India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 12.87 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 17.74 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 6.63 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Analysis
The India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 12.87 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 17.74 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.63% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Over the past decade, the paper packaging industry has witnessed significant growth, driven by shifts in substrate choices, global market expansions, evolving ownership dynamics, and government-led initiatives to phase out plastics. With an ongoing emphasis on sustainability and environmental concerns, India is poised to see industry trends shaped by various innovations in paper and paperboard packaging.
- Recent advancements in paper-based packaging, especially for food preservation, have been noteworthy. A prime example is the rising popularity of corrugated board packaging for transporting fresh produce. To effectively eliminate bacteria, the layers of the corrugated board must bond at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the recyclability of these grooved boards allows for repeated use while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
- In recent years, many manufacturers have adopted aseptic paper packaging. This process involves sterilizing the food product and its packaging through a hot hydrogen peroxide bath. Such aseptic paper ensures that items like milk, coffee, and fresh produce remain uncontaminated and fresh for extended periods. Reflecting this trend, industry players are increasingly investing in the development of compostable packaging.
- For instance, in October 2023, Pakka teamed up with Brawny Bear, a date-based food producer sharing Pakka's sustainability vision, to unveil India's inaugural compostable flexible packaging. This launch underscores a significant achievement for Pakka and marks a pivotal moment for India's expansive packaging industry, which boasts a valuation exceeding USD 70 billion.
- Moreover, as the region leans more toward eco-friendliness, sustainable packaging emerges as a crucial player in mitigating the environmental repercussions of packaging materials. Sustainable packaging significantly curtails waste and bolsters the circular economy by utilizing biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials. Furthermore, businesses adopting these eco-conscious practices often enjoy heightened customer loyalty, as consumers favor brands that resonate with their environmental beliefs. Such dynamics are fueling the surging demand for paper packaging in India.
- As paper packaging gains traction, Indian paper mills are responding by increasing capital expenditures to diversify into niche products like carry bags and straw paper. In December 2023, Andhra Paper produced barrier-coated products and invested in modernizing its facilities. APL capitalized on its strengths, adjusting its product mix to meet market demands. The company proactively developed and introduced niche offerings, including carry bags and straw paper, alongside value-added products like cup stock, pharma print, and high BF virgin kraft.
- Paper packaging boasts numerous advantages: it's fully recyclable, cost-effective, and generally more eco-friendly than many plastics. Industry data highlights a notable shift, with multiple organizations moving away from plastic-based packaging in favor of sustainable options like paper and sack-based products. Yet, it's crucial to acknowledge the environmental challenges associated with paper packaging, including susceptibility to moisture, higher energy consumption during production, and a larger transportation footprint.
India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Trends
Corrugated Packaging is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share
- Corrugated boxes are essential in e-commerce packaging due to their durability and flexibility. These boxes offer superior product protection through their fluted, structured interior that absorbs impact and resists compression. This ensures products arrive intact, regardless of size or sensitivity. E-commerce packaging utilizes corrugated boxes in various sizes, colors, and weight capacities.
- Due to damaged packaging, corrugated boxes significantly reduce product returns in the e-commerce sector. Their robust construction and protective cushioning minimize the risk of damage during shipping, ensuring products arrive at customers' doorsteps intact. By safeguarding items against mishandling and environmental factors, corrugated boxes improve the overall customer experience, leading to fewer returns and exchanges.
- According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBFC), the growth of the e-commerce industry has transformed business in India, opening up various segments such as B2B, D2C, C2C, and C2B. Segments like D2C, B2B, and C2C have experienced significant growth in recent years. The D2C market in India is projected to reach USD 60 billion by 2027.
- The recyclability of corrugated boxes aligns with sustainability goals, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and enhancing brand reputation. Corrugated boxes are integral components of the e-commerce supply chain in India, providing cost-effective solutions while addressing challenges associated with product returns.
