GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The GCC disposables market is experiencing growth driven by an increasing urban population and a rising demand for food services, which significantly influence the market size. The expansion of online food delivery services, fueled by the importance of sustainability and convenience, further contributes to the market's growth. Despite environmental concerns related to single-use packaging, which pose challenges to market expansion, the demand remains robust due to the evolving preferences of consumers and the digital transformation of the food industry in the region. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are key players in this market, accounting for a substantial portion of the sector's growth.

Market Size of GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Industry

GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 2.25 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 2.72 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 3.94 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market Analysis

The GCC Disposables Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 2.25 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.72 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.94% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Growth in the urban population and the consequent increase in demand for food services significantly impact the market's growth. The amount of money consumers spend on food services has increased dramatically. Packaging is increasingly essential to ensuring food safety and offering convenience to consumers as this trend grows. For example, adequate package labeling enables food preparers to understand the product's source, the appropriate holding temperature, and the necessary amount of cooking.

  • The demand for online food delivery services is growing as sustainability and convenience in the food industry become increasingly important. Healthy growth in end-users, such as quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants, and coffee shops, drives the demand for food-service restaurants. Food delivery service providers are aware of changing customer demands and respond to these changing preferences.
  • Increasing smartphone sales and rising internet penetration are driving the growth of the GCC online grocery delivery market. E-commerce continues to transform the GCC's food industry, with consumer confidence remaining relatively high as online grocery shopping and mobile e-commerce offer new ways to purchase groceries and services. In addition, digitization and the emergence of advanced online services are creating growth opportunities for the GCC's online grocery delivery market. For instance, Saudi Arabia has launched the Saudi Vision 2030 program, and the United Arab Emirates is promoting initiatives as part of the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025.
  • Various online food delivery companies are focused on entering the GCC market to expand their regional businesses. For instance, in April 2023, the food delivery app Deliveroo expanded its services across the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. The company, which forayed into the GCC market a few years ago by setting up shop in the UAE, will focus on expanding its network of dark kitchens to power its growth.
  • Single-use food packaging is taking a significant toll on the environment as it is one of the primary sources of plastic waste. The plastic waste problem in the region is a major environmental issue related to pollution and safe disposal. Despite efforts to use alternative materials and recent developments in biodegradable plastics, the situation still needs improvement. The increasing awareness about the environmental effects of single-use plastic and unsustainable business practices has empowered consumers to demand a higher standard of product with a positive ecological impact. Further, initiatives such as promoting sustainable and biodegradable packaging are expected to negatively impact market growth during the forecast period.
  • Presently, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt drive most of the sector's expansion, accounting for 80% of the total. The whole e-commerce market in the region Before COVID-19, the UAE's digital economy contributed 4.3% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, according to the Dubai Future Foundation, the country's commerce market is expected to reach USD 62.8 billion by 2023. The industry in Saudi Arabia predicted a market volume of USD 8.2 billion by 2024. In 2023, the GCC's meal delivery market is anticipated to expand further, propelled by rising internet usage and the growing acceptance of online food ordering. The rising use of online delivery, which escalated during the pandemic, would positively impact disposable packaging demand.

GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Industry Segmentation

The study tracks the demand for disposable packaging options in terms of sales offered by various vendors operating in the GCC region. The impact of COVID-19 has also been considered for current market estimation and future growth projections. The study on GCC disposable packaging Market tracks demands for Trays, Plates, Food Containers, and Bowls, Boxes and Carton, Bottles, Cups and Lids on the high level while it tracks the market size in terms of revenue for the respective end-user industry verticals in the respective countries from the listed product types.

The GCC disposables (single-use) packaging market is segmented by product type (trays, plates, food containers, & bowls, boxes & cartons, bottles, cups & lids, clamshells, bags & wraps), end-user applications (quick service restaurants, full-service restaurants, coffee and snack outlets, retail establishments, institutional and hospitality), and by Country (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Rest of GCC). The report offers market forecasts and size in value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Product Type
Trays, Plates, Food Containers, and Bowls
Boxes and Cartons
Bottles
Cups and Lids
Clamshell
Bags and Wraps
Other Product Types (Cutlery, Stirrers/Straws, etc.)
By End-user Application
Quick Service Restaurants
Full-service Restaurants
Coffee and Snack Outlets
Retail Establishments
Institutional and Hospitality
Other End-user Applications
By Country
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Need A Different Region Or Segment?
Customize Now

GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market Size Summary

The GCC disposables packaging market is poised for steady growth, driven by increasing urbanization and a rising demand for food services. As consumers allocate more funds towards food services, the role of packaging in ensuring food safety and convenience becomes paramount. The surge in online food delivery services, fueled by the need for sustainability and convenience, further propels market expansion. The region's e-commerce landscape is evolving, with significant advancements in online grocery delivery, supported by increased smartphone usage and internet penetration. Initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025 are enhancing digital infrastructure, creating new opportunities for market growth. However, environmental concerns regarding single-use plastics pose challenges, as consumers demand more sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions.

The market's expansion is predominantly driven by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which account for a significant portion of the sector's growth. The UAE's digital economy and Saudi Arabia's market volume are key contributors to the region's economic landscape. The cafe and bakery sectors in the UAE are thriving, supported by a young demographic and a burgeoning tourism industry. The demand for disposable packaging is expected to rise, driven by the growing popularity of on-the-go consumption and the high standard of living. The GCC disposables market is characterized by a fragmented landscape with numerous players, including multinational fast-food chains and local manufacturers like Hotpack. Recent investments in sustainable packaging facilities and digital transformation initiatives underscore the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the GCC disposables market for continued growth.

Explore More

GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Ecosystem Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

      3. 1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Assessment of Post-COVID-19 on the Disposables (single-use) Packaging

      1. 1.4.1 Market Demand Impact Due to Pandemic

      2. 1.4.2 Reusable Vs. Single-user Safer Solution in Current Scenario

      3. 1.4.3 Plastic Food Service Regulations and COVID-19 Material Safety

      4. 1.4.4 Impact on Recycling and Convenience Food Service Products

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Product Type

      1. 2.1.1 Trays, Plates, Food Containers, and Bowls

      2. 2.1.2 Boxes and Cartons

      3. 2.1.3 Bottles

      4. 2.1.4 Cups and Lids

      5. 2.1.5 Clamshell

      6. 2.1.6 Bags and Wraps

      7. 2.1.7 Other Product Types (Cutlery, Stirrers/Straws, etc.)

    2. 2.2 By End-user Application

      1. 2.2.1 Quick Service Restaurants

      2. 2.2.2 Full-service Restaurants

      3. 2.2.3 Coffee and Snack Outlets

      4. 2.2.4 Retail Establishments

      5. 2.2.5 Institutional and Hospitality

      6. 2.2.6 Other End-user Applications

    3. 2.3 By Country

      1. 2.3.1 United Arab Emirates

      2. 2.3.2 Saudi Arabia

GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market Size FAQs

The GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 2.25 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.94% to reach USD 2.72 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the GCC Disposables (Single-Use) Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 2.25 billion.

GCC Disposables Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)