Folder Gluer Machine Market Size - By Machine Type, By Type, By Machine Speed, By Application, By Distribution Channel Analysis, Growth Forecast, 2026 - 2035

Folder Gluer Machine Market Size

The folder gluer machine market was estimated at USD 678.4 million in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 722 million in 2026 to USD 1.30 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 6.8% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The demand for folder gluer machines is growing because of the increased emphasis on eco-friendly and efficient packaging services. First, both businesses and customers are leaning towards foldable packages that are simple to store and transport, and so manufacturers of folder gluers are developing more sophisticated machines that use less material that is servos-controlled for greater accuracy and more recyclable content. These investments will improve the speed, accuracy and flexibility of the company while enabling the company meet growing environmental requirements and still stringent production expectations. The increased use of e-commerce over the past few years has intensified the demand for environmentally friendly yet durable packaging products and, consequently, increased demand for modern folder gluer machines.
 

The biggest factor driving the global folder gluer machine market is the constant demand from various industries for full production automation and consistent quality. This demand arises from the size and complexity of today’s supply chains, especially in e-commerce. As global consumer demand for packaged goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics keeps growing, folding carton manufacturers must invest in fast, advanced machinery to overcome the limitations of manual or semi-automatic gluing methods. These older techniques suffer from slow changeover times, high material waste due to human mistakes, and uneven adhesive application, all of which harm profitability. Fully automated folder gluers can handle complex box designs like crash-lock bottoms and six-corner boxes at speeds over 400 meters per minute. They not only reduce labor costs but also ensure each carton meets strict quality standards, making them essential for any converter wanting to stay competitive and manage large, unpredictable order volumes.
 

• The association for packaging and processing technologies (PMMI) represents leading equipment manufacturers worldwide. PMMI's research shows that automation is the top investment focus for both packaging machinery suppliers and the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies they work with.
   
• PMMI's reports often highlight that automation helps address significant labor shortages, frequently regarded as the biggest challenge for CPG operations. Their findings suggest that automated systems, including folder gluers, are seen as solutions not only for improving efficiency but also for filling the void left by a lack of reliable labor for repetitive and demanding end-of-line tasks.
  Moreover, PMMI stresses that this shift is driven by the need for repeatable quality and consistency, which is crucial in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals. In these sectors, folder gluers must produce tamper-evident features and Braille embossing with precision, underscoring the market’s movement toward high-accuracy, low-intervention folder gluing equipment.
   

These and other factors along with the folder gluer’s e-commerce potential are defining a positive industry outlook. The folder gluer machine market will also benefit from new automation and smart manufacturing technologies that are currently being developed. New generation folder gluer machines enable automated controls and real-time monitoring to achieve the required efficiencies and minimize idle time, thus increasing operational productivity.
 

These folder gluers provide automation capability and a distinctive feeding system that enables the creation of complex packaging that is highly sought after in the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods markets. With the global focus on productivity and cost containment, there is a move towards automated folder gluer machines which are digitally controlled, and this has led to higher demand for these products in the market. All demonstrated in the market signs of growing further as technology develops and the respective demand continues.
 

Folder Gluer Machine Market Trends

The gluing machine industry is rapidly changing because of emerging trends and innovations. Integration of automation and intelligent technology is taking centre stage as it improves effectiveness and accuracy. Manufacturers are equipping machines with new features like digital controls and software for real-time supervision that make it fast to switch from producing one type of box to another, thus reducing idle time.
 

• From 2020 to 2025, the industry is expected to grow at a rate of 5.8% according to PMMI which partially stems from the increasing demand for adaptable machines to suit different types of packages and designs that is driven by the growth of online shopping and the demand for unique packaging.
   
• The folder gluer machine market is constrained due to the high initial costs. The more sophisticated models with automation features, for example, require significant capital investment which is difficult for some small and medium sized manufacturers. For new potential buyers there are the additional expenses of installation and upkeep, which may not make economic sense in certain regions.
   
• As per the data obtained on PMMI, the price of a second-hand folder gluer machine with top specifications ranges between USD 500,000 and USD 1.5 million. Assuming the figures provided are correct, this purchase would account for a large portion of a smaller firm’s revenue in a year which makes it difficult to expense the purchase.
   

