Paperboard Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 373.42 Million |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 466.24 Million |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 4.54 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | North America |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Paperboard Packaging Market Analysis
The Paperboard Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 373.42 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 466.24 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.54% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The market is expected to be driven by the expansion of e-commerce and the cosmetic and personal care packaging sectors during the forecast period. The demand for paper packaging is predicted to rise as a result of the expansion of the medical industry also, which accounts for a significant portion of non-durable products.
- Paperboard is a thick paper-based material that is commonly used in packaging. It is made from wood pulp as the primary material. A significant amount of paperboard is recycled to reduce deforestation and waste. Paperboards are primarily utilized in food and beverage packaging, medical packaging, durable and non-durable goods packaging, industrial packaging, and cosmetics packaging.
- Currently, consumers prefer recyclability and biodegradability as important packaging parameters over reusability. It underlines consumers' growing concerns about future packaging waste's environmental impact. More than 60% of all communities in the United States collect and recycle paperboard packaging. Furthermore, companies are also focusing on introducing recyclable paperboard products. The Cascades recently launched a cardboard tray made from recyclable fibers. SIG has also found cartons made from recycled polymers using post-consumer waste.
- With advanced technologies like digitally printed paperboard attracting high investments, the product distributors are increasingly adopting the technology due to the solution offering interactive and colorful designs for the consumers to notice. Furthermore, government regulations being enforced by various countries are also leading to the demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, like folding cartons.
- Further, due to its development as a point-of-sale display in retail applications and ongoing development trends in small flutes and high-quality graphics boards, corrugated packaging has emerged as a crucial market driver. It has allowed corrugated boxes to compete with traditional folding carton applications.
- However, the availability of high-performance substitutes is expected to hinder the market's growth. Paperboard packaging is one of the most used eco-friendly packaging solutions. The ability of this packaging format to be produced in many sizes with a small footprint, compared to the other bulkier packaging options, makes it feasible for use in almost all end-user industries.
- The packaging industry witnessed some significant issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the effects of the lockdown, companies moving to source away from China, and reconsidering materials used in packaging. Although the supply side of paper packaging has witnessed a significant impact, a drastic increase in the end-user demand in some applications has significantly expanded the scope of paper packaging.
Paperboard Packaging Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Paperboard Packaging Market according to our research experts:
Increasing Demand from Food and Beverage Segment
- The food and beverage industry is the largest end-user of paperboard packaging and accounts for more than half of the global market share. The food and beverage industry utilizes coated, unbleached boards for packaging beverages and corrugated container boards for packaging fruits, vegetables, and food products. The acceleration of frozen foods will likely drive the demand for folding carton packaging.
- Meanwhile, using sustainable strengthening processes, paper substitutes can attain the same strength, moisture resistance, and durability as plastic (e.g., water-based coatings). Plastic straws and cutlery are also being phased out of the pre-packaged food industry in favor of paper/wooden alternatives.
- Changes in lifestyle and a growing young population lead to a higher demand for branded and packaged substances. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, the beverage sector in the United States accounted for nearly 50% of the packaging market. Over 30% of Americans order food twice a week, which is expected to grow by 3% in the coming years.
- Furthermore, the surge in ecological packaging options has been driven by a rapid wave of widespread interest. According to Food Dive, 67% of customers worldwide believe it is critical that the items they buy come in recyclable packaging, with 54% indicating it is a factor they consider when purchasing. Also, 83% of younger buyers are prepared to spend more on products that are packed sustainably.
- Moreover, on-the-go consumption in countries like India, China, and Japan further fuels the demand. In countries such as China and India, the food and beverage demand is always on the higher side, subsequently driving the paperboard packaging market. Such positive growth in the food and beverage industry is expected to increase the demand for paperboard packaging during the forecast period.
- Further, the United States, one of the significant food production countries, may witness growth in paperboard packaging. According to BLS, in 2021, spending by the size of all consumer units increased by an annual percent change of 6.4% for food consumed at home and 27.6% for food consumed away from home. For all consumer units, regardless of size, except those with five or more persons, spending on food at home increased. Meanwhile, expenditure on food away from home climbed for all consumer units. Spending on food at home (+12.1%) and food away from home (+39.1%) increased at the highest rates among consumer units with three individuals. As previously mentioned, only consumer units with five or more persons had a decline in spending on food at home (-3%) even though they witnessed the second-largest increase in spending on food away from home (+31%). The rapid growth in food away from home may increase the opportunities for paperboard packaging firms to serve sustainable, eco-friendly packaging delivery.
