Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Corrugated box, Box board, Flexible paper), By Application (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal & Healthcare, Others), By Region, And By Segment Forecasts, (2024-2032)

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Dynamics

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Opportunities

• Demand for sustainable development: Consumers’ growing awareness of environmental issues increases the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Biodegradable and recyclable paper and cardboard are increasingly preferred over plastic. Governments around the world are imposing stricter rules on single-use plastics, creating opportunities for paper-based alternatives.

• Innovations in packaging: Innovations in production processes and materials, such as waterproof paper and stronger cardboard, are expanding the uses of paper-based packaging. Advances in printing technology allow for high-quality, customizable packaging designs that appeal to brand owners looking for unique marketing tools.

• Growth of e-commerce: The rapid growth of e-commerce has led to an increase in demand for reliable and durable packaging materials. Paper and cardboard are important transport and protective packaging options. Lightweight and durable paper packaging offers convenient and secure shipping options, making it ideal for e-commerce.

• Consumer preferences: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the health effects of plastic packaging and are switching to paper alternatives that are considered safer and less chemically disruptive. Because of their printability and high-quality feel, paper and cardboard packaging offer excellent branding opportunities that serve brands aiming for a high-end marketing image.

• Circular economy initiatives: Expanding circular economy infrastructure and programs supports the use of paper and cardboard, which promotes a circular economy where materials are recycled and recycled effectively. Companies are adopting more sustainable practices, including the use of recyclable packaging, to meet corporate social responsibility goals and consumer expectations.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Restraints

• Raw Material Costs: The price of raw materials such as wood pulp can be volatile, which affects the overall cost of paper and board products and complicates pricing strategies. Disruptions in the supply chain, such as shortages of raw materials or transportation issues, can cause delays and increased costs.

• Competition from alternatives: Despite environmental reasons, plastic packaging remains a major competitor due to its durability, cost-effectiveness and versatility. New packaging materials such as bioplastics and composites offer competitive opportunities that may limit the growth of the paper and board packaging market.

• Environmental Issues: The production of paper and board involves the use of trees, which raises concerns about deforestation and its environmental impact, which can affect consumer perceptions and regulatory oversight. The production process of paper and board can be water and energy intensive, raising concerns about the environmental footprint and sustainability of production practices.

• Recycling Challenges: Dirty paper and cardboard, such as paper and cardboard containing food scraps, can be difficult to recycle, making recycling programs less effective. Inadequate recycling infrastructure in certain areas can prevent efficient recycling of paper and cardboard products, affecting their sustainability.

• Economic Factors: During a recession, budget constraints can lead to a preference for cheaper packaging options, which affects the demand for paper and board. Tariffs and trade restrictions can affect the import and export of raw materials and finished goods, challenging market growth.

Paper and Cardboard Market Trends

The main market trends that our experts believe will shape the paper and cardboard packaging market are:

Demand growth in the food and beverage industry:

Food and beverage manufacturers are making greater efforts to provide consumers with sustainable materials and packaging, functional and convenient displays and healthier food options to meet the needs. Paper bags are increasingly popular in restaurants, hotels, cafes and other establishments. Similarly, the growing popularity of takeout and online food delivery services has increased the demand for paper bags in restaurants.

An equally important element that drives beverage trends also influences beverage packaging trends, which is consumer preference. Consumer expectations have changed in terms of sustainability, personalization and online shopping, which is driving packaging innovations.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Competitive Landscape

Some of the paper and paperboard packaging market players are:

• Amcor Plc
• Atlantic Packaging
• Cascades Inc.
• Clearwater Paper Corporation
• DS Smith Plc.
• Fedrigoni S.P.A.
• Georgia-Pacific
• International Paper Company
• ITC Limited
• Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG
• Metsa Group
• Mondi Group
• Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Rengo Co., Ltd.
• Shandong Bohui Paper Company Ltd.
• Smurfit Kappa Group Plc.
• Sonoco
• South Africa Pulp and Paper Industries Ltd.
• Stora enso Oyj
• Svenska Cellulosa Aktibolaget
• UPM
• Westrock Company

Recent Developments

• In November 2021, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. announced price increases in the domestic market for printing, communication, and industrial paper to all of its agencies. As a result, the company’s revenue has increased in the long run.

• September 2022: Mondi concluded merging its Mondi Tire Kutsanand Mondi Olmuksan companies. The transaction created a new company called Mondi Turkey Oluklu Mukavva to Mondi’s corrugated packaging business area. The company has nine corrugated packaging facilities, a containerboard mill in Tire, Turkey, and a wastepaper collection facility in Adana, Turkey, and it is traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (BIST). Mondi owns an 84.65% ownership in Mondi Turkey Oluklu Mukavva, which has around 1,600 workers.

Segmentation of Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market By Grade

• Solid Breached Sulfate
• Coated Unbleached Kraft Paperboard
• Folding Boxboard
• White Lined Chipboard
• Glassine & Greaseproof Paper
• Label Paper
• Others

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market By Type

• Corrugated box
• Box board
• Flexible paper

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market By Application

• Food
• Beverage
• Healthcare
• Personal & Healthcare
• Others

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Regional Insights

In 2021, the packaged food and cosmetic & personal care packaging sectors saw significant growth, making Asia Pacific a significant market for paperboard packaging. As a result, during the coming years, the demand for paperboard packaging in Asia Pacific is anticipated to rise slowly. The market in Latin America is expected to grow at a slower rate than that of Asia Pacific. Over the course of the forecast period, the demand for paperboard packaging in Asia Pacific is expected to be driven by the expansion of the e-commerce and cosmetic and personal care industries in nations like China, Japan, and India.

The Asia Pacific region’s need for paper and paperboard packaging is being driven by nations like China, Japan, and India. Over the next five years, the Asia Pacific market for paper and paperboard packaging is expected to grow due to an increase in disposable income in developing nations. Moreover, consumption on-the-go in countries like China, Japan, and India is driving demand. China and India are experiencing a steady increase in food and beverage consumption, which is driving the paperboard packaging market. As a result, the growth of the food and beverage industry is predicted to increase demand for paperboard packaging throughout the projection period.

Conclusion

The paper and cardboard packaging market is expected to experience significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and the development of technology. While issues such as raw material costs and competition from alternatives remain, the market benefits from strong consumer preferences and regulatory support. As companies continue to innovate and adopt green practices, the market will thrive and provide a strong foundation for further development.