Packing Boxes Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The packing boxes market is anticipated to have a steady CAGR of 5% through 2033. The packing boxes industry size is predicted to inflate from USD 141.44 billion in 2023 to USD 230.37 billion by 2033. Previously, the packing boxes industry expanded at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2018 to 2022, resulting in a market size of USD 134.7 billion in 2022.

The global packing boxes industry is predicted to rise at a stable rate over the forecast period, owing to the growing food and beverage industry. In the foreseeable future, the whole cardboard packaging sector is likely to be driven by a growth in online sales.

Packing boxes are made-to-order boxes that are commonly used for packaging items. Food and beverage manufacturing, household electrical appliance manufacturing, cigarette manufacturing, and medical instrument manufacturing are all key end-use businesses. All these businesses require packaging, and hence the adoption of packing boxes is prevalent in these sectors.

Marketers make clever use of cartons by adorning them with eye-catching artwork. Cardboards are excellent for printing and holding graphics. As a result, to target certain customer groups, businesses include their logo, company name, and other promotional information on their packaging.

Businesses benefit from low transportation costs, owing to little weight of packing boxes. The primary challenge to the demand for packing boxes is the rise of replacements. Also, buyers can choose from a wide range of containers, including those made of plastic, metal, and glass.

In the United States, there has been a significant increase in the use of tin packaging, resulting in a decrease in product applications and the adoption of packing boxes. As per the packing boxes market study, backward integration is used by conglomerates to undermine the power of suppliers and maintain continuous flow. Indian tobacco products, or ITC, is one example of a company that created its packaging facility.

Another issue that is dragging the global market down is non-durability. Cardboard containers are prone to deterioration. When compared to tough containers made of metal or plastic, they have a short product life. Container leaking is a concern for beverages.

Personal care and cosmetic items frequently employ packing boxes as secondary packaging. In addition, packing boxes are used for packaging small-quantity items ordered through e-commerce platforms as well as large shipments of personal care and cosmetics products. The demand for packing boxes is expected to rise as the personal care industry expands.

Attribute Details
Packing Boxes Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.0%
Packing Boxes Market Size (2023) USD 141.44 billion
Packing Boxes Industry Size (2033) USD 230.37 billion

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Factors Fueling the Adoption of Packing Boxes

  • Packing box market trends indicate that e-commerce offers customers a wide range of purchasing possibilities as well as the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their own homes. As a result, an increasing number of individuals are shopping online, making the e-commerce business one of the world's significantly growing industries.
  • Protective packaging boxes are used by huge e-commerce companies like Amazon, Alibaba, and Flipkart to protect the contents from harm during delivery and shipping. This is further increasing the sales of packing boxes.
  • Growing urbanization and population necessitated the movement of materials from one location to another, necessitating the adoption of packing boxes all over the world.
  • People in developing countries such as India, China, and Brazil, including working groups, students, and tourists, migrate from one place to another for a variety of reasons, including the necessity to move their personal belongings and necessitating the adoption of packing boxes for moving.

Factors Impinging upon the Packing Boxes Market

The packing boxes industry is held back by stiff competition from flexible plastic packaging. Flexible plastic packaging offers a great benefit to manufacturers and retailers since it reduces package weight, which can result in low shipping and warehousing costs and the need for much less space. This is impacting the packing boxes industry negatively.

Flexible packaging saves 40% on overall packaging costs, resulting in a 50% reduction in landfill trash and a 62 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when compared to rigid packaging. As a result, incentives like portability, cost savings, sustainability, and health benefits are prompting product packaging producers and converters to switch from rigid to flexible materials.

The packing boxes industry is predicted to be driven by the rising trend of population mobility in emerging nations. Moving boxes differ from traditional corrugated boxes and folding cartons in size, shape, and design because, unlike corrugated boxes and folding cartons, they are intended for both storage and transportation of products.

Storage is the primary purpose of corrugated boxes and folding cartons. Packing boxes come in different sizes and designs to meet the specific packing requirements of consumers. Household and personal items such as televisions, computers, clothes, beds, and kitchen utensils, can be easily packed and relocated from one location to another.

