Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, Malaysia’s packaging landscape across food, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, beauty and personal care, home care and pet food was shaped by cost-of-living pressures, selective premiumisation and an accelerating circular-economy agenda centred on the country’s forthcoming national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Unit volumes were broadly stable or modestly higher across most industries, while packaging strategies were influenced less by regulations already in force than by the direction of future regulation. Producers increasingly prepared for recycled-content and recyclability obligations that are expected to come into force but were not yet mandatory.
2025 key trends
Two trends stood out in 2025. The first was the growing integration of recycled content and domestic closed-loop recycling into mainstream packaging. With the EPR scheme expected to mandate minimum recycled-content levels, recycled PET continued to displace virgin resin in beverages, supported by the emergence of local bottle-to-bottle recycling capacity.
Convenience and premiumisation reshape Malaysia's food packaging
Food packaging in Malaysia in 2025 was shaped by stabilising but cost-sensitive demand, with each category balancing affordability, product protection and an increasingly visible recyclability agenda. Dairy, by far the largest food packaging category, grew 1% to 1,352 million units as demand tentatively stabilised; it remains structurally split between rigid plastic, at 659 million units or 49% of the total, and liquid cartons at 401 million units, or 30%. The standout dynamic was a surge in HDPE bottles, up 11% to 210 million units as fresh and pasteurised milk recovered, exemplified by Farm Fresh, the dominant ready-to-drink milk producer, which refreshed its UHT range and moved premium Nubian Goat's Milk into glass. Plant-based dairy, by contrast, fell 7% to 189 million units and remained overwhelmingly a carton story at 85% of volumes, with F&N's new NutriWell range and Ace Canning's expanded Soyfresh line reinforcing the brick carton as the default ambient format.
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging shifts towards recycled PET as sustainability preferences strengthen
Malaysia's soft drinks packaging held broadly steady in 2025, with total retail volumes edging up by less than 1% to 4,053 million units as consumption steadied and convenience-led, ready-to-drink and functional demand supported the category. Metal remained the dominant format at 1,880 million units, equivalent to around 46% of volumes, reflecting the enduring strength of the beverage can in carbonates, isotonic sports drinks and energy drinks, although metal volumes eased over the year. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, was the principal source of growth at 1,753 million units, extending its penetration across bottled water, carbonates and juice on the back of lightweighting and rising recycled content, while liquid cartons softened to 339 million units. Flexible packaging was the fastest-growing pack type group, up 8% to 19 million units, and glass advanced at a similar rate to 63 million units on premiumisation in selected adult soft drinks.
Cans gain share as Malaysian brewers reinforce returnable glass and recycled content
In 2025, Malaysia's alcoholic drinks packaging rose 1% to 252 million units, supported by resilient beer demand in a market shaped by high excise duties and a sizeable non-drinking population. Metal beverage cans and glass bottles together accounted for almost all volumes, with metal the larger and faster-growing group. Metal rose 1% to 166 million units, entirely aluminium beverage cans used across beer and stout, as consumers favoured convenient, single-serve and multipack formats. Glass bottles increased 1% to 86 million units.
Premiumisation and refillable formats lead beauty and personal care packaging
Beauty and personal care packaging in Malaysia was broadly flat in 2025, edging down by less than 1% to 1,262 million units, as steady demand for skin care, hair care and hygiene was balanced by softer flexible-packaging volumes. Rigid plastic remained dominant at 607 million units, or 48% of the total, reflecting the ubiquity of HDPE bottles, at 264 million units, in hair care and bath and shower, and squeezable plastic tubes, at 191 million units, across skin care and oral care. Flexible packaging and paper-based containers were closely matched as the next-largest groups, at 283 million and 280 million units respectively. Glass was the best-performing pack type, with retail volumes rising 5% to 68 million units as premium fragrances and skin care expanded, while flexible packaging was the weakest group, down 4%, dragged by a 10% fall in flexible paper.
Refill formats and aerosols lead a regulation-driven home care market
Malaysia's home care packaging grew 1% to 496 million units in 2025, supported by household formation, urbanisation and rising demand across laundry care, dishwashing, surface care and home insecticides. Rigid plastic remained the largest pack type group at 220 million units, with HDPE bottles, at 176 million units, anchoring laundry liquids, bleach, dishwashing and surface care, and PET bottles rising to 15 million units. Flexible packaging followed at 152 million units, led by flexible plastic at 95 million units and stand-up pouches at 35 million units — the latter up 5% on the strength of refills and sachets — while paper-based folding cartons reached 68 million units. Metal was the best-performing group, rising 3% to 47 million units, led by aerosol cans, up 3% to 46 million units, in home insecticides and air care.
Flexible pouches reshape Malaysia's dog and cat food packaging
Pet food packaging in Malaysia grew strongly in 2025, with dog and cat food unit volumes rising 7% to 185 million units on steady demand for both dog and cat food. Cat food remained the major category driving total volumes, led by wet cat food, as Malaysian consumers increasingly favoured single-serve formats that offer freshness, portion control and hygiene for the indoor cats that dominate pet ownership. Flexible packaging was the best-performing pack type, up 9% to 126 million units, with aluminium/plastic pouches the most dynamic format in both dog and cat food, valued for their light weight, strong barrier properties, portion-friendly sizes and affordability. Metal food cans remained widely used in wet cat and dog food for their preservation qualities, while aluminium trays gained strongly in wet dog food on durability and premium cues.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Malaysia 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 Malaysia, 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 Malaysia 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 Malaysia?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Malaysia?
- 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 Malaysia?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Malaysia
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Convenience and premiumisation reshape Malaysia's food packaging
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging shifts towards recycled PET as sustainability preferences strengthen
Cans gain share as Malaysian brewers reinforce returnable glass and recycled content
Premiumisation and refillable formats lead beauty and personal care packaging
Refill formats and aerosols lead a regulation-driven home care market
Flexible pouches reshape Malaysia's dog and cat food packaging
Malaysia updates food packaging rules for clearer labelling
Malaysia advances a national EPR scheme and mandatory eco-design
Regulation and recycled content drive Malaysia's packaging shift
Major FMCG players lead voluntary initiatives to support Malaysia's circular economy goals
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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