| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Volume (2025) | 1.83 Million tonnes |
| Market Volume (2030) | 1.98 Million tonnes |
| CAGR | 1.58 % |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
South Africa Container Glass Market Analysis
The South Africa Container Glass Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 1.83 million tonnes in 2025 to 1.98 million tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 1.58% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
South Africa stands out as one of Africa's most advanced and diverse economies. It features robust business sectors and sophisticated distribution networks that reach major urban centers both domestically and across the Southern African region.
- As reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), South Africa leads Sub-Saharan Africa with a GDP estimated at USD 406 billion. The country's burgeoning retail sector is a key food and beverage industry driver. Retailers are broadening their range of private-label products, catering to diverse consumer demographics. South African retail chains are introducing larger format stores, enabling one-stop shopping with an expanded selection of imported and private-label food and beverage items.
- Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors primarily fuel container glass demand. Also, consumers are increasingly relying on sustainable packaging solutions. Given its recyclable nature, glass is viewed as an eco-friendly packaging material. This perception drives growth in the container glass market as companies increasingly prioritize sustainable materials.
- Moreover, South African consumers show a keen interest in diverse food offerings, particularly in snacks, prepared foods, sauces, dips, and beverages, further fueling the demand for container glass in the nation.
- Glass, recognized for its 100% recyclability, is garnering attention as an effective and eco-friendly packaging solution. This trend is anticipated to bolster the demand for glass packaging in South Africa during the forecast period. Local manufacturers, like Isanti Glass, are producing amber, flint, and emerald glass with a significant recycled content. This not only underscores Isanti Glass's commitment to environmentally conscious manufacturing but also highlights their products' 100% recyclability.
- Yet, the South African glass industry grapples with the rising popularity of plastic packaging. Due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and durability, plastic has become the predominant packaging choice in South Africa, posing challenges to the growth of the glass market.
South Africa Container Glass Market Trends
Beverage Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market
- As the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported, South African consumers are increasingly open to trying new products. This shift, coupled with a rising demand for imported goods largely due to evolving health-conscious eating and drinking habits, has paved the way for U.S. exports in specialized beverage categories.
- This trend, in turn, fuels the demand for container glass in South Africa. Additionally, South Africa boasts a skilled market economy featuring well-established beverage distribution networks that extend throughout the country. Contemporary retail chains and a developed infrastructure collectively bolster the industry's growth.
- In South Africa, a burgeoning young and middle-class population energized by socio-economic advancements like enhanced education and improved job prospects is propelling the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Industry insights suggest that beer, being well-suited to Africa's warm climate, will see continued growth, especially with locally brewed products. Notably, international brands have seen only limited penetration.
- Once dominated by sugary sodas, South Africa’s non-alcoholic beverage industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it thrives on innovation, health consciousness, and diverse tastes. This evolution has caught the attention of international beverage giants. In a significant move, Varun Beverages Ltd, recognized as PepsiCo's largest franchise bottler, finalized its acquisition of South Africa's Beverage Company (BevCo) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries in March 2024.
- Driving the market's expansion is the surge in South Africa's non-alcoholic beverage exports. Data from the Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS) highlights this growth: beverage exports surged from USD 1.59 Billion in 2021 to an impressive USD 9.29 Billion in 2023. Exports of beverages would create opportunities for container glass market domestically in the country.
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Pharmaceutical Segment Expected to Hold High Market Share
- In recent years, South Africa's pharmaceutical industry has experienced robust growth. Traditionally focused on formulating and packaging products for the domestic market, the industry has pivoted towards active pharmaceutical ingredient production and export spurred by the pandemic, especially to other African nations.
- As the International Trade Administration reported, South Africa is the largest pharmaceutical market in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, despite this prominence, the continent remains heavily reliant on imported pharmaceuticals, with only a handful of local manufacturers.
- Data from Africa Health highlights that prescription medicine spending, encompassing patented and generic medicines, dominates South Africa's pharmaceutical market, making up about 88.3%. In contrast, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine spending accounts for the remaining 11.7%, underscoring its significance in driving demand for container glass.