- EBANX reports that online retail sales in India generated USD 103 billion in 2023. As the country's e-commerce industry grows rapidly, corrugated boxes have adapted to meet the increasing demand for efficient and reliable packaging solutions.
- These boxes can be customized to accommodate a wide range of products, from electronics to clothing, ensuring secure transit. Their stackable design also optimizes storage space in warehouses and delivery vehicles, enhancing logistics operations for e-commerce companies.
Food and Beverage is Expected to Show Significant Growth
- Paper and paperboard packaging has become crucial in various sectors of India's food industry, including bakeries and snacks. Paperboard tubes offer several advantages, particularly in packaging dry goods such as spices, tea, and snacks. Their cylindrical shape provides efficient storage and transportation, maximizing shelf space and minimizing waste.
- Paperboard tubes can be customized with vibrant printing and labeling, enhancing brand visibility and consumer appeal. With their eco-friendly and recyclable properties, these packaging solutions align with modern businesses' sustainability goals and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Food producers, especially prominent FMCG brands, have set ambitious targets to reduce the use of plastics in food packaging and adopt new eco-friendly materials. Consequently, paper-based packaging materials are gaining popularity in India.
- Paper and paperboard packaging aligns with the needs of food service outlets, such as restaurants and fast-food chains. The increasing demand for fast food among India's youth has driven a surge in demand for effective packaging solutions, especially for moist or greasy items like pizza and cakes.
- As of March 31, 2023, India reported 1,816 Domino's Pizza stores across 393 cities. Paperboards, including white line chipboard and solid bleached surface board, provide essential grease-resistant properties for packaging products like pizza. These materials protect against moisture and grease, ensuring the pizza remains fresh and intact during transportation and storage.
- According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada news, high-fiber breakfast products in India generated a market value of USD 0.3 billion in 2023. Healthy packaged foods like breakfast cereals and high-fiber snacks benefit from paper and paperboard packaging, which ensures freshness and preserves nutritional value while offering eco-friendly solutions.
- According to Bikaji, in 2022, the estimated market value of packaged food was USD 51.35 billion in India. This was an increase as compared to the previous year. Packaged food's market value will likely increase and reach USD 70.22 billion in 2026.
- The increasing demand for packaged food is driving a parallel need for sustainable, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Paper and paperboard, being biodegradable and renewable materials, are gaining preference over plastic due to growing sustainability concerns.
- TThis shift toward more environmentally friendly packaging is expected to drive higher consumption of paperboard for boxes, cartons, and flexible packaging in the food industry.
India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Industry Overview
India’s paper packaging industry is fragmented and has many players. With the rising demand for packaging applications, many companies are expanding their market presence by increasing their production facilities and product portfolio. The largest companies in this market include WestRock Company, Trident Paper Box Industries, TGI Packaging Pvt. Ltd, Kapco Packaging, and Avon Pacfo Services LLP.
India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Leaders
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Trident Paper Box Industries
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TGI Packaging Pvt. Ltd.
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Kapco Packaging
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OJI India Packaging Pvt. Ltd
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Westrock India (Westrock Company)
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market News
- January 2024: ITC Sunfeast Farmlite, a range of biscuits from ITC Foods, launched its new offering, Sunfeast Farmlite Digestive Biscuit Family Pack, in 100% outer paper bag packaging. It is available in 800 g SKU on the e-commerce platform Flipkart.
- January 2024: Ansa Folding Carton (AFC) has acquired a strategic stake in Rich Printers Private Limited (RPL) for INR 1,170 million (USD 14.17 million). This acquisition results in the combined entity operating five paper conversion manufacturing plants in India, positioning it as one of the country's largest pharmaceutical folding carton producers.
- December 2023: State Bank of India (SBI) has invested INR 499.9 million (USD 6.05 million) in Canpac Trends Private Limited, an Ahmedabad-based company specializing in paper-based packaging solutions. This strategic move into the paper packaging industry aims at capital appreciation, highlighting SBI's recognition of the sector's growth potential and profitability.
