The Kraft Liner Market liner is estimated to generate a market size of USD 22,902.2 million in 2025 and would increase to USD 32,619.3 million by 2035. It is expected to increase its sales at a CAGR of 3.6% over the forecast period 2025 to 2035. Revenue generated from kraft liner in 2024 was USD 22,106.4 million.
The food sector is the biggest user of kraft liner packaging with 45% of market shares because of the stringent hygiene needs and need for green packaging. In this industry, processed food and fresh fruits and vegetables are the leading subcategories, needing robust, water-resistant, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Kraft liners are extensively applied to food-grade corrugated boxes, takeaway boxes, and protective packaging to guarantee product safety during storage and transportation.
The increasing demand for biodegradable food packaging and the emergence of food delivery services have boosted demand for kraft liners. Global expansion of food trade and strict food safety laws are compelling the adoption of high-grade, food-safe packaging material among producers, leading to increased growth in the segment.
Kraft Liner Industry Forecast
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 22,902.2 Million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 32,619.3 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 3.6% |
Corrugated boxes dominate the most significant proportion of kraft liner usage, spurred by worldwide e-commerce expansion and the trend towards sustainable packaging. They provide high strength, impact resistance, and stacking strength, making them the preferred option for shipping, retail packaging, and industrial storage. They are commonly applied in food & beverage, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics because they are highly customizable and lightweight.
The surge in online purchasing and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands has only added to the demand for kraft liner-based corrugated boxes. Furthermore, mounting regulation on single-use plastics is driving brands to adopt fiber-based, recyclable alternatives, furthering the market leadership of corrugated boxes. The kraft liner market will expand with lucrative opportunities during the forecast period, as it is estimated to provide an incremental opportunity of USD 10512.9 million and will increase 1.5 times the current value by 2035.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global kraft liner market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 3.5% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 4.2% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 3.0% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 3.7%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 3.5% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 4.2% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 3% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 50 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 50 BPS.
Increasing Demand for Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable Packaging
The Kraft Liner Industry is being spurred by the shift globally towards biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Many industries such as food & beverage, logistics or e-commerce use green pulp to reduce carbon footprint and remain compliant with many environment legislations. Kraft liner, made from virgin or recycled pulp, is recyclable and biodegradable and hence an ideal alternative to plastic packaging.
International governments have imposed stringent policies to control plastic waste, thus compelling firms to abandon paper packaging. Furthermore, customers are more environmentally aware, thus compelling more demand for green packaging options.
Kraft Liner Industry is also increasing on the back of other drivers like leading firms like Apple are embracing kraft liner-based cartons and boxes. Circular economy initiatives are also a major driving force for manufacturers to invest in high quality recyclable kraft liners that allow for sustainable manufacturing and waste control.
Expansion of the E-Commerce and Retail Industries
One of the main drivers of the Kraft Liner Market is growth in retailing and e-commerce. Lightweight, tough, and affordable packaging materials are increasingly demanded due to internet purchases in order to absorb the products during transportation.
In an effort to provide corrugated boxes and shipping boxes with strength, flexural properties, and sustainability when they are packing heavy and fragile items, kraft liner is extensively employed. Kraft liner packaging is being adopted by large e-commerce players such as Amazon, Alibaba, and Walmart to achieve sustainability objectives and cut down on the use of plastic. There is also a growing demand for sustainable and safe packaging with home delivery options increasing.
Unpredictable Nature of Raw Material Prices
That is the most severe among all of the concerns in the Kraft Liner Market: raw material price volatility-and they are recycled paper fibers and wood pulp. All Kraft liner manufactures are based on forest products, and any advantages by the forest protection laws, climate change, or a shortage in the supply would only drive up the prices.
