Market Trends of Egypt Plastic Caps And Closures Industry
Polyethylene Segment is Expected to Push the Market Growth
- Polyethylene (PE), a highly durable plastic, stands out for its chemical resistance and cost-effectiveness. Derived from petroleum polymers, PE boasts resilience against environmental hazards. This versatile material is typically categorized into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
- In April 2023, Flex, an Indian company, initiated a USD 110 million polyethylene production project in Egypt's Ain Sokhna industrial zone under the aegis of Orascom Industrial Zones. Spanning 250,000 sq. m, the project, as detailed by the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), boasts a monthly production capacity of 30,000 tons. Flex, a major player in India's polyethylene sector, is strategically bolstering its presence in Egypt.
- Egypt's plastics industry is a vibrant segment within the broader chemical industry. Plastics have extensive applications in Egypt, from packaging to other end-user industries. Forecasts indicate a robust growth trajectory, with the Egyptian plastics market poised to expand by 10% annually over the next decade. This growth trajectory positions Egypt to lead as the continent's foremost consumer of plastics.
- Egypt's ETHYDCO shipped its first batch of recycled polyethylene products to Spain, building on its local market success and surging demand. ETHYDCO's marketing, sales, planning, production, and research departments emphasized the pivotal role each played in reaching the export milestone. The company underscored that this achievement reflected ETHYDCO's prowess and echoes the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources' emphasis on sustainability in the oil and gas sector, aligning with Egypt's 2030 vision for sustainable development. Such initiatives by companies to export polyethylene products might encourage the growth of caps and closures in the market.
- Demand for polyethylene caps and closures is expected to grow with the rising food and beverage industry in the country. According to CAPMAS (Egypt), the monthly consumer price index for food and non-alcoholic beverages in April 2023 was 204, which increased from 165 in January 2023. In April 2023, Egypt witnessed a notable uptick in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items, primarily propelled by surging food prices.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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The Beverage Sector is Expected to Drive Market Growth
- Household spending in Egypt is notably skewed toward the food and beverage sector. Families with one to two members allocate 29.9% of their budget to the sector, while larger families of five to six spend 31.8%. The trend peaks with families of nine or more dedicating a substantial 37% of their budget to food and beverages.
- Caps and closures maintain product freshness, enhance visual appeal, and comply with environmental regulations. This dual benefit makes them a favored choice for manufacturers, ensuring products are safer, more convenient for consumers, and cheaper to produce at scale.
- In the first quarter of 2024, Egypt's unemployment rate dropped to 6.7%, down from 6.9% in the previous quarter. The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) reported a 1% rise in Egypt's labor force, reaching 31.39 million, up from 31.1 million. Of this, 13.75 million were part of the urban labor force, with the remaining 17.63 million in rural areas. Busy lifestyles might improve the caps and closures market growth, driven by the rising popularity of single-serving beverage containers.
- While alcohol is widely available, its sale is restricted in certain regions like the Western Desert oases and Middle Egypt. Hotels and restaurants have become the go-to spots for a drink in areas without bars. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the total consumer spending on alcohol and tobacco in Egypt in 2020 was USD 5,572.12 million, and it is expected to reach USD 6.558.94 million by 2024. A rise in consumer spending on alcohol might leverage the market for caps and closures in the country.
- The beverage industry is witnessing a shift toward category convergence. Players embrace a more unified strategy to cater to a broader spectrum of consumer tastes and occasions. The cost-efficiency and logistical convenience of plastic caps and closures have enticed several beverage companies to make the switch. This shift is anticipated to have a favorable impact on the market.
