PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1886900
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1886900
The global brick liquid cartons market continues to expand rapidly as demand for packaged beverages and dairy products rises worldwide. The market was valued at USD 12.89 billion in 2024, driven by strong consumption of milk, juice, and ready-to-drink beverages across both developed and emerging economies. In 2025, the market is expected to grow to USD 13.67 billion, supported by an expanding beverages sector, urbanization, and the global shift toward sustainable packaging. By 2032, the market is projected to reach USD 21.71 billion, reflecting widening adoption of paper-based packaging solutions and increasing preference for eco-friendly, lightweight, and recyclable materials.
Asia Pacific held the largest market share of 38.87% in 2024, attributed to high demand for packaged dairy, long-shelf-life beverages, and rising production of paper and carton materials in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Brick liquid cartons, composed of layered paperboard, plastic, and aluminum, remain a preferred packaging format due to superior stackability, tamper resistance, and product preservation. Their ability to protect beverages from light, moisture, and contamination makes them essential across the dairy, juice, and food service industries.
Market Dynamics
Market Drivers
The market is driven by rising consumption of beverages and the global shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. With millennials increasingly purchasing ready-to-drink beverages, the demand for durable, lightweight, and recyclable cartons continues to rise. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter plastic reduction policies, encouraging industries to switch to paper-based alternatives.
The growth of e-commerce also plays a major role, as brick cartons offer excellent protection against leakage, spoilage, and tampering during transport. According to UNESDA, France alone consumed 3,958 million liters of soft drinks in 2021, illustrating the strong underlying demand for packaged beverages.
Market Restraints
Raw material price volatility remains a key challenge, particularly in paperboard and coating materials. Higher production costs can limit profitability and discourage smaller manufacturers from adopting brick carton technologies. Meanwhile, changing consumer preferences and the need to maintain product freshness for perishable goods also present operational complexity for packaging companies.
Market Opportunities
Opportunities arise from the rising demand for sustainable and smart packaging solutions. Increasing adoption of renewable paperboard materials, bioplastic coatings, and recyclable aluminum layers supports the transition toward environmentally responsible packaging. Additionally, smart packaging innovations such as RFID-enabled cartons and freshness indicators enhance traceability and consumer engagement, opening new growth avenues for manufacturers.
Market Trends
A significant trend shaping the market is the shift toward plant-based materials, such as paperboard and polymers derived from sugarcane and wood fibers. These materials reduce dependency on fossil-fuel-based plastics and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Anti-counterfeiting features-including tamper-evident seals, digital verification, and traceability systems-are also gaining traction as brands aim to protect product authenticity in global supply chains.
By Material:
The paper segment dominated the market in 2024 due to its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and growing awareness of environmental impacts. Plastic remains the second-largest segment, offering strong moisture resistance and durability.
By Opening Type:
The twist opening segment led the market in 2024, as screw-cap designs ensure freshness, resealability, and consumer convenience. Straw-hole cartons remain a popular choice for small beverage packs such as juice and milk.
By End-Use Industry:
The food & beverages sector dominated global demand in 2024. Brick cartons are widely used for milk, dairy beverages, health drinks, and fruit juices due to excellent barrier properties. Pharmaceuticals are expected to grow steadily as liquid medications increasingly adopt carton packaging for safety and shelf life.
Asia Pacific (USD 5.01 billion in 2024)
Asia Pacific leads the market due to rising consumption of dairy beverages and rapid expansion of paperboard production. Growing urban populations in India, China, and Southeast Asia are accelerating demand for ready-to-drink products and sustainable packaging choices.
North America
North America ranks as the second-largest market, supported by strong availability of sustainable packaging technologies and growing demand for flexible beverage packaging. The U.S. remains a key consumer market driven by trends in convenience foods, takeout beverages, and wine packaging.
Europe
Europe maintains strong demand driven by dairy consumption, sustainability mandates, and government-backed initiatives promoting recyclable packaging. Increasing consumer awareness toward eco-friendly products further advances carton adoption.
Rest of the World
Emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South America use brick cartons heavily for dairy and nutritional beverages. Their convenience, affordability, and long shelf-life benefits support continued expansion.
Conclusion
The brick liquid cartons market demonstrates robust long-term growth, rising from USD 12.89 billion in 2024 to USD 21.71 billion by 2032. Sustainability initiatives, technological advancements, and expanding beverage consumption will continue to drive demand across global markets.
Segmentation By Material
By Opening Type
By End-use Industry
By Region