Paper Paperboard Packaging Market

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Overview

The paper and paperboard packaging market size was valued at USD 213.04 Billion in 2023. The paper and paperboard packaging industry is projected to grow from USD 223.69 Billion in 2024 to USD 314.76 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.36% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The increasing consumption of packaged food, the increasing expansion of compact-sized electrical products, growing awareness regarding sustainability among the consumers and adoption of eco-friendly packaging by the end-use industries are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.

Source: Primary Research, MRFR Database, Secondary Research, and Analyst Review

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Trends

• The increasing emergence of the e-commerce sector is driving the market growth.

Market CAGR for paper and paperboard packaging is being driven by the growing emergence of the e-commerce sector has played a vital role in the growth and expansion of the paper and paperboard packaging market. E-commerce companies widely use corrugated packaging for secondary and tertiary packaging because of its low cost and lightweight nature. Additionally, increasing sustainability problems of plastic materials are compelling e-commerce companies to replace plastic packaging with paper packaging, which is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Paperboard packaging offers eco-friendly protection and visual appeal, making it a sustainable choice for product presentation.

Additionally, the recyclability of paper & paperboard packaging drives the paper and paperboard packaging market revenue. Paper and paperboard packaging is created of wood pulp which can be recycled. Recycling helps in decreasing the requirement for solid waste disposal. It has a ripple effect, reducing energy & water consumption and other resources needed to make a material. Recycling paper and paperboard packaging saves tons of waste generated from packaging, saving significant landfill space. It also leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. These factors cumulatively enhance the market for paper & paperboard packaging. Furthermore, the growing regulations on non-biodegradable materials in several regions have also led to the expansion in demand for paper & paperboard paper & paperboard packaging in these regions. Thus, recycling is a driver for the industry's growth as consumers are increasingly inclined towards using recycled and eco-friendly products.

Firms that provide paper and paperboard packaging solutions are enhancing their delivery beyond core products to include consulting services for end users to assist them in choosing the most impactful packaging solution for their requirements. Such a strategy is needed partly owing to the standard paper and paperboard manufacturing industry's growth. Fruits, vegetables, meat, ice cream, and other foods are sealed in paper and paperboard packaging in the food sector. Paper and paperboard packaging are utilized in the beverage industry to package milk, juices, and other drinks, whereas it is utilized in the healthcare industry to package pharmaceutical items, and other medications.

For instance, in May 2022, McDonald's and Deliveroo committed to a new, long-term worldwide strategic relationship, expanding on their current agreement to provide consumers and McDonald's franchisees with the convenience and value of McDelivery in markets worldwide via the Deliveroo platform. The collaboration between McDonald's and Deliveroo would help build the McDelivery business and promote both companies' commitment to providing a seamless customer experience.

WestRock Company was successful in completing its transaction by acquiring all residual shares held by Grupo Gondi at a cost of $970mn plus assuming debts. These include four paper mills, nine corrugated paper plants, and six high-end graphics sites situated in Mexico. This further solidifies WestRock’s position in Latin America’s dynamic markets, covering consumer goods like kitchen rolls, paper boards, and cardboard for packaging.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Segment Insights

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Type Insights

The paper and paperboard packaging market segmentation, based on type, includes corrugated boxes, boxboards, and paper bags. The corrugated boxes segment dominated the market, accounting for 35% of market revenue (74.56 Billion). In developing economies, category growth is driven by the growing demand for custom-manufactured containers in e-commerce companies. However, boxboard is the fastest-growing category owing to its rigidity, lower environmental impact, lighter weight and comparatively less warping.

November 2021: Oji Holdings Corporation launched its new corrugated container plant in Vietnam, which has helped raise the production volume of corrugated boxes in the Asia Pacific region.

