Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Films Market

Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Films Market Size and Share:

The Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market size was valued at USD 625.15 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 2,251.39 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.20% from 2025-2033. The market share is propelled by the growing demand for consumer goods and packaged products, increasing preference for flexible and lightweight packaging solutions, expansion of the food and beverage sector, advancements in packaging technology and materials, and government initiatives promoting sustainable packaging solutions.

The Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market growth is substantially propelled because the food and beverage sector is rapidly expanding. The need for handy, prepared and packaged food products is growing a lot as there is increased urbanization, lifestyles are changing, and the population is getting bigger. As per recent industry reports, 92.1% of the population in Saudi Arabia lives in urban cities in 2025. Plastic packaging films are suitable for packaging many snacks, dairy products, beverages and multiple food items because they substantially preserve food freshness, are reasonably cost-effective and function as an adequate barrier. The plastic packaging films market outlook in Saudi Arabia is improving because more people are aware of sustainability, leading to increased investment in ecologically friendly packaging options.

Besides this, increase in e-commerce and growth of retail are fueling the demand for packaging that is strong, light and safe. According to the IMARC Group, the Saudi Arabia e-commerce market size reached USD 222.9 Billion in 2024 and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 12.8% during 2025-2033. In addition to this, the government is focused on diversifying its economy with the Vision 2030 plan. This has greatly helped the Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market outlook. As industrial and manufacturing sectors expand, specifically the health, personal and home care fields, they are increasingly requiring reliable packaging alternatives. The need for new, high-performance plastic packaging films grows as more industries keep expanding.

Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Films Market Trends:

Increasing Focus on Sustainability and Eco-friendly Packaging

Individuals and regulatory agencies are insisting that producers minimize their environmental impact, leading to the increased use of biodegradable and recyclable plastic films. With the rise of global sustainability trends, the demand for packaging solutions that resonate with eco-friendly principles is growing. In Saudi Arabia, domestic initiatives, backed by the government's eco-friendly programs, are steering the packaging sector toward more sustainable options, highlighting the necessity to minimize plastic waste. Producers are reacting by creating advancements in plant-derived polymers, water-soluble films, and multilayer films that are easily recyclable, ensuring that the packaging's performance and functionality remain intact. This change is anticipated to attract eco-conscious individuals while also complying with progressively tougher regulations on plastic waste disposal. With the increasing availability of these sustainable packaging options, user demand and regulatory incentives are propelling the growth of the market in Saudi Arabia.

Cost-effectiveness and Convenience

The affordability and practicality of plastic packaging films are significantly contributing to their extensive use in numerous sectors throughout Saudi Arabia. In comparison to other packaging materials like glass or metal, plastic films offer a cost-effective solution that does not sacrifice product safety or appearance. Their lightweight quality lowers transportation expenses, which is especially advantageous for large manufacturers and retailers aiming to enhance supply chain efficiency. Moreover, plastic films offer great versatility and can be tailored into numerous designs, forms, and dimensions, allowing them to be suitable for a wide range of products, including food, drinks, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. This design flexibility enables producers to find the ideal equilibrium between safety and ease of use while providing an attractive presentation. Additionally, the resilience of plastic films guarantees that items stay protected while being handled and transported, shielding them from harm. The mix of affordable manufacturing and improved safeguarding positions plastic packaging films as a vital solution.

Growing Applications in Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

In the pharmaceutical sector, plastic packaging films are vital for enclosing medications, medical devices, and healthcare items, providing essential defense against environmental factors that might risk product integrity. These films are designed with particular barrier characteristics to protect delicate medications from moisture, light, and air, which can all diminish the quality and effectiveness of the product. Furthermore, pharmaceutical-grade plastic films are crafted to guarantee tamper-evident and sterile packaging, essential for upholding safety and adhering to strict regulatory compliance standards in the industry. The significance of these films is especially clear in the Saudi Arabian pharmaceutical industry, which attained a worth of USD 9.4 Billion in 2024, according to the IMARC Group. The expansion of this market highlights the necessity for innovative packaging solutions that maintain the quality and safety of healthcare items. As the demand for medications and medical devices in the region rises, the significance of plastic packaging films in safeguarding both products and individuals will remain crucial to the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry.

Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Films Market Growth Drivers:

Growth in E-commerce and Online Retail

With the growth of online retail, the need for reliable, long-lasting, and effective packaging solutions is increasing significantly. Packaging films offer crucial safeguarding for items during transportation, guaranteeing they arrive to individuals in prime condition. The versatility of plastic films to fit different product shapes and sizes makes them an optimal selection for e-commerce packaging, providing both adaptability and affordability. As more shoppers choose online purchasing, there is a rise in the demand for packaging options that merge functionality with visual attractiveness. Moreover, the growth of subscription-based services, which depend on dependable and consistent packaging, is catalyzing the demand for plastic films. The International Trade Administration (ITA) forecasted that by 2024, the number of internet users engaging in e-commerce in Saudi Arabia will hit 33.6 million, highlighting the rising popularity of online shopping.

Technological Advancements in Plastic Film Production

Advancements in film extrusion methods, multi-layering strategies, and enhanced material compositions have greatly improved the capabilities of plastic packaging films, rendering them more adaptable and efficient than before. Film extrusion technology, which consists of melting and forming polymer resins into thin sheets, has experienced improvements that allow manufacturers to create thinner films that are more robust and long-lasting. Multi-layering methods enable the integration of various materials, including barrier layers that safeguard against moisture, UV radiation, and oxygen, thereby prolonging the shelf life of packaged goods. These improvements not only enhance the structural strength of the films but also provide better protection for delicate items. Moreover, automation and intelligent manufacturing technologies have enhanced production efficiency, guaranteeing consistency and minimizing waste. Through the incorporation of these technological innovations, producers can create packaging solutions that fulfill diverse industry requirements, such as those for lightweight, economical, and eco-friendly films, fostering ongoing expansion in the plastic packaging industry.

Government Initiatives and Industrial Growth

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, with its focus on economic diversification and industrial growth, is a key factor influencing the plastic packaging films market. The commitment of the governing body to supporting the manufacturing sector through substantial investments in infrastructure and development initiatives is offering a favorable market outlook. In 2025, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Alibrahim, announced that the kingdom plans to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure by 2030, aiming to diversify its economy and boost non-oil sectors. Furthermore, strategic measures such as increased funding for research activities, along with fostering collaboration between local and international businesses, are playing a vital role in contributing to the market growth. The establishment of industrial and special economic zones within the kingdom further supports the expansion of manufacturing facilities, strengthening the domestic supply chain for plastic films. These efforts are fostering a thriving ecosystem where innovation, sustainability, and industrial capabilities are integrated, positioning Saudi Arabia as a major hub for plastic packaging film production in the region.

Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Films Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type and end-user industry.

Analysis by Type:

• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Polyethylene Terephthalate
• Polystyrene
• Bio-Based
• Others

In Saudi Arabia's plastic packaging films market, polypropylene (PP) is often used when great strength and water resistance are needed. PP films are often used for food packaging, personal care items and consumer goods. Their cost-effectiveness and lightweight nature, coupled with their durability, make them a favored choice. This fuels large expansion within this area.

The polyethylene (PE) segment's large market share is due to its flexibility and moisture barrier. PE films, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are used for food packaging, industrial products, and agricultural films. PE remains a key packaging material as it is both cost-efficient and flexible.

The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) segment is witnessing strong growth in Saudi Arabia, driven by increasing demand for high-strength, transparent packaging. PET films are extensively utilized in the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and retail sectors for their clarity, barrier properties, and recyclability. With a focus on sustainability, PET's recyclability further boosts its demand in the Saudi market.

Analysis by End-User Industry:

• Food
  • Candy and Confectionery
  • Frozen Foods
  • Fresh Produce
  • Dairy Products
  • Dry Foods
  • Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
  • Pet Food
  • Others
• Healthcare
• Personal Care and Home Care
• Industrial Packaging
• Others

Saudi Arabia's food industry, which relies on the convenience, durability, and protective qualities of plastic packaging films, is the largest end-user of these materials in the country. Due to these versatile properties, including barrier against moisture, longer shelf life, and consumer convenience, the segment is a leading driver of market growth, especially with the use of plastic films in the packaging of snacks, frozen food, dairy products, and beverages.

