by 10% in 2025 to reach 28 million units as concentrated and dilute-at-home formats reduced plastic per use.
Sustainable and convenient packaging trends in pet food
In 2025, total dog and cat food packaging in Australia recorded a 4% rise in retail volumes to reach 2.7 billion units. Growth was boosted by consumers seeking convenient and sustainable options. Small single-serve packs of 85g and 100g remain popular for their convenience and affordability, with brands such as Whiskas and Optimum leading this area. Meanwhile, aluminium /plastic pouches and resealable closures continued to gain popularity by preserving freshness and supporting portion control. Aluminium trays were the leading pack type in dog food in 2025, valued for their barrier properties, recyclability and premium appearance. Brands such as Cesar Gourmet and My Dog are expanding their 100g aluminium tray ranges. Meanwhile, in cat food packaging, stand-up pouches (especially aluminium /plastic pouches) and metal food cans lead. The latter pack type is trusted for wet cat food on the strength of airtight seals, long shelf life and high recyclability, as seen in ranges such as Ziwi Peak, Hill's Science Diet and Dine. Composite containers, due to a dynamic performance in cat treats and mixers, emerged as the best-performing pack type in 2025, with retail volumes rising by 112% in 2025, albeit from a tiny base, helped by 85g pouches from brands like Whiskas Temptations.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Australia 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 Australia, 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 Australia 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 Australia?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Australia?
- 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 Australia?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Australia
Packaging in 2025: The big picture
2025 key trends
Sustainability as the driving force in Australian food packaging innovation
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging embraces recyclability and innovation
Aluminium beverage cans gain momentum in alcoholic drinks packaging
Eco-friendly and refillable packaging leads beauty innovation
Flexible, refillable and compact are the new home care packaging standards
Sustainable and convenient packaging trends in pet food
Australia's push for stronger packaging laws and recycled content
Australia moves from voluntary targets towards a mandatory framework
ACCC and the soft plastics regulatory reset
Australia expands domestic recycling capacity
Australia's national kerbside recycling standard
From food waste to compost: Australia's circular recycling push
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
- 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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