Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Research Report – Forecast to 2032

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Research Report Information By Type (Corrugated Boxes, Boxboard, and Paper Bag), By Grade (Folding Boxboard, Solid Bleached Sulfate, White Line Chipboard, Coated Unbleached Kraft Board, and Others) And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) –Market Forecast Till 2032

ID: MRFR/PNT/1362-HCR | 140 Pages | Author: Harshita Gorade | March 2024         

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Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Overview


The paper and paperboard packaging market size was valued at USD 202.9 Billion in 2022. The paper and paperboard packaging industry is projected to grow from USD 213.04 Billion in 2023 to USD 314.76 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% during the forecast period (2023 - 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.


Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market


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.


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)


Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market by Type, 2022 & 2032


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)


PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PACKAGING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022


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.


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


September 2022: Smurfit Kappa has agreed to purchase Paperbox, a packaging facility in Brazil. The company's footprint in the nation will be enhanced by this purchase, which will also increase manufacturing capacity, enabling the company to continue developing new business prospects and client alliances.


April 2022: DS Smith has created a corrugated cardboard box for shipments of medical devices made through online commerce. The corrugated cardboard box employs a single-material approach instead of glued packaging with a single-use plastic insert. Furthermore, the packaging is created to be readily recyclable and enhance environmental protection along the supply chain.


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



Report Scope:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Market Size 2022 USD 202.9 Billion
Market Size 2023 USD 213.04 Billion
Market Size 2032 USD 314.76 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 5.00% (2023-2032)
Base Year 2022
Market Forecast Period 2023-2032
Historical Data 2018- 2022
Market Forecast Units Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Growth Factors, Market Competitive Landscape, and Trends
Segments Covered Type, Grade, and Region
Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World
Countries Covered The US, Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil
Key Companies Profiled 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), Stora Enso Oyj (Finland), Sonoco Products Company (U.S.), and Colbert Packaging (U.S.)
Key Market Opportunities The increasing expansion of compact-sized electrical products
Key Market Dynamics Growing adoption of eco-friendly packaging by the end-use industries




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The paper and paperboard packaging market size was valued at USD 202.9 Billion in 2022.

The paper and paperboard packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.00% during the forecast period, 2023-2032.

North America had the largest share of the paper and paperboard packaging market.

The key players in the paper and paperboard packaging market are Amcor Ltd. (Australia), ITC Ltd. (India), Cascades Inc. (Canada), RockTenn Company (U.S.), Clearwater Paper Corporation (U.S.), and Packaging Corporation of America (U.S.).

The corrugated box category dominated the paper and paperboard packaging market in 2022.

The white line chipboard had the largest share in the paper and paperboard packaging market.

Key Questions Answered

  • Global Market Outlook
  • In-depth analysis of global and regional trends
  • Analyze and identify the major players in the market, their market share, key developments, etc.
  • To understand the capability of the major players based on products offered, financials, and strategies.
  • Identify disrupting products, companies, and trends.
  • To identify opportunities in the market.
  • Analyze the key challenges in the market.
  • Analyze the regional penetration of players, products, and services in the market.
  • Comparison of major players’ financial performance.
  • Evaluate strategies adopted by major players.
  • Recommendations
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