Europe Paper Packaging Market Forecast and Opportunities 2025

Europe Paper Packaging Market Size and Forecast 2025-2033

The Europe Paper Packaging Market is expected to grow from US$ 110.88 billion in 2024 to US$ 158.23 billion in 2033, with a CAGR of 4.03% from 2025 to 2033. Increasing environmental awareness, government policies that encourage sustainability, and a rising preference for eco-friendly solutions among consumers are some of the major drivers of the growth of the paper packaging sector in Europe.

Europe Paper Packaging Market Outlook

Paper packaging is the utilization of paper-based items to wrap, package, or cover products for storage, shipping, and retail purposes. Examples are boxes made of corrugated cardboard, cartons, paper bags, and wrapping paper. Paper packaging has a strong uptake in Europe because of its environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable character, and this coincides with the high levels of environmental and sustainability objectives in Europe.

The need for paper packaging has increased in Europe's retail, food & beverage, e-commerce, and healthcare industries, with businesses moving away from plastic to accommodate green packaging requirements. Governments and the EU have enacted strict regulations restricting single-use plastics, further fuelling this shift. Consumers are now more likely to make purchasing decisions based on sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions. Global players in the retail and packaged food industry are embracing innovative paper packaging solutions as a way to improve product attractiveness while lowering their carbon footprints. Consequently, paper packaging is gaining momentum as a preferred packaging solution, making Europe a leading market worldwide.

Drivers for the Europe Paper Packaging Market Growth

Growing Need for Sustainable Packaging

Europe's commitment to sustainability has been a strong driver for the paper packaging market's explosive growth. This transition is not just a trend; it represents a fundamental shift in consumer and governmental preference, both of which more and more support environmentally friendly alternatives to customary plastic packaging. The past few years have seen a significant increase in beverage carton recycling rates in Central and Eastern Europe, aligning with the ambitious targets of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This movement emphasizes the industry's unshakeable dedication to the values of circularity and sustainability. The European carton recycling industry has already witnessed handsome investments, with an estimated EUR 200 million (USD 216 million), demonstrating faith in its potential future. Encouragingly, a further injection of EUR 120 million (USD 129.6 million) is anticipated by 2027, marking a strong and progressive stance towards packaging solutions that place highest value on our planet's well-being.

Growth of E-Commerce Industry

The rapid and healthy expansion of the e-commerce industry across Europe is at the center of fueling the need for sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions, including paper mailers and corrugated boxes. Retail enterprises and e-commerce giants are gravitating toward paper-based packaging solutions due to their cost-savings, recyclability, and higher protective capacities ensuring safe transportation of products. In May 2025, the European Commission launched an ambitious Single Market Simplification Strategy that will cut paperwork costs annually by EUR 400 million (USD 454 million), effectively enabling the cross-border development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Food & Beverage Industry Growth

The sustainability focus of the food and beverage industry is directly driving the development of the paper packaging industry in Europe. From compostable takeaway packs to clever beverage cartons, paper packaging has emerged as the preferred option among customers who want environmentally friendly alternatives. Health-conscious and environmentally conscious consumers of today are compelling companies to innovate, with demands for recyclable and compostable paper packaging that reflects their ethos. In a thrilling turn of events, Vieve, a trailblazing start-up, shook the world in May 2022 by introducing a series of vegan protein beverages. This innovative firm unapologetically asserts itself to be one of the first globally to sell vegan water, a new spin on the product intended for those who wish to gain an instant nutrition boost. Targeted at the flexitarian market and those who are just starting with plant-based diets, Vieve's offerings offer a hassle-free and simple alternative to anyone wishing to increase their intake of protein without having to compromise on their dietary habits or environmental ethos.

Challenges in the Europe Paper Packaging Market

Price Volatility of Raw Materials

The volatility of raw material prices, especially wood pulp, represents a major challenge for the paper packaging market. Growing demand from various industries, as well as supply chain bottlenecks, have resulted in irregular pricing. Such cost pressures can erode profit margins and render paper packaging less competitive compared to other materials.

