Liquid Packaging Cartons Market Size – By Type, By Capacity, By Closure Type, By Application, Forecast, 2025 – 2034

 Liquid Packaging Cartons Market Size

The global liquid packaging cartons market size was valued at USD 26.9 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 5.6% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The demand for liquid packaging cartons is growing significantly owing to growth of e-commerce and consumption of packaged beverages.
 

The expansion of the e-commerce market serves as a major driver for the growth of liquid carton packaging, as online retail continues to widen its impact on consumers' shopping patterns. The growth in the demand of online grocery shopping, along with the need of sustainable and easy to use packaging, is driving the demands for liquid cartons for home delivered beverages and perishables.
 

According to the International Trade Administration (ITA) estimates the global B2C ecommerce revenue will hit USD 5.5 trillion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 14.4%. Such development in e-commerce sales will positively affect the liquid carton packaging industry since businesses seek lightweight, strong, and sustainable packaging to improve logistical operations and achieve sustainability targets. As digital retail channels increase, the need for reliable and easy to use liquid carton packaging will subsequently increase, ensuring its position in the evolving global e-commerce industry.
 

Liquid carton packaging companies need to prioritize producing light, strong, and eco-friendly packaging solutions specific to e-commerce grocery and drink deliveries. As e-commerce grows, packaging optimization for logistics efficiency and sustainability will be essential to meet increasing demand.
 

The growth in global consumption of packaged beverages is supporting the growth of the liquid carton packaging industry. Rising health standards, urbanization and convenience- oriented consumer lifestyle is significantly increasing the demand for packaged juices, dairy products, and plant-based beverages, thus boosting the market.
 

According to Statista the consumption of packaged beverages in China was 274 billion liters in 2023 and estimated to be 306 billion liters in 2026. This rising consumption indicates a rising market for liquid cartons as producers focus on more environmentally friendly and cost-effective packaging to satisfy the demand.
 

Liquid carton packaging manufacturers need to emphasize developing eco-friendly and affordable packaging materials to cope with the increased demand for packaged drinks, such as juices, milk, and plant-based beverages. As world consumption continues to grow, especially in urban regions, manufacturers must target sustainable materials and innovative packages to complement customer demand and government regulations.
 

 Liquid Packaging Cartons Market Trends

• The liquid carton packaging industry is observing a notable trend toward eco-friendly and convenient packaging solutions due to the consumers and manufacturers’ preference for eco-friendly alternatives. There is growing demand for new packaging forms that combine both sustainability and convenience, particularly within the beverage industry where companies are looking for substitutes to plastic bottles. A prominent packaging solutions provider, SIG, introduced the SIG DomeMini in October 2023, a revolutionary on-the-go carton bottle. This product combines ease of use associated with plastic bottles and the environmental benefits of carton packaging. The adherence to sustainability guidelines and consumer awareness is pushing packaging companies to innovate new solutions to develop easy to use packaging with sustainable design principles.
   
• The growing demand for interactive and smart packaging designs is one of the key trends influencing the liquid carton packaging market. The companies are focusing on improving customer engagement by integrating QR codes, NFC tags, and other augmented reality elements into their cartons. The technology provides insights about the ingredients, sourcing, and recycle instructions. As the importance of traceability and brand storytelling is on the rise, interactive packaging technologies are anticipated to enhance trust, loyalty, and brand recognition among users in the competitive beverage market.
   

 Liquid Packaging Cartons Market Analysis

Based on type, the liquid packaging cartons market is divided into brick cartons, gable top liquid cartons, shaped cartons, and others.
 

• The brick cartons market is anticipated to reach USD 14.4 billion by 2034. The liquid cartons market is dominated by brick cartons due to their durability, efficiency in saving space and long shelf life. The shift to aseptic packaging is aiding growth particularly in dairy and juice products. The ability of brick carton to provide aseptic packaging, ensuring product sterility, safety, and extended shelf life without refrigeration is propelling its growth. Brick-shaped aseptic cartons are widely used for dairy products, fruit juices, plant milk, and liquid nutritional supplements since they reduce microbial contamination and ensure product freshness for a longer period.
   