Figure 1: Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market by Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Primary Research, MRFR Database, Secondary Research, and Analyst Review

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Grade Insights

The paper and paperboard packaging market segmentation, based on grade, includes folding boxboard, solid bleached sulfate, white line chipboard, coated unbleached kraft board, and others. The white line chipboard category generated the most income (70.4%) as it is the most environmentally friendly packaging material and very much maligned. Key players create the material using 100% recycled paper made into a pulp and then formed into jumbo reels. However, coated unbleached kraft board is the fastest-growing category owing to its wide incorporation for the manufacturing of paper bags.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American paper and paperboard packaging market will dominate due to increasing environmental concerns, and the adoption of stringent regulations regarding the use of plastic and other non-recyclable packaging materials will boost the market growth in this region. Further, the US paper and paperboard packaging market held the largest market share, and the Canadian paper and paperboard packaging market was the fastest-growing market in the North American region.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PACKAGING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe's paper and paperboard packaging market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the growing concerns about rising pollution levels caused by non-recyclable and non-biodegradable packaging solutions have accelerated the market growth in this region. Further, the German paper and paperboard packaging market held the most extensive market share, and the UK paper and paperboard packaging market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific paper and paperboard packaging market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to strong economic growth, and rising consumption of packaged food products drives the market growth in this region. Moreover, China’s paper and paperboard packaging market held the largest market share, and the Indian paper and paperboard packaging market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.Feb 2023: ProActive Recyclable Paper-1000, the newest product in the ProActive Recyclable family, has been introduced by ProAmpac, a pioneer in flexible packaging and material science. The first in a line of new curbside recyclable paper-based packaging solutions, Recyclable Paper (RP)-1000 is heat-sealable, has a good moisture barrier, and has great directional tear qualities. RP-1000 is a suitable alternative to typical multi-material laminates that are not environmentally friendly for frozen food applications, such as vegetables and ready-to-eat meals. Some dry foods and secondary packaging uses, such as confectionery, can also be accommodated by the RP-1000. RP-1000 is pre-approved for curbside recycling and is recyclable in both paper and mixed streams.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the paper and paperboard packaging market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking numerous trategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product introduction, contractual agreements, higher investments, mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, paper and paperboard packaging industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the paper and paperboard packaging industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. Key players in the paper and paperboard packaging market, including Amcor Ltd. (Australia), ITC Ltd. (India), Cascades Inc. (Canada), RockTenn Company (U.S.), Clearwater Paper Corporation (U.S.), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

WestRock Co is a major provider of paper and packaging solutions. It manufactures and sells containerboard and paperboard products such as folding cartons, bleached paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, retail displays, and pulp products. WestRock also provides kraft paper and pulp, recycled linerboard, coated white top liner board and corrugated containers. The company's products are available in various industries such as retail, food, healthcare, beverage, commercial printing, tobacco, home and garden. WestRock also undertakes developing and selling land holdings in South Carolina, the US. In September 2022, WestRock Company acquired an HP PageWide T1190 Press to complement and enhance its portfolio of corrugated printing capabilities. The HP PageWide T1190 Press is expected to enable WestRock to disrupt the corrugated packaging supply chain and deliver superior value to its customers.

Nippon Paper Industries Co Ltd is a manufacturer of paper and related products. Its portfolio includes a wide variety of paper, paperboard, processed paper products, household paper products, lumber, wood products and construction material, chemical products, and functional materials. The firm also offers services such as civil engineering, warehousing and transportation. NPI manages the sports and leisure business, which operates sports clubs and leisure facilities, such as ski areas, bowling alleys, and golf courses. It serves food and beverages, healthcare, construction and real estate, consumer packaged goods, and leisure and entertainment markets. In April 2022, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd and Elopak ASA agreed that Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd would produce and sell Elopak ASA's lineup of Pure-Pak packaging for beverage and liquid food products across the world and introduce them to the Oceania region.Mondi created a cutting-edge cooler bag for consumers to transport frozen or chilled foods last December 2022 in collaboration with FRESH!PACKING. The Fresh! The bag’s outer layer is made completely of solid kraft paper from Mondi, which replaces multi-material non-recyclable packaging that was formerly used while increasing cooling protection by up to 2.5 times. The bag's cooling part is produced from pulp and wrapped in Mondi's kraft paper, certified as fully recyclable within Europe's existing paper waste streams. Stitching together multiple plies with a strong cyclone structure was eased by the high extensibility of this paper.Smurfit Kappa announced in September 2022 that it had reached an agreement to buy PaperBox, a packaging plant located in Saquarema (70 km east of Rio de Janeiro). This purchase significantly broadened Smurfit Kappa’s operational reach across Brazil as it already operates in Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul and Ceará states.