Besides, increased demand for recycled paper products overburdens recycling plants and, at times, results in a scarcity of quality recycled fibers. Increasing the cost of energy and transport affects the cost of production and thus raises the high cost of kraft liner to manufacturers and consumers. These fluctuations in costs render it almost impossible for firms to sustain prices, to the disadvantage of profit margins. In an attempt to bypass this issue, firms invest in substitute raw materials and improved recycling technology, yet cost fluctuations are still a great disincentive to market growth.
| Key Investment Area | Why It’s Critical for Future Growth |
|---|---|
| Eco-Friendly Production & Sustainability | Investing in recycled and biodegradable kraft liner will support sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact. |
| Strength and Durability Enhancements | Improving high-burst strength and tear resistance will enhance packaging performance, particularly for heavy-duty corrugated boxes. |
| Customization & Coating Innovations | Water-resistant, grease-resistant, and printable coatings will expand applications in food, e-commerce, and industrial packaging. |
| Lightweight & Budget-Friendly Solutions | Optimizing material mix for minimal weight and maximum strength will lower shipping costs and improve efficiency. |
| Automation & High-Speed Production | Advanced pulping, refining, and paper-making technologies will boost output capacity, consistency, and scalability. |
The global kraft liner market achieved a CAGR of 2.4% in the historical period of 2020 to 2024. Overall, the kraft liner market performed well since it grew positively and reached USD 22106.4 million in 2024 from USD 19872.7 million in 2020.
The kraft liner market experienced steady growth from 2020 to 2024, driven by increasing demand for durable and sustainable packaging solutions in industries such as e-commerce, food & beverages, and industrial goods. The rise in global trade and logistics fueled the need for high-strength corrugated boxes made from kraft liner, known for its excellent tear resistance and printability. Additionally, growing environmental awareness and regulations promoting recyclable and biodegradable packaging further supported market expansion.
| Market Aspect | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | Moderate growth due to increasing demand in corrugated packaging, e-commerce, and FMCG industries. |
| Material Trends | Primarily made from virgin and recycled kraft paper with strong tear resistance. |
| Regulatory Environment | Compliance with food safety standards, FSC certification, and packaging waste reduction laws. |
| Consumer Demand | Strong demand from corrugated box producers, food packaging companies, and industrial users. |
| Technological Developments | Advances in kraft liner coatings, water resistance, and strength-enhancing treatments. |
| Market Growth | Moderate growth due to increasing demand in corrugated packaging, e-commerce, and FMCG industries. |
| Market Aspect | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | Sustained growth driven by sustainability concerns, demand for biodegradable packaging, and advances in recycled paper production. |
| Material Trends | Shift toward 100% recycled, biodegradable, and water-resistant kraft liners for sustainable packaging. |
| Regulatory Environment | Stricter regulations promoting plastic alternatives, carbon footprint reduction, and increased recyclable material content. |
| Consumer Demand | Growing demand for lightweight, high-strength, and moisture-resistant kraft liners for e-commerce and fresh food packaging. |
| Technological Developments | Innovations in nano-coatings for durability, digital printing on kraft liners, and water-based barrier coatings for food safety. |
| Market Growth | Sustained growth driven by sustainability concerns, demand for biodegradable packaging, and advances in recycled paper production. |
Consumer Priorities vs. Manufacturer Priorities 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Factor | Consumer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
|
| Sustainability |
|
| Cost & Pricing |
|
| Performance (Strength, Moisture Resistance, Printability) |
|
| Regulatory Compliance & Safety |
|
| Factor | Manufacturer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
|
| Sustainability |
|
| Cost & Pricing |
|
| Performance (Strength, Moisture Resistance, Printability) |
|
| Regulatory Compliance & Safety |
|
