USD 136.4 billion
Containerboard Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis
Containerboard Market By Type (Virgin, Recycled), By Product Type (Linerboard, Corrugating medium), By End Use Industry (Food & beverage, Pharmaceuticals), By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032
Report ID:
SQMIG15H2099 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: May, 2025
Pages:
192
|Tables:
90
|Figures:
71
Format -
Containerboard Market Insights
Global Containerboard Market size was valued at USD 136.4 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 140.76 billion in 2024 to USD 181.11 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The development of internet-based shopping increases dramatically the demand for containerboard products since packaging is utilized to transport goods purchased over the internet. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), global B2C e-commerce sales will be USD 5.5 trillion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% from 2020. The increase in e-commerce due to shifting consumer behavior and digitalization has resulted in a steady rise in packaging requirements, which will prove to be positive for the global containerboard market growth. Being sustainability-focused, prominent e-tailers such as Amazon, Alibaba, and Walmart are looking at sustainable packaging options.
Furthermore, growing applications within the food and beverage sector are among the significant drivers of the containerboard market. With requirements for sustainable, convenient, and portable food package solutions increasing, companies are resorting to growing and growing uses of containerboard to package foods. Convenience food, ready-to-eat foods, and packaged drinks have generated greater demand for light, moisture-resistant, and durable packaging. Food is properly protected by containerboard while its freshness and strength are preserved during transportation and storage.
How Innovation in Lightweight Containerboard is Reducing Carbon Emissions?
A lot of ground is being made up in the global market by the light containerboard technology. Over the last few years, there has been an increased focus on the production of lighter boards that have enhanced strength and durability without compromising on performance whatsoever. Most of this can be credited to the increased demand for cost savings, enhanced logistics, and a lower carbon footprint. Firms can produce eco-friendly packaging materials at a lower manufacturing and shipping cost if they strive to reduce the quantity of raw material inputs they consume and adopt innovative fiber engineering methods in the process.
- For instance, in March 2024, Metsa Board launched a new light kraftliner that conserves huge amounts of raw material without losing strength. This is a big move towards creating green packages.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
Largest Segment
Recycled
Fastest Growth
Virgin
Growth Rate
3.2% CAGR
Global Containerboard Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for North America (%)
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Containerboard Market Segments Analysis
Global Containerboard Market is segmented by Type, Product Type, End Use Industry and region. Based on Type, the market is segmented into Virgin and Recycled. Based on Product Type, the market is segmented into Linerboard, Corrugating medium and White tops. Based on End Use Industry, the market is segmented into Food & beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Consumer goods and Others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Why Are Businesses Shifting Toward Recycled Containerboard?
As per the 2024 global containerboard industry analysis, the recycled segment will reach USD 153 billion by 2034 as sustainability commitments grow and green awareness among businesses intensifies. With reducing packaging waste and embracing circular economy principles being the norm among businesses, recycled containerboard is the choice of preference. It is value-for-money, utilitarian, and eco-friendly, making it ideal for standard packaging applications, especially for food and industrial use. The push towards greener supply chains remains the basis for demand for recycled products globally.
The virgin category is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 2% through 2032. Rising demand for high-quality and durable packaging is promoting the use of virgin containerboards. Growing e-commerce, international trade, and heavy-duty packaging demand are driving demand for high-quality corrugated boxes. Virgin containerboard provides high stacking strength and compression resistance with resistance to dampness, which is beneficial in transporting sensitive or high-value products.
What Makes Linerboard Essential for Modern Shipping Needs?
Based on the 2024 global containerboard market forecast, the linerboard category accounted for a 61.9% share in 2024. Linerboard remains a major product category due to its key application in manufacturing strong and durable boxes. Further, the growth in e-commerce and shipping volumes increases the need for linerboard as the top surface of corrugated boxes. Linerboard demand is primarily influenced by cost-effective and sustainable packaging requirements.
The corrugating medium category is anticipated to reach USD 66.7 billion by 2034. The corrugating mediums sector is expanding because it protects goods during transportation. Corrugating medium is being used in the market since it offers extra cushioning and support to the goods being moved, thus offering a cost-effective solution to companies such as electronics. Since organizations continue to search for light and cheap packaging, corrugating medium continues to experience increased applications.
Global Containerboard Market By Type
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Containerboard Market Regional Insights
Why Does North America Lead the Containerboard Market?
North America held 26% market share in 2024. The North American containerboard sector is expanding because of growth of retail industry and e-commerce. Containerboard growth is being fueled by increasing demands for robust and lightweight packaging in logistics and distribution where cost-effective and efficient packaging systems are essential to supply chain management.
