Total soft drinks packaging retail volumes in the United Kingdom saw growth in 2025, as the easing of cost-of-living pressure supported a modest rise in consumption. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, remained the dominant format, but the sharpest momentum sat with glass, which advanced strongly on premiumisation in mixers, adult soft drinks and premium water. Meanwhile, metal continued its steady rise in energy drinks and ready-to-drink categories. Liquid cartons declined further.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Soft Drinks 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.
If you're in the Soft Drinks 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 Soft Drinks Packaging in United Kingdom report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- 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 Soft Drinks 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?
Soft Drinks Packaging in the United Kingdom - Category analysis
Key Data Insights
Volumes return to growth as glass surges and a confirmed Deposit Return Scheme sets the regulatory horizon
Rigid plastic holds its lead as total soft drinks packaging volumes grow in 2025
Glass records the strongest growth as premiumisation and recyclability drive the format, supported by aluminium and tethered closures
The Deposit Return Scheme reprices the economics of PET bottles and cans ahead of its 2027 launch
Soft drinks packaging volumes set to rise steadily to 2029, led by glass and resilient rigid plastic
Strategic priorities: DRS-ready PET and cans, recycled content and premium glass
Soft Drinks Packaging in the United Kingdom - Company Profiles
Packaging Industry in the United Kingdom - Industry Overview
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:
Soft Drinks Packaging
- 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
Soft Drinks Packaging
This is the aggregation of Asian speciality drinks, bottled water, carbonates, concentrates, fruit/vegetable juice, RTD coffee, RTD tea, and sports and energy drinks.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
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This report originates from Passport, our Soft Drinks Packaging research and analysis database.
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