Key Companies in the Paper and Paperboard Packaging market include

• Amcor Ltd. (Australia)
• ITC Ltd. (India)
• Cascades Inc. (Canada)
• RockTenn Company (U.S.)
• Clearwater Paper Corporation (U.S.)
• Packaging Corporation of America (U.S.)
• DS Smith Plc. (U.K.)
• Mondi Group (South Africa)
• Metsa Group (Finland)
• Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Georgia-Pacific LLC (U.S.)
• Spartan Paperboard Company (U.S.)
• Stora Enso Oyj (Finland)
• Sonoco Products Company (U.S.)
• Colbert Packaging (U.S.)

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Industry Developments

In December 2022, WestRock Company purchased the remaining interests of Grupo Gondi for USD 970 million and debt. The strategic acquisition involves four paper mills, nine corrugated packaging facilities, and six high graphic facilities across Mexico.

By September 2022, Mondi had completed a merger between its two companies: Mondi Tire Kutsan and Mondi Olmuksan. Consequently, it developed an entity known as Mondi Turkey Oluklu Mukavva in its area of activity, which deals with the production of corrugated packaging materials.

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. In addition, the company plans to spend about EUR 200 mln for the conversion of this paper machine to produce annually 420 thousand tonnes of high-quality recycled containerboard; such backward integration will improve Corrugated Packaging’s performance, whereas supply security will help WestRock better serve customers.

May 2022: International Paper's French operations, namely Société Normande de Carton Ondulé SA (SNCO) and Emballages Laurent SAS in Western France, are investing almost EUR23m (USD24.191m) to increase their production capacities so as to address the need in e-commerce sector expansion and more environmentally friendly packaging choices for their clients.In January 2024: ITC Foods, the manufacturer of Sunfeast Farmlite biscuit line that is good for health, in January 2024, has introduced its newest product, Sunfeast Farmlite Digestive Biscuit Family pack in 100% outer paper bag packaging to phasing out plastic and promoting sustainable consumer choices.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Segmentation

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Type Outlook

• Corrugated Boxes
• Boxboard
• Paper Bag

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Grade Outlook

• Folding Boxboard
• Solid Bleached Sulfate
• White Line Chipboard
• Coated Unbleached Kraft Board
• Others

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Regional Outlook

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Latin America

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Type Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• Corrugated Boxes

• Boxboard

• Paper Bag

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Grade Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• Folding Boxboard

• Solid Bleached Sulfate

• White Line Chipboard

• Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

• Others

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Regional Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• North America Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • North America Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • North America Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • US Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • US Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • US Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • CANADA Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • CANADA Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • CANADA Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

• Europe Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Europe Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Europe Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Germany Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Germany Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Germany Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • France Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • France Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • France Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • UK Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • UK Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • UK Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • ITALY Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • ITALY Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • ITALY Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • SPAIN Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Spain Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Spain Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Rest Of Europe Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Rest Of Europe Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • REST OF EUROPE Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

• Asia-Pacific Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Asia-Pacific Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Asia-Pacific Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • China Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • China Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • China Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Japan Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Japan Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Japan Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • India Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • India Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • India Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Australia Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Australia Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Australia Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Rest of Asia-Pacific Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Rest of Asia-Pacific Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Rest of Asia-Pacific Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

• Rest of the World Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Rest of the World Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Rest of the World Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Middle East Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Middle East Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Middle East Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Africa Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Africa Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Africa Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others

  • Latin America Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

  • Latin America Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Type

    • Corrugated Boxes

    • Boxboard

    • Paper Bag

  • Latin America Paper and Paperboard Packaging by Grade

    • Folding Boxboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate

    • White Line Chipboard

    • Coated Unbleached Kraft Board

    • Others