Driving Growth in the Middle East Packaging Market
The Middle East packaging market is experiencing positive growth, and this is set to continue, according to predictions and reports across the sector. Some of the biggest driving factors include changing consumer habits and the growth of digital and omnichannel sales platforms in the region.
Increases in demand, within a backdrop of the pandemic, have led manufacturers to rethink, innovate and upscale in many ways. We take a closer look at how the Middle East packaging market is being driven and how it is handling the current opportunities.
Rising trends across the MEA packaging industry
Across the Middle East, manufacturers are experiencing a significant upward shift due to changing consumer habits. This is a global trend driving demand for convenience during the pandemic. Shoppers have been moving online and eCommerce has boomed as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions.
This has opened new doors for adaptable manufacturers, increasing the opportunity to diversify. Many businesses have adapted to direct-to-consumer selling, for instance, which has increased the need for packaging and logistics streamlining – again accelerating innovation and technology-driven solutions.
The changing dynamic in consumer habits has also helped drive the growth of digital and omnichannel sales platforms across the whole MEA region. Shoppers are looking for businesses that offer home delivery and a wider choice, driving more online than ever before across the region. With this change in consumer behaviour predicted to last, there has never been a better time to future proof.
Sustainability, eco-friendly materials and bioplastics are also trends that may continue to drive the packaging industry in the Middle East over the next five years. Buying decisions are increasingly influenced by hygiene, safety, eco-friendly components and the promotion of trust-inducing packaging is of growing importance.
With a range of trends affecting growth across the Middle East, it is a time of opportunity for adaptable packaging businesses. Creating flexibility is a must in an environment governed by changing guidelines, unpredictable staffing and vital hygiene measures.
2022 will be a busy year, but not without challenges
2022 promises to be another busy year for the Middle East packaging and manufacturing sectors, according to current and predicted trends. It won’t be without its challenges, however, as supply chain and logistics delays continue to create an impact alongside measures that reduce the available workforce on the ground.
The experiences of the past two years have accelerated innovation across the region’s packaging industry. Businesses are diversifying, building better relationships and improving operations. The Middle East packaging sector’s growth is strong and is predicted to reach a CAGR of 5.4% over the next 7 years. Future-proofing now is the key to harnessing the opportunities, while preparing to simplify the inevitable challenges.
How automation can help
Automating a packaging line can provide the answer to many of the current challenges. The latest automatic packaging machines are built to encompass routine processes and tick essential regulatory boxes at the same time.
Taking a more hands-free approach to packaging protects both the workforce and the consumer. Most automated cartoners can erect, fill, seal and eject packaged product without any human intervention. This enables greater flexibility and can also increase quality control.
Increased output and consistency helps to strengthen business relationships, where key clients get continuous support. This has been particularly beneficial to outsourced packaging businesses, whom have been able to absorb additional demand more easily through automation.
About Jacob White Packaging
We have established relationships in the Middle East, providing a customised range of manual, semi-automated, and fully automatic packaging machines in the food packaging industry. We understand the challenges the sector faces and offer expert advice to help you find the right machines with the right functionality to suit your needs.
Let us help you with future-proofing – with a history over 100 years old and counting, you know you’re in good hands at Jacob White. Talk to us.
