Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Report 2026

The paper and paperboard packaging market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $442.34 billion in 2025 to $461.32 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of food and beverage packaging demand, growth in retail distribution networks, widespread use of corrugated boxes, increasing demand for cost-effective packaging, availability of paper-based raw materials.

The paper and paperboard packaging market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $546.52 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing shift toward sustainable packaging materials, rising e-commerce driven packaging demand, expansion of circular economy initiatives, growing investments in paper recycling infrastructure, increasing adoption of smart packaging designs. Major trends in the forecast period include growing adoption of recyclable packaging solutions, rising demand for lightweight paper-based packaging, expansion of corrugated packaging for e-commerce, increasing use of high-strength paperboard grades, enhanced focus on custom printing and branding.

The rapid expansion of e-commerce is expected to drive the growth of the paper and paperboard packaging market in the coming years. E-commerce refers to the purchase and sale of goods and services through online platforms. Paper and paperboard packaging are widely used in e-commerce because they are cost-effective, versatile, lightweight, and sufficiently strong to support product protection, customization, branding, and evolving consumer preferences. For example, in November 2023, according to the United States Census Bureau, a US-based government agency, e-commerce growth reached 7.6% in the third quarter of 2023, compared with 6.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022. In addition, approximately 15.4% of total sales in the second quarter of 2023 were generated through online retail channels. Therefore, the strong growth of e-commerce is driving the expansion of the paper and paperboard packaging market.

Major companies operating in the paper and paperboard packaging market are increasingly adopting innovative recyclable solutions, such as recyclable food packaging, to address rising demand for sustainable packaging. Recyclable food packaging consists of materials that can be efficiently recycled after use, thereby reducing environmental impact. These solutions are typically produced from renewable and sustainable resources and are designed to be curbside recyclable or compostable. For instance, in May 2023, Stora Enso, a Finland-based packaging materials provider, introduced the Tambrite Aqua+ folding box board solution. This product is intended for frozen, chilled, and dry food applications and aims to reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics. It features a water-based dispersion coating that minimizes plastic usage, is fluorochemical-free, and provides resistance to grease and moisture. The dispersion coating technology enables effective integration with paperboard surfaces, offering protection while maintaining recyclability and ensuring product safety and integrity under various storage conditions.

In September 2023, Sonoco Products Company, a US-based manufacturing firm, acquired RTS Packaging for approximately $330 million. Through this acquisition, Sonoco sought to strengthen its recycled fiber-based and paper packaging capabilities while expanding its presence across consumer and industrial packaging markets. RTS Packaging LLC is a US-based manufacturer specializing in fiber partitions, paperboard cartons, and protective paper-based packaging solutions for food, beverage, and industrial end users.

Major companies operating in the paper and paperboard packaging market are WestRock Company, International Paper Company, Amcor Ltd., Tetra Pak, UPM-Kymmene Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group Plc, Stora Enso Oyj, Oji Holdings Corporation, Graphic Packaging International, DS Smith Plc, Packaging Corporation of America, India Tobacco Company Limited, Metsä Group, South Africa Pulp and Paper Industries Ltd, Domtar Corporation, Cascades Inc., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd, Shandong Bohui Paper Company Ltd, Visy Industries Australia Pty Ltd, BillerudKorsnäs AB, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA, Mondi Group, Weyerhaeuser, Sonoco Products Company.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the paper and paperboard packaging market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the paper and paperboard 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 paper and paperboard packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The paper and paperboard packaging market consists of sales of bags, sacks, wrapping and tissue paper, corrugated packaging, paperboard trays, and padded mailers. 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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