Middle East and Africa Paper Cups Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Cup Type (Hot Paper Cups, Cold Paper Cups), By End-User Industry (Quick Service Restaurants, Institutional, Other End-Users), By Wall Type (Single Wall Paper Cups, Double Wall Paper Cups, Triple Wall Paper Cup), By Cup Capacity (Up to 150 ml, 151 to 350 ml, 351 to 500 ml, Above 500 ml), By Sales Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Distributor, Departmental/Specialty/Discount Stores, Online Sales) and By Country(UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Rest of MEA) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The Middle East and Africa paper cups market size witnessed significant growth and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.5% during the forecast period (2023-2031).

Highlights

• 8-12oz dominates the market by size. 
• Hot beverage cup dominates the market by cup type.
• Double wall dominates the market by wall type
• Food and beverage application dominates the market by application.
• Offline dominates the market by distribution channel.

Paper cups are used once and then thrown away. They can be used to drink soup, tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc. Polyethylene, the most common type of plastic resin, is used to cover these cups. This makes them work better and last longer by stopping the lower moisture from absorbing and keeping taste. People use paper cups to save time and energy because they have busy lives and plans. These cups don't need to be washed and can be thrown away immediately. Paper cup sales have been affected by the growing popularity of ready-to-eat food and services worldwide.

Market Dynamics

Middle East and Africa Paper Cups Market Drivers

Shift Toward Sustainable Packaging

The region demands more eco-friendly packaging due to rising awareness of environmental sustainability and plastic waste. Biodegradable and recyclable paper cups are more sustainable than plastic cups. Businesses and consumers choose paper cups, fueling MEA market growth. Middle Eastern countries like the UAE have taken great steps to decrease plastic waste and promote sustainable packaging in recent years. The UAE's "UAE Plastic Ban" campaign promotes paper cups and awareness of plastic's environmental impact. Government restrictions and awareness initiatives have changed consumer behavior and preferences. To meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products and achieve the nation's sustainability goals, businesses, notably in the food and beverage industry, are using paper cups.

Middle East and Africa Paper Cups Market Restraints

Limited Recycling Infrastructure

Paper cup recycling infrastructure in the region may be lacking. Recycling and trash management are essential for paper cup sustainability. The lack of accessible and efficient recycling facilities can make paper cups seem less environmentally beneficial. Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria have minimal paper cup recycling facilities and infrastructure. Paper cups are recyclable, but the lack of accessible and efficient recycling methods makes it difficult to collect, sort, and recycle them. As a result, many old paper cups wind up in landfills, leading to environmental issues.

Middle East and Africa Paper Cups Market Opportunities

Increasing Awareness Regarding Negative Effects of Plastics

The UAE is minimizing plastic waste and encouraging sustainability. The government and other groups have started plastic pollution awareness campaigns. The "UAE Plastic-Free" initiative encourages people, businesses, and organizations to cut less on single-use plastics, including plastic cups. Many UAE cafes, hotels, and restaurants offer paper cups instead of plastic cups and promote their sustainability. Customers are also becoming more eco-conscious and looking for greener solutions. Sustainable packaging, including paper cups, is becoming popular among individuals and organizations trying to decrease plastic waste and live more sustainably.

Regional Analysis

The Middle East and African paper cups market is analyzed by country in South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the Rest of the Middle East and Africa. The rest of the Middle East and Africa dominated the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period.

Travel is expected to boost the Middle East paper cup sector. Social networking has introduced a large chunk of Saudi society to Western culture. Technology and dissolving social norms are driving choices. This boosts foodservice sales, customers, and transaction volume.

The aviation sector, labor camps, the military, hospitals, colleges, institutions, Umrah/Hajj, weddings, and other special occasion catering all want more prepared foods and beverages. More global corporations entering the market increase demand for packaged goods and beverages.

Local customers are increasingly pickier as they seek unique experiences. As people value experiences over convenience, quick casual is becoming more popular. Market growth is anticipated. Middle Eastern enterprises are increasingly ordering food delivery.

Food delivery to public events will increase as Vision 2030 opens more entertainment and sporting venues. The Middle East and Africa's paper cup market is fragmented due to several regional and local sellers. ENPI, Huhtamaki, and Gulf East Paper & Plastic Group are major players.

Segmental Analysis

Middle East and African paper cups market is based on size, cup type, wall type, application, distribution channel, and country.

The market is further segmented by size into Less Than 8 Oz, 8-12 Oz, and More Than 12 Oz.

The 8-12 Oz domain segment dominates the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period.

The market is further segmented by cup type into Hot Beverage Cups and Cold Beverage Cups.

Hot Beverage Cup dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 3.0% over the forecast period.

The market is further segmented by wall type into Single Wall, Double Wall, and Triple Wall.

The Double wall domain segment dominates the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period.

The market is further segmented by application into Food and Beverages, Institutional, Events, and Others.

Food and Beverages dominated the market and are expected to register a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period.

The market is further segmented by distribution channel into Online, Offline.

The Offline domain segment dominates the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period.

Recent Developments

• March 2023- Huhtamaki and Sporting Kansas City collaborated to eliminate Children's Mercy Park waste.
• March 2023- Ethisphere, a leader in establishing and expanding the norms of ethical business practices, named International Paper (NYSE: I.P.), a global manufacturer of environmentally friendly packaging, pulp, and other fiber-based products, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies.