United Kingdom Packaging Market Overview

The United Kingdom packaging market size reached USD 35,622.4 Million in 2024. IMARC Group forecasts the market to grow to USD 48,213.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.42% during the 2025-2033 forecast period. Growth is driven by the expanding e-commerce sector, consumer demand for sustainable packaging, advancements in packaging technologies, stringent government recycling regulations, and lifestyle changes.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
• Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

United Kingdom Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• The market size was USD 35,622.4 Million in 2024.
• The CAGR is 3.42% for the forecast period 2025-2033.
• The forecast period is from 2025 to 2033.
• Growing e-commerce sector and demand for sustainable, eco-friendly packaging significantly propel market growth.
• Stringent UK government regulations, like the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, aim to reduce plastic waste by 45% from 2019 levels by 2028.
• Technological advancements such as smart packaging and improved materials enhance packaging functionality and safety.
• Innovations include the British Crisp Co.'s fully recyclable paper crisp packet and Aldi's recyclable paper wrap for butter products.

Sample Request Link: https://www.imarcgroup.com/united-kingdom-packaging-market/requestsample

United Kingdom Packaging Market Growth Factors

The growth of the United Kingdom packaging market is largely propelled by the booming e-commerce sector and shifting consumer preferences towards sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. The increasing consumer awareness about environmental issues is significantly influencing market demand. For example, the UK Government launched its Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, aiming to reduce residual municipal plastic waste to no more than 42 kg per capita annually by January 31, 2028. This goal represents a 45% reduction from 2019 levels, exerting pressure on manufacturers to innovate in recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials.

Technological advancements also play a crucial role in market expansion. Innovations such as smart packaging, enhanced materials, and automation are improving packaging safety, usability, and environmental impact. Notable examples in 2023-2024 include Mondi's collaboration to introduce paper-based packaging for dry rice, and Aldi's introduction of a recyclable paper wrap for butter products, potentially eliminating more than ten tonnes of non-recyclable packaging annually.

Moreover, regulatory frameworks and sustainability initiatives by both the government and private entities encourage growth. The launch of the Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) in April 2024 aims to facilitate end-of-use recycling of medicinal and pharmaceutical packaging. Such government-backed initiatives ensure that the packaging sector aligns with national waste reduction and sustainability targets, resulting in robust market growth.

United Kingdom Packaging Market Segmentation

Packaging Material Insights:

• Plastic Packaging: Encompasses material types such as PE (Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and others. The segment further includes rigid plastic packaging like bottles and jars, trays and containers, flexible packaging such as pouches, bags, films, and wraps.
• Paper: Includes carton board, containerboard and linerboard, and other paper-based materials.
• Glass: Packaging solutions made of glass adapted for various end-uses.
• Metals: Metal packaging used across diverse industries.

End-Use Vertical Insights:

• Food
• Beverage
• Healthcare
• Cosmetics, Personal Care and Household Care
• Others

These segments provide a detailed analysis of the United Kingdom packaging market, focusing on material composition and industry applications from 2025 to 2033.

Regional Insights

The report identifies key UK regions including London, South East, North West, East of England, South West, Scotland, West Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, and Others. Although no singular dominant region is specified, these regions collectively represent the geographic segmentation for market analysis, supporting targeted regional strategies and growth forecasts during 2025-2033.

Recent Developments & News

• In April 2024, the UK government launched the Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) initiative to develop strategies for recycling pharmaceutical and medicinal packaging, facilitating easier recycling of items such as meter dose inhalers (MDIs), blisters, and injectables.
• In July 2024, Seymourpowell introduced UK packaging design for the Japanese ready-to-drink brand -196 (minus one nine six), adapting global packaging with new graphic elements highlighting Japanese heritage. Additionally,
• In April 2024, The British Crisp Co. launched the first fully recyclable paper crisp packet in the UK, and in May 2024, Aldi introduced a recyclable paper wrap for butter products, showcasing innovative sustainable packaging solutions.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

Request Customization:- https://www.imarcgroup.com/request?type=report&id=24497&flag=E

About Us

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us

IMARC Group

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800

United States: +1-201971-6302