North America to Witness Significant Growth Rate
- North America continues to be one of the leading markets for paperboard packaging products, owing to the presence of a large number of players operating in the country. Rising demand for packaged food in the U.S. and shifting consumer preference towards food & beverage products are expected to create significant opportunities.
- The United States dominates the folding carton packaging market in the North American region, where food is expected to continue as the primary end-user of folding cartons. For instance, according to the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the United States food industry is expected to proliferate at a steady rate of 2.9% CAGR through 2022.
- Further, According to ITC statistics, the United States, in 2021, imported corrugated paper and paperboard valued at around USD 74.735 million, a 44.5% increase in imports from the previous year, 2020, which was reported at about USD 51.722 million. Such a significant rise in imports indicates the increase in demand for paperboard.
- In addition, increasing environmental concerns regarding the use of plastics and various organizations and governments' focus on the development of sustainable packaging materials are other factors expected to further fuel the growth of the target market over the forecast period.
- Furthermore, players in the market are increasingly investing in advanced and customized packaging solutions through increased M&A activities or R&D strategies. Moreover, the market is also witnessing new players entering the landscape. For instance, EdelmannUSA recently became a member of the PPC. This is indicative of the increased focus of the Europe-based company to expand in this market.
Paperboard Packaging Industry Overview
The global paperboard packaging market is highly fragmented. The major players operating in the market are focusing on innovating new products and entering into strategic acquisitions to strengthen their market presence. Some of the major players operating in the market include Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd, Mondi, Metsa Board, WestRock Company, and ITC Limited, among others.
- April 2022: The Burgo Group has agreed to sell the Duino mill in Trieste (Italy) to Mondi plc for a total price of EUR 40 million (USD 40.815 million). The mill now runs a single paper machine that produces thin-coated mechanical paper. Mondi intends to invest around EUR 200 million (USD 204.076 million) in this paper machine's conversion to produce 420,000 tonnes of high-quality recycled containerboard annually. The containerboard machine will improve backward integration in Corrugated Packaging and give the company supply security to better cater to its clients.
- May 2022: The French businesses owned by International Paper (Société Normande de Carton Ondulé SA, SNCO, and Emballages Laurent SAS, located in Western France) will profit from investments totaling nearly EUR 23 million (USD 24.191 million) to expand their capacity for production in response to the expansion of the e-commerce industry and provide customers with even more environmentally friendly packaging options.
Paperboard Packaging Market Leaders
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Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
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Mondi Plc
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Metsa Board Oyj
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WestRock
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Oji Holdings Corporation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Paperboard Packaging Market News
- September 2022: Smurfit Kappa, a multinational corrugated packaging manufacturer, has agreed to purchase Paperbox, a packaging facility in Brazil. The company's footprint in the nation will be enhanced by this purchase, which will also increase manufacturing capacity, enabling the company to continue developing new business prospects and new client alliances.
- April 2022: DS Smith has created a corrugated cardboard box for shipments of medical devices made through online commerce. The corrugated cardboard box employs a single-material approach instead of glued packaging with a single-use plastic insert. Furthermore, the packaging is created to be readily recyclable and enhance environmental protection along the supply chain.
Paperboard Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
- 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
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4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
- 4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services
- 4.3.5 Threat of Competitive Rivalry
- 4.4 Assessment of Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
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5.1 Market Drivers
- 5.1.1 Strong demand from the e-commerce sector
- 5.1.2 Growing adoption of light weighting materials and scope for printing innovations propelling growth in the electronics & personal care segment
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5.2 Market Restraints
- 5.2.1 Effects of Deforestation on Paper Packaging
- 5.2.2 Increasing Operational Costs
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5.3 Cartonboard EXIM Scenario
- 5.3.1 Cartonboard Exports By Value and Volume
- 5.3.2 Cartonboard Import By Value and Volume
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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6.1 By Grade
- 6.1.1 Cartonboard
- 6.1.2 Containerboard
- 6.1.3 Other Grades
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6.2 By Product Type
- 6.2.1 Folding Cartons
- 6.2.2 Corrugated Boxes
- 6.2.3 Other Types
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6.3 By End-User Industry
- 6.3.1 Food
- 6.3.2 Beverage
- 6.3.3 Healthcare
- 6.3.4 Personal Care
- 6.3.5 Household Care
- 6.3.6 Electrical Products
- 6.3.7 Other End-User Industries
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6.4 By Geography
- 6.4.1 North America
- 6.4.1.1 United States
- 6.4.1.2 Canada
- 6.4.2 Europe
- 6.4.2.1 Germany
- 6.4.2.2 United Kingdom
- 6.4.2.3 Italy
- 6.4.2.4 France
- 6.4.2.5 Rest of Europe
- 6.4.3 Asia Pacific
- 6.4.3.1 China
- 6.4.3.2 Japan
- 6.4.3.3 India
- 6.4.3.4 Rest of Asia Pacific
- 6.4.4 Latin America
- 6.4.4.1 Brazil
- 6.4.4.2 Argentina
- 6.4.4.3 Mexico
- 6.4.4.4 Rest of Latin America
- 6.4.5 Middle East and Africa
- 6.4.5.1 Saudi Arabia
- 6.4.5.2 South Africa
- 6.4.5.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
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7.1 Company Profiles
- 7.1.1 International Paper Company
- 7.1.2 Mondi Plc
- 7.1.3 Smurfit Kappa Group
- 7.1.4 DS Smith Plc
- 7.1.5 WestRock Company
- 7.1.6 Packaging Corporation of America
- 7.1.7 Cascades Inc.