• The gable top liquid cartons market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 7.3% by 2034. Gable top liquid cartons are becoming increasingly popular with increasing demand for fresh and minimally processed drinks. Premiumization of dairy and plant-based beverages is boosting the demand for such cartons because they are easy to use, have easy pouring, and are resealable. Companies are embracing renewable materials with barrier coatings to enhance shelf life without compromising on their focus on environmentally friendly packaging.

Based on application, the liquid packaging cartons market is divided into liquid dairy products, non-carbonated soft drinks, liquid foods, and alcoholic drinks.
 

• The liquid dairy products segment held a market share of 33.9% in 2024. The expansion of dairy consumption across the world has positioned liquid dairy products as an important segment in the market for liquid carton packaging. The shift towards fortified and flavored milk products is driving brands to adopt innovative packaging designs that improve shelf life. Aseptic cartons with high-end barrier coatings are increasingly becoming the preferred option since they preserve products while reducing refrigeration requirements.
   
• Non-carbonated soft drinks market is projected to reach USD 16.5 billion by 2034. The use of cartons for the packaging of non-carbonated soft drinks is increasing as customers demand healthier drinks like juices, flavored water, and plant-based beverages. Green packaging is becoming popular as brands opt for recyclable paper-based cartons. Brands are also incorporating QR codes to facilitate active consumer participation and offer more insight into the products being sold.
   

On the basis of closure type, the liquid packaging cartons market is divided into cut or tear-open, twist caps, pull tabs, and straw hole.
 

• Twist caps dominated the global market accounting for 32.1% market share in 2024. Twist caps are becoming the popular choice for closing liquid cartons because of their convenient resealability and spill-proof features. The drive towards user friendly packages is promoting changes in cap designs and encouraging manufacturers to produce tamper-proof caps that are also lightweight. As sustainability is the top priority, companies are now turning towards tethered caps and recyclable polymers to minimize their carbon footprint.
   
• The pull tabs market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% by 2034. Pull tabs are on the rise in popularity for liquid cartons, particularly for single serves and on-the-go packaging. The shift towards easy open and mess free packages is motivating cap manufacturers to innovate pull tab mechanisms. As more people seek more convenient options, companies are still planning an improved tamper-proof design along with compostable materials that will enhance eco-friendly factors without compromising usability.
   

Based on capacity, the liquid carton packaging market is divided into up to 200ml, 200ml to 1L, and above 1L.
 

• The 200ml to 1L market is projected to reach USD 19.6 billion by 2034. The 200ml to 1L segment is witnessing robust demand because it is used both in individual as well as family-sized portions. Portion control is a growing trend especially in functional beverages and children’s drinks. Smart labeling and interactive features are being used by manufacturers enabling nutrition and brand interaction via QR codes and other digital channels.
   
• The above 1L segment held a share of 32% market share in 2024. Liquid cartons bigger than one liter are increasingly being used for bulk packaging in households as well as in the food service industry. As consumers look for alternatives that save costs and are sustainable, the multi-serve packaging trend is on the rise. Several brands are focusing on improving the recyclability of their cartons as well as using bio-based materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.  

North America held a market share of 30.1% in 2024. The North American liquid packaging cartons market is shifting toward more environmentally sustainable and recyclable approaches. Consumers are increasingly shifting toward eco-friendly cartons that contain less plastic. Furthermore, policies aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics are motivating manufacturers to develop cartons that are biodegradable and compostable.    
 

• The U.S. liquid packaging cartons market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 14.3 billion by 2034. In the United States, the rise in health consciousness and increased consumption of plant-based beverages, like almond and oat milk, is increasing the demand of liquid packaging cartons. In addition, beverage manufacturers are using aseptic packaging for their products to improve the shelf life of the product without compromising on freshness, which is further accelerating the market growth. 
   