Competition from Alternative Sustainable Materials

As common as paper packaging is as an eco-friendly option, it is under serious threat of competition from other sustainable options like bioplastics, compostable films, and reusable packages. These alternatives have certain advantages such as moisture resistance or durability that paper may not always be able to compete with, thus constraining the growth opportunities in some segments.

Europe Corrugated Boxes Paper Packaging Market

Corrugated boxes continue to be the pillar of Europe's paper packaging market because of their strength, durability, and recyclability. They are used extensively across industries such as retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce for storage and shipping. With growing demand for sustainable packaging, corrugated solutions are versatile with environmental advantages. Lighter and more innovative corrugated designs also boost their usage, significantly leading to market growth.

Europe Food & Beverage Paper Packaging Market

Paper packaging is increasingly critical within Europe's food and beverage market. Paper-based solutions are being adopted for wrapping, containers, and beverage cartons by brands to meet sustainability objectives and consumer demand. The industry is supported by regulation restricting the use of plastics in food contact materials. Organic and health-oriented brand development continues to fuel the demand for environmental, food-safe paper packaging solutions.

Europe E-Commerce Paper Packaging Market

Growth in e-commerce is driving paper packaging demand throughout Europe, with companies looking for sustainable and protective packaging solutions for shipping. Paper fillers, paper envelopes, and corrugated boxes are in high demand as companies shift away from plastic. Consumers' expectations of environmental sustainability through packaging and pressures from regulation see the e-commerce space as a principal driver for paper packaging innovation.

Europe Healthcare Paper Packaging Market

The European healthcare industry is adopting paper packaging on account of its sustainability, safety, and hygiene features. Pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and over-the-counter medications are being packed more and more in paper packaging to minimize the use of plastic. Paper being recyclable supports the environmentally friendly objectives of healthcare companies and EU sustainability laws, which aid market expansion while ensuring the protection and integrity of products.

France Paper Packaging Market

France's paper packaging industry is led by stringent environmental laws and environmentally conscious customer preference for eco-friendly substitutes to plastic. The nation's participation in EU-led green policies and prohibition of single-use plastics drives paper packaging innovation. Food & beverage, cosmetics, and retail industries are embracing paper-based packaging in order to complement France's environmentally friendly consumer behavior.

United Kingdom Paper Packaging Market

The United Kingdom paper packaging industry is growing at a very fast rate as a result of government policies ensuring sustainability and consumer concern regarding the environment. Retailers and online retailers are turning to paper alternatives to address recycling ambitions and minimize plastic reliance. The UK focus on circular economy principles further drives investment and development in sustainable paper packaging solutions.

Netherlands Paper Packaging Market

The Netherlands is at the forefront of Europe's sustainable packaging revolution, with governmental support for environmentally friendly initiatives. Paper packaging is preferred due to its recyclability and lower carbon footprint. Dutch businesses, especially in farming, retail, and online commerce, are increasingly turning to paper packaging to achieve sustainability goals and satisfy the nation's environmentally friendly consumers.

Russia Paper Packaging Market

Russia's paper packaging market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand from food & beverage, e-commerce, and retail sectors. While sustainability trends are not as advanced as in Western Europe, there is growing awareness of the environmental benefits of paper. Government policies to reduce plastic waste and enhance recycling efforts are expected to further boost this market.

Market Segmentation

Product Type

• Corrugated Boxes
• Folding Boxes and Cases
• Liquid Paperboard Cartons
• Paper Bags and Sacks
• Others

End Use

• Food & Beverage
• E-Commerce
• Electrical & Electronic
• Home Care
• Personal Care & Cosmetic
• Automotive & Industrial
• Healthcare
• Others

Country

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Russia
• Poland
• Greece
• Norway
• Romania
• Portugal
• Rest of Europe

All companies have been covered with 5 Viewpoints

• Overviews
• Key Person
• Recent Developments
• SWOT Analysis
• Revenue Analysis

Key Players Analysis

• Amcor
• DS Smith PLC
• Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
• WestRock Company
• Mondi Group Plc
• Smurfit Kappa
• Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG
• Billerud
• Stora Enso Oyj
• Rengo Co. Ltd.