Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size - By Material, By Product Type, By Application, – Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Size

The global paper and paperboard packaging market was valued at USD 381.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% to reach USD 620.6 billion by 2034. The growth of the market is attributed to factors such as rising demand from food & beverage industry and the surge in e-commerce sector.
 

The growth in e-commerce sector is a major growth driver in the paper and paperboard packaging market. For instance, according to IBEF, Indian e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 325 billion by the year 2030. With the rise in online shopping, the demand for reliable and secure packaging has surged. Advanced packaging such as corrugated boxes, folding carton are preferred by e-commerce companies as it offers an cost-effective and lightweight feature. Furthermore, these packaging solutions enhances customer experience and brand engagement as digital printing technology is allowing e-commerce businesses to print customized messages, QR codes, and interactive packaging designs onto paperboard directly, enhancing consumer interaction and loyalty, which pushes the demand for market.
 

Paper and paperboard packaging producers need to concentrate on developing affordable, light, and resilient solutions such as folding cartons and corrugated boxes to meet the growing e-commerce market. Increasing packaging toughness, customization capabilities, and sustainability aspects will promote uptake and enhance brand interaction for online stores.
 

The rising demand from food and beverage industry is a key growth driver of paper and paperboard packaging market. Consumers are shifting towards ready to eat meals, frozen foods, and convenience snacks, which requires protective and durable packaging for transportation and storage. Moreover, manufacturers are adopting sustainable packaging solutions such as paper based cups, containers and cartons and focusing to reducing plastic waste, to meet regulatory requirements and consumers growing preferences towards eco-friendly alternatives.
 

The cost-effectiveness and recyclability of paper and paperboard packaging is driving significant growth in the market. Paper based packaging tend to be relatively cheaper compared to other options and provides lightweight advantage, which reduces the shipping cost and makes the supply chain more efficient. Most companies are implementing these paper based packaging to achieve regulatory compliance. With businesses demanding cost-efficient and environmentally friendly means, the usage of paper based packaging is projected to increase.
 

Paper and paperboard manufacturer need to aim at durable, recyclable food and beverage packaging. They must make sustainable options such as paper cups and cartons the first priority and work towards making light, cost-efficient options for decreasing shipping expense and fulfilling consumer and regulatory needs.
 

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Trends

• The shift from traditional polythene coatings to plastic free alternatives like bio based and water-based coatings is one of the significant trend in the market. These coatings are gaining rapid traction in the food and beverage industry, as it offers heat sealability, grease resistance, and moisture protection while complying with sustainable regulations.  
   
• The implementation of smart and interactive packaging is a key trends in the paper and paperboard packaging market. Companies are adopting QR codes, NFC tags and AR to provide enhanced customer experience and product authenticity through smartphone. Digital printing technology are also gaining significant traction to enhance the brand loyalty.
   
• Another significant trend in paper and paperboard packaging industry is the increasing investment in premium and customizable packaging to enhance the visual appeal of product. High end paperboard with unique offering such as embossing, foil stamping and matte texture are gaining rapid adoption in luxury goods, cosmetics and speciality food industries.
   

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Analysis

The market based on the material is bifurcated into recycled paper, virgin paper, kraft paper, and others.
 

• The recycled paper material accounted for USD 130.5 billion in the year 2024. The ban on single use plastic by government and the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging are pushing the growth of this material. These recycled paper and paperboard packaging materials are widely adopted by various industries extensively because they are a cost-efficient solution compared to other materials while they also meet the sustainable packaging legislation.
   
• The virgin paper material is predicted to grow significantly with a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. The growth of virgin paper material is attributed to the expansion of food & beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries, where product safety and hygiene are critical. Virgin paperboard contains no contaminants, inks, and chemicals used in recycled paper and is therefore best suited for direct food contact packaging. Additionally, rapid urbanization and busy life style pushes the demand for convenient and packaged food products, which further propel the growth for virgin paper material.
   
• The kraft paper material is projected to reach USD 135.3 billion by 2034. Kraft papers are made from paperboard materials and is witnessing a rapid growth in the heavy duty packaging applications. These materials are known for high tensile strength and provides a substitute to plastic materials, thereby serving the rising needs of consumers seeking environmental friendly packaging. Rapid adoption across several industry sectors such as household, cosmetics and other to meet the sustainability regulations fuels the demand for kraft paper material in the market.
   

The paper and paperboard packaging market based on the application is categorized into food & beverages, personal care & homecare, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, retail & E-commerce, automotive, and others.
 

