Between 2025 and 2035, the global Cardboard trays market is likely to prosper, owing to an increasing demand for eco-friendly, and economically viable packaging solutions among diverse industries such as food and beverage, agriculture, retail, and e-commerce, etc. These cardboard trays are an integral part of where products are stored, transported, and displayed, providing eco-friendly alternatives to plastics-based packaging.
Market growth is driven by increasing use of biodegradable and recyclable and compostable packaging material and developments in tray design and process of manufacturing. In addition, wider printing options due to advancements in digital print technologies, enhanced structural integrity of cardboard trays that do not compromise on weight, and a shift toward circular economy strategies are other influential factors for the development of the sector.
The Cardboard trays market was valued at approx. USD 6.4 Billion in 2025. It is estimated to be USD 10.8 Billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.1%. This market is driven by the growing trend of sustainable packaging, stringent environmental regulations for plastic reduction, and rising investments in innovative corrugated and molded fiber packaging solutions.
Moreover, the integration of smart packaging features, moisture-resistant coatings and lightweight yet durable designs is further supporting the market growth. Moreover, the introduction of customizable, food-safe, and one-time disposable cardboard tray solutions are the pillars for the growth of market penetration and consumer acceptance.
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North America is expected to account for a larger share of the global market for cardboard trays due to the presence of strict regulatory structures, growing consumer consciousness towards sustainable packing and rising investment in eco-friendly packing options. The United States and Canada have long been leading the way in the development and marketing of new-generation cardboard tray solutions, including water-resistant coatings, printed identifier options, and more durable structural designs.
The market growth is primarily attributed to the increasing adoption of recyclable and compostable trays by leading food brands, regulatory support for plastic-free packaging, and an increasing demand for plastic-free packaging in the fresh produce sector. The emergence of home-fill services and meal kit packaging are other contributors to product development and adoption as well.
The European market has strong environmental regulations, government-driven sustainability campaigns, and advancements in fiber-based packaging technology. Germany, France and the UK are among the countries focusing on improving high-performance, one-hundred-per-cent recyclable cardboard trays for fresh produce, bakery products and convenience foods.
Faster adoption of market development is facilitated by the increasing focus on circular economy strategies, plastic packaging reduction goals, and growing investment in alternative biodegradable packaging. Moreover, increasing applications in organic food retail, ready to eat meal packaging and sustainable e-commerce shipping packaging solution are expected to create more opportunities for manufacturers.
The Cardboard trays market is growing significantly over Asia-Pacific, and this trend is expected to continue during the forecast period, due to increasing urbanization together with higher disposable income and rising government initiatives to help reduce the plastic waste. For instance, China, India, and Japan are significantly invested in R&D on cost-efficient and high-efficiency cardboard trays, with moisture-resistant and grease-proof for foodservice application.
The increasing demand for online food delivery, expansion of supermarket chains, rising tendency of consumers towards eco-friendly packaging and regulatory pressures to minimize the use of single-use plastics is driving the MSS segment growth.
Furthermore, Increasing concerns towards food hygiene, reduction of wastage and sustainable packaging solutions are some of the reasons for growing market penetration. This, along with the emergence of new domestic packaging manufacturers and partnerships with international brands, is driving growth in the market.
The Latin America biodegradable film sector is witnessing stable growth owing to the increasing demand for biodegradable packaging solutions; rising focus on waste management; and growing regulations prohibiting the use of single-use plastics. Key growing countries include Brazil and Mexico, designing to boost supply in terms of high-quality cardboard trays for agriculture, food service and beverage use.
Similar push in the form of locally sourced raw material, cost-effective production techniques, and campaigns highlighting sustainable packaging are contributing towards market growth. Furthermore, the advent of organic farming, increasing investments to set up recyclables packaging infrastructure, and consumer-led demand for eco-friendly packaging are making it easier for the products to become available throughout the region.
The Middle East & Africa Cardboard trays market is slowly maturing owing to improving investments towards sustainable initiatives, waste reduction programs, and premium eco-packaging solutions. The UAE and South Africa are at the forefront of bringing more applied solutions and technology into this space. Growth in the market is propelled by sRise in the demand for sustainable foodservice packaging, growth of biodegradable agricultural trays, partnership between international and domestic packaging manufacturers etc.
