Paper Packaging Market Outlook

The global Paper Packaging Market is estimated to attain USD 3,83,867.8 million by the end of 2023. The market is stipulated to witness a decent CAGR of 4.1% between 2023 and 2033, to reach USD 5,73,705.45 million by the year 2033.

Paper Packaging Market - Drivers

  • Versatility and Customizability: The flexibility and cost-efficiency of paper packaging in shielding, protecting, and transporting an array of products are pushing its sales. Furthermore, paper packaging can be tailored according to customers’ or products’ needs.
  • Eco-friendliness: Key attributes of paper packaging like lightweight, recyclability, and biodegradability are promoting the use of paper as an essential element of packaging. Additionally, increasing demand for environment-friendly packaging solutions is also pushing product sales.
  • Growing Consumer Awareness: Surging consumer consciousness pertaining to sustainable packaging and stringent laws introduced by several environmental protection agencies (for the utilization of environment-friendly packaging products).
  • Spike in Online Sales: Robust increase in online shopping and delivery-on-demand services has pushed the use of cardboard and paper-based bags, thereby promoting the development of the paperboard market.
  • Favorable Government Policies: Considerable shifts in corporate standards, trade regulations, governmental policies, and consumer tastes have brought about a profound shift towards environment-friendly solutions.
  • Light Weight Properties: Paper packaging has significant weight advantages that ensure benefits in terms of raw material inputs and distribution efficiencies.
  • New Inventions: Some new advances that have taken place in the market include the launch of 100% recyclable water-resistant paper.

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Key Trends Influencing the Paper Packaging Industry

  • State directives that are pushing companies to reduce the utilization of plastic are increasing the demand for paper packaging solutions.
  • Consumers are also prominently seen as shifting towards purchasing products packaged in paper packaging materials. Purchasing decisions of consumers are now reflecting a shift toward sustainability.

Opportunities Galore

  • Burgeoning research and development activities in this field are pushing industry leaders and start-ups to drive industry growth in the years to come.
  • Emerging economies offer fertile land for key players to expand their reach.
  • The imposition of bans on plastics in several economies is likely to positively affect the wholesale paper bags market.
Attributes Details
Paper Packaging Market Size (2023) USD 3,83,867.8 million
Projected Market Value (2033) USD 5,73,705.45 million
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 4.1% CAGR
Dominant Packaging Type Corrugated Boxes

Ban on Lightweight Plastic Bags to Propel the Demand for Paper Packaging Market

Paper packaging is among the eco-friendly and economical forms of packaging. The growing demand for flexible paper packaging due to the rise in consumers’ awareness regarding the harmful effects of plastic on the environment is another factor driving the global paper packaging market.

Moreover, a ban on lightweight plastic bags in some countries is expected to bolster the paper packaging market during the forecast period.

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Decline in Hardwood Pulp and Lumber Production Markets Resulting in the Decline of Boxboard and Other Hardwood Pulp Derivatives

The demand for boxboard and liquid paper packaging has been decreasing in the last few years. All this has resulted in a 25% decrease in demand for hardwood fiber in the past 10 years.

For instance, Georgia-Pacific announced that the company is closing its paper business and is likely to permanently shut down all its paper machines in the near future.

The company has already shut down its wood yard and pulp mill plant in Port Hudson, LA. This is out of concern for the environment, i.e., the depletion of forests. This is a significant factor, which is restraining the paper packaging market.

Apart from this, a few definite influences regarding the inability of paper in the packaging of heavy materials and the release of dioxins during paper production are the factors expected to further hamper the market growth.

Paper Packaging Demand Analysis (2017 to 2022) Vs Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The paper packaging market accelerated at a speed of 3.2% CAGR in the historical period, culminating in a market worth USD 3,68,600.4 million in 2022. For the year 2023, the market is set to attain USD 3,83,867.8 million.

The ongoing trend of floating paper bottles is influencing market expansion. Going forward, paper packaging, which was a mere subset of packaging a few years back, has turned out to be the parent set with various permutations and combinations regarding paper being explored.

