Egypt's packaging industry: powering diverse sectors and growth

The packaging industry in Egypt is an important sector that supports various industries, including agriculture, food, and retail. The paper packaging market in Egypt is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% by 2028, driven by the rise in consumer awareness and growing demand for flexible paper packaging. The choice of packaging material depends on factors such as the type of product, its shelf life, durability requirements, and environmental considerations.

Mandatory Arabic Labeling: Navigating Import Requirements in Egypt

Finished goods imported for distribution and sale in Egypt must be labeled in Arabic with the country of origin, the manufacturer’s name, and the product description. Specific additional requirements apply to foods, drugs, and textiles.

Egypt's Export Powerhouse: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Worth $1.7 Billion

Egypt is a major producer and exporter of fruits and vegetables, with the value of its fresh fruit and vegetable exports estimated to be approximately $1.7 billion. Sweet potatoes, beans, and strawberries are some of the fruits and vegetables that Egypt exports, with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia being some of the main customers.

Egypt's Packaging Landscape: Uniting Industries and Fostering Export Growth

In summary, the packaging industry in Egypt is an important sector that supports various industries, including agriculture, food, and retail. The paper packaging market in Egypt is expected to grow, and there are specific labeling and packaging requirements for finished goods imported for distribution and sale in Egypt. Egypt is a major producer and exporter of fruits and vegetables, with increasing amounts of processed fruit and vegetable exports. 

Crafting Industries: Materials and Innovation in Egypt's Packaging

Packaging materials are utilized in various industries, including food and beverage, retail, and cosmetics. Paper and paperboard are commonly used for boxes, cartons, and labels. Plastic packaging, including PE, BOPP, CPP, and PVC, is widely used for bottles, jars, tubs, and more. Glass containers are popular for beverages and sauces, while metal packaging, such as aluminum cans and tin containers, is used for food and beverage products. Flexible packaging, including films and laminates, is gaining popularity for snacks, confectionery, and personal care items. Additionally, other materials like textiles, ceramics, and silicone are also used for packaging purposes in Egypt. The most common types of packaging materials used in Egypt include:

Paper and Paperboard
Paper containers and packaging made from paper and paperboard are widely used in various industries, including food and retail. These materials are often used for boxes, cartons, labels, and other forms of packaging.
    
Plastic
Plastic packaging is extensively used in Egypt, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Common types of plastic materials used include PE (Polyethylene), BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene), CPP (Cast Polypropylene), and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Plastic packaging can be rigid or flexible, and it is used for products such as bottles, jars, tubs, cups, bowls, trays, pouches, and more.

Glass
Glass packaging is commonly used for products such as beverages, sauces, and cosmetics. Glass containers provide a transparent and durable packaging solution.

Metal
Metal packaging, such as aluminum cans and tin containers, is used for food and beverage products. Metal packaging offers durability and protection for the contents.
    
Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging, including materials like films and laminates, is gaining popularity in Egypt. It is used for products such as snacks, confectionery, and personal care items. Other packaging materials used in Egypt include textiles, ceramics, and silicone

Packaging as a Marketing Tool: Attracting Attention and Building Brand Perception

Packaging is often the first point of contact between a product and a potential customer. Eye-catching and well-designed packaging can grab attention and stand out on store shelves or online platforms. It helps to differentiate a product from competitors and entices customers to explore further. Packaging also serves as a powerful branding tool. It conveys the brand's identity, values, and messaging, creating a visual representation of the product and the company behind it. The design, colors, and logo on the packaging contribute to brand recognition and help build a positive perception of the product.

Packaging as a Protective and Functional Tool
At its most fundamental level, packaging serves as protection for the product inside. It makes shipping and transportation simple and ensures the safety and integrity of the product during transportation, storage, and handling. Packaging also provides essential information about the product, such as its features, benefits, usage instructions, and ingredients. Clear and informative packaging helps customers make informed purchasing decisions and builds trust in the product. Packaging ensures the safety and integrity of the product during transportation, storage, and handling. It prevents damage, contamination, and spoilage, preserving the quality and freshness of the product. Packaging also facilitates convenient and practical usage, such as easy opening, portion control, and resealing options.

Packaging as a Consumer Experience Tool

Packaging contributes to the overall consumer experience. It can evoke emotions, create anticipation, and enhance the perceived value of the product. Well-designed packaging can create a positive impression and make the product feel more premium and desirable. Packaging serves as a marketing tool in itself. It can feature promotional messages, discounts, or special offers to attract customers. Packaging can also incorporate interactive elements, such as QR codes or augmented reality, to engage consumers and provide additional information or entertainment. Effective packaging design can create a strong brand identity, build consumer trust, and ultimately drive sales.

