United States Corrugated Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The United States corrugated packaging market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing demand from e-commerce and convenience food sectors, as companies shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions. The market's expansion is supported by the recyclability of corrugated materials and their protective qualities, making them suitable for various applications. However, challenges such as strict forest laws, raw material supply disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine war are impacting the market's capacity and cost structure. Despite these challenges, strategic partnerships and expansions by key players are expected to bolster the market's presence and share.

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Market Size of United States Corrugated Packaging Industry

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Forecast Data Period 2024 - 2029
Historical Data Period 2019 - 2022
CAGR 3.40 %
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

US Corrugated Packaging Market Analysis

The US corrugated packaging market is expected to register a CAGR of 3.4% over the forecast period. Compared to plastic packaging, corrugated boards are highly recyclable as they comprise pulp and paper. The fluting medium of the corrugated board acts as a shock absorber, protecting the packaged goods from external impact. The varying layers and thicknesses of the flutes offer benefits, including cushioning to protect packed items, and these containers can withstand high pressure.

  • In recent years, e-commerce has become a prominent player in corrugated packaging. The major e-commerce player, such as Amazon, rely on plastic packaging for individual goods while employing corrugated board boxes for the bulk of the packaging. The market is anticipated to grow due to several e-commerce companies focusing on substituting corrugated boxes and paper bags instead of single-use plastics.
  • Also, due to the busy lifestyles of people, there is an increase in the demand for convenience foods. Corrugated board packaging protects items from moisture and withstands long transportation durations. Thus, companies use it more frequently to provide better outcomes to clients, particularly as a form of secondary or tertiary packaging. The demand is fueled by processed foods, such as bread, meat products, and other perishable goods, which require these packaging materials for single uses.
  • Additionally, various partnerships, collaboration, and expansion activities by players in the country to enhance their presence and position in the market are anticipated to fuel the growth of the market. For instance, in December 2021, International Paper announced that it would build a corrugated packaging plant in Atglen, Pennsylvania, expanding its regional footprint. The facility will allow International Paper to grow its industrial packaging segment in the northeastern United States. The construction was set to begin in the first quarter of 2022, and the company expects the plant to be completely operational in the first quarter of 2023.
  • However, Strict forest laws against deforestation are restraining the market's growth due to the low availability of cellulose fibers. Also, according to Global Forest Watch (GFW), Tree cover loss has increased in the region from 1,966.71 thousand hectares in 2020 to 2,044 thousand hectares in 2021.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has disrupted the supply of raw materials in manufacturing corrugated boxes across various countries, affecting prices. A rise in the paper price due to short supply and restriction in imports is increasing the cost of corrugated boxes and packaging materials, raising concerns among industrialists. Further, the Russia-Ukraine war has an impact on the overall packaging ecosystem.

US Corrugated Packaging Industry Segmentation

The market study tracks the demand for packaging through the revenue derived from selling corrugated packaging. The study also tracks the effects of regulations and market drivers on growth, along with factors hindering the market's growth. 

The US corrugated packaging market is segmented by end-users (processed foods, fresh food and produce, beverages, paper products, and electrical products).

The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value in USD million for all the above-mentioned segments.

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United States Corrugated Packaging Market Size Summary

The United States corrugated packaging market is poised for steady growth, driven by its recyclability and protective qualities compared to plastic packaging. The market is experiencing a significant boost from the e-commerce sector, where companies like Amazon utilize corrugated boxes for bulk packaging, aligning with the growing trend of substituting single-use plastics with more sustainable options. The demand for corrugated packaging is further fueled by the rise in convenience foods, which require durable and moisture-resistant packaging for long transportation durations. This trend is supported by the increasing consumption of processed foods, necessitating the use of corrugated materials for effective protection and preservation. Additionally, strategic expansions and collaborations among key players, such as International Paper and WestRock Company, are enhancing market presence and capacity, contributing to the sector's growth.

Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges such as strict forest laws limiting cellulose fiber availability and disruptions in raw material supply chains due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. These factors have led to increased costs for corrugated packaging materials. However, the market's resilience is evident in its ability to adapt, with innovations like reusable shipping packaging and advancements in printing technologies supporting its expansion. The focus on sustainability is further reinforced by initiatives to reduce plastic usage, with companies like Graphic Packaging International leading efforts to minimize environmental impact. The fragmented nature of the market, with numerous local and global players, continues to drive competition and innovation, ensuring the United States remains a key player in the global corrugated packaging industry.

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United States Corrugated Packaging Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Threat of New Entrants

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

      3. 1.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

  2. 2. Global Corrugated Packaging Market Overview

  3. 3. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 3.1 By End-user Industry

      1. 3.1.1 Processed Foods

      2. 3.1.2 Fresh Food and Produce

      3. 3.1.3 Beverages

      4. 3.1.4 Paper Products

      5. 3.1.5 Electrical Products

      6. 3.1.6 Other End-user Industries

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Size FAQs

The United States Corrugated Packaging Market is projected to register a CAGR of 3.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

International Paper Company, Mondi Group, Smurfit Kappa Group, DS Smith PLC and WestRock Company are the major companies operating in the United States Corrugated Packaging Market.

United States Corrugated Packaging Report Snapshots

UNITED STATES CORRUGATED PACKAGING Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)