Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Middle East and African Paper Bags Market Report is Segmented by Type (White Kraft and Brown Kraft), End-User Type (Retail, Food, Construction, Agriculture & Chemical, and Other End-User Types), and Country (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa  Nigeria, and Rest of Middle East & Africa). The Report Offers Market Sizes and Forecasts in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Size

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Summary

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Analysis

The Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market size is worth USD 503.38 Million in 2025, growing at an 5.20% CAGR and is forecast to hit USD 648.60 Million by 2030.

  • Restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering establishments are witnessing a surge in the adoption of paper bags. This trend is further fueled by the rising preference for on-the-go dining and the rise in online grocery deliveries. The changing lifestyle dynamics in Middle Eastern countries are notably amplifying the demand for paper-based packaging in the food service sector. Today's consumers prefer convenient, on-the-go food options, looking for a fast energy boost. Additionally, the environmental benefits of paper bags, such as biodegradability and recyclability, are driving their popularity among eco-conscious consumers.
  • Further, urbanization has led to a significant shift in consumer behavior. Modern consumers spend more time away from home at social gatherings, outdoor events, or sports activities. Consequently, the demand for on-the-go food options is on the rise. This trend is also supported by the increasing availability of diverse and healthy food choices that cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of urban dwellers.
  • Government regulations aimed at curbing plastic usage are propelling the paper bag market in the region. In line with its sustainability goals, the United Arab Emirates planned to ban single-use plastic bags starting in January 2024. This initiative is driven by Ministerial Resolution No. 380 of 2022, which regulates and mandates the phasing out of single-use plastic products, including plastic bags. The United Arab Emirates is also eyeing a ban on Styrofoam containers, commonly found in takeaway food packaging, slated for 2026.
  • The momentum is further evident as the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department have already taken steps to announce a ban on plastic bags. Additionally, the Emirates observes an annual 'Plastic Bag Free Day' on May 16, emphasizing its commitment to reducing plastic waste. These measures reflect a broader regional trend toward sustainable packaging solutions, driving demand for paper bags and other eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Also, the paper bags market in Saudi Arabia is poised for growth, as several companies are ramping up their operations in the region. LuLu hypermarkets made a significant move by unveiling a range of reusable and paper bags in all its Saudi stores. This initiative aligns with a larger strategy to combat plastic usage and champion environmental conservation. LuLu's proactive stance coincides with Saudi National Day, positioning it as a pioneer among the Kingdom's hypermarkets and setting the stage for increased adoption of eco-friendly paper bags.
  • While reliable and easily transportable paper products have existed for some years, their longevity has brought challenges. Paper bags, primarily crafted from cellulose fibers, can be sourced from either virgin materials or recycled from trees. The paper industry grapples with escalating raw material costs and supply bottlenecks. Fluctuations in raw material availability and costs in the region have significantly disrupted and delayed the growth of the packaging market. Intense price competition has compelled vendors to slash prices, aiming to stay competitive and affordable.

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Industry Overview

The Middle East and African paper bags market is consolidated. However, owing to several established players with a global presence, the vendors are focusing on expanding their market presence in the Middle East, especially in the developing regions, to maximize their market presence. Gulf East Paper and Plastic Industries LLC, Hotpack Packaging LLC, Shuaiba Industrial Company (KPSC), Green Bags UAE, and others are key players.

In June 2023, Spinneys, a retail player, and Hotpack Global, a UAE-based sustainable packaging provider, joined forces to pioneer a groundbreaking initiative. Together, they have unveiled a line of shopping bags crafted exclusively from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins. This milestone underscores Spinneys' commitment to sustainability, positioning them as the trailblazer in the UAE's retail landscape with this eco-friendly packaging solution.

In June 2023, Mondi, a global player in sustainable packaging and paper, unveils SolmixBag, a revolutionary water-soluble bag tailored for the construction sector.SolmixBag, a single-ply paper innovation, is engineered to house and convey dry construction essentials like cement and mortar mixes. Upon contact with water during the mixing phase, the bag dissolves seamlessly, intertwining its fibers with the product. This not only curbs waste but also slashes paper management expenses. Moreover, directly placing the bag into the mixer without prior opening significantly reduces dust on construction sites.

