United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The United Kingdom corrugated packaging market is experiencing notable growth, driven by its versatility, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred choice in various industries. The market's expansion is fueled by increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, as government regulations encourage the use of eco-friendly materials to reduce waste. Corrugated packaging is particularly in demand due to the rise of e-commerce and the need for transport packaging of essential products. Despite challenges related to the recyclability of paper fibers, the market continues to grow as manufacturers and consumers prioritize sustainable packaging options.

Market Size of United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Industry

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Market Snapshot
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 4.07 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 4.63 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 2.59 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

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United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market Analysis

The United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 4.07 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 4.63 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.59% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Depending on the application, corrugated packaging is found in different styles, shapes, and sizes. Due to its 100% recyclability and cost-effectiveness, it is widely used in the packaging industry.

  • Corrugated boards are highly versatile and can take various forms other than the box. It still is the most commonly used packaging material in the UK. They are slowly replacing flexible plastic bags due to sustainability issues. Moreover, corrugated boxes act as a perfect base to hold several types of printing techniques. Due to this, companies tend to prefer corrugated packaging as a marketing tool. Also, it is used for a very wide range of food, grocery, and manufactured products.
  • According to the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI ), association Papers and board consumption in the United Kingdom reached 10 million metric tons in 2021, a slight increase compared to 2020. Packaging is the most consumed type of paper and board in the UK.
  • The United Kingdom has encouraged manufacturers to take responsibility for using sustainable packaging solutions. Corrugated boards have always been a popular choice of packaging due to their strength, cushioning, and protective, flexible, and recyclable properties.
  • Moreover, corrugated boxes are becoming the packaging of choice across a wide range of industries, from transportation and e-commerce services to the food and drinks industry in the region. The demand for convenience foods is on the rise due to the busy lifestyle of people. The rise of e-commerce, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has heightened the need for corrugated packaging solutions in the country.
  • Growing government regulations for companies to adopt sustainable packaging materials to reduce packaging waste further drives the demand for corrugated board packaging. For instance, in November 2021, the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO), which represents the corrugated packaging industry across Europe, including the United Kingdom, released its corrugated packaging recyclability guidelines aimed at optimizing recyclability via design parameters for paper and board packaging.
  • However, paper cannot be recycled indefinitely, as the fibers get weaker when recycled and need to be replenished. The paper industry heavily depends on a supply of high-quality fibers that come from sustainable sources and are responsibly sourced. This, in turn, could hinder market growth in the forecast timeframe.
  • The demand for corrugated packaging in the UK is witnessing significant growth due to the demand for transport packaging of essential products, such as packaging for food and other consumer products, medical and pharmaceutical and tissues, and hygiene products.

United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Industry Segmentation

Corrugated packaging is made up of three or more sheets of corrugated fiberboard, also known as containerboard, and is a durable, cost-effective, and adaptable packaging material. The scope of the UK corrugated market study is structured to track the spending across end-user industries, such as processed foods, fresh food and produce, beverages, paper products, and electrical products, among other end-user industries. 

By End-user Industry
Processed Food
Fresh Food And Produce
Beverages
Paper Products
Electrical Products
Other End-user Industry
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United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market Size Summary

The United Kingdom corrugated packaging market is experiencing a steady growth trajectory, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Corrugated packaging is favored for its recyclability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, making it a preferred choice across various industries, including transportation, e-commerce, and food and beverages. The shift towards sustainable packaging is further supported by government regulations and industry guidelines aimed at reducing packaging waste. The rise of e-commerce, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly boosted the demand for corrugated packaging, as more consumers opt for online shopping, necessitating robust and efficient packaging solutions to ensure product safety and integrity during transit.

The market landscape is characterized by a fragmented competitive environment, with numerous regional players and the expansion of global companies in the UK. Strategic partnerships and investments are common as companies seek to enhance their market presence and operational capabilities. The food industry, in particular, is moving towards corrugated packaging due to its protective and environmentally friendly properties, especially for perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. The ongoing demand for corrugated packaging is supported by its application in various sectors, including medical, pharmaceutical, and hygiene products, highlighting its critical role in the UK's packaging industry.

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United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Drivers

      1. 1.2.1 Strong Demand from the E-commerce Sector

      2. 1.2.2 Growing Adoption of Light Weighing Materials and Scope for Printing Innovations Propelling Growth in Electronics and Personal Care Segment

    3. 1.3 Market Challenges

      1. 1.3.1 Concerns Over Material Availability and Durability of Corrugated Board-based products

    4. 1.4 Industry Supply Chain Analysis

    5. 1.5 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis

      1. 1.5.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.5.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.5.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By End-user Industry

      1. 2.1.1 Processed Food

      2. 2.1.2 Fresh Food And Produce

      3. 2.1.3 Beverages

      4. 2.1.4 Paper Products

      5. 2.1.5 Electrical Products

      6. 2.1.6 Other End-user Industry

United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market Size FAQs

The United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 4.07 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.59% to reach USD 4.63 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 4.07 billion.

United Kingdom Corrugated Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)