South Korea Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, Glass, Wood, and Others), By Product Type (Rigid Packaging and Flexible Packaging), By Packaging Type (Primary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, and Tertiary Packaging), By End-use Industry (Food, Beverages, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Chemicals & Lubricants, Healthcare, Consumer Products, Building & Construction, Electronics, Automotive, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2025-2032

The South Korea packaging market size was valued at USD 9.96 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow to USD 10.15 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.39% during the forecast period and reach USD 11.97 billion by 2032.

The South Korean packaging industry is influenced by multiple interrelated elements, such as the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector, rising consumer preferences for convenience and high-quality goods, and a significant focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials driven by regulatory demands and consumer consciousness. Furthermore, South Korea stands out as one of the most dynamic markets in the beauty industry. Cutting-edge beauty trends and innovations, showcasing advanced ingredients and visually attractive packaging drive the packaging market in the country.

• The Korea Pro Organization states that South Korea’s cosmetic exports hit USD 7.4 billion in the third quarter of 2024, fueled by increasing global interest in K-beauty products. The U.S. and Japan have become significant markets for growth, with exports to the U.S. soaring by 38.6%.

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South Korea Packaging Market Trends

Growing Beauty and Cosmetic Sector in South Korea Emerges as a Key Trend

The beauty and cosmetics sector in South Korea, renowned worldwide for its creativity and stylish designs, is experiencing a significant transformation on how it approaches demand for sustainable packaging solutions. This shift is influenced by a combination of regulatory demands, increased consumer awareness, and South Korea's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Leading companies such as Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care, along with emerging independent brands, are rethinking packaging from a foundational level, harmonizing artistic design with ecological responsibility. The massive growth in the K-beauty and cosmetic sector in the country drives the demand for packaging.

• The International Trade Administration states that the popularity of South Korean cosmetics brands (K-beauty) continues to rise, especially in Asia. In 2022, South Korea was ranked among the top 10 beauty markets globally, with an estimated market size of USD 3.9 billion; however, local production and exports fell by roughly 18.4% and 2.2% respectively, from the previous year.
• South Korea ranked as the fourth-largest cosmetics exporter, trailing only France, the U.S., and Germany. In contrast, total imports of cosmetics observed a slight increase from 2021, amounting to USD 1.3 billion. When considering individual countries, France was the largest exporter to South Korea in 2022, with exports valued at USD 462 million, followed by the U.S. at USD 274 million and Japan at USD 126 million.

Paper and Paperboard exports in 2024

South Korea Packaging Market Growth Factors

Implementation of Government Policies Concerning Eco-friendly Packaging Boosts Market Growth

South Korea is putting into effect new regulations aimed at promoting eco-friendly packaging. The country has enacted a law that prohibits the use of plastic materials that pose recycling challenges, such as PVC and colored plastic bottles for food and beverage packaging. This initiative is part of South Korea's objective to decrease consumption and boost the recycling rate from 34% to 70% by 2032. The Ministry of Environment has stated that PVC bottles, PET bottles with colored labels, and labels that are hard to detach are not permitted as they complicate the recycling process and generate harmful substances such as hydrogen chloride and zinc during recycling. PET bottles must be transparent, and their labels should be easy to remove. South Korea is taking environmental issues more seriously, as evidenced by the implementation of regulations regarding recyclable packaging. Henceforth, the implementation of several policies for recycling using eco-friendly packaging enhances the South Korea packaging market growth.

South Korea Packaging Market Restraints

Regulatory and Environmental Pressures Impede Market Growth

Regulations related to packaging materials, particularly for packaged food, add layers of complexity and expenses to production, which can lead to higher prices or complicate entry into supply chains. Additionally, policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), waste fees, and restrictions on single-use products necessitate that producers actively handle packaging waste, raising both operational and compliance expenses. Although South Korea reports high rates of plastic recycling, activists question their validity; the actual rate of effective recycling could be significantly lower, revealing shortcomings in infrastructure and increasing environmental strain.