Between 2025 and 2035, the demand for kraft liner is expected to rise due to the increasing adoption of eco-friendly packaging materials and the expansion of the e-commerce and retail sectors. Innovations in lightweight yet high-strength kraft liner production will enhance cost efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, advancements in water-resistant and moisture-proof kraft liners will further boost their applications in food packaging and industrial shipping, making them a preferred choice for businesses seeking durable and environmentally responsible packaging solutions.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base. They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include International Paper Company, WestRock Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Billerud Americas Corporation.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Twin Rivers Paper Company, Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., Cascades Inc., Green Bay Packaging Inc., DS Smith Plc, Klabin S.A., Visy Industries, Paper Australia Pty Ltd, OJI Fibre Solutions, Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd, Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd, Shandong Bohui Paper Industry Co., Ltd, Dongguan Jianhui Paper Co., Ltd, Zhejiang Jingxing Paper Joint Stock Co., Ltd, Oji Holdings Corporation.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
| Region | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| North America | Strong demand from e-commerce and packaging industries. |
| Latin America | Moderate growth due to rising demand for corrugated packaging in food and retail. |
| Europe | Leading market due to stringent environmental laws and eco-friendly packaging trends. |
| Middle East & Africa | Growing use in industrial and agricultural packaging. |
| Asia Pacific | Fastest-growing market due to industrial expansion and booming e-commerce. |
| Region | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| North America | Increased adoption of recycled and biodegradable kraft liners to meet sustainability goals. |
| Latin America | Expansion of local production and greater emphasis on sustainable packaging solutions. |
| Europe | Stronger focus on circular economy solutions and improving recyclability. |
| Middle East & Africa | Increased investment in cost-efficient, sustainable kraft liner production. |
| Asia Pacific | Rapid mass production growth and innovation in high-strength, lightweight kraft liners. |
The section below covers the future forecast for the kraft liner market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 2.5% through 2035. In Europe, Spain is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.2% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 2.5% |
| Germany | 2.1% |
| China | 4.5% |
| UK | 2.0% |
| Spain | 3.2% |
| India | 4.7% |
| Canada | 2.3% |
Stricter government policies on green packaging in the USA, it is also expected to drive the demand for kraft liner products. As part of the increased efforts by the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies to encourage usage conversion to biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials, California, New York, and Washington states have banned the use of single-use plastic packaging materials and plastic bags, and together boost kraft liner-based solution demand.
Many companies have also started focusing on eco-friendly packaging material because of the support for the growth of the e-commerce sector, such as Walmart, McDonald's and Coca-Cola. It has also created another push for the kraft liner market in America. That, along with further attempts to go zero-waste by companies, predicts an increase in the use of kraft liner-based corrugated boxes and shipping materials.
The industrial and automotive packaging sectors have been on dynamic expansion in Germany and have significant influence in the kraft liner market. Kraft liner is another widely applied corrugated packaging material that is very famous due to its strength, durability, and green applications for exporting and transporting heavy commodities. In addition, huge importance given to sustainability and clearly defined recycling regulations such as the Packaging Act (VerpackG) has highly driven the German manufacturers to adopt high-grade recyclable kraft liner material.
In addition, expansion of logistics and machinery industry sectors has been another force driving Kraft liner based cartons and protective packaging. As Germany is at the forefront of green industrial packaging, demand for kraft liner-based packaging material for the packaging of automotive, machinery, and electronics should continue to rise.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of product type, unbleached are being estimated to account for a share of 48% by 2025. By basis weight, 200-400 GSM are projected to dominate by holding a share above 56% by the end 2025.
| Product Type | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Unbleached | 48% |
Unbleached kraft liner has a market share due to its great strength, resistance, and environmental sustainability. It is made from virgin wood fibers and shows exceptional moisture resistance and mechanical stress resistance, such that it is preferred material for the use in corrugated packaging.
