Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019-2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 2.22 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 2.84 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 4.24 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Need a report that reflects how COVID-19 has impacted this market and its growth?
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Analysis
The Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 2.22 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.84 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.24% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- The growing demand for customer-friendly packages and heightened product protection is expected to boost corrugated packaging as a viable and cost-effective solution in Saudi Arabia. Paper and Paper board packaging options such as corrugated boxes and folding cartons are some of the most versatile and cost-effective formats to package and deliver goods, with diverse possibilities in a visually appealing product.
- The country has a huge consumer base and a wide range of industrial activities (apart from the oil and gas sector), adding to the rapid growth in the demand for paper and paperboard packaging from the country. According to the General Authority of Statistics report, the overall merchandise value of Saudi Arabia's exports increased by 6.4% in Q4 2022 compared to the same time the previous year. The value of exports amounted to SAR 342.4 (USD 91.23) billion in Q4. This increase in export trade would consequently push the demand for paperboard packaging demand, especially from the secondary and tertiary and secondary packaging sectors.
- There is a huge demand for food delivery apps in Saudi Arabia, and the industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Also, the demand for single-serve packs is being driven by the increasing number of single-person households and changing consumer lifestyles, which is expected to augment the growth of the packaged food market, driving the studied market growth.
- Saudi Vision 2030 aims to privatize its healthcare sector, which is expected to revamp the growth in the industry and is likely to support the healthcare packaging market. Some regional companies have made several agreements to increase the recyclability of their folding cartons. In recent years, Tetra Pak signed its first-ever contract in Saudi Arabia with the OPI paper mill, which can produce 180 thousand tons of duplex board annually and has been recycling approximately 6,000 tons of used cartons annually.
- Although Saudi Arabia is one of the leading markets in the packaging industry in the Middle Eastern region, the growing reliance of manufacturers on other countries for raw materials and their fluctuating prices is likely to hamper the studied market growth.
- The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on the packaging industry, resulting in lockdowns, corporations shifting their sourcing away from China, and reconsidering packaging materials. Despite a significant effect on the supply side of the packaging, considerable growth in end-user demand in specific applications significantly expanded the scope of the paperboard packaging industry.
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Trends
Folding Cartons to Witness Major Growth
- With the focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability, folding carton demand has increased across various industries in Saudi Arabia, such as food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, home care, retail, etc. Consumer consciousness of sustainable packaging preference, availability of raw material, lightweight, biodegradable, and recyclable nature of paper, and deforestation have driven the demand for this packaging type in the region.
- Saudi Arabia's food industry remains one of the most robust sectors in the overall Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economy. Saudi Arabian consumers are increasingly becoming savvy regarding food as their demand for new products with a strong focus on health is growing. The region has a high rate of packaged food and beverage consumption due to rapid urbanization and an increasing number of tourists who often prefer safer processed foods.
- Moreover, according to the General Authority for Statistics (Saudi Arabia), the revenue generated by the food and beverage service is projected to reach USD 16.03 billion by 2025 from USD 14.46 billion in 2020. The growth of 10.8% is due to the increasing demand for milk and milk products, which is expected to support the need for the Folding Cartons.
- Furthermore, with the rising number of single households requiring more takeaway and delivery food services, the market requirement in the food service sector has been reshaped, driving the growth of the market studied in the country.
Food and Beverages Segment to Grow Significantly
- The growth of the food industry is driving demand for folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and liquid cartons due to changes in national lifestyles and increasing needs for ready-to-eat, frozen, and packaged products. The explosive growth of the online food industry, tourism, and sustainable packaging solutions is also driving the development of this market sector, as dedicated cardboard boxes are used for products to protect them from external influences.
- Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (also simply called MODON) is a government agency established by the Saudi government. MODON has signed seven contracts totaling 99,400 square meters to benefit the Kingdom's food and beverage sector. Also, MODON signed two additional agreements during the Saudi Food 2023 opening ceremony to promote financing solutions, support business development, and promote entrepreneurship.
- The Saudi Arabian tourism sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with the public and private sectors working together to diversify the tourist base and the purpose of tourism to the Kingdom, away from traditional business and religious tourism.
- According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) across the Middle East countries would amount to approximately USD 486.1 billion by 2028. The growing tourism sector is expected to positively impact the market studied.
- Moreover, the country’s incoming tourism revenue increased by 225% over the same period in the previous year. The rapidly growing tourism sector presents many opportunities for developing the food and beverage industry in Saudi Arabia, accelerating the necessity of different paper-based packaging like folding cartons, paper bags, corrugated boxes, and more.
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Industry Overview
The Saudi Arabian paper and paperboard packaging market is dominated by major companies like Obeikan Investment Group, Gulf Carton Factory Company, and Eastern Pak Limited, holding a substantial market share due to consistent investments in technological advancements and product launches. With entry barriers ranging from low to moderate, existing companies are effectively meeting the rising demand. The market's growth potential has led both new and established firms to invest in product innovations, intensifying competition and resulting in a semi-consolidated landscape.