• Canada liquid packaging cartons market is expected to reach a CAGR of 4.8% by 2034. The liquid packaging carton market in Canada is benefiting from the expansion of organic dairy farming. There is a growing number of consumers preferring sustainable packaging for milk and juice products, thus pushing companies to launch FSC certified cartons. The government’s focus on reducing plastic waste is also stimulating manufacturers to use more recyclable materials in their cartons.
   

Europe held a significant market share of 22.1% in 2024. Europe is at the forefront of using renewable resources for liquid packaging cartons. Stringent environmental policies and the EU’s circular economy strategies are propelling brands to switch to fiber-based cartons with reduced plastic dependency. There is an equally high demand from consumers for lightweight cartons that are refillable.
 

• Germany liquid packaging cartons market is expected to reach a CAGR of 6.3% by 2034. Germany is focusing its efforts on the development of new packaging technologies in the liquid packaging carton industry. Smart packaging solutions such as the use of QR Code specific cartons for better engagement and traceability of consumers is on the rise. Furthermore, government regulations in support of low-carbon economies are also encouraging the use of bio-based packaging materials.    
   
• The UK liquid packaging cartons market is expected to reach a CAGR of 5.6% by 2034. In the UK, e-commerce activity related to beverage sales is on the rise, leading to innovation of new styles of liquid packaging including lightweight and durable liquid cartons. Additionally, the new regulations for the UK Plastic Packaging Tax are motivating beverage manufacturers to switch towards more eco-friendly paper packaging.
   
• France liquid packaging cartons market is expected reach a CAGR of 4.8% by 2034. Liquid packaging cartons are becoming highly demanded especially in the premium wines and dairy segments in France. Consumers’ growing interest in local organic beverages have propelled manufacturers to adopt more sustainable and recyclable materials for their carton packaging.   
   
• Italy liquid packaging cartons market accounted for 13.2% of the share in 2024. The growth in on-the-go beverages is propelling Italy's liquid packaging carton market. Single serving cartons for fruit juices and dairy drinks are becoming increasingly popular across the country. The introduction of resealable cartons is catering to the needs of mobile consumers. 
   
• Spain liquid packaging cartons market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% by 2034. Liquid packaging cartons is an emerging trend in Spain especially in the wine and fruit juice market. The shift towards increased sustainable tourism as well as environmentally friendly consumers is pushing beverage companies to use new fully recyclable and renewable cartons.   
   

Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a strong pace at a CAGR of 5.5% by 2034. Rapid urbanization coupled with increasing disposable income is stimulating growth of the liquid packaging carton industry in the Asia Pacific region. The need for plant-based and dairy beverages using sustainable packaging solutions is growing as governments in the region work to promote sustainable packaging through various policy initiatives.
 

• China liquid packaging cartons market accounted for 38.6% of the market share in 2024. Liquid packaging cartons are witnessing a surge in demand in China’s beverage industry, specifically for ready-to-drink tea, juice, and dairy products. The output of large beverage companies soared to over 183 million metric tons in 2021 according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, representing a 12% increase compared to the previous year. In order to keep up with the fast production rate, more investments are being made in liquid carton technology.   
   
• The liquid packaging cartons market in India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% by 2034. The increasing need for liquid packaging cartons in India is driven by the increasing development of the dairy sector. As reported by Statista, the gross value added from milk products within the livestock sector across India amounted to about 6 trillion Indian rupees in FY 2023. This has largely accelerated the pertains to the packaging industry for milk and other dairy-based beverages as brands look for a cost-efficient and long-lasting solution.
   
• Japan liquid packaging cartons market held a share of 15.2% in 2024. In Japan, there is a prominent use of liquid packaging cartons for functional beverages and flavored milk. The country’s efforts towards reducing food and packaging waste has boosted the adoption of lightweight and recyclable cartons, especially for beverage sales in convenience stores.
   

