United Kingdom Packaging Market

United Kingdom Packaging Market Overview:

The United Kingdom packaging market is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.60% during 2024-2032. The growing e-commerce sector, the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, significant advancements in packaging technology, stringent government regulations promoting recycling and waste reduction, the rise of convenience foods, and changing lifestyles are some of the major factors propelling the growth of the market.

United Kingdom Packaging Market Trends:

Rising Concern for Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging

The growing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging materials are significantly influencing the market growth. This shift is driven by environmental concerns and regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling. For instance, the UK Government, in January 2023 launched its Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 set a target to ensure that residual municipal plastic waste does not exceed 42 kg per capita annually, by 31 January 2028. This is equivalent to a 45% reduction from 2019 levels. Moreover, in April 2024, snack brand The British Crisp Co. launched the first fully recyclable paper crisp packet, claiming to provide a scalable alternative to the eight billion packets thrown away each year in the UK, ending up in landfill or being incinerated. Consumers can dispose of the new crisp packet in their regular kerbside recycling collection along with their other paper recyclable items. Such companies dominate through innovation in sustainable packaging solutions and advanced materials, which, in turn, is driving the growth of the market.

Significant Technological Advancements

Innovations in packaging technology, such as smart packaging, improved materials, and automation, are enhancing the functionality, safety, and attractiveness of packaging solutions. These advancements are meeting the evolving needs of consumers and businesses, fueling market growth. For instance, in May 2024, discount supermarket chain Aldi introduced a new recyclable wrap for two of its own-label butter products, a move claimed to be a first in a UK supermarket. The initiative will debut with Aldi’s Specially Selected West Country and Yorkshire block butter lines, potentially eliminating more than ten tonnes (t) of non-recyclable packaging annually. The introduction of this home-recyclable paper wrap follows the recent introduction of paper packaging to replace the company’s plastic outer wrap on its Everyday Essentials cheese singles. Similarly, in September 2023, Mondi teamed up with rice supplier Veetee to introduce paper-based packaging for dry rice in the UK. This marks the first instance in the UK where a paper-based packaging solution has been created specifically for dry rice, aligning with consumer demands for more sustainable packaging options. Veetee’s latest rice packaging employs Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper, a material known for its ability to provide secure and robust packaging, offering an alternative to the commonly used plastic packaging in the industry. This development is notable for its role as the first paper-based packaging solution of its kind in the UK, targeting dry rice products.

United Kingdom Packaging Market News:

In April 2024, the government in the United Kingdom launched The Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) initiative to develop and implement strategies for the end-of-use recycling of medicinal devices and pharmaceutical packaging. CiPPPA is a collaborative non-profit initiative connecting stakeholders from across the pharmaceutical supply chain. It is managed by a steering committee composed of representatives from within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector who are committed to creating a future where used packaging from meter dose inhalers (MDIs), blisters, and injectables can be easily recycled.

In July 2024, Seymourpowell unveiled the UK packaging design for Japanese ready-to-drink brand -196 (minus one nine six), a new addition to the British RTD alcohol market, introduced by Ribena and Lucozade producer, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I). The design adapts -196’s global base packaging whilst introducing graphic embellishments – such as a Japanese quality stamp, which reiterates the drink’s heritage.

United Kingdom Packaging Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the regional and country level for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on packaging material and end-use vertical.

Packaging Material Insights:

• Plastic Packaging
  • Material Type
    • PE (Polyethylene)
    • PP (Polypropylene)
    • PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)
    • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
    • Others
  • Type
    • Rigid Plastic Packaging
      • Bottles and Jars
      • Trays and Containers
      • Others
    • Flexible Plastic Packaging
      • Pouches and Bags
      • Films and Wraps
      • Others
• Paper
  • Carton Board
  • Containerboard and Linerboard
  • Others
• Glass
• Metals
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the plastic packaging. This includes plastic packaging [material type {PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PVC (poly vinyl chloride), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and others}] and [type {rigid plastic packaging (bottles and jars, trays and containers, and others) and flexible plastic packaging (pouches and bags, films and wraps, and others)}], paper (carton board, containerboard and linerboard, and others), glass, and metals.

End-Use Vertical Insights:

• Food
• Beverage
• Healthcare
• Cosmetics, Personal Care and Household Care
• Others    
                      

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-use vertical have also been provided in the report. This includes food, beverage, healthcare, cosmetics, personal care and household care, and others.

Regional Insights:

• London
• South East
• North West
• East of England
• South West
• Scotland
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire and The Humber
• East Midlands
• Others
   

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include London, South East, North West, East of England, South West, Scotland, West Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, and Others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

United Kingdom Packaging Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the United Kingdom packaging market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the United Kingdom packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the United Kingdom packaging market on the basis of packaging material?
• What is the breakup of the United Kingdom packaging market on the basis of end-use vertical?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the United Kingdom packaging market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the United Kingdom packaging?
• What is the structure of the United Kingdom packaging market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the United Kingdom packaging market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the United Kingdom packaging market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the United Kingdom packaging market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the United Kingdom packaging industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.