Future Market Insights (FMI), in its recent report analysis, estimates the market to attain USD 5,73,705.45 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 4.1%. Given below is a market break-up, based on different periods, informing key trends in their corresponding timespans.

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Market Analysis Fragmented Over Different Time Durations

Duration Market Analysis
Short-term Growth The market is anticipated to reach USD 4,14,803.1 million by 2025. Paper packaging offers a host of applications across food and beverage, retail, healthcare, and cosmetic industries, thus boosting its demand in the next few years. Additionally, skyrocketing online sales, which only got strengthened the post-coronavirus-inflicted offline retail sector, are also projected to continue growing. This is expected to have a positive influence over the closely associated markets similar to the corrugated shipping boxes market.
Medium-term Growth By 2028 end, the market is estimated to surpass USD 4,63,445.9 million. Over this assessment period, the market is expected to observe a significant effect from the evolving food and beverage industry. The rising adoption of food-grade paper packaging materials by food manufacturing organizations to maintain the quality and nutrient content of food items is projected to stimulate market development.
Long-term Growth The market is expected to amass a total of USD 5,73,705.45 million by 2033. Government authorities across the globe are encouraging the use of paper-based products as a substitute for plastic to reduce pollution and toxins present in the environment. Various product innovations to increase the efficiency of the product and to develop visually appealing variants are also propelling the growth of the paper packaging market over the forecast period. Such developments are projected to catalyze growth in the paper packaging machine market too.

Geographic Forecasts

The United States Market Size (2023) USD 87,314 million
Estimated CAGR (2023 to 2033) 3.1%
The United Kingdom Market Size (2023) USD 8,600.8 million
Estimated CAGR (2023 to 2033) 3.6%
China Market Size (2023) USD 70,985.9 million
Estimated CAGR (2023 to 2033) 4.5%
Germany Market Size (2023) USD 14,730.9 million
Estimated CAGR (2023 to 2033) 3.3%
Spain Market Size (2023) USD 9,741.8 million
Estimated CAGR (2023 to 2033) 4.5%

United States to be a Significant Market in North America Region

Year Value
2017 USD 72,379.3 million
2022 USD 84,726.5 million
2023 USD 87,314 million
2033 USD 1,18,486.95 million

The United States is projected to generate market revenue of USD 87,314 million by 2023 end. For the forecast period, the market is set to expand at a CAGR of 3.1%. Increasing demand for flexible packaging is pushing the market growth forward.

Additionally, rising investments in cartons for protection, preservation, and additional value is enhancing reusability among customers.

WestRock, a paperboard solutions vendor, developed a similar carton for Asahi beer, in which the structural engineering of the bottom tray helps the pack hold ice and display cans. Additionally, the development of multi-use designs to serve as a showpiece or to illuminate parties is projected to bolster the market growth in the country.

The retail industry is another significant user of paper packaging. The boom of e-commerce has significantly catapulted in recent years and can be justified by more than 50 million prime subscribers for Amazon. The rapidly increasing online sales are expected to propel the growth of paper packaging industry in the United States.

Soaring Consumerism and the Strong Economy of China is Fueling Market Growth

Year Value
2017 USD 53,679.3 million
2022 USD 67,950.6 million
2023 USD 70,985.9 million
2033 USD 1,10,238.93 million

China paper packaging industry is set to attain USD 70,985.9 million by 2023. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period.

The manufacturing economies of China are projected to augment the sales of paper packaging in the years to come. The rise in the transit packaging sector in China and growing consumerism are driving the paper packaging industry.

The rising investment by the paper industry in paper packaging plants is projected to cater to the notably increasing demand in the country. For the forecast period, paper packaging is expected to be a suitable choice to replace polystyrene.

Several key players in the industry have already made the switch or are experimenting with paper material. The preceding developments in China are expected to help the market expand over the forecast period.