- International pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in South Africa's pharmaceutical sector, fueling its expansion. In a notable move, CFAO Healthcare, in October 2024, strategically expanded into South Africa's pharmaceutical landscape by acquiring Opella Healthcare South Africa, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer and distributor. This acquisition bolstered CFAO's stature as the foremost pan-African distributor of pharmaceutical products.
- South Africa's burgeoning pharmaceutical imports, driven by a high demand for drugs and limited local production, underscore the market's growth. According to the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade, South Africa's imports of pharmaceutical products were valued at USD 2.41 billion in 2023. Projections indicate a rise to USD 2.57 billion in 2024.
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South Africa Container Glass Industry Overview
The South Africa Container Glass market is consolidated with key players such as Ardagh Glass Packaging, Isanti Glass, Plastimed Pty Ltd, and others. These companies actively pursue a larger share of the South African market through strategies such as research & development, mergers & acquisitions, product innovation, and market expansion for higher market share.
South Africa Container Glass Market Leaders
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Ardagh Glass Packaging
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Isanti Glass
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Marsing & Co. Africa Pty Ltd.
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Plastimed Pty Ltd.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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South Africa Container Glass Market News
- February 2024: Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (AGP-Africa), a subsidiary of Ardagh Group, unveiled a third furnace at its glass container production facility located in Nigel, Gauteng, South Africa. This expansion boosts the site's capacity by 50%, establishing it as the largest facility within AGP-Africa's network and across the African continent. Furthermore, this move elevates AGP-Africa's overall production capacity by 10%, allowing the company to cater to the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions. The Nigel facility specializes in producing flint (clear), amber, and green glass. It boasts the capability to manufacture over 130 standard glass bottles and jars, available in 250 distinct designs and finishes, with sizes ranging from 120 ml to 4 liters. The facility primarily supplies glass packaging to sectors including beverages, food, spirits, wine, and pharmaceuticals.
- February 2024: Heineken invested ZAR 2.3 billion (USD 119.58 million) in its returnable bottle initiative in South Africa, effectively doubling its stake in returnable glass beer bottles. This move aligns with Heineken's worldwide goal of attaining a 65 percent rate for returnable glass bottles.
South Africa Container Glass Industry Segmentation
Container glass is designed for crafting glass containers, including bottles, jars, drinkware, and bowls. Its key attributes include chemical inertness, sterility, and non-permeability, rendering it especially sought after in the beverage, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. The research also examines underlying growth influencers and significant industry vendors, all of which help to support market estimates and growth rates throughout the anticipated period. The market estimates and projections are based on the base year factors and arrived at top-down and bottom-up approaches.
South Africa Container Glass Market is segmented by end-user industry ((beverages (alcoholic beverages (wines and spirits, beer and cider, and other alcoholic beverages) and non-alcoholic beverages (carbonated soft drinks, juices, water, and other non-alcoholic beverages)), food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other end-user industries). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of volume (tonnes) for all the above segments.
| By End-User Industry | Beverage | Alcoholic Beverages(Qualitative Analysis to be Provided) | Wines and Spirits | |
| Beer and Cider | ||||
| Other Alcoholic Beverages | ||||
| Non-Alcoholic Beverages(Qualitative Analysis to be Provided) | Carbonated Soft Drinks | |||
| Juices | ||||
| Water and Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages | ||||
| Food | ||||
| Cosmetics | ||||
| Pharmaceutical (Excluding Vials and Ampoules) | ||||
| Other End-User Industries | ||||
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South Africa Container Glass Market Research FAQs
How big is the South Africa Container Glass Market?
The South Africa Container Glass Market size is expected to reach 1.83 million tonnes in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 1.58% to reach 1.98 million tonnes by 2030.
What is the current South Africa Container Glass Market size?
In 2025, the South Africa Container Glass Market size is expected to reach 1.83 million tonnes.
Who are the key players in South Africa Container Glass Market?
Ardagh Glass Packaging, Isanti Glass, Marsing & Co. Africa Pty Ltd. and Plastimed Pty Ltd. are the major companies operating in the South Africa Container Glass Market.
What years does this South Africa Container Glass Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South Africa Container Glass Market size was estimated at 1.80 million tonnes. The report covers the South Africa Container Glass Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South Africa Container Glass Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
South Africa Container Glass Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South Africa Container Glass market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South Africa Container Glass analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
