Middle East Paper Packaging Market To Reach $25.90 Billion By 2033

Middle East Paper Packaging Market Growth & Trends

The Middle East paper packaging market size is anticipated to reach USD 25.90 billion by 2033 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The region's rapid economic diversification and booming e-commerce sector are driving market growth in the region. With countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE actively pursuing initiatives such as "Saudi Vision 2030" to reduce oil dependency, there is massive investment in non-oil industries such as tourism, retail, and logistics. This economic shift directly fuels demand for packaging for consumer goods.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online shopping, making e-commerce a dominant force. This requires vast quantities of durable, lightweight, and protective paper-based packaging for shipping, including corrugated boxes, mailers, and protective inserts. For example, the growth of regional e-commerce giants such as Noon and Amazon.ae, coupled with cross-border trade, has made efficient and sustainable packaging a critical component of the supply chain, pushing manufacturers to innovate in areas like right-sized packaging to reduce waste and shipping costs.

Major FMCG companies are reformulating their packaging strategies to meet consumer demand. For instance, a multinational brand such as Unilever might switch from plastic wrappers to paper-based packaging for its food products or toiletries in the Middle Eastern market. Similarly, local coffee chains like % Arabica or Brew92 are increasingly using paper cups and cardboard carriers instead of plastic, aligning their brand image with environmental consciousness to attract a younger, more sustainability-minded demographic.

Moreover, significant investments in manufacturing and technological innovation within the region itself are creating a more robust and responsive supply chain. To meet the rising demand and reduce reliance on imports, regional players are expanding production capacities and adopting advanced technologies. For instance, in June 2024, Huhtamaki announced the consolidation of its three flexible packaging manufacturing sites in the UAE, opting to maintain the Jebel Ali factory while expanding the Ras Al Khaimah facility. Similarly, in December 2022, Universal Carton Industries LLC invested AED 55.0 million (approx. USD 15.0 million) to significantly expand its production capacity to meet growing demand for sustainable paper packaging solutions in the UAE, GCC, and global markets. 

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Middle East Paper Packaging Market Report Highlights

• The recycled paper segment accounted for the largest share of over 56.0% of the market in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period.

• The corrugated boxes segment accounted for the largest share of over 42.0% of the market in 2024.

• The folding cartons segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.

• Based on application, the food & beverages segment dominated the Middle East market in 2024, accounting for the largest revenue share of over 31.0%.

• The e-commerce & retail segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period.

• Saudi Arabia dominated the regional space of the market by registering the largest revenue share of over 38.0% in 2024 and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period.

Middle East Paper Packaging Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the Middle East paper packaging market based on grade, product, application, and country:

Middle East Paper Packaging Grade Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Virgin Paper

• Recycled Paper

Middle East Paper Packaging Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Corrugated Boxes

• Folding Cartons

• Paper Bags & Sacks

• Liquid Packaging Cartons

• Others

Middle East Paper Packaging Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Food & Beverages

• E-commerce & Retail

• Consumer Goods

• Industrial Packaging

• Personal Care & Cosmetics

• Healthcare

Middle East Paper Packaging Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Saudi Arabia

• UAE

• Turkey

• Israel

• Oman

• Qatar

• Kuwait

• Bahrain

List of Key Players of the Middle East Paper Packaging Market

• International Paper

• Mondi

• Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC

• Silver Corner Packaging

• Spectrum Converting Industry

• Bony Packaging

• ZamZam Packaging Mat. Ind. LLC

• Arabian Packaging

• Universal Carton Industries LLC

• RAK PACKAGING COMPANY LTD

• Four Corner Carton and Packaging

• Takamul Industrial Company