The packing boxes market is likely to be driven by the increasing adoption of moving boxes in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. In addition, the worldwide packing boxes industry is predicted to be driven by a growing middle-class population and their rising disposable income levels.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

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Trends Influencing the Packing Boxes Market

  • Digital printing technology is being embraced by packing box manufacturers, empowering them to develop high-quality images and graphics on boxes at a lower price than standard printing methods. This trend has facilitated brands to develop distinct and appealing packing solutions that stand apart on store shelves.
  • Packing box manufacturers are emphasizing lowering their packing boxes’ weight to diminish shipping costs and environmental impact. Manufacturers are developing boxes that hold similar durability and strength as heavy-duty packing boxes but with low footprints.
  • Surging demand for eCommerce-specific packing solutions to fulfill the demand for packaging that is particularly made to suit the specifications of online shopping. This packaging consists of boxes that can endure the rigors of handling and shipping. These packaging can be conveniently opened or resealed by consumers.
  • The manufacturing process of packing boxes is widely automated, enabling manufacturers to develop boxes quickly and competently. This trend is assisting manufacturers to lower costs and drive production efficiency.
  • Consumers are becoming wary of the environmental impact of packaging materials. Due to this, manufacturers are seeking ways to make packing boxes sustainable. This consists of utilizing recycled materials like old corrugated containers (OCC) and discovering new alternative materials like sugarcane and bamboo.
  • Brands are seeking distinct packaging solutions that assist their products to shine brightly to their target market. Packing box manufacturers are responding by delivering an extensive range of customization options like colors, custom sizes, and finishes. This trend is assisting brands to develop packaging that is both functional and elevates their brand image.

Segmentation Outlook of the Packing Boxes Market

The packing boxes industry is categorized based on container dimension and usage, with paperboard and corrugated cardboard also included. Paper boards are small boxes that are commonly used for food and beverage packaging. Confectionaries, cereals, and ready-to-drink fruit drink packaging all employ paper boards in the food and beverage business.

Cigarette packing and stationery are two examples of when paper boards are used. Electronic items and shipping container packing both use corrugated cardboard. Electronic items are the most common type of non-food packaging.

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Food and Beverage to Lead the Packing Boxes Market

In terms of both value and volume, the food and beverage segment dominated the global market. Fresh produce, processed food, and non-perishables are all important segments in the food and beverage industry. As per the market analysis, packaging is required in the food and beverage industry for product storage, handling, and transportation.

Packing boxes are required when carrying products with variable strengths, such as particularly fragile, perishable products and processed food products. Also, packing boxes are a good choice for packaging, transporting, and storing food for a long time because they are non-reactive.

Processed food packaging necessitates the use of safe packaging materials that are both suitable for the customer and guarantee product safety. As a result, the adoption of packing boxes is being used for packaging processed foods.

Asia Pacific’s Value Share to be High in the Packing Boxes Market

In the global packing boxes market, Asia Pacific had a high demand share. Because of the enormous concentration of the manufacturing sector, China was the leading country. Due to advancements in the electronic appliances industry, South Korea and Taiwan are likely to see an increase in regional demand for packing boxes.

North America came in second in the regional market demand due to the extraordinarily high demand for packing boxes in the United States. South America and Africa are predicted to expand slowly owing to the lack of expansion in the manufacturing sector.

Asia Pacific was also the world's leading packing boxes industry, with China accounting for over 30% of worldwide output. In addition, the United States supplied about 15% of global manufacturing.

Effective Market Strategies Employed by Key Players

  • Product launches, expansions, and strategic alliances with other manufacturers are all goals for companies in the packing boxes industry.
  • The key businesses are diversifying their product manufacturing capabilities, product portfolios, and worldwide footprint.
  • Companies are using expansion, new product development, mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration as important growth strategies to improve their product range and geographical presence

Out-of-the-Box Market Developments

Company Name International Paper
Nature of Development IP acquired corrugated packaging businesses in Spain.
Key Particulars About the Event In March 2021, International Paper (IP), the United States paper giant, obtained two corrugated packaging businesses to further its operations in Spain. These acquisitions are expected to support the circular economy.
Company Name DS Smith
Nature of Development DS Smith creates 100% sustainable eCommerce packaging options for Blaue Helden.
Key Particulars About the Event In July 2021, DS Smith created 100% biodegradable e-commerce packaging solutions for Blaue Helden. These solutions give eco-friendly cleaning tabs from the latter company a glamorous changeover in online retail. This product is made of 100% corrugated cardboard and is devoid of plastic filling material.
Company Name Mondi
Nature of Development Mondi expands its sustainable E-commerce portfolio with BCoolBox.
Key Particulars About the Event Mondi added a new product, BCoolBox, to its sustainable e-commerce portfolio on February 1, 2021, which is going to carry fresh produce and cuisine. This product is a corrugated packaging solution with thermo-insulation that ensures food is chilled and stays below 7 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of an external cooling device.
Company Name Smurfit Kappa Group LLC
Nature of Development Smurfit Kappa Establishes eCommerce Corrugated Packaging Laboratory
Key Particulars About the Event

