Folding Carton Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Folding Carton Packaging Market Analysis

The Folding Carton Packaging Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 41.79 Million tonnes in 2024 to 51.82 Million tonnes by 2029, at a CAGR of 4.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Folding cartons made using carton board material are used for packaging various products such as dry and frozen food, convenience food, personal care products, household products, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, and more. The folding carton market is mainly driven by the growth of the e-commerce industry. In addition, consumers prefer more environmentally friendly products, leading to a voluntary shift to sustainable packaging as paperboard gains market acceptance faster. Also, folding cartons can be recycled multiple times, reducing overall environmental waste and leading to more rapid adoption by governments that are actively taking action to reduce environmental waste.

A folding carton comprises multiple chemical and mechanical pulp layers to combine lightness with exceptional stiffness. The outer layers of the board are crafted using high-quality chemical pulp, while the middle layer consists of bleached chemical-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP). This strategic composition allows the product to achieve a balance of strength and weight. The lightweight property helps reduce transportation costs and environmental impact and aligns with the overall focus on sustainability and cost optimization in the packaging industry.

Consumers worldwide are becoming more aware of the environmental hazards of packaging and are shifting their purchasing habits to greener choices. Consumers, governments, and the media are pressuring manufacturers to make the processes and products environmentally friendly. Individuals are willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging. Due to these trends, the folding carton packaging industry is expected to expand.

The high demand for green packaging options in regions such as North America and Europe is anticipated to lead the folding carton market in the upcoming years. According to the study on consumer perceptions of packaging in Europe by Pro Carton, 90% of customers in Europe, on average, choose paper or cardboard packaging because they recognize its environmental benefits.

The expansion of the folding carton market is further fueled by the expansion of the personal care market on a global scale and rising innovation in the market and its downstream industries. In the upcoming years, the market expansion is anticipated to be driven by the increased demand for folding cartons in pharmaceutical product packaging.

Technological advancements in folding and forming equipment have improved the efficiency and accuracy of folding carton packaging production. Automated folding and gluing machines enable precise and faster folding operations, increasing productivity and reducing manufacturing costs. Innovations in surface finishes and embellishments have enhanced folding cartons' visual appeal and functionality. Special finishes like embossing, foiling, or varnishing add texture, shine, and protection to the packaging, making it more visually appealing and engaging for consumers.

Folding Carton Packaging Industry Segmentation

A folding carton is one of the most used eco-friendly rigid paper packaging solutions due to its ability to produce various sizes with a small carbon footprint, making it feasible for use in different end-user industries. The scope of the study includes the shipment volume of the folding carton sold to the various end-users on a business-to-business level. The folding carton market is witnessing growth, as folding cartons can enhance the visibility of products and increase buyers' attention to them. Moreover, growing awareness of personalized packaging also supports the development of the market.

The folding carton market is segmented by end-user industry (food and beverages, household, personal care and cosmetics, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, tobacco, electrical and hardware, and other end-user industries) and geography (North America [the United States and Canada], Europe [United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe], Asia-Pacific [China, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand, and Rest of Asia-Pacific], Latin America [Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America], and Middle East and Africa [Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, and Rest of Middle East and Africa]). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of volume (tonnes) for all the above segments.