Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The global paper and paperboard packaging market is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period, driven by the increasing preference for eco-friendly packaging solutions and the expansion of e-commerce sales. Paperboard packaging, particularly favored in the packaged food sector due to its lightweight and freshness-preserving properties, is gaining traction as consumers and businesses alike prioritize sustainability. Despite challenges such as the availability of high-performance substitutes and environmental concerns related to deforestation, the market is expected to expand as demand for sustainable packaging options continues to rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced the market dynamics, leading to shifts in sourcing and increased end-user demand in specific applications, thereby broadening the market's scope.

Market Size of Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Industry

Single User License

$4750

Team License

$5250

Corporate License

$8750

Book before:
Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 398.65 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 501.08 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.68 %
Fastest Growing Market Asia-Pacific
Largest Market Asia-Pacific

Major Players

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Need a report that reflects how COVID-19 has impacted this market and its growth?

Single User License

$4750

Team License

$5250

Corporate License

$8750

Book before:

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Analysis

The Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 398.65 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 501.08 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.68% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Paperboard, like folding cartons, is the most common material used to make containers. The paperboard must undergo processes such as pulping, optional bleaching, refining, sheet forming, drying, calendaring, and winding to manufacture paper. Paper packaging materials can be easily reused and recycled compared to other materials, such as metals and plastics.

  • Paperboard packaging is the preferred option in the packaged food market. It can be found in various foods, including soups, seasonings, and dairy products. Paperboard is usually covered with polymers or plastics to keep it clean and unspoiled. Compared to glass and metal, it helps reduce the final product's total weight while maintaining the freshness of the food product. Due to its odor and taste neutrality, paperboard is the perfect packing material.
  • The expansion of e-commerce sales and the rising demand for folded carton packaging are two major factors driving the market. However, the availability of high-performance substitutes is likely to restrain the growth of the market. Paperboard packaging is one of the most popular eco-friendly packaging options. Compared to other bulkier packaging solutions, this packaging format can be created in various sizes with a small footprint, making it suitable for use in almost all end-user sectors.
  • Consumers worldwide are becoming more conscious of the environmental hazards of packaging and are moving their purchasing habits to more environment-friendly options. Consumers, the government, and the media put pressure on manufacturers to make their products, packaging, and processes more environment friendly. People are willing to pay more for environment-friendly packaging. Thus, the paperboard packaging industry is expected to grow due to these trends.
  • However, despite an increase in demand for paper packaging, irresponsible deforestation will severely impact the paperboard packaging industry by causing a loss of raw materials soon. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, "wood products," such as paper, account for around 10% of total deforestation. Other major contributors include cattle, soybeans, and palm oil.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the packaging sector, with the impacts of nationwide lockdowns, corporations shifting their sourcing away from China, and materials used in packaging being reconsidered. Although there has been a substantial impact on the supply side of paper packaging, large growth in end-user demand in specific applications has significantly expanded the scope of paper packaging.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Industry Segmentation

Paper and paperboard are frequently used for packaging several end-user industries' products. There are numerous grades of paperboard packaging. Paperboard, like folding cartons, is the most common material used to make containers. The paperboard requires processes such as pulping, optional bleaching, refining, sheet forming, drying, calendaring, and winding to manufacture paper. Paper packaging materials can be easily reused and recycled compared to other materials, such as metals and plastics. This is why paper packaging is considered an eco-friendly and economical form of packaging.

The Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market is Segmented into North America (By Product Type (Folding Cartons, Corrugated Boxes), End-user Vertical (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Electrical, Other End-user Verticals), and Country (United States, Canada)), Europe (By Product Type (Folding Cartons, Corrugated Boxes, Other Products Types), End-user Vertical (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Electrical, Other End-user Verticals), and Country (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Rest of Europe)), Asia-Pacific (By Product Type (Folding Cartons, Corrugated Boxes, Other Products Types), End-user Vertical (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Electrical, Other End-user Verticals), and Country (China, India, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific)), Middle East and Africa (By Product Type (Folding Cartons, Corrugated Boxes, Other Products Types), End-user Vertical (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Electrical, Other End-user Verticals), and Country (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Rest of Middle East and Africa)), and Latin America (By Product Type (Folding Cartons, Corrugated Boxes, Other Products Types), End-user Vertical (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Electrical, Other End-user Verticals), and Country (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of Latin America)). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD billion) for all the above segments.

North America
By Product Type
Folding Cartons
Corrugated Boxes
Other Product Types
By End-user Vertical
Food
Beverage
Healthcare
Personal Care
Electrical
Other End-user Verticals
By Country
United States
Canada
Europe
By Product Type
Folding Cartons
Corrugated Boxes
Other Product Types
By End-user Vertical
Food
Beverage
Healthcare
Personal Care
Electrical
Other End-user Verticals
By Country
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Poland
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
By Product Type
Folding Cartons
Corrugated Boxes
Other Product Types
By End-user Vertical
Food
Beverage
Healthcare
Personal Care
Electrical
Other End-user Verticals
By Country
China
India
South Korea
Japan
Indonesia
Thailand
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa
By Product Type
Folding Cartons
Corrugated Boxes
Other Product Types
By End-user Vertical
Food
Beverage
Healthcare
Personal Care
Electrical
Other End-user Verticals
By Country
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Egypt
Israel
Qatar
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Latin America
By Product Type
Folding Cartons
Corrugated Boxes
Other Product Types
By End-user Vertical
Food
Beverage
Healthcare
Personal Care
Electrical
Other End-user Verticals
By Country
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Colombia
Rest of Latin America
Need A Different Region Or Segment?
Customize Now