Smurfit Kappa Group LLC announced the creation of a new e-commerce corrugated packaging laboratory in the United Kingdom on June 29, 2021, to test and implement new e-commerce solutions that are minimum ISTA certified.

Key Players Profiled in the Market

  • 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 Packaging Group NV
  • STORA ENSO OYJ
  • Nelson Container Corporation
  • Great Little Box Company Ltd.
  • Acme Corrugated Box Co. Inc.

Key Segmentation

By Material Type:

  • Virgin
  • Recycled

By Board Type:

  • Single Face Board
  • Single Wall Board
  • Double Wall Board
  • Triple Wall Board

By Grade Type:

  • Liner
    • Kraftliner
      • Bleached
      • Unbleached
    • Test Liner
      • Bleached
      • Unbleached

Fluting Medium:

  • Semi-Chemical
  • Recycled

By Product Type:

  • Sloted Box
  • Folder Box
  • Telescope Box
  • Die-Cut Box

By End Use:

  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Electronics & Electricals
  • Healthcare
  • Textiles & Apparels
  • E-Commerce
  • Building & Construction
  • Personal Care & Cosmetics
  • Chemical & Fertilizers
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Packing Boxes Market?

The packing boxes market is slated to attain USD 141.44 billion in 2023.

Is Packing Box Making Business Profitable?

Packing boxes business is expected to reap profits as it is expanding at a CAGR of 5% through 2033.

What is the Future of Packing Boxes Market?

The packing boxes market is expected to attain USD 230.37 billion by 2033.

Which Factors are Fueling the Market Growth?

Increasing online shopping and surging demand for protective packaging are fueling the market growth.

Which Trends are Positively Influencing the Market?

Digital printing technology and soaring demand for eCommerce-specific packaging solutions are positively impacting the market.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material Type
		5.1. Virgin
		5.2. Recycled
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Board Type
		6.1. Single Face Board
		6.2. Single Wall Board
		6.3. Double Wall Board
		6.4. Triple Wall Board
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Grade Type
		7.1. Liner
			7.1.1. Kraftliner
			7.1.2. Test Liner
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Fluting Medium
		8.1. Semi-Chemical
		8.2. Recycled
	9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type
		9.1. Sloted Box
		9.2. Folder Box
		9.3. Telescope Box
		9.4. Die-Cut Box
	10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use
		10.1. Food
		10.2. Beverages
		10.3. Electronics & Electricals
		10.4. Healthcare
		10.5. Textiles & Apparels
		10.6. E-Commerce
		10.7. Building & Construction
		10.8. Personal Care & Cosmetics
		10.9. Chemical & Fertilizers
		10.10. Others
	11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		11.1. North America
		11.2. Latin America
		11.3. Western Europe
		11.4. Eastern Europe
		11.5. South Asia and Pacific
		11.6. East Asia
		11.7. Middle East and Africa
	12. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	16. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	17. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	18. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	19. Key Countries Market Analysis
	20. Market Structure Analysis
	21. Competition Analysis
		21.1. Mondi Group Plc
		21.2. Bee Packaging
		21.3. DS Smith Packaging Limited
		21.4. Oji Holdings Corporation
		21.5. Smurfit Kappa Group Plc
		21.6. International Paper Company
		21.7. WestRock Company
		21.8. Georgia Pacific Packaging LLC
		21.9. Pratt Industries, Inc.
		21.10. Tat Seng Packaging Group
		21.11. VPK Packaging Group nv
		21.12. STORA ENSO OYJ
		21.13. Nelson Container Corporation
		21.14. Great Little Box Company Ltd.
		21.15. Acme Corrugated Box Co. Inc.
	22. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	23. Research Methodology
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Packing Boxes Market

August 2023

REP-GB-14887

344 pages

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