Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size By Grade, By Type, By Application By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size and Forecast

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market size was valued at USD 119.84 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 239.71 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.30% from 2026 to 2032.

Paper and paperboard packaging are made from cellulose fibers sourced mostly from wood and are used for a wide range of packaging applications due to their versatility and sustainability. Paper refers to thinner sheets, while paperboard is thicker and stiffer, often exceeding 250 g/m2 in grammage. These materials can be converted into a variety of packaging options, such as custom paper bags, folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and liquid containers.

Furthermore, they are widely used in food packaging, such as milk cartons and fast food containers, as well as retail products, because of their printability and ability to transmit brand information.

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the paper and paperboard packaging market include:

Key Market Drivers

Growing E-commerce Industry and Demand for Sustainable Packaging: The fast expansion of e-commerce has boosted demand for paper and paperboard packaging. According to the US Census Bureau, e-commerce sales in the United States increased by 43% in 2020 to USD 815.4 Billion. This spike has resulted in increasing demand for corrugated boxes and other paper-based packaging materials. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, the United States generated 407 billion square feet of corrugated packaging in 2021, a 3.2% increase over 2020, owing primarily to e-commerce development and a trend toward sustainable packaging solutions.

Increasing Awareness of Environmental Issues and Plastic Pollution: Consumer awareness of environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution, is pushing the change to paper and paperboard packaging. According to Two Sides North America's report, 68% of customers believe paper and paperboard packaging is better for the environment than other materials. According to the European Paper Packaging Alliance, the use of paper and board packaging in Europe increased by 2.4% in 2020, reaching 32.8 million tons, as businesses and consumers seek more sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Government Regulations Promoting Recyclable and Biodegradable Packaging: Stringent rules aimed at decreasing plastic waste are driving the paper and paperboard packaging market. The European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive, which went into effect in 2021, has expedited the move to paper alternatives. According to Eurostat, the recycling rate for paper and paperboard packaging in the EU was 82.3% in 2019, the highest of any packaging material. In response to these restrictions, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) estimated that investments in new paper and board capacity in Europe grew by 5.5% in 2021, totaling €5.7 billion, with the majority of that going towards packaging grades.

Key Challenges:

Competition from Alternative Materials: Despite the ecological benefits of paper-based packaging, materials such as plastics offer greater durability, moisture resistance, and shelf life. This presents a challenge for paper and paperboard makers, as they must constantly innovate to improve their performance and meet the strict criteria of numerous applications while being environmentally friendly.

Environmental Concerns related to Deforestation: While these materials are biodegradable and recyclable, irresponsible harvesting practices cause severe environmental damage and raw material losses. This not only jeopardizes the supply chain's sustainability but also exposes businesses to regulatory scrutiny and consumer backlash, both of which have a negative impact on market growth and brand reputation.

Key Trends:

Increasing Demand for Sustainable Packaging: The growing need for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions is one of the major trends propelling the paper and paperboard packaging market. Consumers are growing more aware of packaging's environmental impact, prompting a shift toward biodegradable, recyclable, and renewable materials. Paper and paperboard packaging fits well with this trend because it is manufactured from renewable cellulose fibers and is easily recyclable, making it an appealing option for both brands and customers.

Rise of E-commerce and Online Retail: The rapid rise of e-commerce and online retail has been a major driver in the paper and paperboard packaging market. E-commerce businesses rely largely on corrugated boxes and other paper-based packaging materials to ship and preserve products in transit. As more people turn to internet purchasing, the demand for paper and paperboard packaging is expected to continue rising.

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the paper and paperboard packaging market:

Asia Pacific:

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to dominate the paper and paperboard packaging market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region has seen tremendous growth in e-commerce, which is increasing demand for paper and paperboard packaging. According to an eMarketer report, e-commerce sales in Asia Pacific totaled USD 2.9 Trillion in 2021, accounting for 61.4% of the worldwide e-commerce market. China alone has contributed USD 2.1 Trillion to this amount. According to the China Paper Association, corrugated box manufacturing in China climbed by 8.2% in 2021 compared to the previous year, reaching 54.5 million tons, owing primarily to an increase in online shopping and the demand for protective packaging.

Furthermore, the rapid urbanization and a growing middle class in Asia Pacific are pushing up demand for packaged goods, including paper and paperboard packaging. The Asian Development Bank predicts that by 2030, 55% of the region's population will be urban, up from 48% in 2020. This transition is accompanied by increased discretionary money. The Japan Paper Association said that paper and paperboard consumption in Asia climbed by 3.5% in 2021, reaching 195 million tons, with packaging grades accounting for more than 60% of this total.