India Paper Packaging Industry Research- Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumption and Market Defintion
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis with Emphasis on Circular Economy
- 4.3 India Paper & Paperboard Packaging Market - PESTEL Analysis
- 4.4 Packaging Industry Landscape in India and Key Trends
- 4.5 Packaging Regulations, Policies, and Subsidies in India and Key Changes Impacting the Packaging Operations
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 5.1 Market Drivers & Restraints Analysis
- 5.2 Demand Analysis and Industry Trends
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5.3 Demand Split for Flexible Packaging (%)
- 5.3.1 Organized vs. Unorganized
- 5.3.2 Direct vs. Indirect/Dealers Sales
- 5.4 Printing Technology Trends for Paper & Paperboard Packaging
- 5.5 Production Trends over the Past Three Years for Key Paper & Paperboard Packaging Formats
- 5.6 Raw Material Analysis for Paper & Paperboard
- 5.7 Trade Scenario for Paper & Paperboard Packaging - Corrugated Boxes, Folding Cartons, and Others
6. INDIA PAPER INDUSTRY STATISTICS
- 6.1 Domestic Paper Demand
- 6.2 Total Containerboard Capacity (Virgin and Recycled)
- 6.3 Import of Virgin and Recycled Container Board
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6.4 Corrugated Paper or Paperboard
- 6.4.1 Import Value and Quantity
- 6.4.2 Export Value and Quantity
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6.5 Cartonboard
- 6.5.1 Carton Board - Production Value and Volume
- 6.5.2 Carton Board - Import Quantity and Value
- 6.5.3 Carton Board - Export Quantity and Value
7. QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS BY PAPER GRADE
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7.1 Cartonboard - By Grade
- 7.1.1 WLC - White Lined Chipboard (GD/UD and GT/UT)
- 7.1.2 FBB - Folding Boxboard (GC1/UC1 and GC2/UC2)
- 7.1.3 SBB - Solid Bleached Sulphate Board (SBS)
- 7.1.4 SUB - Solid Unbleached Sulphate Board (SUS)
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7.2 Containerboard - By Grade
- 7.2.1 White Top Kraftliner
- 7.2.2 Unbleached Kraftliner
- 7.2.3 White Top Testliner
- 7.2.4 Unbleached Testliner
- 7.2.5 Waste-based Fluting
- 7.2.6 Semi-chemical Fluting
8. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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8.1 By End-user Industry
- 8.1.1 Corrugated Packaging
- 8.1.1.1 Processed Food
- 8.1.1.2 Fresh Produce
- 8.1.1.3 Beverage
- 8.1.1.4 Personal Care & Cosmetics
- 8.1.1.5 Household Care
- 8.1.1.6 E-commerce
- 8.1.1.7 Other End-user Industries (Transportation & Logistics, Healthcare, and Consumer Durables, among Others)
- 8.1.2 Folding Cartons
- 8.1.2.1 Food & Beverage
- 8.1.2.2 Personal Care & Cosmetics
- 8.1.2.3 Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- 8.1.2.4 Tobacco
- 8.1.2.5 Electrical & Hardware
- 8.1.2.6 Other End-user Industries (Toy, Apparel, Automotive, and Household, among Others)
- 8.1.3 Liquid Cartons
- 8.1.3.1 Milk
- 8.1.3.2 Juices
- 8.1.3.3 Energy Drinks
- 8.1.3.4 Other End-user Industries (Dairy Products such as Buttermilk, Cream, Smoothies, etc.)
