Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, Mexico's packaging industry across food, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, beauty and personal care, home care and pet food continued to be shaped by sustainability, circularity and cost-conscious consumption. Unit volumes diverged by industry: dog and cat food, and food grew, soft drinks and home care held broadly flat, and alcoholic drinks, and beauty and personal care contracted under affordability pressure. Across the board, the dominant materials story was less about wholesale substitution than about recycled content, lightweighting and the steady migration from heavy rigid formats towards lighter cartons, pouches and recyclable mono-materials. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET and HDPE bottles, tightened its grip in soft drinks and home care, aluminium beverage cans advanced strongly in alcoholic drinks as canned beer gained share, and flexible pouches reshaped protein, dairy, and dog and cat food.
2025 key trends
Two trends stood out in 2025. The first was the deepening of Mexico's returnable and refillable culture as a route to both affordability and circularity. In beverages, returnable glass remained a large pillar of soft drinks, with returnable PET also having a prominent presence. Meanwhile, in alcoholic drinks, Grupo Modelo's Cada Botella Cuenta programme reported that around half of its glass bottles sold are returnable, with a 96% return rate, and Heineken Mexico reported 41% of sales volumes in returnable packaging. In home care, and beauty and personal care, refill formats scaled, from L'Oréal's refillable beauty range launched around World Refill Day to recycle-ready stand-up pouches for liquid detergents and surface cleaners.
Lighter formats and recycled content reshape food packaging
Food packaging in Mexico was broadly flat to modestly higher across categories in 2025, with sustainability and cost management the key drivers of innovation. Dairy, among the largest food packaging categories, edged down 0.1% to 13.9 billion units and remained an overwhelmingly rigid plastic story, with HDPE and PET bottles and thin wall pots dominating volumes. Its most relevant packaging dynamic is Mexico's well-developed bottle-recovery system. PetStar, the world's largest food-grade PET recycling plant, part of the Coca-Cola system in Mexico, collected 5.5 billion PET bottles in 2025. Confectionery, another key category, expanded and remained the most flexible packaging-dependent aisle in the country, making it the front line of the plastics-to-paper debate.
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging holds firm on PET as recycled content and returnables expand
Soft drinks packaging volumes were broadly flat in 2025, edging up 0.2% to 35.2 billion units as cost-conscious consumption and a maturing carbonates and bottled water base limited growth. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, tightened its hold as the dominant format. Glass also retained a strong presence, the bulk of it returnable bottles sold through traditional trade. Material innovation centred on recycled PET and the entrenched returnable system rather than on switching pack types. Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest bottler in the market, reported 27% recycled content in its primary packaging and the collection of more than 123,000 tonnes of PET, and deepened food-grade recycling through PLANETA, its rPET plant in Tabasco operated as a joint venture with ALPLA, and the SUSTENTAPET collection network. The industry-backed body ECOCE continued to support a national PET collection rate of roughly 64%, among the highest in the Americas. Plastics remain the primary material for beverage packaging during this transition, but the incoming circular economy framework, with its EPR obligations, is repositioning the economics of the PET bottle towards recyclable, single-material, high-rPET designs.
Aluminium cans close in on returnable glass in alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks packaging saw total retail volumes decline by 1% to 19.3 billion units in 2025. The market is split almost entirely between two formats: glass remained the largest group, reflecting Mexico's deep-rooted returnable beer bottle culture and spirits demand, while metal followed closely, almost entirely aluminium beverage cans. Metal was the best-performing pack type group, expanding as canned beer gained share in both domestic and export-oriented production.
Refill and recycled-content formats reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Beauty and personal care packaging contracted in 2025, with retail volumes falling 2% to 5.5 billion units, as softer demand and lightweighting weighed on a large, value-driven market even as self-care routines and premiumisation provided support. Rigid plastic remained the largest pack type, reflecting the ubiquity of squeezable plastic tubes across skin care and oral care, and HDPE bottles in hair care, and bath and shower. An unusually large flexible packaging segment, built on single-serve sachets, underlined the importance of affordability at the value end of the market. Metal proved the most resilient group on the strength of aerosol cans in deodorants and hair care.
Refill pouches and recycled content become standard in home care packaging
Home care packaging edged up 1% to 4.5 billion units in 2025, supported by steady demand across laundry care, dishwashing, surface care and air care. Rigid plastic was both the largest and the fastest-growing of the major pack types, with HDPE bottles anchoring laundry, bleach and surface care and PET bottles supporting air care and dishwashing on the basis of the format’s chemical resistance. Flexible packaging followed closely with the flexible plastic pouch surging as refills of liquid detergents and surface cleaners gained ground.
Pet food packaging moves towards convenient, sustainable pouches
Dog and cat food packaging was among the fastest-growing industries in 2025, with retail volumes rising 6% to 1.1 billion units, supported by rising pet ownership, premiumisation and the expansion of modern retail and e-commerce. Flexible packaging dominated, reflecting the central role of pouches and flexible plastic bags. Aluminium/plastic pouches surged as the format gained share for its convenience, compact size, freshness preservation, and sustainability credentials. The shift is driven by younger, urban consumers seeking premium, specialised products, functional treats and smaller, portion-controlled packs, with e-commerce and modern retail widening the range of formats on offer.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Mexico 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 Mexico, 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 Mexico 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 Mexico?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Mexico?
- 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 Mexico?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Mexico
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Lighter formats and recycled content reshape food packaging
Non-alcoholic drinks packaging holds firm on PET as recycled content and returnables expand
Aluminium cans close in on returnable glass in alcoholic drinks
Refill and recycled-content formats reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Refill pouches and recycled content become standard in home care packaging
Pet food packaging moves towards convenient, sustainable pouches
A federal circular economy law brings mandatory producer responsibility
Front-of-pack warning labelling reshapes pack design
Voluntary plastics agreement and collection infrastructure drive recyclability
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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