Corrugated Box Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)
The demand for corrugated boxes globally is anticipated to record a CAGR of 4.3% during the period from 2023 to 2033. The corrugated box market valuation is expected to grow from USD 140.4 billion in 2023 to USD 213.9 billion in 2033.
The packaging of corrugated boxes used in Central and Eastern Europe incorporates a sustainable approach and eco-friendly material, which is appreciated by nearly 80% of the population.
Consumers use sustainable corrugated packaging solutions for online shopping in 77% of cases. Around 57% of respondents are willing to pay more for customized corrugated packaging solutions and solutions that are sustainable.
The corrugated industry has been enriched by the introduction of digitalization by Smurfit Kappa, a renowned manufacturer of corrugated packaging solutions. Moreover, by developing new technologies and improving current ones, the key players also look forward to increasing their sustainability efforts.
Graphic design customized for each client has produced various benefits, such as increased sales and greater flexibility for custom corrugated box market players. Innovations in these areas are driving the digitalization of paper-based packaging and creating substantial opportunities for market expansion.
| Attributes |
Details |
| Corrugated Box Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.3% |
| Corrugated Box Market Size (2022) |
USD 134.4 billion |
| Corrugated Box Market Size (2023) |
USD 140.4 billion |
| Corrugated Box Market Size (2033) |
USD 213.9 billion |
Global Corrugated Box Market Historical Analysis (2018 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 to 2033)
Previously, the market registered a CAGR of 2.8% from 2018 to 2022, culminating in a market valuation of USD 134.4 billion in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the corrugated plastic box market worldwide.
As a result of the recession that followed the pandemic, the packaging industry was negatively impacted. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unexpected drop and uncertainty in raw material prices, packaging solution manufacturers around the world have been facing significant challenges.
What is Limiting the Growth of the Corrugated Box Market?
The growth of the corrugated box market is slowed by fierce competition from flexible plastic packaging products. Flexible packaging provides the best value for manufacturers and retailers.
This is due to its ability to reduce packaging weight which results in reduced shipping and warehousing costs. Consequently, less space is needed for the packaging. A flexible packaging system results in a 40% reduction in overall packaging costs, allowing landfill waste to be reduced by 50% and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to decrease by 62%. Compliance with environmental standards during production also poses a significant challenge for the corrugated box market.
The high energy consumption and the environmental impacts associated act as key hindrances to their inclusion as a preferred packaging solution. So, end users are switching from rigid to flexible packaging materials due to factors such as convenience, portability, sustainability, and health benefits
Segment-wise Insights
Of All the Types of Corrugated Boxes, Slotted Boxes Represent Holds a Massive Share
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Slotted Box |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 100,931.2 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.20% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Folder Box |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 9,052.2 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.90% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Telescope Box |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 7,409.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.70% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Die Cut Box |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 23,029.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.20% |
The overall market position was dominated by the slotted boxes segment, both in terms of value and volume until the previous year recorded by the FMI survey report. The most common type is made from a single piece of corrugated board, which is stitched, taped, or glued together. It is important to put the flute parallel to the depth of the box to provide a strong loading.
Virgin Materials are Preferable While Recycled Materials are Economical for Corrugated Box Producers
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Virgin |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 35,693 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Recycled |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 104,729.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.70% |
The value of recycled material used for the production of corrugated boxes is 3X higher than the virgin material segment. However, according to the market's value and volume, the liner board material type sub-segment under the virgin category segment led the market. A minimum of 80% of the kraft liner is virgin fiber.
Packaging of Food & Beverage Products to Remain the Popular Segment
| Market Segments by End User |
Food |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 86,471.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.5% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Beverages |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 5,754.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.2% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Electricals & Electronics |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 1,637.2 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.6% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Healthcare |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 5,131.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.9% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Textiles & Apparels |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 2,878.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.7% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Tobacco |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 1,621.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.3% |
| Market Segments by End User |
E-commerce |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 5,522.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.1% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Building & Construction |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 7,146.4 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.1% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Homecare |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 2,934.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.7% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Automotive & Allied Industries |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 5,201.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.8% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Personal Care & Cosmetics |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 3,454.4 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.2% |
| Market Segments by End User |
Chemical & Fertilizers |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 2,688.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.3% |
According to value and volume, the food & beverages segment led the market in the end-user category. Food and beverage industries are broadly composed of fresh produce, processed foods, and non-perishables as the leading sub-segments.
Country-wise Insights
Industries Based in the United States to Carry Forward the Demand for Corrugated Boxes in North America
| Regional Markets in America |
The United States |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 24,360.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.4% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Canada |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,412.3 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.3% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Brazil |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 4,822.9 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.5% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Mexico |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,220.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.4% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Rest of Latin America |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,592.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.1% |
| Regional Markets in America |
North America |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 26,772.9 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.5% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Latin America |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 12,122.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.2% |
The United States is an industrial hub with a substantial market size and demand for corrugated metal planter boxes in several sectors. Retail sales on the e-commerce platform have also grown dramatically since the outbreak which is expected to keep the regional market profitable in the coming days.
Asia Pacific Region is Projected to be the Significant Market in Terms of the Value of Total Sales of Corrugated Shipping Boxes.
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
China |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 32,969 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.1% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
India |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 12,265,8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.6% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
ASEAN |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 7,251.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
7.6% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Australia & New Zealand |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,170.8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.9% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Rest of Asia Pacific Excluding Japan |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,510.8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.9% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Asia Pacific Excluding Japan |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 58,852.2 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.7% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Japan |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 6,764.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2% |
Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period, particularly in the Association of Nations in South East Asia. Growing demand and supply in the food and beverage, electronics, and personal care industries in countries like China, India, and Japan, are supporting the market's growth.
