Middle East And Africa Plastic Packaging Films Market

Middle East And Africa Plastic Packaging Films Market Analysis

The Middle East And Africa Plastic Packaging Films Market size is estimated at 1.37 million tonnes in 2025, and is expected to reach 1.69 million tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.34% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

• The plastics industry is mature in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), backed by the growing consumption of plastic films in various end-user industries, including pharmaceutical, food, beverage, personal care, and cosmetics.
• The governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other Gulf countries invest in sustainable solutions for collecting, sorting, and recycling plastic waste to implement eco-friendly solutions across the plastic value chain.
• In February 2024, the Ministry of Municipality (MoM) Qatar provided recyclable materials free of cost to recycling factories operating in the country to promote sustainability and a circular economy.
• In December 2023, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) in Dubai. The strategic partnership aims to implement effective waste management solutions in Saudi Arabia by targeting the challenges posed by specific plastics.
• The availability of recyclable materials from initiatives like the one by the Ministry of Municipality (MoM) Qatar can increase the production of recycled plastic films. This can create a new segment within the plastic packaging film market, catering to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.
• There is growing awareness and concern about the environmental impact of plastic waste. Many countries in the MEA region are implementing stricter regulations and policies to reduce plastic usage and promote sustainable alternatives. This push toward environmental sustainability can restrain the growth of the plastic packaging film market.

Middle East And Africa Plastic Packaging Films Market Trends

Polyethylene (PE) is Expected to Witness Significant Growth

• Polyethylene (PE), derived from petroleum polymers, is a highly durable and chemically resistant plastic, making it a cost-effective choice. Its resilience allows it to weather various environmental hazards. PE is primarily segmented into high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
• Saudi Basic Industries Cooperation (SABIC), a diversified Saudi manufacturing company active in petrochemicals, chemicals, and industrial polymers, makes LDPE and LLDPE. SABIC LDPE 2005EC was the first commercially proven tubular LDPE grade used for extrusion coating. It can be used in low and high-line speed extrusion coating and lamination processes.
• The availability of high-quality LDPE and LLDPE from SABIC supports the growth of the PE film market in the MEA region by providing durable, chemically resistant, and cost-effective materials. These properties are crucial for applications in harsh environmental conditions typical of the region.
• Increased production can lead to economies of scale, potentially lowering the cost of PE plastic film packaging. This can make PE plastic film packaging more affordable and attractive for manufacturers and consumers within the region.
• For instance, in February 2024, Qatar's Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani launched a new petrochemical complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC. This move marked a pivotal stride in bolstering Qatar's petrochemical output. This project will increase Qatar’s petrochemical production to about 14 million metric tons per annum by 2026.
• The rise in organic food sales directly increases the demand for packaging solutions. PE films are known for their durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance and are extensively used in the food industry as packaging. As the organic food market grows, so will the need for reliable packaging materials. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in 2020, organic food sales value in the United Arab Emirates was around USD 34 million; it is expected to reach USD 52 million by 2025.

The United Arab Emirates is Expected to Show Significant Growth

• The growth of the packaging film market is augmented by the growing demand for high-performance films. Owing to the rising barrier requirements in various end-user industries, improvements, especially in processing technologies, are expected to support the increasing use of packaging films for suitable applications and low-cost production.
• The UAE plastic film packaging market is rapidly expanding, driven by a surge in environmental consciousness, heightened demand for sustainable packaging, the necessity for tailored packaging in the booming e-commerce landscape, and an increasing appetite for food, beverages, and household/personal care products, bolstered by economic growth and rising incomes.
• Over the past decade, plastic consumption in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has surged, primarily fueled by new product innovations and a material shift within established markets. The "Made in UAE" initiative's standardization has propelled local manufacturers onto the global stage, diminishing the nation's reliance on imports and amplifying its export capabilities. This manufacturing upsurge has, in turn, spurred substantial investments in the plastic film packaging market.
• The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, and there are stringent requirements for packaging to ensure product safety and integrity. As the market grows, the need for high-quality, compliant plastic films rises, increasing demand in Saudi Arabia.
• According to the World Health Organization, in 2020, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) spent USD 19.7 billion on healthcare. This is expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2027.
• With the growth of the pharmacy market, there is likely to be more investment in innovative packaging solutions to differentiate products and improve consumer convenience. This can lead to the development of advanced plastic films with better barrier properties, enhanced durability, and improved aesthetics.

Middle East And Africa Plastic Packaging Films Industry Overview

The plastic film packaging market in the Middle East and Africa is fragmented. This is due to established global players such as Amcor Group GmbH, Berry Global Inc., and numerous local manufacturers that produce low-grade plastic films. Players in this market often adopt key strategies such as product launches, collaboration, and partnerships to enhance their market presence and ensure sustainability. These strategies allow them to expand their operational capabilities, access new markets, and strengthen their competitive edge.

• March 2024: Amcor Group GmbH, in collaboration with GreenDot, Ineos, and Irplast, spearheaded the development of packaging film crafted from recycled plastic. This initiative was specifically tailored for Sunbites, a snack brand under PepsiCo. This project brought together key players from various segments of the flexible food packaging supply chain, culminating in the successful launch of a novel snack packaging. This packaging boasts 50% recycled plastic content and adheres to rigorous food contact standards.
• November 2023: Berry Global launched its Omni Xtra polyethylene cling film, designed specifically for fresh food applications. This new offering is a high-performance substitute for conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling films. Branded as Omni Xtra+, the film boasts enhanced elasticity, consistent stretching, and heightened impact resistance.

Middle East And Africa Plastic Packaging Films Market Leaders

Middle East And Africa Plastic Packaging Films Market News

• April 2024: SABIC, in collaboration with its partners, introduced bread packaging crafted from recycled post-consumer plastic. FONTE launched bread bags for its Oat Arabic Bread, fashioned from SABIC's certified circular polyethylene (PE). These bags are manufactured by Napco National, a Saudi-based manufacturer specializing in flexible film and packaging.
• November 2023: Amcor Group GmbH, a company based in the Middle East that develops and produces responsible packaging solutions, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading sustainable polyethylene producer NOVA Chemicals Corporation for the purchase of mechanically recycled polyethylene resin (rPE) for use in flexible packaging films. Increasing the use of rPE in flexible packaging applications is an important element of Amcor's commitment to support packaging circularity.