In August 2023, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the signing of a binding agreement to acquire a 23.08% stake in Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO) for approximately SAR 630 million (USD 168 million). According to the agreement, MEPCO will increase its capital by up to SAR 866.7 million (USD 231.054 million) by suspending the priority right.
In July 2023, Napco National strategically expanded its packaging portfolio and market reach by successfully acquiring Rotopak, a leading supplier of printed flexible and paperboard packaging solutions. This acquisition aligns with Napco's vision to develop high-value products and tailored services for industries in the GCC region, emphasizing the company's commitment to addressing societal needs and environmental considerations through its offerings.
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Leaders
Gulf Carton Factory Company
Gulf East Paper & Plastic Industries LLC
Obeikan Investment Group
Eastern Pak Limited
United Carton Industries Company (UCIC
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market News
- April 2023: Hotpack, a UAE-based manufacturer and supplier of disposable packaging, launched a specialized food packaging program in Saudi Arabia, involving a SAR 1 billion (USD 266 million) investment. The initiative aims to manufacture environmentally friendly products, with the packaging unit dedicated to producing sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions.
- January 2023: Crown Paper Mill announced its acquisition of 90,000 square meters of land in Jubail 2, Saudi Arabia, in response to the escalating demand for paper packaging in the region. The company's upcoming paper machine, capable of producing 65,000 metric tons of Jumbo roll per year, is anticipated to become operational in the final quarter of 2024.
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging 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 Pestle Analysis - Saudi Arabia
4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.3.4 Threat of Substitutes
4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.4 Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Growing Demand from the Food and Beverage Sector
5.1.2 Regulations on Plastic-based Packaging Products Contributes to Higher Demand
5.1.3 Increasing Demand for Eco-friendly Solutions and Scope for Printing Innovations Propelling the Growth of the Market
5.2 Market Challenges
5.2.1 Reliance on Other Countries for Raw Materials and Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
5.3 Packaging Machinery Providers in Saudi Arabia
5.4 Major Types of Packaging Machines Deployed for Paper Packaging
5.5 Standard Machine in Paper Packaging Plant & Space and Manpower
5.6 Manufacturing Process and Machinery for Corrugated Paperboard Packaging Products
6. TRADE SCENARIO
6.1 Historical Import-export Analysis By Value
6.2 List of Major Importing Countries - By Value and by Quantity
6.3 List of Major Exporting Countries - By Value and by Quantity
6.4 Key Takeaways
6.5 Saudi Arabia Paper Items - Exports By Volume and Value
6.6 Saudi Arabia Paper Items - Imports By Volume and Value
6.7 Saudi Arabia Paper Items - Production By Volume
6.8 Saudi Arabia Papers - Trade Pattern Analysis
6.9 Saudi Arabia Paper Commodities - Importers/Exporters
7. MARKET SEGMENTATION
7.1 By Type
7.1.1 Folding Cartons
7.1.2 Corrugated Boxes
7.1.3 Other Types
7.2 By End-user Vertical
7.2.1 Food and Beverage
7.2.2 Healthcare
7.2.3 Personal Care and Household Care
7.2.4 Industrial
7.2.5 Other End-user Verticals
8. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
8.1 Company Profiles*
8.1.1 Gulf Carton Factory Company
8.1.2 Eastern Pak Limited
8.1.3 United Carton Industries Company (UCIC)
8.1.4 Gulf East Paper & Plastic Industries LLC
8.1.5 Obeikan Investment Group
8.1.6 NAPCO National
8.1.7 Middle East Paper Company
8.1.8 Western Modern Packaging Co. Ltd.
9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Industry Segmentation
Paper and paperboard are frequently used for packaging several end-user industries' products. There are numerous grades of paperboard packaging. Like folding cartons, paperboard is the most common material used to make containers. The paperboard requires pulping, optional bleaching, refining, sheet forming, drying, calendaring, and winding to manufacture paper. Paper packaging materials can be easily reused and recycled compared to other materials, such as metals and plastics. This is why paper packaging is considered eco-friendly and economical packaging.
The Saudi Arabia paper and paperboard packaging market is segmented by type (folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and other types) and by end-user vertical (food and beverage, healthcare, personal care and household care, industrial, and other end-user verticals).
The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Type | |
| Folding Cartons | |
| Corrugated Boxes | |
| Other Types |
| By End-user Vertical | |
| Food and Beverage | |
| Healthcare | |
| Personal Care and Household Care | |
| Industrial | |
| Other End-user Verticals |
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market?
The Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 2.22 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.24% to reach USD 2.84 billion by 2029.
What is the current Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 2.22 billion.
Who are the key players in Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market?
Gulf Carton Factory Company, Gulf East Paper & Plastic Industries LLC, Obeikan Investment Group, Eastern Pak Limited and United Carton Industries Company (UCIC are the major companies operating in the Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market.
What years does this Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 2.13 billion. The report covers the Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Saudi Arabia Paper And Paperboard Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook to for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
