Packaging in 2025: the big picture
Packaging in Saudi Arabia continued to be shaped by sustainability, cost efficiency and consumer convenience in 2025, with the Kingdom's circular-economy ambitions under Vision 2030 moving steadily from rhetoric towards regulation. Across food and beverages, rigid plastic and the aseptic carton remained essential packaging in a hot-climate and an import-reliant market, even as paper, board, glass and recycled content advanced due to recyclability goals and growing environmental awareness. The single most influential development of the year was regulatory: alongside a draft technical regulation on packaging under development by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) introduced new packaging and labelling rules for fresh produce. In addition, the framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the 2021 Waste Management Law continued to take shape.
2025 key trends
One of the defining trends of 2025 was the shift towards recyclable and recycled content packaging, driven by consumer awareness and the tightening policy backdrop under Vision 2030. Brands increasingly favoured lightweighting, mono-material design and recycled PET (rPET) to lower both environmental impact and cost. The clearest brand signal came from dairy leader Almarai, which reported an estimated 280 tonnes of plastic reduction in its dairy packaging during 2025 through lightweighting and design refinements, working with carton suppliers SIG and Tetra Pak. Across its wider portfolio, Almarai had achieved a cumulative net reduction of 7,506 tonnes of plastics and paper against a 2018 baseline by the 2025. In soft drinks, international bottlers continued to embed recycled content and more recyclable bottle and closure designs, even though the national PET recycling rate remained low at around 10%.
Sustainability, lightweighting and portion control shape 2025 food packaging
Food packaging showed clear movement in both pack types and pack sizes across major categories in 2025. Dairy, by far the Kingdom's largest food packaging category, grew 3% to 3,113 million units, underpinned by a young, urbanising population and the localisation of dairy supply under Vision 2030. It remains a rigid-plastic-led, carton-heavy category: rigid plastic bottles and pots account for 1,659 million units, or 53% of volumes, with aseptic and gable-top liquid cartons unusually prominent at 882 million units (28%) in a market where ambient long-life milk is a staple. Almarai's lightweighting programme and SADAFCO's one-litre aseptic bricks for long-life Saudia milk illustrate the two levers available where a format cannot be eliminated — trimming bottle weight and refining the multi-layer carton. Elsewhere, fibre and glass advanced into territory long held by other materials. In processed fruit and vegetables (up 4% to 621 million units), where metal commands the highest share of any category at 84% (523 million units), glass surged 16% to 11 million units and liquid cartons rose 14% as recyclable formats gained on the can. Confectionery, the most flexible-dominated category at 89% of volumes (2,543 million units), saw paper-based folding cartons grow fastest, up 6% to 237 million units driven by premium chocolate gifting. Processed meat and seafood grew 4% to 587 million units as Almarai's SAR18 billion diversification into seafood, beef and lamb channelled more chilled and frozen protein into flexible vacuum packs, the most dynamic group at 202 million units. Pack-size dynamics also evolved, with smaller, portion-controlled packs spreading in dairy, baby food and processed meat, while multipacks and family value packs retained momentum among budget-conscious households. In baby food, the metal tin stayed central, reinforced by Nestlé's mid-2025 rollout of its premium NAN Sinergity formula across the Middle East, even as spouted pouches grew fastest.
Convenience and premiumisation drive pet food packaging innovation
Dog and cat food packaging was among the most dynamic categories in 2025, with unit volumes rising 12% to 88 million units, reflecting a rapidly growing number of pet-owning households — particularly fast-rising dog adoption alongside strong cat ownership — and a shift towards premium nutrition, wet food and treats. Paper-based containers were the best-performing pack type, up 14% from a low base, while squeezable plastic tubes saw dynamic growth for wet treats, toppers and lickable pastes, led by brands such as CIAO Churu and Vitakraft, valued for clean, portion-controlled feeding during training, travel or as meal enhancers.
PET and recyclability shape soft drinks packaging as glass remains dominant in non-alcoholic drinks
Soft drinks packaging extended its growth in 2025, with total retail volumes rising 3% to 20,272 million units, up from 19,612 million in 2024, supported by a young, fast-growing population, persistently hot weather and rising demand for bottled water, carbonates and functional beverages. Rigid plastic — overwhelmingly PET bottles — remained both the dominant format and the strongest performer, up 4% to 14,416 million units, equivalent to more than seven in every ten units, as single-serve, on-the-go consumption favoured lightweight, portable packaging. Metal beverage cans, the second-largest format, advanced on energy drinks and carbonates, while glass grew more modestly on premiumisation in sparkling water and juices and liquid cartons continued to lose ground.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in Saudi Arabia?
- 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 Saudi Arabia?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in Saudi Arabia
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Sustainability, lightweighting and portion control shape 2025 food packaging
Convenience and premiumisation drive pet food packaging innovation
PET and recyclability shape soft drinks packaging as glass remains dominant in non-alcoholic drinks
Saudi Arabia shifts toward more comprehensive packaging legislation
MEWA introduces new packaging and labelling rules for fresh produce
The Waste Management Law and circular packaging committee advance EPR preparations
Saudi Arabia’s recycling rates are low by international standards
Recycling capacity expands under SIRC and the petrochemical sector
Vision 2030 and the circular-economy agenda raise landfill-diversion targets
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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