Packaging in 2025: the big picture
South Africa's packaging market continued to be reshaped in 2025 by two converging forces: a hardening regulatory commitment to producer responsibility, and a price-sensitive consumer base that rewards both affordability and convenience. Across packaged food, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, beauty and personal care, home care and pet food, manufacturers refined their format mix to lower material use, improve recyclability and absorb the per-tonne fees levied under the country's mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. The result was steady, broad-based volume growth led by recyclable rigid plastics and metal, alongside a slow but visible structural shift towards recycled content, mono-material design and refillable systems.
Evolving packaging shift towards value and everyday convenience
A prominent and enduring trend in South Africa's packaging market is the move towards formats that deliver value while adapting to changing consumption patterns. With cost-of-living pressure still shaping household budgets, manufacturers continued to work both ends of the size spectrum simultaneously. Larger bulk packs in home care and pet food appealed to value-seeking and larger households looking to reduce shopping frequency and cost per use, while smaller single-serve and portion-controlled formats expanded across food, beverages and pet care to suit tighter budgets, on-the-go lifestyles and the informal trade.
Smaller, single-serve packaging trends across multiple food categories
In 2025, South Africa's food packaging industry sustained its shift towards smaller, single-serve and portion-controlled pack sizes alongside resilient demand for staple formats. Dairy, the country's largest food packaging category by units, grew 3% to 3,523 million units on steady demand for fresh and long-life milk, maas, yoghurt and drinking yoghurt across both branded and growing private-label ranges. The category remains overwhelmingly led by rigid plastic, which accounts for 52% of dairy volumes, keeping material costs and the per-tonne EPR fee firmly in focus for bottle users.
PET and cans shape South Africa's beverage packaging
South Africa's soft drinks packaging landscape in 2025 was defined by a strong volume rebound and the continued tightening of PET's grip. Total soft drinks packaging retail volumes rose 6% to 10,384 million units, up from 9,760 million units in 2024, as a recovery in beverage consumption outweighed continued price sensitivity. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, remained by far the largest pack type group and was also the fastest-growing, with volumes climbing 7% to 6,494 million units as PET captured the bulk of the year's incremental demand across carbonated and still drinks.
Rising preference for metal beverage cans in alcoholic drinks
Glass bottles remained the anchor of South Africa's alcoholic drinks packaging in 2025, but metal beverage cans continued to gain share within a market still led by beer. Total alcoholic drinks packaging retail volumes rose 2% to 6,358 million units, with glass remaining overwhelmingly dominant at 4,313 million units, reflecting beer, ready-to-drink products, wine and spirits as well as the persistence of returnable bottle systems. Within this glass-led structure, the shift towards cans was unmistakable.
Glass premiumisation and refill formats reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Sustainability and premiumisation remained the twin forces shaping beauty and personal care packaging in South Africa in 2025, with the format mix increasingly influenced by producer-responsibility obligations and the rise of refill models. Total beauty and personal care packaging retail volumes rose 6% to 2,164 million units, building on growth in skin care, hair care and hygiene as a young, urbanising population expanded its routines and e-commerce widened access. Rigid plastic remained dominant at 832 million units, led by squeezable plastic tubes and HDPE bottles that suit the everyday workhorse formats of the category.
HDPE bottles and aerosol cans shape home care packaging
Home care packaging in South Africa during 2025 continued to revolve around the HDPE bottle, while metal emerged as the fastest-growing major pack type. Total home care packaging retail volumes rose 3% to 1,934 million units, supported by household growth and resilient demand across laundry care, surface care, dishwashing and air care. Rigid plastic remained dominant at 688 million units, anchored by HDPE bottles at 600 million units across laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, toilet and other liquid cleaners, where durability, light weight and recyclability suit everyday cleaning routines, while larger pack sizes meet demand for value.
Flexible packaging focuses on convenience through resealable pouches
Flexible packaging remained the dominant format in South Africa's dog and cat food market in 2025, even as cost-of-living pressures weighed on overall growth. Total dog and cat food packaging unit volumes increased just 1% to 165 million units, as consumers prioritised staple pet nutrition over impulse and indulgence purchases, leaving treats and mixers for both cats and dogs in decline. Beneath this subdued headline, the core dry and wet food categories continued to grow steadily, with cat food packaging edging up on increased demand for dry cat food. Flexible packaging, mainly aluminium/plastic pouches and flexible plastic, dominated the category, with flexible plastic especially popular for dry cat food because it offers convenience to producers and end users while supporting lightweight, easy-to-store and resealable formats.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in South Africa 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 South Africa, 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 South Africa 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 South Africa?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in South Africa?
- 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 South Africa?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in South Africa
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
Evolving packaging shift towards value and everyday convenience
Smaller, single-serve packaging trends across multiple food categories
PET and cans shape South Africa's beverage packaging
Rising preference for metal beverage cans in alcoholic drinks
Glass premiumisation and refill formats reshape beauty and personal care packaging
HDPE bottles and aerosol cans shape home care packaging
Flexible packaging focuses on convenience through resealable pouches
Strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations
The Health Promotion Levy and beverage packaging
Expansion of circular economy and recycling infrastructure
Tackling plastic pollution through collaborative action
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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