Moreover, governmental initiatives, such as those encouraging recyclable materials (in addition, seeing innovations regarding fiber-based packaging) and consumer-driven demand for sustainable food packaging are driving the long-term growth of the industry. Moreover, the prevalence of green packaging certifications in the region, along with the rising influence of zero waste movements, are explaining the quest for cardboard trays.
The cardboard trays market is likely to witness steady growth over the next decade, owing to ongoing development of recyclable and sustainable packaging materials, fiber-reinforced structures and regulations regarding ban on plastic based alternatives.
To provide better functionality and market appeal while enhancing the long-term usability of products, companies are upping their game through innovation in structural integrity, moisture resistance coatings, and artificial intelligence-driven waste reduction strategies.
And changing food industry trends due to higher consumer interest in plastic-free packaging and more digital integration into sustainable retailing, are also affecting how the industry will look moving forward. Smart labeling, biodegradable coatings, and advanced packaging recycling solutions are being captured to optimize packaging efficiency as well as ensure high-quality food is preserved around the globe.
Challenge
Rising Raw Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions
The growth of the Cardboard trays market is hindered by rising prices of raw materials including recycled paper, virgin pulp and biodegradable coatings. Whereas increasing demand for sustainable packaging, along with supply chain bottlenecks owing to geopolitical issues, labour shortages, and transportation costs have raised the cost of production and decreased profit margins.
Furthermore, the manufacturers are constrained in maintaining product integrity and food safety compliance because of the scarce and good quality food-grade paperboard material as well as scarcity of sophisticated production tooling.
To address these issues, companies need to streamline sourcing strategies, invest in supply chain resilience, adopt alternative materials such as agricultural waste-based packaging solutions, and eventually further production efficiency using automation and AI-driven inventory management.
Stringent Environmental Regulations and Compliance Issues
Governments globally are advancing towards stringent regulation regarding packaging waste, recyclability and carbon footprint reduction keeping a check on these issues will create a colossal challenge for the Cardboard trays market.
As sustainability mandates shift, taking the form of bans on single-use plastics, mandatory compostability standards and extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs that drive behavior toward sustainable packaging, manufacturers need to ensure that they are nimble and adaptable. Moreover, forest and wood certification such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) increase operational costs and administrative loads.
These regulations can be debilitating for companies, as they are also required to implement sustainable innovations that include recyclable and compostable materials, if any is produced, closed-loop packaging, alliance with waste authorities, and an educational campaign to teach consumers the added-value of using sustainable packaging.
Opportunity
Increasing Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging
With growing customer consciousness about how their choices affect the environment, the organizations are making the transition to cardboard trays that reduce the plastic consumption and move toward eco-responsible biodegradable & it is also for recyclable packaging solutions. The food and beverage industry, such as fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals and bakery items, is driving the change from plastic trays to those made from fiber.
Fiber-reliant packaging is also being implemented by retailers and e-commerce providers to elevate sustainability credentials, increase recyclability and align with consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Cost-effective and eco-friendly plant coatings, oil or water-resistant treatments, minimal use of natural resources and/ or bio-targeted divesting with compostable adhesives are paving the way towards meeting sustainability processes in global markets.
Growth in E-commerce and Food Delivery Services
Due to the increasing demand for durable, lightweight, and cost-effective packaging solution such as cardboard trays, due to the growing online retail, grocery delivery, and food service applications. Today, the demand for quick-commerce, meal kit subscriptions, and contactless food delivery has spurred the demand for sustainable, protective, and customizable tray designs that keep food fresh and safe.
Advances in moisture-resistant cardboard, corrugated tray structures, anti-grease coatings and tamper-proof packaging ensure that packaging is more reliable and hygiene standards in food processing are maintained. Companies investing in high-speed tray production, customized branding, smart tracking systems, and sustainable printing technologies will benefit from the growing sector and improved long-term competitiveness.
Analysis from 2020 to 2024 and Opportunity Assessment for 2025 to 2035 between 2020 and 2024, the Cardboard trays market is projected to grow steadily owing to increasing demand for biodegradable packaging, ban on plastic based alternatives, and enhancing government regulations on environmental impact. But high costs of raw materials, uncertain supply chains, and uneven recycling infrastructure posed significant obstacles to market growth.