• The food and beverage segment held 26.6% of the total market share in 2024. The increasing popularity of convenience foods and on-the-go consumption have increased the need for lightweight and portable packaging solutions. Growing focus on sustainable and recyclable materials is one of the main reasons for growth in this segment. Brands are adopting eco-friendly, biodegradable paper & paperboard packaging because of the increasing consumers demand towards sustainability and regulations. Moreover, the increasing governmental regulations promotes the adoption of paper & paperboard packaging to meet hygiene standards.
   
• The personal care & homecare segment is predicted to reach USD 100.5 billion by the year 2034. The increasing consumer demand for luxury beauty and organic products is driving the demand for high-quality paper and paperboard packaging solution. Additionally, the increasing demand of household products like soaps, tissues, and laundry detergents have contributed to the demand for multi-use environmentally friendly packaging. These changes have enabled the manufacturers to resort to paper and paperboard packaging solutions which offer more user friendly, lightweight and environmentally friendly packaging that complies with government regulation.
   
• The pharmaceutical & healthcare segment held 15.3% of total market share in the year 2024. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing government regulations towards tamper-proof packaging while ensuring drug safety and sustainable packaging of the product. Pharmaceutical companies are utilizing paper-based unit-dose packs and blister packs as substitutes for the conventional plastic-based blister packs. Advances in fiber-based barrier coating and strong paper materials have enabled the production of moisture-proof, child-resistant, and tamper-proof paperboard blister packs that facilitate safety regulations compliance and better recyclability.
   
• The retail & e-commerce segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. The demand in this segment is driven by a growing need for consumer electronic devices like smartphones, accessories, and home appliances which require packaging for protective transportation and to provide enhanced unboxing experience. Also, the conversion from plastic to eco-friendly packaging in this sector, which is in line with the increasing need from consumers for sustainable packaging, further drives the adoption for the paper & paperboard packaging solutions in retail and e-commerce industry.
   
• The automotive segment held 12% of the total market share in the year 2024. The lightweight, durable and convenient characteristics of paper and paperboard packaging makes them suitable for storage and transport in the automotive industry. Moreover, the increased government regulation for sustainable packaging along with the change in consumers preference towards greener substitute material, which drives the demand for paper and paperboard packaging in this industry.
   

The paper and paperboard packaging market based on the product type is categorized into corrugated boxes, bags & sacks, folding cartons, wraps, cups & trays, and others.
 

• The corrugated boxes type product accounted for USD 112.3 billion in the year 2024. The surge in e-commerce and online shopping is driving the demand for corrugated boxes, which provides secure packaging and storage of product during shipping. These corrugated boxes are made from recycled materials and can be prepared in various sizes & designs. Several businesses are adopting these products to enhance their product branding and to cater specific packaging requirements.
   
• The bags & sacks type product is predicted to reach USD 102.4 billion by 2034. Increasing governmental regulation against single use plastics and growing consumer preference toward sustainable packaging are the key growth driver for this segment. Business are shifting from plastic bags towards paper bags & sacks, as these offers reusability and sustainability advantages. Moreover, the growing consumer demand for reusable packaging option pushes the demand for durable paper bags and sacks.
   
• The folding carton type product is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. Folding carton type product are gaining rapid traction and adoption in food & beverage, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical & healthcare industry as they offer easy to open design and resealable feature. Furthermore, folding cartons have a high-quality printing surface that is used for branding and marketing, which increases the demand of folding cartons in the market.
   
• The wraps type product accounted for USD 44.2 billion in the year 2024. The key factor driving this growth is the increasing need for food and beverage packaging that maintains product freshness and increases shelf life. These wraps are easy to uses and therefore are very popular amongst both the manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, the change in consumer attitudes towards packaging has increased the use of wraps that can biodegrade or be recycled.
   
• The cups & trays type product is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period. The rapid growth of the food and beverage sector which includes takeout and delivery services drives the use of disposable cups and trays. More businesses are adopting environmentally friendly practices by switching from plastic to paper cups and trays that are recyclable and biodegradable as the focus on reduction of plastic waste increases.
   

The North American region accounted for 30.1% of the global paper and paperboard packaging market share in the year 2024. Sustainable and efficient packaging technologies are some of the main drivers in North America. Governmental support on adoption of eco-friendly packaging material and ban on single usage plastics is promoting the adoption of kraft paper and coated recycled paper packaging solutions.
 

• The U.S. dominated the paper and paperboard packaging market, accounting for USD 100.8 billion in the year 2024. The rapid growth of online shopping and government regulation towards sustainable packaging is driving the growth of market in the region. For instance, according to a Statista report, the e-commerce industry in the U.S. accounted for USD 1.22 trillion in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 1.88 trillion by 2034.  Leading companies in this area have started to endorse paper-based packaging due to its environmentally friendly features as well as its ability to provide protection against damages during transportation and storage of the product.
   
• The Canada paper and paperboard packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 4.3% during the forecast period. Government approach towards the ban on single-use plastic is expected to push the adoption of paper board packaging solution among manufacturers, which is expected to support the market growth. Moreover, government has introduced the EPR (extended producer responsibility) program which require manufacturers to take responsibility for the life cycle of their packaging material, further propelling the demand for market.
   

The Europe region held 22.1% of the global paper and paperboard packaging market share in the year 2024. Europe market expansion is attributed to the increased shift towards environmentally friendly packaging materials complemented with enhanced demand for luxurious high-end items.
 

• The Germany paper and paperboard packaging market accounted for USD 21.5 billion in the year 2024. The country has strict regulations towards use of eco-friendly material and recycling process which drives constant demand for paper and paperboard packaging solutions. Also, Germany has a strong market for consumer electronics and luxury cosmetics which the demands high-end packaging solutions while meeting regulatory requirement, which fuels the demand for paper and paperboard packaging solutions in the region.
   

• The UK paper and paperboard packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.1% during the forecast period. The implementation of plastic packaging tax in the region, which penalizes the firms using non-recyclable packaging is driving the shift towards paperboard packaging solutions. Additionally, the surge in online shopping in the region demands protective and lightweight packaging for secure transportation, which promote the growth of market.
   
• The paper and paperboard packaging industry in France is projected to reach USD 20.5 billion by 2034. The market in France is heavily influenced by the ban on single-use plastic by the government coupled with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in organic food and wine industry, which drivers the demand for paper and paperboard packaging solutions.
   
• The Italy paper and paperboard packaging market accounted for USD 11.2 billion in the year 2024. The growth of the market in Italy is attributed to increasing demand for customizable packaging solution for high-end luxury products while meeting regulatory requirement. Moreover, the rapid expansion of food and beverage industry is pushing the need for advanced paper and paperboard packaging which can improve brand's recognition and customer engagement.
   
• The Spain paper and paperboard packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4% by 2034. The expansion of the pharmaceuticals sector in Spain has created a high demand for tamper-evident and child-resistant packaging that comply with the strict EU safety requirements. Also, the surge in demand for customizable packaging solutions towards artistic food brands and specialty food companies, supports the growth of market.
   

The Asia Pacific region held 35.3% of the global paper and paperboard packaging market share in the year 2024. The Asia Pacific region, headed by China, Japan, and South Korea due to their robust food and beverage industry, is the largest market for paper and paperboard packaging. The growth is propelled by the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry along with the increasing need for sustainable packaging solutions.
 

• The paper and paperboard packaging market in China is projected to reach USD 89.8 billion by the year 2034. Stringent government regulations for sustainable packaging and plastic waste reduction are the key growth drivers in the country. Moreover, the growing demand for high-end organic products like tea, skin care, and fashion relies on high end and sustainable packaging, which is driving significant demand for the market.
   
• The Japan industry accounted for USD 20.5 billion in 2024. The growth in demand for paper and paperboard packaging market is supported by change in consumer preference towards sustainable material. Additionally, the application of new technologies in paper based packaging such as water based coatings are gaining rapid adoption in food and beverage industry, which further pushes the demand for paper and paperboard packaging in the region.
   
• The India paper and paperboard packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 6.4% during the forecast period. The ban on single-use plastics by the government has resulted in a shift toward paper-based packaging in the food and personal care industry. Additionally, the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa has increased the demand for secure, lightweight paperboards optimized for logistics and product protection.
   
• The South Korea paper and paperboard packaging market accounted for USD 13.2 billion in the year 2024. The growth of the market in South Korea is because of the increasing demand for luxury and high-end cosmetics products, which demand high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions. Moreover, the government’s green packaging initiative is fuelling the adoption of paper and paperboard packaging solution in the region.
   
• The ANZ paper and paperboard packaging market is projected to reach USD 10.5 billion by the year 2034. Strict regulations on sustainable packaging and ban on single use plastic are increasing the demand for paper and paperboard packaging solution across various industries. Furthermore, recycling efforts from the government is supporting the growth of market in the region.
   

The Latin America region held 3.5% of the paper and paperboard packaging market share in year 2024. The industry in Latin America is fueled by the rapid urbanization and busy lifestyle, leading to an increasing consumption of packaged food coupled with growing demand for sustainable packaging.
 

• The Brazil paper and paperboard packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 1.6% during the forecast period. The growing demand for processed and packaged food consumption coupled with the government regulation on ban of single usage plastic is driving adoption of paper-based packaging solution in the region.
   
• The Mexico market is projected to reach USD 5.3 billion by 2034. The growing export of pharmaceutical and medical industry, which demands secure and lightweight packaging is driving rapid adoption of paper-based packaging. Additionally, the increasing governmental regulation towards plastic wastage reduction further pushes the demand for paper and paperboard packaging solution.
   

The MEA region held 9.0% of the global paper and paperboard packaging market share in 2024. The market in the Middle East & Africa is boosting due to the expansion of food and beverage industry coupled with the government regulation for wastage reduction.
 

• The South Africa market accounted for USD 7.1 billion in 2024. The surging demand for ready to eat meal and takeaway packaging, which demand sustainable and protective packaging are pushing the growth for paper and paperboard packaging in the region.
   
• The paper and paperboard packaging market in UAE is predicted to reach USD 12.7 billion by 2034. The growth of the market in UAE is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging in electronics and luxury fragrance products. Additionally, the rise in online shopping and food delivery rely on paper based corrugated boxes, cups, and wraps, propelling the growth of market in this region.
   
• The Saudi Arabia paper and paperboard packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 3.3% during the forecast period. Government efforts towards sustainable packaging under the Vision 2030 initiative, is pushing the demand for paper and paperboard packaging. Moreover, government’s investment in pharmaceutical and healthcare sector towards sustainable packaging further fuels the demand for paper and paperboard packaging in the region.
   

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Share

The paper and paperboard packaging industry is highly competitive with the presence of established global players as well as local players and startups. The top 5 market leader in the global market are International Paper Company , Smurfit Kappa , Mondi Group , Stora Enso Oyj , and DS Smith PLC , collectively accounting for over 25% market share. Major players of the market are investing in sustainable material and biodegradable packaging solutions to meet the government regulations and growing consumer preference towards sustainable packaging options. The next-generation paper and paperboard packaging are focusing towards the lightweight and biodegradable material to cater the growing demand for sustainability while ensuring secure packaging of the product.
 

New developments in fiber-based barriers and coating technologies have shifted from the use of traditional polyethylene (PE) Lamination, making the packaging more compostable and recyclable.  Brands are minimizing packaging materials and weight to enhance their sustainability and reduce costs. Moreover, the adoption of NFC tags and smart labelling techniques around several industry, are improving consumer engagement and reducing operational costs around several industries.
 

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Share

The paper and paperboard packaging industry features several prominent players, including:

• International Paper Company
• Smurfit Kappa
• Mondi Group
• Stora Enso Oyj
• DS Smith PLC
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)
   

International Paper Company, a global leader in paper and paperboard packaging market offers a wide range of sustainable packaging solutions, catering to multiple industries such as food & beverages, consumer electronics. The company promotes the use of recycled materials and aims to reduce environmental footprint.
 

Smurfit Kappa, a close competitor operating in the same vertical industry, focuses on reducing environmental footprint by reducing wastage and enhancing recyclability. This company offers customized packaging solutions to cater specific requirements, and to enhance brand’s visibility and product protection.
 

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Industry News

• In January 2022, Amcor launched their new product line of paper based packaging under AmFiber. These innovation offers wide range of feature and functions when compared to traditional packaging methods, to meet the changing consumer needs.
   
• In August 2023, Graphic Packaging International launched Pacesetter rainier paper board which offers recycle paper in combination with characteristics of SBS. These paperboard are designed to cater the increasing demand for recycled content in consumer goods packaging.
   
• In July 2024, Smurfit Kappa completed the acquisition of Westrock to expand their sustainable packaging solutions. This acquisition is aimed towards reducing environmental impact and to cater the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
   

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

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Material

• Recycled Paper
• Virgin Paper
• Kraft Paper
• Others

Market, By Application

• Food and Beverage
• Personal Care & Homecare
• Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
• Retail & E-commerce
• Automotive
• Others

Market, By Product Type

• Corrugated Boxes
• Bags & Sacks
• Folding Cartons
• Wraps
• Cups & Trays
• Others

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