Folder Gluer Machine Market Analysis

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Based on the machine type, market is segmented into automatic, semi-automatic, and manual machines. The automatic segment held around 42.2% of the market share with USD 286.2 million exceeded in 2025.
 

• Automatic machines are the undisputed market leader, projecting a robust CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, driven by the increasing global demand for high-speed, mass-production packaging solutions.
   
• This dominance is attributed to the necessity for high throughput, superior precision, and consistent quality across large production volumes, particularly in fast-growing sectors like e-commerce, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
   
• Automatic systems minimize labor costs, reduce human error, and offer faster turnaround times, ultimately leading to a strong return on investment (ROI) despite a higher initial cost.
   
• The Manual machine segment exhibits the fastest growth indicating a steady but accelerating adoption in specialized packaging or smaller-scale operations where initial affordability and flexibility are paramount. This growth is supported by smaller converters and businesses in developing regions who prioritize a lower upfront investment for their specific production needs.
   
• Semi-automatic machines maintain a significant, though slightly diminishing. This segment serves businesses that require a balance of automation and human oversight, offering a middle-ground solution for efficiency without the substantial capital expenditure of fully automatic systems.
   

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Based on the distribution channel, the folder gluer machine market is segmented into direct sales and indirect sales channels. The direct sales channel held around 62.6% of the market share in 2025 and is projected to hit USD 834.5 million by 2035.
 

• The direct sales segment is the dominant channel and is growing at the highest CAGR of 7% through 2035.
   
• This dominance is fueled by large, established folder gluer manufacturers who prefer to sell high-value, complex automatic machinery directly to major packaging converters. Direct sales allow for customization, direct negotiation, and the provision of specialized installation and after-sales service, which are critical for high-end industrial equipment.
   
• The indirect sales channel, comprising distributors, agents, and resellers, grows at a CAGR of 6.3% and sees its market share slightly decline 35.9% in 2035.
   

• Indirect channels play a crucial role in reaching small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and selling Manual and Semi-automatic machines, offering localized support, quicker delivery, and better credit terms.
   

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North America is projected to dominate the global folder gluer machine market, holding 36.5% revenue share with an estimated revenue of USD 209.3 million in 2025.
 

• North America maintains market leadership, driven by a massive, mature packaging industry and the highest adoption rate of Automatic, high-speed machinery.
   
• The region's growth is heavily fueled by the exponential expansion of the e-commerce sector, requiring fast, high-volume production of complex and durable packaging such as crash-lock bottom boxes.
   
• The U.S. is the primary engine, accounting for 84.5% of the regional revenue of USD 209.3 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at the fastest regional CAGR of 7.7% till 2035.
   
• This is supported by continuous investment in advanced technologies, high labor costs favoring automation, and a strong culture of tech-driven industrial products.
   

Europe folder gluer machine market is projected to account for 27.3% of the market share in 2025, with a revenue of USD 185.4 million. Germany is the regional market leader, accounting for 24.1% of the European revenue in 2025 by USD 44.8 million.
 

• European demand is centred on high-quality, precision, and sustainable packaging solutions. The region's stringent quality standards drive the adoption of sophisticated machinery capable of handling diverse and often complex carton formats (including multi-corner boxes)
   
• The larger European market benefits from sustainability initiatives to drive operational efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and promote innovation. This encourages the adoption of energy-efficient and highly automated folder gluers.
   
• Germany projects a strong CAGR of 7.1% in the forecast period, leveraging its robust manufacturing and machinery export sector. Countries like the U.K. and France are also investing in crash-lock and hybrid models for high-end consumer packaging.
   

The Asia Pacific folder gluer machine market is projected to account for 21.9% of the global revenue share in 2025, with a revenue of USD 148.3 million. China holds the highest market share in the region, with 32.5% of the APAC revenue of USD 48.3 million in 2025.
 

• APAC’s growth is driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a surging consumer class, leading to immense demand for packaged goods across food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
   
• The region is rapidly shifting from manual to automated and semi-automated operations. This is driven by rising labor costs, surging demand for high-quality products, and the desire for improved operational efficiency.
   
