Market Trends of Nigeria Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry
Polyethylene (PE) Segment Expected to Have the Largest Market Share
- Plastic is a preferred material in the packaging industry due to its manufacturability, flexibility, and sterile characteristics. Polyethylene (PE) is favored for its robust chemical resistance and commendable fatigue and wear resistance, making it suitable for diverse packaging applications. PE is primarily categorized into high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). These variants commonly produce bottles, jars, and containers across various end-use industries.
- Nigeria's surging demand for bottled water, primarily using PE and PET, stems from a heightened health consciousness and a quest for hygienic drinking water. The presence of global bottled water brands such as Nestle Pure Life, Eva Water, and Aquafina in Nigeria further accelerates this market trend.
- Pharma West Africa highlights the vast potential of Nigeria's pharmaceutical market. With over 70% of the country's medicines being imported, there is a heightened demand for rigid plastic packaging. Consequently, products such as bottles, jars, and containers predominantly made from PE are increasingly dominating Nigeria's pharmaceutical packaging landscape.
- Nigeria's bustling import and export activities are projected to boost the demand for rigid plastic packaging. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals a significant uptick in trade values: imports surged from USD 3.50 Billion in Q1 2023 to USD 8.87 Billion by Q4, while exports climbed from USD 4.08 Billion to USD 7.98 Billion in the same timeframe.
Beverage Segment Expected to Dominate the Market
- In Nigeria, the surging consumption of beverages, particularly sweetened non-alcoholic ones such as soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks, propels the demand for rigid plastic packaging solutions. A report on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) highlighted Nigeria's global standing, ranking fourth in sweetened beverage consumption, with annual sales nearing 38.6 million liters in 2023.
- This increasing appetite for non-alcoholic drinks is largely driven by Nigeria's burgeoning population and swift urbanization, both amplifying the need for plastic bottle packaging. Nigerian beverage companies are rolling out new flavors and eye-catching bottles to captivate consumers, leading to a notable uptick in plastic bottle sales. For instance, in September 2023, Schweppes, a prominent soft drink brand, unveiled a rebranded PET bottle tailored for the convenience of Nigerian consumers.
- Local manufacturers, such as Bestaf Holdings, produce a diverse range of PET and HDPE bottles for various industries, including beverages. These manufacturers provide customizable solutions and emphasize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, further fueling the country's market growth.
- Nigeria's rising beverage imports, especially from the United States, are amplifying the demand for plastic packaging. Data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that in 2023, Nigeria's imports included wines and related products worth USD 4.70 Million and distilled spirits at USD 3.05 Million, underscoring the need for innovative plastic packaging solutions in the nation.