The Increased use of Online Shopping in Central and Eastern Europe along with Sustainability is Driving the Sales of Corrugated Boxes
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Germany |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 4,352 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.2% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Italy |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,479.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.1% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
France |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,432.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.6% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Spain |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,805.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.8% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
The United Kingdom |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,890.9 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.5% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Benelux |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,780.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.3% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Nordic |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,390.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.4% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Rest of Eastern Europe |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,026.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.4% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Russia |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 5,194.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.1% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Poland |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2.112.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.2% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Rest of Eastern Europe |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,966 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.2% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Eastern Europe |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 9,272.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.8% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Western Europe |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 22,157.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.5% |
Leading companies that manufacture and market corrugated boxes include Mondi Group, DS Smith, and Smurfit Kappa Group in the Europe region.
The annual growth rate in e-commerce trade in Europe is projected to be around 20%. The increased use of online shopping in Central and Eastern Europe along with sustainability is driving the corrugated metal planter box market for industries.
| Regional Markets in the Middle East & Africa |
Northern Africa |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 867.4 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.7% |
| Regional Markets in the Middle East & Africa |
GCC Countries |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,837.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.5% |
| Regional Markets in the Middle East & Africa |
South Africa |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,20.2 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.2% |
| Regional Markets in the Middle East & Africa |
Türkiye |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 273.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.8% |
| Regional Markets in the Middle East & Africa |
Rest of the Middle East & Africa |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 471.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
7% |
| Regional Markets in the Middle East & Africa |
Middle East & Africa (MEA) |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 5,650.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5% |
A significant increase in e-commerce business development is driving the market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) countries as well. In addition, factors such as increased consumer goods demand, innovation in electronics and other sectors, etc., are likely to account for the growth of this region during the forecast period.
Innovative Products for Sustainable Packaging Solutions to Define the Market Position of Corrugated Box Manufacturers
Businesses in the corrugated cardboard box market are working to launch new products, expand their operations, and build strategic partnerships with other manufacturers.
Furthermore, the custom corrugated boxes market’s key players are expanding their manufacturing capabilities, product lines, and global presence. Leading corrugated box manufacturers are also dedicating time and resources to research and develop innovative products.
Recent Developments by the Corrugated Box Industries
- Mondi announced the addition of a new product, BCoolBox, to its sustainable e-commerce portfolio on 1st February 2021, which could include fresh produce and food. It is a packaging solution made up of a corrugated range with thermo-insulation that is might keep food cold without having to rely on external cooling. As per the company, this new solution is designed to keep stored commodities at a consistent temperature of fewer than 7 degrees for 24 hours.
- International Paper completed the acquisition of two state-of-the-art corrugated box plants in Spain in March 2021. By acquiring this company, the company is likely to be able to enhance its capabilities in Madrid and Catalonia. Regarding EMEA, the corrugated box business is of strategic importance for the company. With a focus on fruit and vegetable packaging and e-commerce solutions, it offers high-quality packaging solutions in the industrial segment. The two businesses have been part of International Paper since April 1, 2021.
- As part of the Blaue Helden e-commerce packaging design, DS Smith developed completely recyclable packaging in August 2021. With this sustainably designed e-commerce packaging, DS Smith offers environmentally friendly cleaning tabs from Blaue Helden that have an enhanced appearance appropriate for online retail with 100% corrugated cardboard and no plastic filling material.
- A new production line was installed in September 2021 at the Mondi Group's corrugated box production plant in Szczecin, Poland. As a result of the expansion, the packaging portfolio of this company might expand, as well as production processes be streamlined. In addition to this expansion, the company is poised to further establish itself as a leading provider of e-commerce packaging to the expanding European market.
Key players
- Mondi Group Plc
- Bee Packaging
- DS Smith Packaging Limited
- Oji Holdings Corporation
- Smurfit Kappa Group Plc
- International Paper Company
- WestRock Company
- Georgia Pacific Packaging LLC
- Pratt Industries, Inc.
- Tat Seng Packaging Group
- VPK Group
- STORA ENSO OYJ
- Nelson Container Corporation
- Great Little Box Company Ltd.
- Acme Corrugated Box Co. Inc.
Key segments
By Material Type:
By Board type:
- Single Face Board
- Double Wall Board
- Triple Wall Board
By Grade type:
By Product Type:
- Slotted Box
- Folder Box
- Telescope Box
- Die Cut Box
By End Use:
- Food
- Processed Food
- Fresh Produce
- Dairy Products
- Food Grains
- Confectionary and Bakery
- Other Foods
- Beverages
- Electricals & Electronics
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceutical
- Medical Devices
- Textiles & Apparels
- Tobacco
- E-commerce
- Building & Construction
- Homecare
- Automotive & Allied Industries
- Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Chemical & Fertilizers
- Others
By Region:
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- East Asia
- South Asia & Pacific
- The Middle East & Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big is the Corrugated Box Market?
The market is valued at US$ 140.4 billion in 2023.
What is the Growth Potential of the Corrugated Box Market?
The growth potential of the corrugated box market is 4.3% CAGR through 2033.
How Big will the Corrugated Box Market by 2033?
The market is estimated to reach US$ 213.9 billion by 2033.
Which is the Top Trend in the Corrugated Box Market?
Adoption of sustainable efforts is expected to disrupt the global market.
Which is the Key Segment by Product Type?
Slotted box is likely to remain preferred through 2033.
