Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, packaging across Hong Kong’s food, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, beauty and personal care, home care and pet food industries was shaped by the convergence of producer-responsibility reform, the emergence of a local recycling loop and the steady premiumisation of a small, mature and overwhelmingly import-led market. The defining structural development was legislative: in July 2025 the Legislative Council passed a bill establishing a common framework for producer responsibility schemes, paving the way for a scheme covering plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons. Alongside this, the first phase of the disposable plastic tableware ban remained in effect, while the emergence of local food-grade PET recycling signalled that packaging strategy is increasingly governed by what the territory’s recycling system can actually recover.
2025 key trends
The dominant theme across Hong Kong’s packaging industries in 2025 was the alignment of design choices with a tightening but still largely voluntary sustainability agenda, set against the structural realities of a compact, convenience-driven city. Refill and circularity gained visible momentum, while brands increasingly re-engineered formats around recyclability and recovery rather than cost avoidance. Mono-material and fibre-based solutions advanced where Hong Kong’s single-use plastics regime and consumer preferences allowed, while premium glass strengthened in beverages and food on quality and infinite-recyclability cues.
Producer-responsibility reform and a fibre shift reshape a mature food packaging market
Hong Kong's food packaging in 2025 was characterised by modest overall growth, a clear divergence between premium and value formats and a gradual rebalancing towards lighter, more recoverable materials. Confectionery grew 2% to 445 million units. Flexible film retained the largest share at 78%—the highest of any local food category—presenting recycling challenges in the absence of mandatory regulations. Meanwhile, metal was the fastest-growing format in confectionery, up 6% to 14 million units driven by premium gifting tins, while rigid plastic rose 3% to 42 million units, driven by demand for chewing gum packaging.
A local recycling loop reshapes soft drinks packaging as PET dominance holds
Soft drinks packaging extended its steady growth in 2025, rising 2% to 1,980 million units, supported by premiumisation, the shift towards reduced-sugar and functional drinks and resilient on-the-go and e-commerce demand. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, remained the dominant format at 1,227 million units, where lightweighting and rising recycled content have helped contain cost and improve recyclability. Liquid cartons held the second-largest position due to Hong Kong's substantial juice and milk-based ready-to-drink consumption, while metal beverage cans saw positive results. Glass was the best-performing pack type group, with volumes rising 7% to 40 million units, driven by premiumisation and the hospitality sector's emphasis on sustainability.
A spirits-tax cut lifts premium glass as cans gain in alcoholic drinks packaging
Alcoholic drinks packaging rose 1% in 2025 to 370 million units, supported by a tourism revival, premiumisation and the government’s deep cut to the spirits duty in this import-led entrepot market. Glass remained overwhelmingly dominant at 269 million units, reflecting Hong Kong’s role as a hub for premium wine and spirits, an advantage reinforced by the reduction, from October 2024, of the duty on spirits with an import value above HKD200, which cut the rate on the portion above that threshold from 100% to 10% and encouraged premium, elaborately packaged bottles. Metal followed at 94 million units, almost entirely aluminium beverage cans in beer and fast-growing ready-to-drink products, prized for their portability, chilling speed and recyclability.
Refill schemes and recycled content steady a mature beauty and personal care market
Beauty and personal care packaging was broadly flat in 2025, edging down by less than 1% to 283 million units, as a mature, highly penetrated market balanced steady skin care and hygiene demand against softer mass-market volumes. Rigid plastic remained overwhelmingly dominant at 160 million units, and was the only pack type group to grow, reflecting the ubiquity of HDPE bottles (69 million units) in hair care and bath and shower and squeezable plastic tubes (49 million units) across skin care and oral care. Paper-based containers, almost entirely folding cartons, formed the second-largest group at 62 million units, while flexible packaging reached 41 million units on continued demand for samples, travel-friendly formats and refill pouches. Within an otherwise softer mix, stand-up pouches grew 6% to 12 million units and collapsible metal tubes rose 2% from a small base, while glass fell 3% to 14 million units and metal declined 1% to 6 million units.
Recyclable design steadies a small, import-led home care market
Home care packaging rose by less than 1% in 2025 to 93 million units, reflecting a small, mature and largely import-led market with stable household demand for laundry care, dishwashing and surface care. Rigid plastic remained the dominant pack type group at 62 million units, reflecting the ubiquity of HDPE bottles (44 million units) in liquid detergents, dishwashing and surface care and PET bottles (15 million units) in sprays. Paper-based containers, almost entirely folding cartons, recorded 12 million units, while flexible packaging reached 16 million units, led by flexible plastic at 14 million units, and metal stood at around 3 million units, anchored by aerosol cans in air care.
Premiumisation and convenience drive dog and cat food packaging
Dog and cat food packaging grew 3% in 2025 to 197 million units, driven by pet humanisation, premiumisation, sustainability initiatives and e-commerce expansion. Metal was the best-performing pack type group, rising 5% to 49 million units, while aluminium/plastic pouches were the most dynamic individual format, up 7%, benefiting from the premiumisation of wet and fresh pet food, which demands packaging that ensures freshness, aroma retention and extended shelf life. Urban pet owners increasingly favoured single-serve and resealable pouches for convenience and portion control, suited to compact living and online distribution, while the rise of functional, freeze-dried and fresh formats accelerated adoption of high-barrier laminates and recyclable mono-material structures incorporating post-consumer recycled content.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Hong Kong, China 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 Hong Kong, China, 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 Hong Kong, China 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 Hong Kong, China?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Hong Kong, China?
- 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 Hong Kong, China?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Hong Kong, China
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Producer-responsibility reform and a fibre shift reshape a mature food packaging market
A local recycling loop reshapes soft drinks packaging as PET dominance holds
A spirits-tax cut lifts premium glass as cans gain in alcoholic drinks packaging
Refill schemes and recycled content steady a mature beauty and personal care market
Recyclable design steadies a small, import-led home care market
Premiumisation and convenience drive dog and cat food packaging
Producer-responsibility reform establishes a common framework for beverage packaging
A local recycling loop turns Hong Kong's used PET back into bottles
Retailers and brands turn stores into recycling hubs
Country Reports 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
- 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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