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size Summary

The global paper and paperboard packaging market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. This market is characterized by the widespread use of paperboard, particularly in the food and beverage sector, where it serves as a lightweight and neutral packaging material that helps maintain product freshness. The rise of e-commerce and the growing preference for folded carton packaging are key factors propelling market expansion. However, the availability of high-performance substitutes poses a challenge to growth. The industry's commitment to sustainability is further bolstered by consumer and regulatory pressures, encouraging manufacturers to adopt environmentally friendly practices and materials.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for paperboard packaging is particularly strong, with countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations leading the charge due to their burgeoning consumer markets and increasing industrialization. The region's focus on sustainable practices across various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care, is driving the adoption of paperboard packaging. Despite the challenges posed by deforestation and the need for responsible sourcing, the market remains fragmented with major players like Nippon Paper Industries, Mondi, and WestRock Company actively innovating and expanding their operations through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. These efforts are aimed at enhancing their market share and meeting the growing global demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Explore More

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Drivers

      1. 1.1.1 Increasing Demand from the Food and Beverage Sector

      2. 1.1.2 Regulations on Plastic-based Packaging Products Contribute to Higher Demand

      3. 1.1.3 Increasing Growth of E-commerce Creates Demand for Various Paper and Paperboard Packaging Types

    2. 1.2 Market Challenges

      1. 1.2.1 Increasing Raw Material Costs and Outsourcing

      2. 1.2.2 Effects of Deforestation on Paper and Paperboard Packaging

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 North America

      1. 2.1.1 By Product Type

        1. 2.1.1.1 Folding Cartons

        2. 2.1.1.2 Corrugated Boxes

        3. 2.1.1.3 Other Product Types

      2. 2.1.2 By End-user Vertical

        1. 2.1.2.1 Food

        2. 2.1.2.2 Beverage

        3. 2.1.2.3 Healthcare

        4. 2.1.2.4 Personal Care

        5. 2.1.2.5 Electrical

        6. 2.1.2.6 Other End-user Verticals

      3. 2.1.3 By Country

        1. 2.1.3.1 United States

        2. 2.1.3.2 Canada

    2. 2.2 Europe

      1. 2.2.1 By Product Type

        1. 2.2.1.1 Folding Cartons

        2. 2.2.1.2 Corrugated Boxes

        3. 2.2.1.3 Other Product Types

      2. 2.2.2 By End-user Vertical

        1. 2.2.2.1 Food

        2. 2.2.2.2 Beverage

        3. 2.2.2.3 Healthcare

        4. 2.2.2.4 Personal Care

        5. 2.2.2.5 Electrical

        6. 2.2.2.6 Other End-user Verticals

      3. 2.2.3 By Country

        1. 2.2.3.1 United Kingdom

        2. 2.2.3.2 Germany

        3. 2.2.3.3 France

        4. 2.2.3.4 Italy

        5. 2.2.3.5 Poland

        6. 2.2.3.6 Rest of Europe

    3. 2.3 Asia-Pacific

      1. 2.3.1 By Product Type

        1. 2.3.1.1 Folding Cartons

        2. 2.3.1.2 Corrugated Boxes

        3. 2.3.1.3 Other Product Types

      2. 2.3.2 By End-user Vertical

        1. 2.3.2.1 Food

        2. 2.3.2.2 Beverage

        3. 2.3.2.3 Healthcare

        4. 2.3.2.4 Personal Care

        5. 2.3.2.5 Electrical

        6. 2.3.2.6 Other End-user Verticals

      3. 2.3.3 By Country

        1. 2.3.3.1 China

        2. 2.3.3.2 India

        3. 2.3.3.3 South Korea

        4. 2.3.3.4 Japan

        5. 2.3.3.5 Indonesia

        6. 2.3.3.6 Thailand

        7. 2.3.3.7 Australia

        8. 2.3.3.8 Rest of Asia-Pacific

    4. 2.4 Middle East and Africa

      1. 2.4.1 By Product Type

        1. 2.4.1.1 Folding Cartons

        2. 2.4.1.2 Corrugated Boxes

        3. 2.4.1.3 Other Product Types

      2. 2.4.2 By End-user Vertical

        1. 2.4.2.1 Food

        2. 2.4.2.2 Beverage

        3. 2.4.2.3 Healthcare

        4. 2.4.2.4 Personal Care

        5. 2.4.2.5 Electrical

        6. 2.4.2.6 Other End-user Verticals

      3. 2.4.3 By Country

        1. 2.4.3.1 Saudi Arabia

        2. 2.4.3.2 United Arab Emirates

        3. 2.4.3.3 Egypt

        4. 2.4.3.4 Israel

        5. 2.4.3.5 Qatar

        6. 2.4.3.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa

    5. 2.5 Latin America

      1. 2.5.1 By Product Type

        1. 2.5.1.1 Folding Cartons

        2. 2.5.1.2 Corrugated Boxes

        3. 2.5.1.3 Other Product Types

      2. 2.5.2 By End-user Vertical

        1. 2.5.2.1 Food

        2. 2.5.2.2 Beverage

        3. 2.5.2.3 Healthcare

        4. 2.5.2.4 Personal Care

        5. 2.5.2.5 Electrical

        6. 2.5.2.6 Other End-user Verticals

      3. 2.5.3 By Country

        1. 2.5.3.1 Brazil

        2. 2.5.3.2 Mexico

        3. 2.5.3.3 Argentina

        4. 2.5.3.4 Colombia

        5. 2.5.3.5 Rest of Latin America

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size FAQs

The Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 398.65 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.68% to reach USD 501.08 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 398.65 billion.

Global Paper & Paperboard Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)