Middle East Stand-up Pouches Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Plastic, Bioplastic), By Product (Aseptic Pouches,Retort Pouches), By Closure (Tear Notch, Zipper Spout), By Application, By Country, And Segment Forecasts

Middle East Stand-up Pouches Market Summary

The Middle East stand-up pouches market size was estimated at USD 427.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 785.5 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2025 to 2033. Rapid urbanization and evolving lifestyles have spurred demand for portable, convenient, and visually appealing packaging, particularly in the food, beverage, and personal care segments.

Furthermore, e-commerce's surging growth is leading brands to seek packaging that’s lightweight, protective, and efficient for transit and shelf display, thereby boosting product demand. The Middle East stand-up pouches industry is characterized by a strong alignment with the region’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape, shaped by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a young, convenience-driven population. Lightweight, flexible, and portable, stand-up pouches cater to the growing demand for ready-to-eat meals, snacks, beverages, and single-serve products. Moreover, their high barrier properties ensure extended shelf life, which is particularly crucial in hot and humid Middle Eastern climates.

The retail sector’s shift toward modern trade formats, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms has strengthened demand for visually appealing, shelf-efficient packaging that supports branding and differentiation. This has encouraged manufacturers to invest in premium designs, re-sealable features, and digital printing technologies to capture consumer attention in a highly competitive marketplace.

The sustainability shift sweeping through the region is driven by government initiatives and increasing consumer awareness. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are implementing policies to reduce single-use plastics, accelerating the adoption of recyclable and biodegradable pouch materials. This trend has spurred collaborations between packaging converters, material suppliers, and multinational FMCG brands to develop eco-friendly alternatives without compromising functionality or cost efficiency.

However, the industry faces challenges such as volatility in raw material prices, reliance on imports, and limited local recycling infrastructure, which drive up costs and hinder large-scale adoption of sustainable alternatives. In addition, consumer skepticism around the recyclability of multilayer pouches remains a hurdle for market penetration.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage of the Middle East stand-up pouches industry is moderate, at an accelerating pace. The market is witnessing a high degree of innovation, particularly in the development of eco-friendly mono-material pouches, biodegradable films, and advanced digital printing solutions. Smart packaging with QR codes and interactive features is also being introduced to enhance traceability, product safety, and brand engagement.

Mergers and acquisitions are moderate in this market, largely driven by global packaging giants acquiring regional converters to strengthen distribution networks and capture the growing demand for flexible packaging in GCC countries. Local players also seek strategic partnerships with material suppliers to access advanced technologies.

Government regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable packaging solutions significantly impact market growth. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have imposed restrictions on single-use plastics, accelerating the transition toward recyclable and biodegradable pouch solutions, thereby reshaping the industry’s material mix.

Stand-up pouches face competition from rigid packaging formats such as bottles, jars, and cans, as well as traditional flexible packaging like sachets and wraps. While substitutes may offer durability or lower cost in certain applications, the convenience, branding potential, and sustainability-driven innovations in stand-up pouches help maintain their strong market position.

Material Insights

The plastic segment held the largest market revenue share of over 58.8% in 2024 owing to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and superior barrier properties, making it suitable for food, beverage, and personal care applications. Its lightweight nature reduces transportation costs, while innovations in multilayer films enhance durability and shelf-life, critical in the region’s hot climate. However, growing environmental concerns and regional policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics are gradually pushing manufacturers toward recyclable and mono-material plastic pouches to balance performance with sustainability.

Bioplastics represent the fastest-emerging material segment with a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2033, fueled by government-led initiatives to reduce plastic waste and corporate commitments to sustainability. Derived from renewable sources such as corn starch or sugarcane, bioplastic pouches offer biodegradability and compostability, making them attractive for eco-conscious brands and consumers.

Metal stand-up pouches are widely used in packaging snacks, coffee, powdered milk, and pharmaceuticals, as they provide superior resistance to light, moisture, and oxygen. Although these are heavier and less sustainable compared to other materials, metal pouches continue to be favored in segments requiring maximum product protection in harsh climatic conditions, making them a steady but smaller share of the market.

Paper-based stand-up pouches are expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% over 2025 to 2033. These pouches appeal to brands showcases a natural, organic image, especially in food and cosmetic applications. While paper lacks the same barrier strength as plastic, it is often combined with thin coatings or laminates to improve moisture and oxygen resistance.

Product Insights

The aseptic pouches segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 34% in 2024. Aseptic pouches are gaining traction in the Middle East due to their ability to extend shelf life without refrigeration, making them ideal for dairy, juices, and ready-to-drink beverages in hot climates. Their lightweight design reduces transportation costs, while their high-barrier properties ensure product safety and freshness.

Standard pouches is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR with 7.2% over the forecast period, owing to their cost-effectiveness, wide usability, and versatility across food, personal care, and household products. Their ease of storage, re-sealability, and attractive shelf display make them a preferred choice for both manufacturers and retailers.

Retort pouches are increasingly popular for ready-to-eat meals, sauces, and processed foods, as they provide excellent thermal stability and allow products to be sterilized for longer shelf life without preservatives. Their durability and lightweight nature make them an attractive alternative to cans and jars. In the Middle East, the growing demand for convenient packaged meals and military food supplies is boosting the adoption of retort pouches, though their higher production cost compared to standard pouches is a restraint.