In Saudi Arabia, the medical packaging segment is driven by its heavy reliance on plastic packaging films for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and sterile packaging solutions. There is a need for high-quality, moisture-resistant films to maintain the integrity and safety of products. This contributes to a positive outlook for the market since, with the increasing demand in the healthcare sector, mainly in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, the healthcare industry's need for reliable packaging solutions only continues to rise.

The personal care and home care industry in Saudi Arabia is a significant driver of the plastic packaging films market. With increasing demand for packaging in cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning products, and detergents, plastic films provide essential benefits such as moisture resistance, durability, and tamper-proof packaging. The growing consumer focus on hygiene and convenience fuels the continued demand for plastic packaging solutions in these sectors.

Regional Analysis:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

The Northern and Central regions include major cities of Saudi Arabia, which significantly impact the plastic packaging films market owing to increasing industrialization and urbanization in the region. They are also home to key manufacturing and distribution hubs that drive the demand for plastic packaging in sectors such as food, healthcare, and consumer goods. With the growth of retail and e-commerce, the demand for effective packaging is increasing in this region.

The Western region, including major cities such as Jeddah and Mecca, is critical to the Saudi Arabian plastic packaging films market on account of its favorable location for trade. Through a solid food, retail, and pharmaceutical scene, there is a lot of demand for premium packaging options. Also, owing to its strong tourism sector, the demand for convenient and durable packaging of various products is on the rise in the region.

The Eastern region, an industrial center in Saudi Arabia, is renowned for its oil, gas and petrochemical industries. This also leads to an increased demand for plastic packaging films for chemicals, automotive and industrial goods. As the region develops, demand for packaging solutions among a wide range of end-use industries, including food and healthcare, remains relatively strong, overall supporting the market in the region.

Competitive Landscape:

Major players in the Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market are implementing numerous strategic steps in a bid to positively influence market growth. Owing to the rising demand for biodegradable solutions, a number of companies are investing heavily in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to improve the quality and durability of packaging films. They are also concentrating highly on innovation. Due to environmental regulations and demand for green packaging among users, a number of players are adding biodegradable and sustainable materials into their portfolio. Moreover, partnerships with the food & beverage, pharmaceutical and retail industries have broadened the scope of plastic packaging films. The larger strategy, including investments in both operational efficiency and cost-cutting, are driving growth, making firms well-positioned for long-term growth in Saudi Arabia.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• March 2025: Gulf Packaging Industries (GulfPack) announced a major expansion to increase its BOPP film production capacity in Saudi Arabia. The addition of two new production lines will raise capacity from 183,000 to 318,000 tons per year, with the first line set to begin in 2026. This expansion aligns with the company's focus on meeting global demand and supporting environmentally sustainable packaging solutions.
• May 2024: FONTE, in collaboration with SABIC and Napco National, launched fully recycled bread packaging in Saudi Arabia for its Oat Arabic Bread. The packaging used 100% post-consumer polyethylene, certified under SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE program. This initiative promoted a circular economy for plastics, aligning with sustainability goals and Vision 2030.
• 6 August 2024: Alesayi Beverage Corporation, a prominent beverage producer in Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with SIG to broaden its line of goods and packaging. SIG will first provide Alesayi Beverages with its SIG SureFill 42 aseptic packing equipment and 10L SIG bags, leveraging the polyethylene-based SIG 2Pure Film, a one-layer film designed especially for water.
• 30 April 2024: The very first circular packaging initiative in Saudi Arabia has been successfully launched by SABIC, a leading chemicals manufacturer, and its partners as part of the TRUCIRCLE program, which aims to hasten the adoption of a circular plastic industry. The project involves the production of sustainable plastic bread bags. Two licensed circular polyethylene resin grades (LLDPE) for food contact are used in the production of the bags by Napco National, a Saudi producer of film and packaging materials.
• 24 February 2023: Malaysia-based packaging company Scientex, has entered into a partnership with SABIC to develop materials for the first flexible packaging for food in the world that utilizes innovative recycled ocean-bound plastics (OBP) by utilizing SABIC’s certified circular polypropylene (PP). This cutting-edge plastic packaging is being utilized for a high-end noodle brand in Malaysia.

Saudi Arabia Plastic Packaging Films Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Saudi Arabia plastic packaging films industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.