They considered cost corrections for raw materials, biodegradable trapping that utilized multi-layering, as well as ways to provide biodegradable coatings from plants on fruits and vegetables, and partnerships at various points along the supply chain that would lead to efficiencies in uptime, compliance with regulatory sustainability regimes, as well as food on safety at points of sale on their foray into markets across the world through partnerships.
Forecast by 2025 to 2035 is likely to see the emergence of smart packaging, AI-powered production automation, bio-based barrier coatings, and functional biodegradable tray designs. Additional investments in clean valued-added markets such as circular economy models, closed-loop recycling systems, sustainable forestry investments and carbon-neutral manufacturing will fuel both long-term market growth and regulatory alignment.
Another advancement will be edible wrapping, self-sealing cardboard trays, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking, and smart freshness signals that will change packaging standards. To have long-term industry leadership, participants that will be part of the future of Retrofit market are those that embrace digitalization, invest in innovative packaging solutions, put together sustainable supply chains and align with innovation and sustainability goals through the rest of the world.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Stricter packaging waste reduction laws and EPR programs |
| Technological Advancements | Growth in water-resistant coatings and biodegradable adhesives |
| Industry Adoption | Increased usage in food, beverage, and retail sectors |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Dependence on traditional pulp and recycled materials |
| Market Competition | Dominance of conventional cardboard packaging manufacturers |
| Market Growth Drivers | Consumer-driven demand for plastic-free alternatives |
| Sustainability and Energy Efficiency | Initial focus on reducing carbon footprint in production |
| Integration of Smart Monitoring | Limited adoption of IoT and digital tracking |
| Advancements in Packaging Innovation | Development of minimalist and lightweight tray structures |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Global standardization of recyclability guidelines, compostable material regulations, and carbon-neutral incentives |
| Technological Advancements | AI-driven packaging automation, bio-based barrier films, and smart tracking-enabled cardboard trays |
| Industry Adoption | Expansion into pharmaceuticals, electronics, luxury packaging, and temperature-controlled tray applications |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Integration of agricultural waste, seaweed-based fibers, alternative cellulose sources, and hemp-based cardboard alternatives |
| Market Competition | Rise of sustainable startups, digitalized packaging production, AI-optimized material utilization, and circular economy integration |
| Market Growth Drivers | Full-scale adoption of biodegradable, reusable, self-sealing tray technologies, and government-driven sustainability policies |
| Sustainability and Energy Efficiency | Large-scale implementation of solar-powered manufacturing, zero-waste packaging solutions, and fully home-compostable tray designs |
| Integration of Smart Monitoring | Full-scale deployment of RFID-enabled packaging, real-time inventory tracking, blockchain-based sustainability verification, and AI-powered supply chain insights |
| Advancements in Packaging Innovation | Introduction of edible trays, nano-coating solutions, interactive smart labels, and self-decomposing biodegradable packaging materials |
The Cardboard trays market across various sectors in the USA are driven by growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging, increasing utilization in the food and beverage industry, and expanding e-commerce logistics. Major packaging manufacturers and improvements in recycled cardboard technology are major factors that continue to drive growth in the market.
The growing consumer inclination for sustainable packaging solutions is one of the major driving forces for the market growth. Moreover, features like automation in tray production, lighter weight designs, and products with an extended shelf-life such as a large range of trays with a long shelf-life are generating growing interest around product appeal for a wide variety of end-use, spanning food and non-food individuals alike.
The companies are also focusing on making low-cost, recyclable trays made of cardboard that correspond with sustainability goals. Plastic waste management in USA market, driven by growing initiatives for plastic reduction and circular economy
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 5.4% |
Robust government regulations on plastic waste wooing sustainable packaging in food & beverage applications is driving the cardboard tray market in key countries in the UK .The growing adoption of green packaging initiatives and corporate sustainability commitments is also driving demand.
Rising government initiatives and regulations that favor sustainable packaging alternatives, combined with innovation in biodegradable coatings and fibrous-reinforced cardboard help in expanding the market. Additionally, advances in heat-sealed, water-resistant and compostable cardboard trays are capturing interest.
