Paperboard Packaging Market Report 2025

The paperboard packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $213.03 billion in 2024 to $223.77 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to sustainable packaging demand, shift from plastic to paperboard, brand preference for eco-friendly packaging, regulatory changes, cost-efficiency of paperboard.

The paperboard packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $302.5 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rise in convenience packaging, product protection demands, health and safety concerns, customization and branding, cost-efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include eco-friendly packaging demand, brand commitment to sustainability, innovations in design and printing, customization and versatility, demand from retail sector.

The anticipated upswing in the consumption of packaged food is poised to be a key driver for the growth of the paperboard packaging market in the foreseeable future. Packaged food, which involves the use of coverings to shield it from direct environmental contact, relies extensively on paperboard packaging due to its compatibility with food products. Paperboard folding cartons, in particular, find widespread use in packaging various items such as frozen foods, dry meals, and dairy products. As of September 2022, a report published by Zawya, a UAE-based media portal, projects a substantial 21% increase in the demand for packaged food, reaching a total of 44 million tons by the year 2026. This surge in demand is expected to be particularly pronounced in specific regions, with anticipated consumption growth rates of 28% in Iraq, 22% in Saudi Arabia, and 19% in the UAE. Consequently, the escalating consumption of packaged food stands as a pivotal factor driving the growth of the paperboard packaging market.

The expanding e-commerce industry is projected to drive the growth of the paperboard packaging market in the future. E-commerce refers to the online buying and selling of goods and services. As the e-commerce sector grows, the increased focus on minimizing environmental impact has made paperboard an appealing option, thanks to its renewable and biodegradable characteristics that align with the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions. For example, in November 2023, the International Trade Administration, a U.S.-based government agency, reported that e-commerce revenues in the UK are expected to grow at an average annual rate of 12.6% through 2025. Currently, consumer e-commerce accounts for 36.3% of the total retail sector in the UK, with e-commerce revenue projected to reach $285.6 billion by that year. Therefore, the growing e-commerce industry is fueling the growth of the paperboard packaging market.

Major companies in the paperboard packaging market are prioritizing the development of technologically advanced solutions, such as Stagione Light, to meet critical industry demands. For example, in September 2024, Colpac, a U.S.-based packaging contractor and services company, launched a new line of paperboard packaging designed for the foodservice and retail sectors under the Stagione Light brand. This innovative packaging, suitable for both hot and chilled dishes, features a grease-resistant barrier and a leakproof design to ensure reliability for wet foods. Made from FSC-certified recyclable paperboard, Stagione Light adheres to UK and European recycling standards and is available in three sizes. The launch aims to provide lighter, sustainable options while preserving the signature design of Colpac's original Stagione range, enhancing brand visibility through customizable printing capabilities. This initiative highlights Colpac's dedication to supporting the expanding food-to-go market with eco-friendly solutions.

Leading companies in the paperboard packaging sector are concentrating on creating innovative products, such as coated recycled paperboard, to promote sustainability and respond to the rising consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Coated recycled paperboard is crafted from recycled fibers that have been coated with a polymer or clay layer to enhance its surface characteristics. This coating increases the strength, smoothness, and printability of the paperboard, making it suitable for various packaging uses, including food and consumer goods. For instance, in August 2023, Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a U.S.-based paperboard mills company, introduced PaceSetter Rainier, a new coated recycled paperboard (CRB) that merges the features of solid bleached sulfate (SBS) with recycled content. This innovative paperboard offers improved brightness and whiteness, making it competitive with traditional SBS products while also providing enhanced surface smoothness for better printability. Targeting a range of packaging applications, including healthcare, beauty, confectionery, and dairy, PaceSetter Rainier emphasizes Graphic Packaging's commitment to sustainability. The company has invested around $1.7 billion in CRB projects in the U.S. to enhance its capacity and capabilities, aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly products made from recycled materials.

Green Bay Packaging, a U.S.-based pulp and paper company, has acquired SMC Packaging Group for an undisclosed amount. The aim of this acquisition is to broaden Green Bay Packaging's geographic reach, strengthen its operations, and enhance its product offerings while maintaining a commitment to employee well-being and community involvement. SMC Packaging Group specializes in sustainable paperboard packaging solutions for various industries.

Major companies operating in the paperboard packaging market include WestRock Company, The International Paper Company, Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Georgia Pacific LLC, Amcor Ltd., Oji Holdings Corporation, Stora Enso Oyj, DS Smith plc, Mondi plc, Graphic Packaging International LLC, Packaging Corporation of America, Sappi Limited, Sonoco Products Company, Rengo Co Ltd., Evergreen Packaging Inc., Huhtamaki Oyj, BillerudKorsnas AB, Cascades Inc., Metsa Board Corporation, Clearwater Paper Corporation, Nippon Paper Industries Co Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the paperboard packaging market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the paperboard packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the paperboard packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Paperboard packaging comprises containers made primarily from paperboards, commonly used in crafting folding cartons and paper cups, with coated boards being prevalent. These containers offer convenient storage, functional packaging, and ease of handling, boasting an attractive appearance. They are widely accepted and utilized more extensively than plastic containers due to various reasons, benefiting both end-users and the environment.

Paperboard packaging encompasses key types, including corrugated boxes, boxboards, and flexible paper. Corrugated boxes are characterized by rows of small air-filled grooves running along the material's length, typically three layers thick and composed of paperboard. Available in various grades such as solid bleached sulphate (SBS), coated unbleached kraft paperboard (CUK), white lined chipboard (WLC), glassine and greaseproof paper, label paper, and others, these materials cater to diverse packaging needs. Raw materials for paperboard production include fresh sources and recycled waste paper. The applications span across various industries such as food, beverage, healthcare, personal care, household care, and electrical products.

The paperboard packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides paperboard packaging market statistics, including paperboard packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a paperboard packaging market share, detailed paperboard packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the paperboard packaging industry. This paperboard packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The paperboard packaging market consists of sales of packaging solutions that are recyclable, biodegradable, reduce waste production, reduce environmental pollution, and the simplicity with which items can display their distinctive packaging and visuals to convey a brand's story, as well as their better product protection and stickability. 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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