South Korea Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material

Based on material, the market is divided into plastic, paper & paperboard, metal, glass, wood, and others.

Plastic holds the dominating South Korea packaging market share. Driven by heightened consumer awareness and strict regulations, South Korea is swiftly evolving to adopt sustainable plastic packaging, focusing on bio-plastics, recycled materials, and the principles of a circular economy. Additionally, the packaging sector is utilizing smart technologies such as IoT and advanced barrier materials to enhance supply chain efficiency and achieve sustainability objectives.

By Product Type

Based on product type, the market is segmented into rigid packaging and flexible packaging.

Rigid packaging is the dominating product type and will experience significant growth with growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly materials such as recycled and biodegradable plastics. The implementation of smart and tailored packaging via digital technology and automation, and the transition toward lighter materials to cut costs and lessen environmental effects are the major factors driving the segment’s growth in South Korea.

By Packaging Type

Based on packaging type, the market is trifurcated into primary packaging, secondary packaging, and tertiary packaging.

Secondary packaging type leads driven by sustainability, compliance with regulations, and the incorporation of smart technology, all driven by significant government initiatives that promote a shift from single-use plastics to reusable systems and eco-friendly materials such as recycled paperboard and biodegradable polymers. The K-Beauty sector, a key player in the market, is at the forefront of this transformation by adopting packaging that is biodegradable, compostable, and refillable. Additionally, smart packaging equipped with IoT features, QR codes for greater transparency, and AI-driven dashboards for monitoring are increasingly vital for improving product integrity, ensuring efficient supply chains, and satisfying both consumer demands and strict environmental regulations.

By End-use Industry

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into food, beverages, cosmetics & personal care, chemicals & lubricants, healthcare, consumer products, building & construction, electronics, automotive, and others.

Food is the leading end-use industry segment as the country witnesses changing consumer preferences for healthier, convenient, and premium choices, driven by the rise of single-person households and greater participation of women in the workforce. The market is further affected by technological innovations in e-commerce and digital marketing, dependence on imported ingredients, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, necessitating that companies adjust their products and practices to align with regulatory standards and consumer demands.

List of Key Companies in the South Korean Packaging Market

International Paper Company, Amcor Plc, and Tetra Pak are the prominent key players in the South Korean packaging market.

The other companies with a considerable presence in the market include Berry Global, Inkopack Co., Ltd., Lotte Aluminium, Rengo Co., Ltd., and other small & medium-sized market players. These companies are making strategic moves, such as conducting market research and development activities for the development of several packaging products, which are expected to increase their market shares.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• International Paper Company (U.S.)
• Amcor Plc (Switzerland)
• Berry Global (U.S.)
• Tetra Pak (Switzerland)
• Inkopack Co., Ltd. (South Korea)
• Lotte Aluminium (South Korea)
• Rengo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• March 2025: APP Group has made its entry into the paper packaging sector in South Korea in response to the increasing demand for eco-friendly options in recent years. With the introduction of Foopak Bio Natura in Korea, APP Group aims to align with South Korea's goal of cutting plastic waste by 50%. The Foopak Bio Natura serves as a flexible, compostable, and food-safe paper packaging option suitable for multiple sectors, including food service.
• October 2024: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. launched its SPOPS business in the South Korean market. The firm has entered into a contract with NOTRAC Inc., which manages a lifestyle brand in South Korea, to create and market products that incorporate SPOPS. As a preliminary phase in this market expansion, products such as shampoos and body soaps featuring SPOPS will be introduced in South Korea under the "ECOJE" label of the cosmetics manufacturer UCL Co., Ltd.

REPORT COVERAGE

The South Korea packaging market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on market dynamics and key industry developments, such as mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, it includes information about the Korean SME’s export to the U.S. and others. Besides this, the report also offers insights into the latest industry trends and the impact of various factors on the demand for packaging.

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Report Scope & Segmentation