Companies are considering customizable, lightweight product trays for fresh produce as well as bakery and other takeaway applications, too. The growing preference for plant-based and recyclable food packaging among consumers is also propelling the market growth in the UK. Plus, the emergence of eco-minded grocery chains and green supply chain initiatives is driving adoption.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 4.9% |
Germany, France, and Italy are the top players in the European Cardboard trays market due to stricter rule against single-use plastics, expanding preference for fiber-based packing, and a well-developed recycling infrastructure.
Rapid growth in the market is spurred by the European Union’s focus on circular economy policies and investments in compostable and biodegradable material. In addition, the implementation of moisture-resistant, food-grade cardboard trays and the advent of smart packaging technologies for freshness monitoring are optimizing product innovation. The growth of sustainably-minded meal preparation systems, minimalistic grocery zero-waste concepts, and capabilities for eco-oriented shipping/pick-up has further contributed to demand for recyclable tray solutions.
This also include the right packaging type to a the development of new renewable fiber sources such as biodegradable laminates and lightweight cardboard trays that are logistics optimized to be cheap, as they can be used across the European whole market. In addition, the rising implementation of eco-labeling laws and carbon footprint reduction efforts are expediting the transition to sustainable cardboard packaging.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union (EU) | 5.0% |
Japan's Cardboard trays market is characterized by a strong focus on environmental sustainability, an increase in demand for innovative packaging technologies, and a range of government-led initiatives to reduce waste. The growth of the market is propelled by the rising preference of consumers toward recyclable and compostable packaging.
Innovation is being driven by the country's focus on technological advancements and the adoption of water-resistant and heat-sealed trays made of cardboard. Additionally, stringent government regulations for plastic waste management along with the increasing awareness of consumers about eco-friendly alternatives is propelling the companies to develop high-quality food safe packaging.
And this trend can also be seen in Japan's path of packaging industry boiling from the emerging biodegradable bento box, compostable convenience food trays, recyclable e-commerce packaging products. Besides, an inclination towards minimalist and functional packaging designs, which minimizes the volume of materials used, is also contributing to adopting sustainable packaging.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 5.2% |
South Korea's expanding waste management policies, growing demand for sustainable packaging and lightweight, environmentally friendly options are contributing to the rapid growth of the cardboard trays market.
Market growth is the result of stringent government regulations regarding plastic usage and the growing adoption of biodegradable and compostable materials. The country is also emphasizing packaging optimization using advanced barrier coatings, plant-based laminates and recyclable adhesives to boost competitiveness.
Demand for molded fiber food packaging, stackable cardboard tray solutions, and sustainable takeaway trays is further driving market adoption. Food businesses are now layering in smart, biodegradable trays with digital tracking and freshness indicators. Increasing green consumer preference and sustainable dining trends in South Korea is propelling the demand for recyclable and compostable packaging solutions.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 5.3% |
Virgin fibre based cardboard trays are also gaining momentum because they offer so much greater strength, durability and food safety than anything we could ever produce with recovered material. The high-quality printability these trays offer lend themselves to being ideal branded packaging solutions for food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and retail industries.
Use Of Virgin Fiber Trays Provide High Strength For Better Product Protection The increasing investment in sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing practices have bolstered the usage of virgin fiber trays in line with global sustainability initiatives.
Demand for fiber trays, especially those that are recycled, has been on the rise as companies and consumers opt for more sustainable packaging options. These trays are widely made with post-consumer and post-industrial fiber, effectively upcycling these materials and helping to reduce waste. Regulatory guidelines surrounding sustainable packaging have led the food and beverage sector to tap into recycled fiber trays.
Additionally, improvements in recycling technologies have made it possible to develop recycled fiber trays with comparable strength and moisture-resistant properties as virgin fiber trays, allowing their usage across the various sectors.
Uses a series of cavities for packaging fragile or compartmentalized products and is widely used as swirl trays in zeroing system. Such trays find extensive use in the food and beverage sector to protect and keep single food items like eggs, confections, and ready-to-eat meals from motion. The pharmaceutical industry uses cavity trays to ensure the safe handling of medical vials, ampoules, and sensitive drug packaging.
With the increased need for more specialized and precision-engineered trays, Cavity-based designs have gained further traction, allowing for greater product differentiation and making it easier for consumers to handle products.
