Middle East And Africa Single-use Plastic Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Middle East And Africa Single-use Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The Middle East And Africa Single-use Plastic Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 2.12 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.88 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.32% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

• Rapid economic growth, urbanization, and shifting lifestyles in the Middle East and Africa have fueled a rising appetite for ready-to-eat and takeaway food. This surge in demand has notably boosted the market for single-use plastic packaging, encompassing trays, plates, containers, and bowls. The region's substantial expatriate community, hectic work routines, and penchant for outdoor events further propels the demand for single-use plastic packaging. Additionally, the convenience and affordability of single-use plastic packaging make it a preferred choice among consumers and businesses, driving its widespread adoption across various sectors.
• Consumer convenience is a primary market driver, propelling changes in the foodservice packaging sector. As professionals juggle hectic schedules, they place a premium on convenience, notably in their dining choices. In response, manufacturers are crafting packaging solutions and focusing on easy disposal. This trend toward packaging that is effortlessly disposable not only caters to consumer demands but also resonates with the growing environmental consciousness. Companies increasingly turn to sustainable and biodegradable options, aiming to shrink their ecological footprint. Also, the sector is witnessing innovative packaging materials and designs that enhance functionality and user experience, such as resealable and microwave-safe packaging. These advancements are meeting consumers' immediate needs and setting new standards in the industry.
• The Middle East's foodservice and hospitality sector is rapidly expanding. The rise of internet-based meal delivery platforms has surged the demand for disposable food packaging, encompassing cups, plates, and containers. The necessity for online ordering and doorstep deliveries primarily fuels this heightened demand. As companies pivot towards online platforms for food distribution, the disposable packaging market is experiencing a notable upswing. Additionally, the growing trend of convenience food and the increasing number of foodservice establishments are further propelling the market's growth.
• Moreover, numerous global restaurant chains are expanding their presence in the Kingdom by launching new outlets. A case in point: Rebel Foods, in July 2023, inaugurated two cloud kitchens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With ambitions to establish 60 internet restaurants in Riyadh and extend operations to cities like Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar, Rebel Foods' aggressive expansion strategy is set to significantly boost the demand for disposable packaging, including boxes, cartons, bags, cups, and wraps in the future.
• Amid rising public concerns over packaging waste, particularly plastic, Middle Eastern governments are rolling out stringent regulations to curb environmental impact and enhance waste management. While commendable for sustainability, these measures are poised to exert a dampening effect on the market's growth trajectory. Given its adverse ecological and health ramifications, heightened environmental apprehensions surrounding plastic packaging will further hinder market expansion. Compounded by increasingly stringent regulations, the growth of the single-use packaging sector faces notable constraints. Governments are also investing in public awareness campaigns and promoting the adoption of alternative packaging materials to mitigate the environmental footprint.

Middle East And Africa Single-use Plastic Packaging Industry Segmentation

Single-use plastics, often also referred to as disposable plastics, are commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include, among other things, grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups, and cutlery.

The Middle East and African single-use packaging market is segmented by material (polyethylene terephthalate [PET], polyethylene [PE], other materials), product type (bottles, bags and pouches, clamshells, trays, cups, and lids, and other product types), end-user type (quick service restaurants, full service restaurants, institutional, retail, and other end-user types), and country (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, and Rest of the Middle East and Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value in (USD) for all the above segments.