Closure Insights

The tear notch closure segment recorded the largest market share of 40.36% in 2024. These closures are widely used in low-cost and single-use stand-up pouches, particularly in snacks, powdered foods, and small-format consumer goods. Their simplicity, affordability, and ease of use make them ideal for FMCG companies targeting price-sensitive consumers in the Middle East. Hence, the segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR with 7.6% over the forecast period.

Zipper closures are experiencing significant demand growth due to their reusability, convenience, and ability to preserve product freshness, making them ideal for dry foods, pet food, and household products. In the Middle East, urbanization and lifestyle shifts toward packaged foods are driving demand for re-sealable packaging.

Spout closures are gaining popularity in the region for liquid and semi-liquid products such as juices, baby food, condiments, and detergents. They offer controlled dispensing, portability, and reduced spillage, making them highly consumer friendly. With the rising popularity of on-the-go consumption and premium product differentiation, spouted pouches are gaining market share in the Middle East, despite being costlier to produce compared to tear notch or zipper closures.

Application Insights

The food & beverages segment recorded the largest market revenue share of 45.73% in 2024, driven by the rising demand for packaged snacks, dairy, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages. The region’s high reliance on food imports, coupled with a young, urbanized population, fuels the adoption of flexible packaging formats that offer convenience, extended shelf life, and portability.

The cosmetics & toiletries segment is projected to steadily grow as personal care consumption increases in GCC countries, supported by higher disposable incomes and a strong culture of grooming and beauty. Stand-up pouches are being adopted for products such as shampoos, lotions, wipes, and refills, offering brands a sustainable, space-saving, and cost-effective alternative to rigid packaging. The trend of eco-friendly and refillable pouches is particularly resonating with environmentally conscious younger consumers across the region.

In healthcare, stand-up pouches are used for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and medical supplies that require protection from moisture, light, and contamination. Growing healthcare investments across the Middle East and an expanding demand for over-the-counter supplements and wellness products are driving pouch adoption. The lightweight, tamper-evident, and hygienic nature of these pouches makes them well-suited for safe medical packaging, thereby the market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.7% over 2025 to 2033.

Country Insights

Saudi Arabia Stand-up Pouches Market Trends

Saudi Arabia stand-up pouches industry dominated the Middle East market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 38.43% in 2024 and it is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period. Its dominance is driven by a large food & beverage industry, strong FMCG consumption, and government initiatives to expand domestic packaging capabilities under Vision 2030. High demand for packaged dairy, snacks, and ready-to-eat products further fuels market growth.

UAE Stand-up Pouches Market Trends

The UAE stand-up pouches industry is supported by its position as a regional trade and re-export hub. Strong growth in food imports, rising demand for premium packaging, and strict sustainability initiatives (plastic reduction policies) are pushing adoption of recyclable and innovative pouch formats.

Kuwait’s Stand-up Pouches Market Trends

Kuwait’s stand-up pouches industry demand is primarily led by packaged food, beverages, and cosmetics. The market here benefits from high per capita income and increasing consumer preference for convenience-driven packaging solutions. However, limited local manufacturing results in dependency on imports from UAE and Saudi producers.

Oman Stand-up Pouches Market Trends

Oman stand-up pouches industry holds an estimated revenue share of more than 5%, with growth supported by investments in food processing, dairy, and agriculture-based industries. The government’s diversification efforts away from oil dependency are boosting demand for flexible packaging in retail and food exports, creating opportunities for stand-up pouches.

Key Middle East Stand-up Pouches Company Insights

The Middle East stand-up pouches industry features a mix of regional converters, international packaging manufacturers, and local suppliers catering to food, beverage, and personal care brands. International firms often dominate the high-performance pouch segment, while regional manufacturers focus on cost-effective standard pouches. Partnerships between global suppliers and local players are also emerging to serve FMCG multinationals and regional food processors more efficiently.

The market is fragmented, while multinationals hold strong positions in premium, high-barrier pouches, local and regional firms thrive in the mid- and low-cost segments due to price competitiveness and proximity to clients. This fragmentation is further shaped by country-specific regulations, varied levels of sustainability adoption, and differences in consumer packaging preferences across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other GCC countries.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Amcor unveiled its AmFiber Performance Paper stand-up pouch for instant coffee and dry beverages-a paper-based, refill packaging solution with approximately 85% fiber content. This "recycle-ready" pouch delivers strong barrier protection to preserve aroma and freshness, while significantly reducing environmental impact-cutting carbon footprint by up to 73%, non-renewable energy use by 71%, and water consumption by 41%. It also helps brands lower Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees by 70-90% in some markets, all without requiring new machinery setups. 

Middle East Stand-up Pouches Market Report Scope

Middle East Stand-up Pouches Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at a region level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Middle East stand-up pouches market report based on material, product, closure, application, and country:

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million 2021 - 2033)

  • Plastic

  • Paper

  • Metal

  • Bioplastic

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million 2021 - 2033)

  • Aseptic Pouches

  • Standard Pouches

  • Retort Pouches

  • Other Products

• Closure Outlook (Revenue, USD Million 2021 - 2033)

  • Tear Notch

  • Zipper

  • Spout

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million 2021 - 2033)

  • Food & Beverages

  • Cosmetics & Toiletries

  • Healthcare

  • Other Applications

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million 2021 - 2033)

  • UAE

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Oman

  • Kuwait

  • Qatar

  • Bahrain

  • Israel

  • Turkey