News from the packaging Industry in Egypt

65% Surge in Egypt's Exports of Printing, Packaging, and Artistic Works

07.04.2022 Egypt's exports of printing, packaging, paper, literary, and artistic works rose by 65% from January to February 2022, reaching $198 million, up from $120 million in the same period in 2021. The Egyptian Export Council for Printing, Packaging, Paper, Literary, and Artistic Works reported that five countries, including Sudan ($23 million), Libya ($21 million), the UK and Northern Ireland ($15 million), Morocco ($14 million), Italy ($13 million), and Saudi Arabia ($9 million), accounted for 47.7% of the total exports.

Tetra Pak and Uniboard Join Forces on €2.5M Beverage Carton Recycling in Egypt

02.11.2022 Global packaging company Tetra Pak will partner with Egypt's largest paper board manufacturer, Uniboard, for a €2.5 million Used Beverage Cartons (UBC) recycling project in Egypt. The plant is set to start initial operations next year and will ultimately recycle 8,000 tonnes of UBC annually when it reaches full capacity in five years. Uniboard, known for transforming recycled wastepaper into paperboard with an annual production of over 150,000 tonnes, is expanding its portfolio to include beverage carton recycling through this partnership.

Egypt's Haj Arafa Announces $4M Date Packaging Facility in Siwa Oasis

10.12.2022 Egypt's agrifood group Haj Arafa will build a US$4 million date packaging facility in the Siwa oasis, west of Egypt, set to be operational next year. Announced on November 30 by CEO Mohammed Arafa Al Attar, the project will collaborate with local date producers for raw material supply. The facility will provide fruit sorting, cleaning, and packing services and will include a thermoforming packaging machine for flexible or rigid film packaging. The factory's production will primarily target the African and Asian markets.

Food Africa and pacprocess MEA Trade Fairs See Exponential Growth in Cairo Event

17.12.2022 The Food Africa and pacprocess MEA trade fairs in Cairo from 5 to 7 December marked a success, with over 60% growth in visitors and around 70% in exhibitors compared to the previous event. A total of 25,821 visitors from over 60 countries and 738 exhibitors from 32 countries participated. The third edition of pacprocess MEA included 114 exhibitors. Organized by the interpack Alliance, the events offered a platform for the food industry and packaging, emphasizing opportunities in Africa and the Middle East.

Flex P Films Egypt to Inject $110M for New PET Factory in Sokhna

12.04.2023 Flex P Films Egypt, a subsidiary of UFLEX, is investing $110 million in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) factory in Sokhna, Egypt. The 30,000 tonnes/month capacity plant will be built in two phases, with Phase 1 starting in 2024 and Phase 2 by mid-2025. The project will be spread over 250,000 square meters in SIDC Industrial Park, creating more than 700 jobs. The expansion is part of a broader initiative to attract Indian investments within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE).

Arab StarPack 2023: Egypt Celebrates Top Packaging Design in the Arab Region

01.06.2023 Egypt hosted the Arab StarPack 2023 award ceremony, in collaboration with LibanPack and UNIDO, recognizing top packaging design in the Arab region. The competition aims to align Arab industries with global packaging trends and standards, emphasizing marketing, functionality, and sustainability, and enhancing the international competitiveness of Arab products.

Orascom and India's Flex Accipto Seal $120M Packaging Expansion Deal in SCZONE

21.06.2023 Orascom Industrial Parks, an Egyptian company, has signed a $120 million deal with India's Flex Accipto, a subsidiary of UFlex Group, to expand its plant in the SCZONE, according to a statement released by the SCZONE. The expansion will cover 150,000 square meters and involves the manufacturing of packaging products and containers, with an annual production capacity of 120 million packages. Chairman of the SCZONE Walid Gamal El-Din witnessed the deal, which highlights the growing economic cooperation between Egypt and Indian companies.

El Ahram's H1 2023 Financials Reveal Drastic Losses, as Filed with EGX

08.08.2023 El Ahram for Printing and Packing (EPPK) reported a significant increase in losses of 247.76% YoY during H1 2023, resulting in a net loss after tax of EGP 8.018 million, compared to EGP 2.305 million in the same period in 2022. Net sales also fell by 43.67% YoY to EGP 7.906 million. The information was filed with the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) on August 8th, as revealed in the company's unaudited financial statement.