Global sourcing strategies often rely on standardization. A procurement manager might assume that a packaging specification approved for Europe or North America will perform equally well in Saudi Arabia or the UAE. However, experience shows that packaging solutions that work perfectly "elsewhere" often fail in the Middle East.

The culprits? Extreme heat, intense logistics stress, and distinct regulatory priorities. Buyers who simply replicate international standards often face high breakage rates and customer complaints. Conversely, those who adapt their materials and expectations achieve far more stable results.

At Like-Pack, we believe in adaptation over assumption. Here is why your packaging strategy needs to shift when targeting the Middle East.

1. The Invisible Enemy: Continuous Heat Exposure

In many global markets, "heat resistance" refers to short-term exposure. In the Middle East, heat is not occasional—it is continuous.

Packaging in this region is routinely exposed to:

• High ambient temperatures day and night.
• Significant heat buildup inside shipping containers during transit.
• Storage in non-air-conditioned warehouses and delivery vehicles.

The Consequence:

Under sustained heat, plastics soften slightly, and structural rigidity decreases. A jar or bottle might look "okay" visually, but its performance margin is gone. Lids lose their tight fit, leading to leakage. From Like-Pack's export experience, many failures do not happen immediately; they appear after hours of heat exposure combined with stacking pressure.

2. Material Selection: Ideology vs. Practicality

In Western markets, packaging trends are often driven by "recycling labels," environmental claims, and lifecycle assessments. While sustainability is discussed in the Middle East, the market priority remains practical safety and material stability.

Some eco-materials that perform well in cooler climates may:

• Lose strength under high temperatures.
• Absorb oil or moisture from the product.
• Lack local disposal infrastructure.

Why PP and PET Reign Supreme

Despite global debates, PET and Polypropylene (PP) remain widely used in the Middle East. This is not a resistance to change; it is a commitment to practicality.

• PP (Polypropylene): Often preferred for its higher heat resistance and dimensional stability.
• PET: Offers excellent barrier properties against oil and moisture.

Experienced buyers keep PET, rPET, and PP as parallel options, choosing based on the specific use case rather than ideology. Treating sustainability as a system decision—rather than just a material swap—ensures your product actually survives the journey.

3. The Stress of Long-Distance Logistics

Packaging destined for the Middle East faces a tougher journey than domestic shipments. Before the product ever reaches the consumer, it endures:

• Long transit times via sea freight.
• Temperature fluctuations crossing different climate zones.
• Heavy stacking pressure inside containers.

A container that works in a temperature-controlled European supply chain may deform when stacked in a 45°C shipping container in Jebel Ali. Buyers who succeed in this region often increase structural margins to account for these stresses.

4. Regulatory Focus: Safety Over Slogans

A product accepted without question in Europe may still face scrutiny during Middle Eastern customs clearance.

While international markets may prioritize eco-certifications, Middle Eastern authorities focus heavily on:

• Real-use performance.
• Packaging/Product safety consistency.
• Clear and consistent import documentation.

If your documentation is unclear, your goods may be delayed regardless of their eco-credentials. At Like-Pack, we emphasize that material development must follow a strict principle: performance first, compliance always.

The Buyer’s Checklist for the Middle East

Before approving a new packaging design for this region, ask these four questions:

• Can it handle sustained heat? (Not just a quick test, but hours of exposure).
• Does it seal reliably? (Especially with oily formulas under heat).
• Will it survive the journey? (Can it withstand stacking pressure in a hot container?).
• Is the paperwork ready? (Is the import documentation clear for customs clearance?).

This simple checklist can prevent costly product recalls and brand damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does packaging that works elsewhere fail in the Middle East?

Because higher temperatures, specific product applications (like hot or oily formulas), and longer logistics chains place much greater stress on packaging materials than in temperate climates.

2. Is heat really the biggest factor?

Yes. Sustained heat affects material rigidity, lid fit, and sealing performance. This is especially critical during transport and storage in non-climate-controlled environments.

3. Are international compliance certifications enough?

Not always. While safety standards overlap, Middle Eastern importers focus more on performance stability and specific, clear documentation for customs.

4. Why are PET and PP still widely used in the region?

They offer reliable heat resistance, oil tolerance, and structural stability under real operating conditions, which is crucial for preventing waste.

5. How can buyers reduce packaging risk?

Do not copy-paste specifications from other regions. Test your packaging under real heat conditions, consider increasing structural margins, and partner with experienced suppliers like Like-Pack.

Looking for reliable packaging solutions adapted for global markets? Visit Like-Pack to explore our catalog.