Category-wise Insights

Corrugated Board Observing High Demand from End-use Industries

Year Value
2017 USD 1,41,594.2 million
2022 USD 1,72,145 million
2023 USD 1,78,692.7 million
2033 USD 2,59,465.93 million

The corrugated board material is projected to observe significant demand over the upcoming years. By 2023 end, the segment is projected to attain USD 1,78,692.7 million. The segment growth rate is expected to be 3.8% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

These boards are available in various types, adhesives, weights, treatments, coatings, and even static-control and flame-resistant qualities. Such favorable properties of corrugated boards are projected to increase their application across multiple end users.

With the thriving e-retail sales, the demand for corrugated boards is assessed to increase for storage, shipping, and packaging purposes. Adding to the rising demand for corrugated cardboard boxes, these come with cost efficiency and sustainability. Further, the lightweight properties of corrugated cardboard boxes also help with keeping the shipping costs minimum.

Secondary Packaging to Rank High, in Terms of Revenue Generated

Year Value
2017 USD 1,51,351.8 million
2022 USD 1,88,114.3 million
2023 USD 1,96,117.6 million
2033 USD 2,95,933.25 million

The secondary packaging segment is predicted to be valued at USD 1,96,117.6 million by 2023. Over the forecast period, the segment is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 4.2%. Increasing demand for cost-efficient secondary corrugated board packaging is set to stimulate segment growth in the years to come.

In a bid to grab more customers and retain their brand image among existing customers, brands are now increasingly using the secondary pack to bring their image to consumers’ homes for better brand recall. Companies are developing secondary packaging with superior quality and impressive strength so that consumers use less packaging and help reduce their carbon footprint.

How About the Usage of Corrugated Boxes and Cartons?

Year Corrugated Boxes’ Value
2017 USD 88,673.1 million
2022 USD 1,07,925.6 million
2023 USD 1,11,983.3 million
2033 USD 1,61,042.62 million

With the rising demand for paper packaging in the key end-use sectors such as e-commerce, food & beverages, and other industries, the demand for corrugated boxes and cartons is predicted to increase.

The crucial growth factor in the global paper packaging market is the low-cost and optimum protection characteristics of corrugated boxes and cartons. Paper packaging is widely used as a secondary and tertiary packaging solution to pack a variety of products in different end-use industries.

The demand for paper packaging is expected to witness substantial growth in the next 4-5 years owing to the growing popularity of online shopping in developed as well as developing countries, such as Germany, the United States, India, and China.

With the rise in online shopping platforms, the demand for paper packaging products such as corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and other flexible paper packaging solutions that offer optimum protection during shipping and handling is also expected to gain a strong foothold in the global paper packaging market.

Paper packaging can be easily recycled and does not pose any threat to the environment. The global push for recyclability in the paper packaging market is projected to create enormous opportunities for recycling companies globally.

It is also observed that recycled paper packaging offers a distinct cost advantage for the production of corrugated boxes and cartons and other paper packaging solutions.

Food Industry to Extensively Deploy Paper Packaging

Year Value
2017 USD 1,50,665.2 million
2022 USD 1,85,397.2 million
2023 USD 1,92,757.9 million
2033 USD 2,85,328.78 million

Demand for paper packaging to observe high demand in the food industry. The food packaging is expected to generate a revenue of USD 1,92,757.9 million by the end of 2023. The segment is also expected to display a CAGR of 4% in the upcoming years.

Paper packaging is being increasingly utilized to package fresh foods, fast foods, and frozen foods. Additionally, the technological innovations in food packaging, including laminated and coated papers that help prevent leakage, are expected to propel the demand for paper packaging.

In addition to this, versatility, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation integrate value into food and other products.

Competitive Intelligence

The top 5 players in the paper packaging market hold more than 25% of the market. Though paper bottles are being churned out as the latest trend, the manufacturers are also trying to come up with better versions of corrugated boxes going forward.

  • Smurfit Kappa: In September 2022, the company acquired a packaging plant by the name of PaperBox in Saquarema, which is 70 km east of Rio de Janeiro. With this acquisition, the company aims to meet the rising demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.
  • Napco National Paper Products Company: In January 2023, the company revealed its packaging solutions, including corrugated packaging solutions, at the 2022 International Dates Conference & Exhibition. The event took place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Saudi Arabia.
  • Billerud: In April 2022, the company acquired Verso, a coated paper producer, for a total worth of USD 825 million. The motive behind adding Verso to the company’s acquisitions is to strengthen Billerud’s position under the virgin paper and packaging material segments.

Paper Packaging Industry Report Scope

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2017 to 2022
Market Analysis USD million for Value
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; South Asia; East Asia; Oceania; and the Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Benelux, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye, Egypt, North Africa, South Africa, and GCC Countries
Key Market Segments Covered Material Type, Packaging Type, Level of Packaging, End Use, and Region
Key Companies Profiled Smurfit Kappa Group Plc; Napco National Paper Products Company; Billerud; WestRock Company; Georgia Pacific LLC; Pratt Industries, Inc.; DS Smith Packaging Limited; Stora Enso Oyj; Mondi Group Plc; WestRock Company; Huhtamaki Oyj; Pactiv LLC; Sonoco Products Company; KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp; Rengo Co. Ltd.; US Corrugated Inc.; Reynolds Group Holdings; Stora Enso, UFP Technologies; ESCO Technologies Inc; Brodrene Hartmann; Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG
Pricing Available upon Request

Key Segments Covered in Paper Packaging Industry Research

By Material Type:

  • Corrugated Board
  • Specialty Paper
  • Box-board/Carton Board
  • Kraft Papers
  • Molded Pulp

By Packaging Type:

  • Corrugated Boxes
  • Cartons
  • Wrapping Paper
  • Inserts & Dividers
  • Bottle & Cup Carriers
  • Cups & Trays
  • Clamshell
  • Display Packaging
  • Bags & Sacks
  • Tapes & Labels

By Level of Packaging:

  • Primary Packaging
  • Secondary Packaging
  • Tertiary Packaging

By End Use:

  • Food Packaging
  • Beverage Packaging
  • Tobacco Packaging
  • Healthcare Packaging
  • Personal Care & Cosmetics
  • Homecare & Toiletries
  • Electrical & Electronics
  • Industrial Packaging
  • E-Commerce Packaging
  • Chemical & Fertilizers

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Oceania
  • The Middle East & Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Driving Force of the Paper Packaging Market?

The flexibility and cost-efficiency of paper packaging.

How Big is the Paper Packaging Market?

The market is valued at USD 3,83,867.8 million in 2023.

Which Countries Dominate the Global Market?

The United States, Japan, and China dominate the global market.

Which is the Top Trend in the Paper Packaging Market?

Reducing the utilization of plastic is the key trend in the market.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary | Paper Packaging Market
	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. Corrugated Board
		5.2. Specialty Paper
		5.3. Box-board/Carton Board
		5.4. Kraft Papers
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Packaging Type
		6.1. Corrugated Boxes
		6.2. Cartons
		6.3. Bags & Sacks
		6.4. Wrapping Paper
		6.5. Cups & Trays
		6.6. Tapes & Labels
		6.7. Others
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-use
		7.1. Food & Beverages
		7.2. Healthcare
		7.3. Personal Care & Cosmetics
		7.4. Homecare & Toiletries
		7.5. Electrical & Electronics
		7.6. Chemicals & Fertilizers
		7.7. Other Industrial End Uses
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		8.1. North America
		8.2. Latin America
		8.3. Europe
		8.4. Asia Pacific
		8.5. MEA
	9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. Key Countries Market Analysis
	15. Market Structure Analysis
	16. Competition Analysis
		16.1. Napco National Paper Products Company
		16.2. Billerudkorsnas International Paper Company
		16.3. WestRock Company
		16.4. Georgia Pacific LLC
		16.5. Pratt Industries, Inc.
		16.6. DS Smith Packaging Limited
		16.7. Stora Enso Oyj
		16.8. Mondi Group Plc
		16.9. Rengo Co. Ltd.
		16.10. Huhtamaki Oyj
		16.11. Pactiv LLC
		16.12. Sonoco Products Company
		16.13. KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp
	17. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	18. Research Methodology
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