Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, the UK packaging landscape continued its accelerated transformation as sustainability priorities, regulatory change and shifting consumer expectations converged. The defining development of the year was the move of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging into its charging phase. The scheme administrator, PackUK, confirmed base fees in June 2025, alongside the legal confirmation of a UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers ahead of its October 2027 launch. Together these measures sharpened the financial case for recyclable, single-material and recycled-content packaging, prompting brands and retailers to move decisively away from hard-to-recycle virgin plastics and towards designs that recover cleanly within national infrastructure.
2025 key trends
In 2025, intensifying regulatory measures, principally Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging and the confirmed Deposit Return Scheme, combined with growing corporate sustainability commitments to accelerate the UK's transition towards circular materials. With EPR moving into its charging phase and PackUK confirming base fees in June 2025, producers now face direct, material-specific costs that reward higher recycled content and reduced reliance on virgin plastics. The confirmed fee structure, ranging from GBP192 per tonne for glass and GBP196 for paper and card to GBP266 for aluminium and GBP423 for plastic, with liquid cartons carrying the steepest charge at GBP461 per tonne, is prompting brands to re-engineer packaging from the ground up.
Changing consumer behaviour and economic pressures drive the shift towards convenience-focused and flexible packaging formats
Evolving lifestyles, on-the-go consumption patterns and the gradual easing of cost-of-living pressure collectively supported strong growth in flexible, lightweight and convenience-led packaging across the UK market in 2025. Consumers increasingly favoured pouches, stand-up bags and resealable formats, which offer portability, ease of use and reduced material consumption while keeping prices accessible. Flexible packaging saw growth as refill and single-serve formats expanded. Parallel to this shift was a pronounced divergence in pack-size preferences. Smaller single-serve and resealable formats expanded on the back of portion control and food-waste reduction. Meanwhile, larger family-size and value packs grew among cost-conscious households seeking better price-per-unit value. Digital retail amplified this behaviour, encouraging brands to develop packaging that is ergonomic, protective and optimised for home delivery and click-and-collect environments. Together, these changes reflect a broader structural transition in which user experience, affordability and material efficiency are becoming as critical as sustainability itself.
Rising sustainability expectations and inflationary pressures reshape food packaging formats
Food packaging in the UK is undergoing rapid transformation as brands balance sustainability expectations with affordability. Total packaged food packaging volumes rose by 0.4% in 2025 to around 74.2 billion units, and are forecast to rise at a CAGR of 1% to 79.7 billion units over the forecast period. Dairy remained the UK's largest food packaging category, growing 1% to 13.3 billion units as domestic milk supply stabilised after the weather-driven disruption of the previous year. The category remains overwhelmingly a rigid plastic story, with HDPE and PET bottles and pots dominating volumes, keeping the confirmed GBP423-per-tonne plastic pEPR fee firmly in focus. The defining brand activity of the period came from Arla Foods, the UK's largest dairy cooperative, which advanced recycled-content bottles and mono-material cheese packs across its portfolio, including its Cravendale and B.O.B lines. Overall, the UK is seeing a systemic redesign of food packaging centred on recyclability, recycled content and cost efficiency.
Regulatory targets and recycled content goals accelerate the shift to glass and rPET in soft drinks
Soft drinks packaging saw growth in 2025, with total retail volumes rising 2% to 16.7 billion units, as the easing of cost-of-living pressure supported a rise in consumption. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, remained the dominant format, but the standout performer was glass, the fastest-growing pack type. Glass’s growth was driven by premiumisation in mixers, adult soft drinks and premium bottled water, where it signals quality and offers infinite recyclability.
Premiumisation demands and carbon-reduction goals drive material diversification in alcoholic drinks
The alcoholic drinks industry experienced a structural shift in 2025 as premiumisation intersected with sustainability pressures, leading brands to diversify their packaging materials. Total alcoholic drinks packaging volumes declined by 1% to 9.2 billion units, supported by resilient beer and the continued rise of canned ready-to-drink products and cocktails. Metal remained the largest pack type, anchoring a beer-led market as cans offered lower transportation emissions, reduced breakage and strong alignment with Deposit Return Scheme requirements. Glass held firm in wine and spirits, where lightweighting and recycled content increasingly defined material strategy.
Refill, recyclability and recycled content reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Beauty and personal care packaging grew strongly in 2025, with total retail volumes rising 3% to 3.7 billion units, supported by premiumisation, e-commerce growth and rising demand for skin care, hair care and hygiene products as Millennial, Gen Z and working consumers expanded their routines. Rigid plastic, led by HDPE bottles and squeezable plastic tubes, remained dominant, but the format mix continued to shift towards lower-impact alternatives. Flexible packaging was the best-performing pack type, led by flexible plastic, and by stand-up pouches as refill formats expanded.
Recycled content, refill systems and fibre-based formats reshape home care packaging
Home care packaging held steady in 2025, with total retail volumes edging up 0.3% to 2.1 billion units as the long-term shift to concentrated and tablet formats continued. Rigid plastic, led by HDPE and PET bottles, remained dominant. As in soft drinks, glass was the best-performing pack type group, while flexible packaging also grew as refill packs gained ground. The regulatory environment was again the dominant structural force, with EPR moving into its charging phase and PackUK confirming 2025-2026 base fees in June 2025, including GBP423 per tonne for plastic and GBP266 for aluminium. These charges are accelerating the shift towards recycled-content bottles and mono-material recyclable trigger sprays that reduce dependence on virgin materials.
Sustainability and convenience drive flexible and fibre-based formats in pet food
Pet food packaging continued to be reshaped by rising consumer expectations for sustainability without compromising functionality or product freshness. Total dog and cat food packaging volumes rose 1% in 2025 to 5.9 billion units, driven by premiumisation, higher spending on pet wellbeing and a growing preference for hygienic, ready-to-use formats. With wet cat food the dominant category, stand-up pouches, mainly aluminium and plastic structures, continued to be the leading pack type across both dog and cat food, while aluminium trays expanded in wet formats. Paper-based containers was the best-performing pack type, underlining the category's gradual move towards fibre-based options.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom, 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 United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in United Kingdom?
- 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 United Kingdom?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in the United Kingdom
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Changing consumer behaviour and economic pressures drive the shift towards convenience-focused and flexible packaging formats
Rising sustainability expectations and inflationary pressures reshape food packaging formats
Regulatory targets and recycled content goals accelerate the shift to glass and rPET in soft drinks
Premiumisation demands and carbon-reduction goals drive material diversification in alcoholic drinks
Refill, recyclability and recycled content reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Recycled content, refill systems and fibre-based formats reshape home care packaging
Sustainability and convenience drive flexible and fibre-based formats in pet food
Rising regulatory costs are accelerating packaging redesign
Deposit incentives are reshaping beverage packaging choices
Government-funded waste systems are driving infrastructure upgrades, recycling targets and local authority integration
Regulatory pressure and consumer demand drive strategic recycling partnerships
Fibre-based and recyclable mono-material formats advance as sustainable packaging solutions
EPR obligations and traceability requirements reinforce adoption of smart packaging technologies
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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