Colombia: The Strategic Ally Driving the Future of Sustainable Packaging Production

The global packaging production industry is undergoing a significant transformation—one defined by sustainable manufacturing, eco-friendly packaging, and operational efficiency. In this dynamic landscape, Colombia is positioning itself as a strategic destination for investment.

Thanks to its advantageous geographic location, skilled talent, strong production capacity, and pro-business environment, the country stands out as an ideal platform for serving both regional and global markets in constant evolution.

The Global Outlook

Today’s world demands environmentally responsible packaging. The rise of recyclable materials like rPET, the increasing use of glass as a sustainable material, and the popularity of reusable or compostable materials are all signs of this transformation.

These trends are driven by a new generation of conscious, informed, and environmentally aware consumers—individuals who understand the impact of their purchases and demand more sustainable packaging solutions from brands.

In 2024, global packaging production sales surpassed 4.1 billion units. Asia led with a 44.9% share, followed by Western Europe (17.6%) and North America (14.3%). Latin America accounted for 11% of the total, highlighting its growing role in the sector (Source: Euromonitor International).

Flexible and rigid plastic containers—prized for their versatility and performance—were among the most in-demand product packaging formats. These numbers reveal not just the size of the industry but also its momentum and continuous appetite for packaging innovations.

Colombia: Consolidated Production Capacity

In this scenario, Colombia is emerging as a key player. In 2023, Colombian exports of containers and product packaging reached USD 344 million (Source: DANE)—a clear reflection of the sector’s export potential. The local industry boasts decades of experience, anchored by established companies known for their adaptability, quality, and compliance with international standards.

In 2024, 90% of packaging production sales in Colombia were concentrated in the food and beverage sector (Source: Euromonitor International)—one of the country’s most dynamic industries. Flexible packaging and glass containers stood out as the most in-demand products, in line with global packaging market trends favoring more eco packaging growth and plastic alternatives.

Leading companies in the country include Ajover Darnel, Carvajal Empaques, Flexo Spring, Multidimensionales, and Alico. Their operations reflect Colombia’s industrial maturity and installed production capacity, bolstered by a robust logistics and supply chain network.

The future looks also promising. The Colombian packaging production industry is projected to grow to 10.5 billion units, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. This trajectory reflects a market that is both mature and open to green business opportunities.

Investment Opportunities: Where Demand Meets Innovation

The growing need for packaging solutions presents a wide range of opportunities for local and foreign investors:

• Production of packaging for the food and beverage industry, including global players like Danone, Nestlé, PepsiCo, SABMiller, and Kraft Foods. These companies already operate in the region and demand high-quality, sustainable packaging.
• Supply of recyclable containers and sustainable materials for the cosmetics and personal care sectors, with brands such as L'Oréal, Unilever, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Belcorp, and Yanbal all maintaining production operations in Colombia.
• Leveraging Colombia’s local supply chain, which includes access to petrochemical inputs, pulp for paper, and well-developed glass manufacturing capabilities—key factors that reduce import costs and support efficient domestic production models.

Colombia’s favorable policy environment also promotes the circular economy, encouraging business models focused on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and reuse. In short, Colombia offers an ideal base not only for packaging production, but also for scaling, diversifying, and exporting packaging solutions to global markets.

International Companies Already Trust Colombia

Colombia’s attractiveness as an investment destination is already reflected in several international success stories:

• Amcor, an Australian multinational that produces sustainable plastic packaging for a wide range of industries, including beverages, food, and personal care. The company operates a main plant in Cali, along with additional facilities in Bucaramanga, Bogotá, and Valle del Cauca, for a total of seven plants across the country.
• ALPLA, an Austrian company specializing in plastic and eco-friendly packaging, operates two plants in Colombia—in Cundinamarca and Cartagena. In 2018, it invested more than USD 4 million to launch a new business line in Cundinamarca.
• Peldar, part of the Ardila Lule Organization and the Owens-Illinois Group, is one of the world’s largest glass container manufacturers. The company has four production plants in Colombia and invested over USD 40 million in 2018 to expand its facility in Cogua, creating around 150 direct jobs.

These cases not only demonstrate Colombia’s capacity to attract global investment, but also its readiness to support long-term partnerships in the packaging production sector.

Colombia: A Business Ecosystem Built for Growth

Investing in Colombia means becoming part of a business environment that is competitive, open, and globally connected. Some of the country’s most compelling advantages include:

• ·Strategic location at the heart of the Americas, with time zone alignment with key markets like the United States, Mexico, and Brazil.
• Access to over 1.5 billion consumers through 18 trade agreements offering preferential tariffs and market access.
• A strong ecosystem for sustainable business, with favorable policies and growing demand for clean technologies and eco-friendly packaging.
• Local availability of raw materials and proven industrial expertise help reduce costs and optimize logistics and production times.

Why Invest in Colombia?

The packaging production industry is evolving rapidly. Global markets are demanding more sustainable packaging, packaging innovations, and efficient solutions. Colombia has the infrastructure, talent, and strategic vision to support these needs—offering investors a reliable platform to grow their businesses.

We invite you to discover top investment opportunities Colombia has to offer. Visit our official platform and discover why now is the ideal time to invest in the country of beauty.