Market Trends of Paperboard Packaging Industry
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.
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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.
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