North America:

North America is estimated to exhibit substantial growth within the market during the forecast period. The North American e-commerce market has grown significantly, resulting in increased demand for paper and paperboard packaging. According to the US Census Bureau, e-commerce sales in the United States reached USD 870.8 Billion in 2021, up 14.2% from 2020. The American Forest & Paper Association said that containerboard output, which is mostly used for e-commerce packaging, climbed by 5.6% in 2021 over 2020, reaching 38.9 million tons. This growth is directly related to the rising demand for shipping boxes and protective packing for online orders.

Furthermore, the growing environmental consciousness among consumers and businesses is promoting the introduction of paper-based packaging as a more sustainable alternative to plastic. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, 68.2% of paper and paperboard packaging was recycled in the United States, the greatest recycling percentage of any material in MSW. The Fibre Box Association said that the average recycled content in corrugated boxes increased to 52% in 2021, up from 50% in 2019, indicating a growing trend toward more sustainable packaging choices.

Europe:

Europe region is estimated to exhibit significant growth within the market during the forecast period. Europe has enacted stringent restrictions to decrease plastic waste and encourage sustainable packaging options. The European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan have had a substantial impact on the paper and paperboard packaging business. According to Eurostat, the recycling rate for paper and paperboard packaging in the EU was 82.3% in 2019, the highest of any packaging material. The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) revealed that, despite the pandemic, European packaging-grade paper and board production climbed by 2.1% in 2020, reaching 48.2 million tons. This increase is partly attributable to the transition away from plastic packaging as a result of environmental laws.

Furthermore, the European e-commerce sector has grown significantly, increasing demand for paper-based packaging options. According to the Ecommerce Foundation's European E-commerce Report 2021, online retail in Europe increased by 13% in 2020, totaling €757 billion. According to the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO), corrugated board output in Europe expanded by 2.8% in 2020, reaching 46 billion square meters, owing primarily to the growth of e-commerce and the demand for protective packaging for online sales.

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market is segmented based on Grade, Type, Application, and Geography.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market, By Grade

• Coated Unbleached Kraft Paperboard (CUK)
• Folding Boxboard (FBB)
• Glassine & Greaseproof Paper
• Label Paper
• Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)
• White Lined Chipboard (WLC)
• Others

Based on Grade, the market is segmented into Coated Unbleached Kraft Paperboard (CUK), Folding Boxboard (FBB), Glassine & Greaseproof Paper, Label Paper, Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS), White Lined Chipboard, and Others. The coated unbleached kraft paperboard (CUK) segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period due to its strength, durability, and versatility, which make it excellent for a variety of applications such as food, beverage, and consumer product packaging. CUK's demand is fueled by its eco-friendliness, as it is created from renewable materials and recyclables, which aligns with the growing consumer preference for sustainable packaging options.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market, By Type

• Corrugated Box
• Boxboard
• Flexible Paper

Based on Type, the market is segmented into Corrugated Box, Boxboard, and Flexible Paper. The corrugated box segment is estimated to hold the majority share in the forecast period in the paper and paperboard packaging market due to their broad use in numerous industries, particularly for shipping and storage. Corrugated boxes are popular because of their strength, lightweight design, and ability to protect things during transit. Their adaptability allows them to be tailored to varied sizes and forms, making them perfect for e-commerce and retail applications. The increased desire for sustainable packaging solutions, as corrugated boxes are recyclable and constructed from renewable materials, contributes to their dominance.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market, By Application

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

Based on the Application, the market is segmented into Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal & Homecare, and Others. The food segment is estimated to hold the majority share in the paper and paperboard packaging market. This dominance is driven by the growing need for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions in the food industry, where paper and paperboard materials are preferred due to their recyclability and biodegradability. These materials are widely utilized to package frozen foods, snacks, and beverages, coinciding with customer demands for ecologically responsible solutions and increasing the segment's growth potential.

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the paper and paperboard packaging market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to hold the largest share of the paper and paperboard packaging market due to the region's economic growth, urbanization, and expanding middle-class population. The trend toward lightweight and ecological packaging is especially strong in Asia-Pacific, where it aligns with cost-effectiveness and environmental concerns. Customized packaging solutions, particularly for food and beverage goods, are becoming increasingly popular to meet the different needs of consumers.

Key Players

• The "Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are WestRock, Mondi Group, Smurfit Kappa Group, DS Smith PLC, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Metsa Board Oyj, ITC Limited, Cascades Inc., and Amcor Ltd.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Recent Developments
• In March 2024, Sealed Air launched a new paper-based packaging solution to suit the growing need for environmentally friendly packaging. This new barrier-formable paper, created from 90% FSC-certified fibers, seeks to cut plastic usage by 77% when compared to typical PET/PE bottom webs, demonstrating the company's dedication to environmentally friendly methods.
• In January 2024, ITC Sunfeast introduced their new Sunfeast Farmlite Digestive Biscuit Family, which comes in 100% exterior paper packaging. This effort establishes the brand as a pioneer in sustainable packaging in the biscuit category, catering to environmentally concerned consumers and encouraging the use of recyclable materials in food packaging.