Chipboard Packaging Market Report 2026

The chipboard packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $13.18 billion in 2025 to $14.31 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of consumer goods packaging demand, growth of retail and e-commerce sectors, availability of recycled paper raw materials, adoption of standardized packaging formats, increasing use of folding cartons.

The chipboard packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.26 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, rising customization in brand packaging, expansion of e-commerce protective packaging, growing investments in digital printing technologies, increasing focus on cost-efficient packaging designs. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of recycled paperboard materials, rising demand for retail-ready packaging, growing adoption of custom inserts and dividers, expansion of lightweight protective packaging, enhanced focus on print and finish quality.

The chipboard packaging market is poised for growth, driven by the expanding reach of e-commerce. E-commerce involves the online buying and selling of goods or services, facilitated by digital transactions and internet platforms. This growth is fueled by factors such as increased social media usage, the convenience of personalized shopping experiences online, and the ability to compare products and prices easily. Chipboard packaging plays a crucial role in e-commerce by providing lightweight, protective, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions for shipping products to customers. For example, the United States Census Bureau reported in May 2024 that U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the first quarter of 2024 reached $289.2 billion, indicating a 2.1 percent (±0.7%) increase from the fourth quarter of 2023, underscoring the significant impact of e-commerce on the chipboard packaging market.

Leading companies in the chipboard packaging market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as recyclable cardboard protective buffers for heavy industrial parts and machinery, to combine strong protection with sustainability and space-efficient logistics. A “recyclable cardboard protective buffer” is a corrugated fibre-based packaging insert designed to absorb shocks and vibrations during transport while being fully recyclable through standard paper-fibre recycling processes. For example, in November 2025, DS Smith Plc, a UK-based provider of fibre-based packaging solutions and supply-chain protective packaging, launched a new range of cardboard protective buffers in collaboration with Dynamic Logistic Systems (DLS). This packaging incorporates double-walled corrugated cardboard side panels, reinforced end-caps, and custom-shaped buffers to provide robust protection for critical machine components against shocks and vibrations during local and international transportation. It requires about 60% less storage and transport volume compared to previous foam-based solutions, enhancing warehouse efficiency and stacking density. By replacing Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) solutions, these fibre-based buffers support circular-economy objectives, reduce reliance on plastic, and offer a sustainable, protective alternative for industrial logistics packaging.

In November 2023, Sonoco Products Company, a prominent U.S.-based provider of consumer packaging solutions, acquired RTS Packaging LLC for $330 million. This acquisition enhances Sonoco’s capabilities in 100% recycled fiber-based packaging solutions, reinforcing its position in sectors such as consumer wine, spirits, food, beauty, and healthcare. RTS Packaging LLC specializes in manufacturing chipboard packaging and aligns with Sonoco’s strategy to meet the growing demands of diverse markets.

Major companies operating in the chipboard packaging market are Graphic Packaging International LLC, Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG, Elopak, Great Northern Corp., RTS Packaging LLC, Associated Bag Co., Deluxe Packaging Inc., PakFactory Inc., Carton Service Inc., Neway Packaging Corporation, Alpha Packaging Inc., Riverside Paper Co. Inc., Peek Packaging Inc., Ameripak CO., Stamar Packaging Inc., Multicell Packaging Inc., Mankato Packaging Co., Quality Support LLC, Imperial Printing & Paper Box Mfg. Co., Romiley Board Mill, Canpaco Inc., Classic Packaging Corp., Complete Finishings Inc., Imperial Paper Company, Marion Paper Box Company.

North America was the largest region in the chipboard packaging market in 2025. The regions covered in the chipboard packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the chipboard packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The chipboard packaging market consists of sales of tissue boxes, milk and juice cartons, and cracker boxes. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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