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Leaders

  1. Gulf East Paper and Plastic Industries LLC

  2. Hotpack Packaging LLC,

  3. Shuaiba Industrial Company ( K.P.S.C )

  4. Green Bags UAE

  5. Huhtamaki Oyj

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Concentration
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Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market News

  • January 2024: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) finalized an investment deal with the Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO), a prominent manufacturer specializing in paper-based products in the Middle East and North Africa. PIF holds a 23.08% stake in MEPCO, achieved through a capital increase and subscription to new shares. With this investment, PIF aims to increase MEPCO's production capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and champion environmental sustainability, particularly by producing recyclable paper goods, aligning with Saudi Arabia and PIF's sustainability objectives.
  • January 2024: The Arab Banking Corporation (ABC) and the Saudi Paper Manufacturing Company inked a significant banking facility agreement valued at EUR 24.9 million (USD 26.9 million). The Saudi Paper Manufacturing Company has specifically earmarked this financing for pivotal growth initiatives. The primary focus lies on acquiring new projects, a move set to broaden the company's operational horizons. This strategic step perfectly aligns with the company's vision of bolstering its market presence through diversification. Beyond expansion, the funding is poised to strengthen the company's liquidity, ensuring a robust working capital to meet its operational difficulties. Such financial fortification is not only about sustaining seamless business operations but also about adeptly meeting market dynamics.

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET INSIGHTS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.2.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 5.1 Market Drivers
    • 5.1.1 Increased Growth of Paper Bags Packaging in the E-commerce Sector
  • 5.2 Market Challenges
    • 5.2.1 Concerns Regarding the Availability of Material

6. MARKET SEGMENTATION

  • 6.1 By Type
    • 6.1.1 White Kraft
    • 6.1.2 Brown Kraft
  • 6.2 End-user Type
    • 6.2.1 Retail
    • 6.2.2 Food
    • 6.2.3 Construction
    • 6.2.4 Agriculture & Chemical
    • 6.2.5 Other End-user Types
  • 6.3 By Country
    • 6.3.1 United Arab Emirates
    • 6.3.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 6.3.3 South Africa
    • 6.3.4 Nigeria

7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 7.1 Company Profiles
    • 7.1.1 ENPI Group
    • 7.1.2 Huhtamaki Group
    • 7.1.3 Gulf East Paper and Plastic Industries LLC
    • 7.1.4 Hotpack Packaging LLC
    • 7.1.5 Shuaiba Industrial Company ( KPSC )
    • 7.1.6 Green Bags UAE
    • 7.1.7 Maimoon Papers Industry
    • 7.1.8 Bag The Future(Pinnacle Enterprises General Trading LLC)
    • 7.1.9 Western Modern PAC
    • 7.1.10 W A K S Paper Bags Manufacturing LLC
  • *List Not Exhaustive

8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET

**Subject to Availability
***In the final report, ' Rest of Middle East and Africa'. will be studied together as Middle East & Africa
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Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Industry Segmentation

Paper bags, crafted from renewable and biodegradable wood pulp, primarily sourced from trees, are a staple in the packaging industry. The most prevalent types of paper used in their production are Kraft paper and initiation Kraft paper. These bags find widespread applications as shopping carriers, packaging solutions, and even as sacks. To enhance their durability, paper bags are increasingly manufactured with multiple walls, making them ideal for storing and transporting various goods, ranging from food and beverages to animal feed. These bags are often equipped with twisted or flat handles for easy handling. Notably, the retail sector heavily relies on paper bags for customers' shopping needs.

The Middle East and African paper bags market is segmented by type (white kraft and brown kraft), end-user type (retail, food, construction, agriculture & chemical, and other end-user types), and country (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Nigeria, and Rest of Middle East & Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Type White Kraft
Brown Kraft
End-user Type Retail
Food
Construction
Agriculture & Chemical
Other End-user Types
By Country United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Nigeria
By Type
White Kraft
Brown Kraft
End-user Type
Retail
Food
Construction
Agriculture & Chemical
Other End-user Types
By Country
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Nigeria
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Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Research Faqs

How big is the Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market?

The Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market size is expected to reach USD 503.38 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.20% to reach USD 648.60 million by 2030.

What is the current Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market size?

In 2025, the Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market size is expected to reach USD 503.38 million.

Who are the key players in Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market?

Gulf East Paper and Plastic Industries LLC, Hotpack Packaging LLC,, Shuaiba Industrial Company ( K.P.S.C ), Green Bags UAE and Huhtamaki Oyj are the major companies operating in the Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market.

What years does this Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market size was estimated at USD 477.20 million. The report covers the Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

Page last updated on: March 11, 2025

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Industry Report

Statistics for the 2025 Middle East & Africa Paper Bags market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Middle East & Africa Paper Bags 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.

Middle East & Africa Paper Bags Market Report Snapshots

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