Its own natural brown color makes it very appealing for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging, particularly in the e-commerce sector, food & beverage, and industrial applications. It is less chemically processed than bleached kraft liner and is thus cost and eco-friendly. Its growing demand as it is biodegradable and compostable further fuels its use, particularly among businesses with plans for plastic reduction and carbon footprint elimination.
| Basis Weight | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| 200-400 GSM | 56% |
200-400 GSM basis weight Kraft liners are the most common because they provide a balance of strength with affordability. They possess high tear strength, impact resistance, and endurance, which makes them perfect for corrugated boxes and container board use. Their toughness to bear stacking pressure provides safe transit for food, beverage, and e-commerce industries. Apart from that, these kraft liners are not too heavy, allowing shipping costs to remain minimized without any trade-off on structure. As more demand is coming in for green and recyclable packaging material, mid-weight kraft liners are also catching attention, particularly among the consumer goods and electronics market, where protecting the product as well as ensuring the sustainability of the brand becomes crucial.
The Kraft Liner Market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising demand for sustainable and durable packaging materials. Kraft liners, made from virgin or recycled fibers, are widely used in corrugated boxes, industrial packaging, and consumer goods packaging. Their high strength, moisture resistance, and recyclability make them an essential component in e-commerce, food & beverage, electronics, and logistics sectors.
With increasing environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable packaging, many companies are investing in biodegradable and high-strength kraft liners. Furthermore, advancements in coating technologies, lightweight kraft liners, and high-performance recycled fiber blends are reshaping market dynamics. The growth of online retail and global trade is further fueling demand for kraft liners as businesses seek cost-effective and eco-friendly shipping solutions.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| International Paper | 15-20% |
| WestRock Company | 10-15% |
| Smurfit Kappa Group | 8-12% |
| DS Smith | 6-10% |
| Mondi Group | 5-8% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| International Paper | Manufactures high-strength kraft liners with emphasis on recyclability and moisture resistance for corrugated packaging. |
| WestRock Company | Provides lightweight, high-quality kraft liners serving e-commerce and food packaging applications. |
| Smurfit Kappa Group | Produces sustainable kraft liners using high-performance recycled fibers. |
| DS Smith | Produces coated and uncoated kraft liners, incorporating high-level barrier protection for packaging uses. |
| Mondi Group | Excels at biodegradable and water-resistant kraft liners, adding to sustainable packaging solutions. |
Key Company Insights
WestRock Company (10%-15%)
WestRock is a producer of lightweight and strong kraft liners that supply fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), e-commerce, and food markets. The company targets fiber-based packaging solutions for better sustainability.
International Paper (15%-20%)
International Paper is a global leader in the production of kraft liners, providing moisture-resistant, high-strength, and recyclable packaging solutions. Its products have extensive applications in corrugated boxes for logistics, e-commerce, and retail use.
Smurfit Kappa Group (8%-12%)
Smurfit Kappa is the top manufacturer of recycled kraft liners focused on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging. It fuses innovative paper technologies to maximize liner performance and endurance.
DS Smith (6%-10%)
DS Smith produces coated and uncoated kraft liners, guaranteeing excellent printability and moisture protection. Its circular economy strategy encourages recyclable and renewable packaging materials.
Mondi Group (5%-8%)
Mondi specializes in biodegradable kraft liners with added barrier protection for moisture resistance and durability in industrial and consumer packaging uses.
Other Major Players (30-40% Combined)
A number of other players participate in the Kraft Liner Market, providing specialized, high-strength, and environmentally friendly solutions:
Key Developments in Kraft Liner Market
The global kraft liner industry is projected to witness CAGR of 3.6% between 2025 and 2035.
The global kraft liner industry stood at 22,902.2 million in 2024.
Global kraft liner industry is anticipated to reach USD 32,619.3million by 2035 end.
East Asia is set to record a CAGR of 4.7% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global kraft liner industry include International Paper Company, WestRock Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Billerud Americas Corporation.
The market is categorized into bleached and unbleached kraft liner.
The segmentation includes kraft liners with a basis weight of up to 200 GSM, 200 to 400 GSM, and above 400 GSM.
The market covers applications such as corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, and container board or solid board.
The market serves multiple industries, including food, which is further divided into E-commerce companies, food and beverage, logistics providers and industrial applications.
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
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Kraft Liner Market
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