Algeria's Paper Packaging Industry: A Rising African Powerhouse

The packaging industry has become a significant component of Algeria's industrial landscape, representing nearly a quarter of the country's 300,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Approximately 20-23% of these SMEs specialize specifically in packaging activities, indicating the sector's substantial contribution to the country's economic diversification efforts beyond its traditional hydrocarbon dominance.

Import Dependency and Production Capacity

Despite growing local demand, Algeria's paper packaging production remains limited, creating significant import opportunities. In 2022, the country's wrapping paper production reached approximately 18,000 tons, maintaining a relatively stable production pattern in recent years. The production value of wrapping papers was estimated at $20 million in the same year.

This production level falls short of meeting domestic needs, making Algeria one of Africa's largest importers of packaging technology. In 2023 alone, Algeria imported €161 million worth of packaging technology, securing its position as Africa's second-largest importer after South Africa. The country also ranks as the third-largest importer of printing and paper technology in Africa, with imports surging from €57 million in 2016 to €95 million in 2023.

Key Market Drivers and Trends

Several factors contribute to the growing importance of Algeria's paper packaging sector:

Consumer Awareness and Modernization Algerian companies are increasingly recognizing the critical role of packaging in consumer purchasing decisions. This has led to significant improvements in the visual quality of packaging for local products such as juices and biscuits. As one industry analysis notes: "The packaging has evolved from its unique function as product protector and informer to its function as a silent seller".

Foreign Competition and Quality Standards The influx of foreign food products with superior packaging quality has forced local manufacturers to enhance their packaging standards to remain competitive. With Algeria being Africa's largest food importer (75% of its food needs are met through imports), this exposure to international standards has accelerated quality improvements in domestic packaging.

Sustainability and Environmental Awareness Recent years have seen growing emphasis on environmentally friendly materials and circular economy principles. The 2024 edition of Printpack & Plast Alger played a significant role in raising awareness about eco-friendly materials among Algerian businesses and consumers.

International Partnerships and Technology Transfer

Algeria's packaging industry has benefited from international collaborations and technology transfers. A notable example is the partnership between MT Algeria and China's Baosuo Enterprise, which involved the signing of a complete turnkey project including a tissue paper machine and finishing equipment with an annual capacity of 10,000 tons. This project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2019, featured a vacuum cylinder tissue machine with a web width optimized for shipping in 40-foot containers.

Such partnerships reflect a broader trend of African countries importing packaging technology primarily from China, Italy, Germany, France, and Turkey. These technological transfers are crucial for Algeria's efforts to develop its domestic production capabilities and reduce import dependency over the long term.

Exhibition Platforms and Industry Development

The Printpack & Plast Alger exhibition has established itself as a crucial platform for industry development, having received UFI certification from the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. The 2025 edition attracted 5,403 trade visitors from across Algeria's industrial centers and 302 exhibitors from 22 countries, demonstrating the event's significance in connecting international suppliers with local businesses.

The growing importance of sustainability was evident in the 2025 event, where particular interest was shown in recycling solutions, reflecting Algeria's commitment to advancing circular economy initiatives.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite promising growth, Algeria's paper packaging industry faces several challenges. The sector has historically lagged behind European counterparts, though this gap is narrowing through technology imports and knowledge transfer. The industry's development has followed a linear pattern rather than explosive growth, though hundreds of new factories are expected to be built in the coming years.

The future of Algeria's paper packaging industry appears closely tied to several key factors:

Continued economic growth and consumer spending power

Successful technology transfer and local capacity building

Adaptation to global sustainability trends and circular economy principles

Government policies supporting industrial diversification

As Algeria continues to industrialize and diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons, the paper packaging sector is poised to play an increasingly important role in the country's manufacturing landscape. With its strategic position in Africa and growing domestic market, Algeria has the potential to develop into a regional hub for paper packaging production and innovation in the coming years.

The industry's trajectory suggests a continued focus on importing advanced technology while gradually building local production capabilities, with sustainability considerations likely to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the market's development.