Cavity-less trays are extremely convenient for bulk packaging, generic item handling, and large volume shipping. Instead, these trays are versatile and cater to various products in retail, agriculture and chemical industries.
Because of their stackable, low-cost, and easily customizable features, folding carton is the most widely used eco-friendly packaging material among businesses. A growing emphasis on cutting down on plastic usage has only driven the conversion to non-cavity cardboard trays across multiple industrial applications.
Cardboard trays - some of the most extensively utilized materials in the food and drinks industry, where fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery products, drinks, takeaway dishes, and a variety of foods right up to picnic tables are packed with them. As consumers become more conscious of eco-friendly packaging, brands are opting for biodegradable and compostable cardboard trays to help lessen their environmental footprint.
Demand for leak-proof, grease resistant, and microwavable trays has increased, resulting in innovations in material coatings and packaging technologies. Increasing regulatory pressures to reduce single-use plastics have served to further accelerate the transition to sustainable cardboard tray packing solutions.
Cardboard trays make for safe storage and transportation of medicines, medical devices and lab equipment - a major part of the pharma supply chain. Pharmaceutical trays with moisture resistant, tamper evident features and protective coatings have also emerged as some of the most widely used.
Moreover, increasing need for transporting temperature-sensitive medicaments has fueled the development of insulated and shock absorbing cardboard tray solutions. Additionally, an increase in the industry focus towards carbon footprint reduction has resulted greatly in the adoption of recycled and biodegradable materials in the pharmaceutical tray packaging.
The Cardboard trays market is driven by factors such as rising demand for renewable sources of packaging as cardboard trays are environmentally-friendly and its lightweight which will cuts transportation costs. Companies are doing this by using recyclable materials, developing high-performance structural designs, and utilizing moisture-resistant coatings. The major trends include reusable trays, custom-printed trays, and innovative tray forming technology.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Smurfit Kappa Group | 17-21% |
| Mondi Group | 13-17% |
| DS Smith Plc | 10-14% |
| WestRock Company | 7-11% |
| International Paper Company | 5-9% |
| Other Companies (combined) | 35-45% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Smurfit Kappa Group | Leading provider of recyclable and biodegradable cardboard trays with customizable designs. |
| Mondi Group | Specializes in high-strength and moisture-resistant cardboard trays for food and industrial applications. |
| DS Smith Plc | Develops sustainable, lightweight trays with innovative structural designs for enhanced durability. |
| WestRock Company | Focuses on retail-ready and eco-friendly cardboard tray solutions with advanced printing capabilities. |
| International Paper Company | Innovates in molded fiber and corrugated cardboard trays for agricultural and food industries. |
Key Company Insights
Smurfit Kappa Group (17-21%)
Smurfit Kappa leads the Cardboard trays market by placing emphasis on sustainability, recyclability and high-performance packaging solutions.
Mondi Group (13-17%)
Mondi Group specializes in eco-friendly and high-strength cardboard trays, which have integrated moisture-resistant coatings for longer longevity.
DS Smith Plc (10-14%)
DS Smith is a strong player in lightweight and structurally-enhanced cardboard trays in food and retail applications.
WestRock Company (7-11%)
WestRock creates innovative retail-ready tray designs that feature high-impact printing and sustainability.
International Paper Company (5-9%)
At International Paper, we are leaders in developing molded fiber and corrugated tray solutions through a focus on sustainability and operational excellence.
Other Key Players (35-45% Combined)
Key players are part of cardboard tray innovations include local as well international manufacturers that are actively developing high recyclability, durability and cost-effective pack of cardboard trays. Key players include:
The overall market size for Cardboard trays market was USD 6.4 Billion in 2025.
The Cardboard trays market expected to reach USD 10.8 Billion in 2035.
Increasing preference for sustainable & eco-friendly packaging, growth in food & beverage industry, rising demand from e-commerce and retail sectors, government regulations encouraging biodegradable packaging, packaging solutions acquiring recyclability will aid in propelling the demand for cardboard trays market.
The top 5 countries which drives the development of Cardboard trays market are USA, UK, Europe Union, Japan and South Korea.
Virgin and recycled fiber growth to command significant share over the assessment period.
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