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8.2 By Region
- 8.2.1 East
- 8.2.2 West
- 8.2.3 North
- 8.2.4 South
9. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
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9.1 Company Profiles*
- 9.1.1 TCPL Packaging Ltd
- 9.1.2 KCL Limited
- 9.1.3 Borkar Packaging Pvt. Ltd
- 9.1.4 Canpac Trends Pvt. Ltd
- 9.1.5 Trident Paper Box Industries
- 9.1.6 Westrock India (Westrock Company)
- 9.1.7 TGI Packaging Pvt. Ltd
- 9.1.8 Asepto (Uflex)
- 9.1.9 Tetra-pak India Private Limited
- 9.1.10 Parksons Packaging Ltd
- 9.1.11 Kapco Packaging
- 9.1.12 OJI India Packaging Pvt. Ltd
- 9.2 List of Customers by Region in India
- 9.3 List of Major Unorganized Market Players in India by Region
10. SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS FOR INDIA PACKAGING INDUSTRY
11. FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE MARKET
** Subject To AvailablityIndia Paper and Paperboard Packaging Industry Segmentation
The study tracks the demand for paper and paperboard packaging products like folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and others, which are frequently used for packaging food and beverage products, such as juices, milk, and cereals. There are numerous grades of paperboard packaging. Paperboard is the most common material used to make containers, like folding cartons. Paperboard requires pulping, optional bleaching, refining, sheet forming, drying, calendaring, and winding to manufacture paper.
The paper packaging industry in India is segmented by end-user industry (corrugated packaging [processed food, fresh produce, beverage, personal care & cosmetics, household care, e-commerce, other end-user industries (transportation & logistics, healthcare, and consumer durables, among others)], folding cartons [food & beverage, personal care & cosmetics, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, tobacco, electrical & hardware, other end-user industries (toy, apparel, automotive, and household, among others)], liquid cartons [milk, juices, energy drinks, other end-user industries (dairy products such as buttermilk, cream, smoothies, etc.)]), by region (east, west, north, south). The report offers market forecasts and size in value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By End-user Industry | Corrugated Packaging | Processed Food |
| Fresh Produce | ||
| Beverage | ||
| Personal Care & Cosmetics | ||
| Household Care | ||
| E-commerce | ||
| Other End-user Industries (Transportation & Logistics, Healthcare, and Consumer Durables, among Others) | ||
| By End-user Industry | Folding Cartons | Food & Beverage |
| Personal Care & Cosmetics | ||
| Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | ||
| Tobacco | ||
| Electrical & Hardware | ||
| Other End-user Industries (Toy, Apparel, Automotive, and Household, among Others) | ||
| By End-user Industry | Liquid Cartons | Milk |
| Juices | ||
| Energy Drinks | ||
| Other End-user Industries (Dairy Products such as Buttermilk, Cream, Smoothies, etc.) | ||
| By Region | East | |
| West | ||
| North | ||
| South |
India Paper Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market?
The India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 12.87 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.63% to reach USD 17.74 billion by 2029.
What is the current India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 12.87 billion.
Who are the key players in India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market?
Trident Paper Box Industries, TGI Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Kapco Packaging, OJI India Packaging Pvt. Ltd and Westrock India (Westrock Company) are the major companies operating in the India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market.
What years does this India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 12.02 billion. The report covers the India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the India Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Which sectors are driving demand in the India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market?
Key sectors include food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and e-commerce. These industries are driving the demand for Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market in India.
Which sectors are driving demand in the India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market?
Key sectors include food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and e-commerce. These industries are driving the demand for Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market in India.
India Paper and Paperboard Packaging Industry Report
The paper industry growth in India is on an upward trajectory, fueled by the booming e-commerce sector, a shift towards sustainable packaging solutions, and government initiatives aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The paper market in India is thriving due to the rising demand for products like corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and paper bags, essential for the expanding FMCG, food & beverages sectors, and the development of logistics infrastructure. This growth is further supported by the organized retail sector's expansion and the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging. With the government allowing 100% FDI in the paper and packaging industries, the sector is attracting new investments, bolstered by the growing urban population and rising disposable incomes. According to Mordor Intelligence™ Market Reports, the India Paper and Paperboard Packaging market is experiencing significant size, share, and industry revenue , with a positive industry outlook. This analysis underscores the pivotal role of paper packaging in India's packaging market evolution, highlighting the sector's potential for further expansion. Get a glimpse of this market growth through a free industry PDF report download, offering a comprehensive market outlook and historical overview.
