Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, South Korea's packaging landscape across food, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, beauty and personal care, home care and pet food was defined by a tightening recyclability regime, the confirmation of the country's first mandatory recycled content rules, and the steady pull of demographic decline on consumption. Volumes diverged sharply by industry. Soft drinks edged up 2% to 13.8 billion units, beauty and personal care rose 3% to 2.5 billion units, and alcoholic drinks grew 1% to 8.2 billion units. Meanwhile, dairy, the largest food packaging category, contracted 2% to 5.4 billion units as a record-low birth rate and shrinking households eroded demand for fresh milk. Across nearly every industry, glass advanced on premiumisation, fibre-based formats moved into applications long held by plastic, and producers re-engineered rigid plastic towards clear, label-free, single-material designs built for clean separate collection.
2025 key trends
Two trends stood out in 2025. The first was the migration of rigid plastic, and PET in particular, towards clear, label-free and recycled content construction in anticipation of the colourless PET mandate. Lotte Chilsung Beverage applied 100% recycled PET to its flagship Chilsung Cider 500ml bottle — the first soft drink in South Korea packaged entirely in recycled PET. The company also extended recycled content, label-free and clear PET designs across its bottled water portfolio, including an ultra-light 500ml water bottle weighing 9 grammes, the lowest in the domestic industry, alongside a no-label 300ml carbonates format. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Korea continued to expand recycled content and colourless transparent PET bottles.
Demographics and recyclability grading reshape food packaging in South Korea
In 2025, South Korean food packaging was pulled in two directions: demographic decline weighed on staple categories, while convenience and premiumisation lifted others, with recyclability grading the common thread running through every aisle. Dairy, the largest food packaging category, contracted 2% to 5.4 billion units as a record-low birth rate and a shrinking school-age population removed high-frequency milk consumers. The category remains overwhelmingly a rigid plastic story, with HDPE and PET bottles and thin wall dominating. The defining development came in liquid cartons, where in October 2025 Seoul Dairy Cooperative became the first company in Korea to launch products in an aluminium-layer-free aseptic carton — SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier — beginning with its organic white milk, cutting the structure to FSC-certified paperboard and polymers and earning a recyclable grade.
Recycled content and label-free PET drive soft drinks packaging
In 2025, South Korean soft drinks packaging volumes edged higher, with total retail volumes rising 2% to 13.8 billion units, supported by resilient demand for carbonates, energy drinks, ready-to-drink tea and coffee, and bottled water. Rigid plastic — overwhelmingly PET bottles — remained the dominant format. Meanwhile, metal retained its prominent position in energy drinks and ready-to-drink coffee and tea on the strength of rapid chilling, light protection and recyclability. Glass was the best-performing pack type, rising on premiumisation across speciality, adult and on-the-go soft drinks.
Bottle reuse anchors a contracting alcoholic drinks market
In 2025, South Korean alcoholic drinks packaging grew by 1% to 8.2 billion units. Glass remained the largest pack type, reflecting soju and beer in reusable bottles. Liquid cartons was the best-performing group, albeit from a small base. The defining structural feature of the market remained bottle reuse. Since 2009, soju producers have operated a voluntary agreement to use a standardised green bottle of common size and design — around 290 grammes — that is interchangeable across brands, enabling collection and refilling without sorting.
Premiumisation and recycled content reshape beauty and personal care packaging
In 2025, South Korean beauty and personal care packaging grew 3% to 2.5 billion units, supported by premiumisation, the global momentum of K-beauty and steady demand for skin care, colour cosmetics and hair care. Rigid plastic remained the largest pack type, reflecting the ubiquity of squeezable plastic tubes, HDPE bottles in hair care and bath and shower, speciality cosmetic containers, and PET bottles. Glass was the best-performing pack type as premium skin care and fragrances lifted demand for higher-quality formats.
Mono-material refills and fibre cartons advance in home care
In 2025, South Korean home care packaging edged up 1% to 665 million units, supported by steady demand across dishwashing, laundry care, surface care and air care in a mature, highly urbanised market. Rigid plastic remained the largest pack type, while paper-based containers was the most dynamic on the cartonisation of dishwasher and laundry tablets. LG Household & Health Care, which in 2023 introduced Korea's first polyethylene mono-material refill pouch for dishwashing detergent, continued to expand recyclable mono-material refill formats rated excellent for recyclability.
Convenience and sustainability shape pet food packaging
In 2025, South Korean dog and cat food packaging volumes grew 2% to 419 million units, driven by a growing pet population, pet humanisation and rising demand for premium and human-grade products. By the end of 2024, almost 30% of Koreans owned pets, with over 15 million individuals identifying as pet owners. Flexible paper saw growth boosted by a national policy targeting a 20% reduction in plastic waste from food packaging and the use of eco-certified recyclable or compostable materials, enabled by advanced processing technologies that gave paper improved moisture resistance and durability. Sustainability is increasingly central. Since 2022, the Ministry of Environment has classified multi-material pouches fused with aluminium as difficult to recycle, prompting a push towards mono-material structures. Moreover, domestic food companies, including Nongshim, Pulmuone and CJ CheilJedang, have entered the market with functional, human-grade lines.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in South Korea 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 Korea, 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 Korea 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 Korea?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in South Korea?
- 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 Korea?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in South Korea
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Demographics and recyclability grading reshape food packaging in South Korea
Recycled content and label-free PET drive soft drinks packaging
Bottle reuse anchors a contracting alcoholic drinks market
Premiumisation and recycled content reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Mono-material refills and fibre cartons advance in home care
Convenience and sustainability shape pet food packaging
Recycled content mandates and recyclability grading
Bottle reuse and deposit systems
Impact on industry and consumers
Mandatory recycled content targets
Design for recyclability and label-free packaging
Reuse, collection and consumer responsibility
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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