15-18 June 2027
Crocus Expo, Moscow
In 2025, the industry will undergo a major technological and regulatory overhaul. Manufacturers and customers are reconsidering their traditional approaches to construction, design, and raw material selection.
The main vector of change is the transition to single-materials, an increased share of recycled materials, and adherence to sustainable development principles. Under pressure from legislation, economic constraints, and consumer expectations, companies are rapidly implementing recyclable solutions. Innovations in polymers and waste management logistics will determine business strategy in the coming years.
According to SIBUR experts, the Russian polymer packaging market will grow by 1.7–2% in 2025, with potential for average annual growth of up to 2% in the coming years due to stabilization in related industries. The flexible polymer packaging market volume by the end of 2024 will approach 600,000 tons, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous period.
The key growth drivers driving demand for hermetically sealed, logistically efficient packaging are:
// e-commerce, which is expected to grow by 30% by 2028;
// The prepared food segment (+23%). In monetary terms, the plastic container segment accounted for approximately 38% of the total packaging market (RUB 558.6 billion).
Plastic packaging accounts for a significant portion of the Russian packaging market. According to SIBUR, polymeric materials account for approximately 24% of the total packaging volume.
According to research by MegaResearch, the flexible polymer packaging segment was valued at 273.7 billion rubles (approximately 566,000 tons) in 2024. This volume growth rate of approximately 6% year-on-year is higher than the average annual growth rate over the past five years (approximately 1.25%).
According to a review by the Union of Plastics Processors, the Russian polymer packaging market will undergo a transformation in 2025 under pressure from environmental requirements, with a particularly noticeable shift toward mono-materials suitable for recycling without separation.
Official statistics on plastic recycling in Russia are extremely fragmented. According to industry sources, less than 8% of plastic materials are recycled. Industry analysts tend to estimate that the actual recycling rate of plastic waste is 5-7%. Positive trends have emerged:
// In 2024, nearly 2,500 new polymer processing enterprises were registered—a record increase.
// The register of polymer waste recyclers, as of August 2025, included 41 companies.
In addition to environmental fees, businesses are motivated by savings on logistics and materials. Lightweight and efficient packaging made from single-materials optimizes supply chains and reduces overall costs.
The Russian polymer packaging market is currently under the influence of two key factors: the systematic implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and growing demand for sustainable solutions from consumers and the B2B sector.
Effective January 1, 2025, Russia introduced mandatory standards for the use of recycled materials in several packaging categories. The adopted EPR law establishes clear, phased targets for packaging recycling:
55% - in 2025;
75% - in 2026;
100% in 2027.
The federal project to transition to a closed-loop economy also aims to halve waste disposal by 2030 and commission hundreds of new recycling facilities.
Starting September 1, 2025, the production of three types of PET packaging (non-standard colors, multilayer, and those with PVC labels) will be banned, and by 2030, another 20 types with high negative impacts will be banned. This step encourages a transition to single-material packaging and simplified sorting. In addition to these bans, environmental fees and expanded producer responsibility (ERP) measures will be introduced.
For reference: eco-tax rates will increase by 1.5 times annually in 2025–2026, incentivizing the use of recycled materials and reducing the coefficients for recycled materials.
Monomaterials as a support for stability
Packaging made from a single type of polymer significantly simplifies separation, sorting and recycling.
High-barrier, recyclable mono-materials based on PP and PET were presented at the RosUpack 2025 exhibition.
The move away from multilayer laminates and adhesives in favor of homogeneous structures is an established strategic trend with legislative support.
Introduction of rPET, rPE and other recycled polymers
Recycled polymers—rPET and rPE—are increasingly being incorporated into production. These materials are made from post-consumer plastic, reducing the environmental impact and the consumption of virgin raw materials. To improve the quality of rPET, bottle color restrictions and labeling standards are being introduced.
Design for Recycling
The "design for recycling" principle is a new paradigm for technology and marketing departments. The essence of this approach is to create packaging that can be easily recycled and returned to the production cycle. Implementation measures:
// The use of washable paints and the elimination of black carbon, which is not detected by sensors at sorting facilities.
// Designs that allow for complete emptying of packaging.
// Use labels sparingly or use labels that are easily removed during washing.
// Development of hybrid packaging with elements made from different materials, but with the ability to be easily separated by the consumer or on the sorting line.
The packaging loses its decorative elements – bright stickers, complex lids.
Digitalization and labeling
QR codes and freshness monitoring sensors are already being integrated into polymer packaging to increase transparency and protect against counterfeiting.
Localization and import substitution
Sanctions have accelerated the shift toward domestic supply chains for packaging materials. Imports of plastic films and binder raw materials are being redirected to Asian markets or domestic production. Simplifying the packaging structure is another way to reduce dependence on scarce imported components.
An analysis of the current situation allows us to formulate the following forecasts for the Russian polymer packaging market:
// The accelerated transition to single-materials will continue, driven by EPR and global sustainable development goals. Companies that are already investing in R&D and restructuring their production processes will gain a significant competitive advantage.
// Recycling infrastructure will grow in response to regulatory pressure and investment. This will open up new business opportunities in recycling production and closed-loop systems.
// Barrier coating and chemical recycling technologies will move from the category of innovation to the category of necessity for preserving the plastic packaging market in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
// Sustainability and recycling will no longer be a marketing ploy, but a fundamental requirement for packaging, impacting brand reputation and B2B partner loyalty.
The shift toward single-materials and sustainable solutions is not just a trend, but a response to environmental, regulatory, and market challenges. Companies willing to invest in green technologies will benefit in the long term—both in terms of regulatory compliance and in terms of image and operational sustainability.
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