- 7.1.8 Oji Holdings Corporation
- 7.1.9 Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
- 7.1.10 Rengo Co. Ltd
- 7.1.11 Graphic Packaging International
- 7.1.12 Metsa Board Oyj
- 7.1.13 Sonoco Products Company
- 7.1.14 Visy Industries
- 7.1.15 Seaboard Folding Box Company Inc.
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE MARKET
Paperboard Packaging Industry Segmentation
The Paperboard Packaging Market tracks the consumption trends of paperboard products. The study tracks the market in terms of both revenue and volume. The study tracks the key market parameters, underlying growth influencers, and major vendors operating in the industry, which supports the market estimations and growth rates over the forecast period. The study further analyzes the overall impact of COVID-19 on the ecosystem.
The report offers a comprehensive study analysis of the paperboard packaging market segmented by Grade, Product Type, End-User, and Geography. The Paperboard Packaging Market is segmented by Grade (Cartonboard, Containerboard), Product Type (Folding Cartons, Corrugated Boxes), End User Industry (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Household Care, Electrical Products), and Geography ((North America (United States, Canada), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (India, China, Japan, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America ( Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Rest of Latin America) and Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD million) for all the above segments.
| By Grade | Cartonboard | |
| Containerboard | ||
| Other Grades | ||
| By Product Type | Folding Cartons | |
| Corrugated Boxes | ||
| Other Types | ||
| By End-User Industry | Food | |
| Beverage | ||
| Healthcare | ||
| Personal Care | ||
| Household Care | ||
| Electrical Products | ||
| Other End-User Industries | ||
| By Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| By Geography | Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | ||
| Italy | ||
| France | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| By Geography | Asia Pacific | China |
| Japan | ||
| India | ||
| Rest of Asia Pacific | ||
| By Geography | Latin America | Brazil |
| Argentina | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Rest of Latin America | ||
| By Geography | Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| South Africa | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Paperboard Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the Paperboard Packaging Market?
The Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 373.42 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.54% to reach USD 466.24 million by 2029.
What is the current Paperboard Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 373.42 million.
Who are the key players in Paperboard Packaging Market?
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., Mondi Plc, Metsa Board Oyj, WestRock and Oji Holdings Corporation are the major companies operating in the Paperboard Packaging Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Paperboard Packaging Market?
North America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Paperboard Packaging Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Paperboard Packaging Market.
What years does this Paperboard Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Paperboard Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 357.20 million. The report covers the Paperboard Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Paperboard Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What are the key trends shaping the future of the Paperboard Packaging Market?
Key trends that are shaping the Paperboard Packaging Market include a) Adoption of recyclable and biodegradable materials b) Advancements in printing technologies c) Integration of smart packaging solutions
Which sectors are driving the growth of the Paperboard Packaging Market?
Food and beverages, healthcare, personal care, and e-commerce sectors driving the growth of Paperboard and Paper Packaging Market due to demand for sustainable, secure, and functional packaging solutions.
Paperboard Packaging Industry Report
The paper and paperboard packaging market is experiencing significant growth, particularly driven by the food and beverages sector, which values the material for its suitability for food contact, ability to maintain temperature, and preservation of taste and smell. This demand is further supported by the cosmetic and personal care industries, which favor paperboard for its excellent printability and branding opportunities. The market also sees contributions from the non-residential construction and industrial sectors due to paperboard's strength and lightweight properties. Companies are focusing on sustainability, enhancing material strength, and introducing recyclable options to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging. The Asia Pacific region is leading in market size, fueled by rapid urbanization and economic growth that boost consumption of packaged goods. The market continues to expand as industries seek environmentally sustainable packaging solutions. For more insights, download a free report PDF sample from the paper and paperboard packaging market analysis, which includes a forecast outlook and historical overview.
