Market Trends of Egypt Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry
Polyethylene (PE) is Estimated to Have a Significant Market Share
- Polyethylene (PE) finds its primary application in packaging due to its toughness and resistance to abrasion. This polymer is predominantly utilized in the production of zip-lock bags, food containers, stretch films, pallets, and plastic sheeting. Its popularity stems from its durability, which is a key driver of market growth in Egypt.
- Egypt's expanding population is fueling the demand for plastic packaging across various industries, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This surge in demand is directly translating into market growth. The trend is expected to further elevate the consumption of packaging products, such as bags, pouches, films, and wraps, predominantly crafted from polyethylene (PE) and bi-orientally polypropylene (BOPP). Moreover, as new retail outlets continue to sprout, the requirement for plastic bags is poised to escalate in the near future.
- With a noticeable increase in the demand for cosmetics and personal care items in Egypt, the need for flexible packaging solutions, especially bags and pouches, is on the rise. Cosmetic packaging, often utilizing materials like polyethylene (PE), acts as a shield, safeguarding products from environmental factors like moisture and oxygen.
- Egypt's escalating export of plastic products is bolstering the country's plastic production. As per the International Trade Centre (ITC), Egypt's plastic product exports hit USD 140.37 million in 2023, marking a 6.10% increase over the previous year.
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Food Industry Expected to Dominate the Market
- The increasing consumption of bakery products and baked goods is fueling demand in Egypt's food industry. Bread, a dietary staple, has notably heightened the need for plastic bag packaging.
- As highlighted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Egypt's burgeoning tourism industry saw 14.9 million tourist arrivals in 2023, marking a 33% surge over 2019 (pre-pandemic). This increase in tourism has directly correlated with a heightened appetite for processed and packaged foods, driving the market for stand-up pouches, laminated films, and shrink sleeves, favored for their lightweight and consumer-friendly nature.
- Changing consumer preferences and increasingly hectic lifestyles are spurring a notable rise in Egypt's demand for ready-to-eat food products. These products, featuring robust packaging such as retort pouches, high-barrier laminates, and user-friendly bags made of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), are at the forefront of this market growth.
- Furthermore, Egypt's food industry is significantly bolstered by its rising food exports. Data from the Food Export Council (FEC) reveals that Egypt's food exports surged from USD 4.5 billion in the previous year to USD 5.1 billion in 2023, marking a notable 13.33% increase.