Latin America held a share of 3.5% of the global liquid packaging cartons market in 2024. The liquid packaging carton market in Latin America is increasing due to rising demand for long shelf life dairy and juice beverages. Businesses are adopting the use of lightweight and inexpensive packaging options whereby the use of aseptic cartons for packaging products has become a norm in order to enhance product shelf life in hot and humid conditions.
 

Middle East & Africa is projected to grow at a strong pace with a CAGR of 3.5% by 2034. There is an increase in the demand for liquid packaging cartons in the MEA market due to the higher usage of dairy and juices. Additionally, government policies supporting sustainable packaging and investments in new retail infrastructure seem to be fueling further growth in the liquid packaging carton market.
 

 Liquid Packaging Cartons Market Share

The liquid packaging cartons industry is highly competitive. The top 5 players in the market are Elopak, Mondi, Pactiv Evergreen, SIG Combibloc Group, and Smurfit Kappa Group accounting for a significant share of over 18% in the market.
 

Key market players in liquid packaging cartons are focusing on sustainable innovation and portfolio growth. Companies are investing in bio-based, recyclable materials in order to comply with international environment regulations and changing customers' demands. Strategic collaborations with the dairy and beverage industries enable manufacturers to achieve competitive advantages by differentiating their products. Such investments, coupled with investments in aseptic package technologies, ensure longer shelf life, less food wastage.
 

Firms are also undertaking regional mergers and acquisitions to become more competitive in the market landscape. Firms are expanding their manufacturing capacities in fast-growing regions to meet the increasing demand for packaged beverages and milk products. Advanced flexible digital printing and intelligent packaging technologies, such as QR coded traceable cartons for customer engagement, are on the rise. Manufacturers of packaged goods are employing light packaging materials to reduce transport costs while providing protection to the goods, which is favourable to the economy and environment as well as the manufacturers.
 

 Liquid Packaging Cartons Market Companies

Some of the prominent market participants operating in the liquid packaging cartons industry industry include:

• Elopak
• Mondi
• Pactiv Evergreen
• SIG Combibloc Group
• Smurfit Kappa Group
   

Elopak's strategy prioritizes sustainability by focusing on renewable, recyclable, and carbon-neutral liquid cartons. The company is advancing its Pure-Pak carton brand by introducing a fiber-based substitute for plastic in response to the increasing need for eco-friendly packaging. Elopak is accelerating innovation for aseptic and fresh liquid packaging through Pure-Pak cartons by collaborating with beverage and dairy brands which also helps reduce their carbon footprint.  
 

Mondi's strategy is centered on its unique knowledge and capabilities in the paper and flexible packaging industry to create high barrier sustainable liquid cartons. The company incorporates eco-friendly lightweight and low plastic content cartons because Mondi follows circular economy principles. Furthermore, Mondi partners with brands to enhance product protection, extend their shelf life, and lower environmental impact through investment in material innovation and regional expansion.
 

Liquid Packaging Cartons Industry News:

• In June 2023, Elopak collaborated with Luoro to launch its mouthwash packaged in D-PAK cartons. The 500 ml D-PAK carton consists of paperboard sourced from responsibly managed forests and is carbon neutral and fully recyclable.
   
• In November 2023, Lactogal and Tetra Pak launched a new aseptic carton for milk, The carton includes a paper-based barrier to further increase overall sustainability.     
   

The liquid packaging cartons market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Brick cartons
• Gable top liquid cartons
• Shaped cartons
• Others

Market, By Capacity

• Up to 200ml
• 200ml to 1l
• Above 1l         

Market, By Closure Type      

• Cut or tear-open
• Twist caps
• Pull tabs
• Straw hole

Market, By Application

• Liquid dairy products
• Non-carbonated soft drinks
• Liquid foods
• Alcoholic drinks

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

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