• China is a major global manufacturing hub, projecting a strong CAGR of 6.6% in the forecast period. India is another key market, with its domestic manufacturing and e-commerce growth supporting adoption of both high-volume automatic and cost-effective semi-automatic systems.
   

Latin America is projected to represent 7.7% of the global market in 2025, with a revenue of USD 52 million. Brazil is the market leader, accounting for 48.3% of the regional revenue of USD 25.1 million in 2025.
 

• Growth is modest but stable, supported by rising urbanization and middle-class expansion driving demand for packaged goods. Market modernization in key economies like Brazil and Mexico is driving investment.
   
• Market players focus on providing robust and often more affordable machinery (Semi-automatic and Manual) to penetrate this price-sensitive region, though the demand for automation is steadily increasing.
   

Folder Gluer Machine Market Share

Bobst Group SA is leading with 6% market share, Bobst Group SA, Heidelberg, Koenig & Bauer AG, Masterwork Machinery Co. Ltd, and Duran Machinery claiming almost 25-30% of the market share, indicating moderately fragmented market concentration. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broad customer base, and strengthen their market position.
 

Folder Gluer Machine Market Companies

Major players operating in the folder gluer machine industry are:

• Bobst Group
• Brausse Group
• Duran Machinery
• Emba Machinery
• Gietz
• Heidelberg
• Koenig & Bauer
• Lamina System
• Masterwork Machinery Co.
• SBL Machinery
• Shanghai Eternal Machinery
• Sipack
• Vega Group
• Wenzhou Gaotian Packing Machinery Co.
• Yawa Printing Machinery
   
• In January 2024, Bobst launched the NOVAFOLD 110, another precision high-speed folder-gluer capable of completing complex designs. This specific model benefits from automatic and dynamic features enabling it to reach speeds of 300 meters per minute. According to PMMI, the speed of innovations like these is essential to the ever-increasing demand for fast and efficient packaging.
   
• In March 2023, Heidelberg unveiled its Powermatrix 106 CSB die-cutter. It is the first of its kind to have a connection to folder-gluer integrated lines. This technological innovation is set to maximize efficiency standards by optimizing the die-cutting and folder-gluing steps of the packaging production cycle.
   

Folder Gluer Machine Market News

• In September 2024, MK Masterwork partnered with J.S.Machine in corrugated technology segment. The partnership focuses on delivering equipment that improves operational efficiency and increases profitability for corrugated packaging manufacturers. The collaboration leverages J.S.Machine's experience in corrugated packaging production lines and MK Masterwork's die-cutting technology expertise to expand their presence in global markets
   
• In July 2024, the company launched a folder gluer named megafold. The megafold folder gluer offers an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking flexibility in their production processes. Its modular design supports multiple configurations, making it suitable for a wide variety of box styles, including straight-line, crash-lock bottom, double-wall, 4-corner, and 6-corner boxes.
   
• In January 2024, Gietz strategically invested in innovation that reflects its commitment to strengthening its competitive position in the folder gluer machine market, including adjacent segments like tray forming and folding-gluing solutions.
   
• In January 2024, Bobst introduced the NOVAFOLD 110, an advanced folder-gluer designed to produce intricate box designs at speeds reaching 300 meters per minute. Featuring cutting-edge automation and connectivity, this model enhances production efficiency and flexibility. According to the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), innovations like these are crucial for meeting the growing demand for high-speed, efficient packaging solutions.
   
• In March 2023, Boxtech’s strategically achieved 640 installations of its folder-gluer machines in the corrugated carton segment. This deployment underscores its strong foothold in the packaging industry.
   

The folder gluer machine market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:

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Market, By Machine Type  

• Automatic
• Semi-automatic
• Manual

Market, By Type

• Straight line folder gluers
• Crash-lock bottom folder gluers
• Multi-corner box folder gluers
• Others

Market, By Machine Speed

• Under 150 MPM
• Between 150-300 MPM
• Above 300 MPM

Market, By Application

• Packaging
• Food & beverage
• Printing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE