The global paperboard container market size was USD 136.54 Bn in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 208.38 Bn by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 4.7% during 2023–2031. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions from the food & beverages and pharmaceutical sectors.
Paperboard container refers to packaging that is made from thin layers of cardboard with a plastic or metal coating. Paperboard is a thicker sheet of paper, typically above 0.30 mm, 0.012 in, or 12 points. These sheets are either made from wood pulp or recycled waste paper or a combination of both.
Paperboard is widely used to make corrugated boxes or other packaging materials due to its rigid and sturdy properties. The different types of containers include cereal boxes, egg trays, meat trays, milk cartons, and fruit boxes. Paperboard containers are easy to recycle and are more biodegradable than other packaging materials.
Paperboard possesses greater mechanical strength, which makes it suitable for industrial packaging. Industrial packaging solutions are used to pack a variety of goods, specially delegated products, to enhance protection during transportation or shipping and when products are in storage. A wide variety of products are stored and shipped on a large scale, which requires strong protection.
The COVID-19 pandemic moderately impacted the market. Preventive measures imposed by the government forced several industries to cease their operation. This in turn reduced demand for paperboard containers from various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, manufacturing, transportation, and personal care.
The limitations and restrictions on transportation led to an irregular supply of raw materials, which disrupted the overall supply chain of the market. However, online shopping gained popularity during the pandemic, as people are not allowed to go outside. Thus, the demand for safe and high-quality packaging has increased while delivering essentials, which fueled the market to a certain limit.
Paperboard Container Market Dynamics
Major Drivers
The recyclability of paper and paperboard is a major factor driving the market growth in the coming years. Paper is made up of wood pulp, which can be easy to recycle. Recycling paper and paperboard save tons of waste generated from the packaging, which further reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, strict government regulations on packaging waste management and the rising demand for recyclable paper packaging are likely to boost the market.
A ban on plastic packaging is anticipated to boost the demand for paper-based packaging. Plastic generates tons of waste, as it cannot be recycled. Their highly flammable nature and non-disposable properties restrict their use globally. Moreover, government norms regarding the sale and use of plastic, including plastic packaging are likely to propel the market.
Existing Restraints
Less durability and the poor barrier property of paper & paperboard are likely to hamper the market. Paperboard is susceptible to fire and water damage due to its poor barrier property. Paper-based packaging is not capable of carrying as much weight, which limits its use for some industrial purposes. Moreover, the chances of food contamination with recycled paperboard is likely to restrain the market to a certain limit.
Emerging Opportunities
Rising demand for customized packaging from the food & beverages industry is anticipated to offer potential growth opportunities for the key players competing in the market. Customized packaging solutions help to differentiate products from others and create a brand identity. Moreover, the emergence of smart packaging is further likely to accelerate the market, as it improves the quality and life of products.
Scope of the Paperboard Container Market Report
The market report includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
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Attributes
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Details
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Report Title
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Paperboard Container Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast
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Base Year
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2022
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Historic Data
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2016–2021
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Forecast Period
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2023–2031
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Segmentation
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Type (Corrugated Containers, Folding Boxes & Cases, and Others), Grade (Solid Bleached Sulfate, White Lined Chipboard, Coated Unbleached Kraft Paperboard, Glassine & Greaseproof Paper, and Others), and End-user (Food & Beverages, Healthcare, Personal Care, Industrial Product, E-commerce, Warehouses, Transportation & Logistics, and Others)
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Regional Scope
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Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa
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Report Coverage
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Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast
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Key Players Covered in the Report
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Amcor plc; ALL PACKAGING COMPANY; Cascades inc.; DS Smith; Evergreen Packaging (Pactiv Evergreen Inc.); International Paper; Kruger Inc.; Klabin S.A; Mondi; Metsä Group; OJI FIBRE SOLUTIONS (NZ) LTD.; Nampak Ltd.; NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.; Nine Dragons Worldwide (China) Investment Group Co., Ltd.; Rengo Co., Ltd.; Smurfit Kappa; Packaging Corporation of America; Sappi; Stora Enso; and WestRock Company
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Paperboard Container Market Segment Insights
Type Analysis
On the basis of type, the paperboard container market is segregated into corrugated containers, folding boxes & cases, and others. The corrugated containers segment is anticipated to register a robust growth rate in the coming years, owing to its recyclable property. Corrugated containers are made up of thin layers of cardboard with metal or plastic coating, which provide protection against moisture and reduces risk of product contamination. Therefore, it is widely used for packing various food products such as cereals & breakfast, fresh fruits & vegetables, eggs, fish & meat, and juices & dairy products.
Grade Analysis
In terms of grade, the market is segmented into solid bleached sulfate, white lined chipboard, coated unbleached kraft paperboard, glassine & greaseproof paper, and others. The white lined chipboard (WLC) segment is estimated to hold a large market share during the forecast period, as it is manufactured from 100% recycled paper pulp or waste paper, which reduces the waste generated from packaging. WLC paperboard comprises two or three layers of coating, which enhanced strength and durability. It is widely utilized for the packaging of cereals, toys, shoes, and frozen food.
The solid bleached sulfate segment is projected to expand at a significant growth rate during the projection period. Solid bleached sulfate paperboard is made up of bleached wood pulp with a coating of clay minerals, which maintains hygiene and reduces smell. It can be easily cut and creased. The segment growth is attributed to the rising adoption in packaging of chocolate, cosmetics, and aroma and flavor-sensitive products.
End-user Analysis
Based on end-user, the market is divided into food & beverages, healthcare, personal care, industrial product, e-commerce, warehouses, transportation & logistics, and others. The food & beverages segment is anticipated to expand at a considerable CAGR during the assessment period, due to the increasing usage of paperboard containers to pack vegetables, fruits, and snacks. Food processing companies highly prefer paperboard containers to pack dry products.
Growing demand for packaged and ready-to-eat food and the rapid expansion of online food delivery services are likely to boost the demand for paperboard containers.
Regional Analysis
In terms of region, the global paperboard container market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the market in the coming years, owing to rapid industrialization. In developing countries like India, China, and Japan the manufacturing industries are emerging at a rapid pace, which demand for paperboard containers. Furthermore, the increasing e-commerce industry and the rising transportation activities are likely to fuel the market in the region.
The market in North America is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the projected period, due to the presence of several leading players. The regional market growth is further attributed to the rapid expansion of the food & beverages industry and the rising adoption of packaged food.
Segments
The global paperboard container market has been segmented on the basis of
Type
- Corrugated Containers
- Folding Boxes & Cases
- Others
Grade
- Solid Bleached Sulfate
- White Lined Chipboard
- Coated Unbleached Kraft Paperboard
- Glassine & Greaseproof Paper
- Others
End-user
- Food & Beverages
- Healthcare
- Personal Care
- Industrial Product
- E-commerce
- Warehouses
- Transportation & Logistics
- Others
Region
- Asia Pacific
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Middle East & Africa
Key Players
- Amcor plc
- ALL PACKAGING COMPANY
- Cascades inc.
- DS Smith
- Evergreen Packaging (Pactiv Evergreen Inc.)
- International Paper
- Kruger Inc.
- Klabin S.A
- Mondi
- Metsä Group
- OJI FIBRE SOLUTIONS (NZ) LTD.
- Nampak Ltd.
- NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
- Nine Dragons Worldwide (China) Investment Group Co., Ltd.
- Rengo Co., Ltd.
- Smurfit Kappa
- Packaging Corporation of America
- Sappi
- Stora Enso
- WestRock Company
Competitive Landscape
Key players competing in the global paperboard container market are Amcor plc; ALL PACKAGING COMPANY; Cascades inc.; DS Smith; Evergreen Packaging (Pactiv Evergreen Inc.); International Paper; Kruger Inc.; Klabin S.A; Mondi; Metsä Group; OJI FIBRE SOLUTIONS (NZ) LTD.; Nampak Ltd.; NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.; Nine Dragons Worldwide (China) Investment Group Co., Ltd.; Rengo Co., Ltd.; Smurfit Kappa; Packaging Corporation of America; Sappi; Stora Enso; and WestRock Company.
Some of these companies adopted development strategies including acquisitions, mergers, collaboration, partnerships, and launching new products to expand their production and cater to customers worldwide. For instance,
- On May 5, 2023, Stora Enso, Blue Ocean Closures, and AISA collaborated and developed the first-ever paperboard tube with a fiber-based closure to further reduce the use of plastic in packaging. The tube is composed of Stora Enso’s barrier-coated board material Natura Shape and all the components of the tube are designed for recycling. The tube is suitable for personal care and cosmetics applications.
- On May 2, 2023, Cascades, a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging, announced that it has successfully produced the first roll of 100% recycled containerboard, at its Bear Island Virginia mill.
- On September 20, 2019, Sappi launched a new grade of paperboard packaging “Spectro C2S”. This grade of packaging provides a high-end experience with superior quality.
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