U.S. Containerboard Market
The U.S. containerboard market is anticipated to grow significantly up to USD 41.1 billion by the year 2034. The containerboard market in the US is growing through the growth of the e-commerce market. Owing to an increase in internet-based shopping, demand for the containerboard will also grow proportionately. As per Statista, the US e-commerce industry is projected to deliver USD 1.8 trillion in revenues by 2029. The expansion in the e-commerce industry is witnessed to be propelling the demand for containerboard.
Canada Containerboard Market
The Canadian containerboard industry will be expanding with a CAGR of 2.1% during the projection period. Canada containerboard market is expanding owing to a boost in demand for eco-friendly packaging. Companies are employing recyclable material as one of the methods of attaining their sustainability targets. This is aided by the anti-wastage packaging law in the country. Thus, there is high popularity for green packaging in Canada.
Is Europe Driving Innovation in Sustainable Containerboard?
Europe enjoyed a considerable market share of 23.8% in 2024. The European containerboard market is expanding with keen emphasis on green and sustainable options. With increasing regulations demanding more recyclable and environmentally friendly material, increasing numbers of companies are using containerboards made from recycled paper. Expansion in the quantity and quality of packaging material needed to supply food, beverages, and retailing further encourages the market for this region.
Germany Containerboard Market
Germany containerboard market is growing at a rapid rate and is anticipated to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2034. Digital printing technology is driving the growth of Germany containerboard market. Digital printing is being combined with containerboard packaging processes to create more sophisticated packaging. Germany's strong industrial base combined with the increased demand for multi-purpose packaging is fueling this trend across different industries.
UK Containerboard Market
The UK containerboard market is forecast to reach USD 9.4 billion by 2034. Containerboard demand within the UK is motivated by rising demand for lightweight and recyclable packaging. Containerboard is becoming the cost-effective packing solution in retail and e-commerce markets as it is eco-friendly and also gaining popularity with consumers and businesses alike.
France Containerboard Market
The France containerboard market will most predicted attain a CAGR of 2.4% in 2034. Premium food and beverage packaging trend is becoming stronger in France, and it is driving containerboard demand. As a result of greater focus on attractive and sustainable packaging, businesses are utilizing containerboard as it is strong and versatile enough to serve functional and visual needs.
Why Is Asia-Pacific Emerging as the Fastest-Growing Containerboard Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at a robust rate at a CAGR of 3.5% through 2034. Asia Pacific will post strong growth in the containerboard sector due to industrialization and consumer expenditure growth. Urbanization and rise in per capita income contribute to higher demand for packaged products with containerboard packaging solutions. The versatility of containerboard positions it as the perfect choice for a variety of businesses.
Japan Containerboard Market
The Japan containerboard market accounted for 12.4% in 2024. The market is growing due to the increasing focus on sustainable packaging. Increasing regulation regarding recycling and corporate efforts to be green are driving demand for premium containerboard from recycled paper in different industries.
South Korea Containerboard Market
The South Korean containerboard market will be valued at USD 7 billion in 2034. Growing South Korean retail and e-commerce commerce is likely to spur demand for containerboard. Companies streamlining supply chain logistics and requiring extra brand identity have driven usage of corrugated containers for shipping and packaging that is cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Global Containerboard Market By Geography
- Largest
- Fastest
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Containerboard Market Dynamics
Containerboard Market Drivers
Development of Electronic Commerce
- The global containerboard market is being fueled largely by the exploding e-commerce activity occurring everywhere globally. With increasing customers buying products online, there is a surge in demand for packaging materials that are not only light but also durable and eco-friendly. It is necessary to employ corrugated boxes constructed from containerboard to ship products safely. This has led to ongoing investments and innovations in the production of containerboard to address the constantly changing needs of the supply chain and logistics.
Switch to Green Packaging
- Companies are having to switch to sustainable packaging solutions like recycled containerboard due to the increasing consumers' demand for eco-friendly products and the tight regulations that limit the use of plastic. Since containerboard is a renewable and biodegradable material, it is a good alternative for companies that are compelled to minimize their carbon footprint. The world demand for recycled and virgin containerboard is being heavily driven by this movement towards sustainability, which is also contributing heavily to the demand.
Containerboard Market Restraints
Uncertainty of Raw Material Cost
- Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials, especially wood pulp and recovered paper, can potentially have adverse effects on the margins of manufacturers of containerboard. There are several reasons why there is price volatility, such as distortions in the supply chain, environmental limitations, and conditions in the world market. These reasons ensure that companies are not able to keep stable production costs and uniform pricing policies.
Competition from Materials that are Alternative
- Containerboard is among the most widespread packaging material types; however, other packaging material types, including bioplastics, reusable plastics, and flexible packaging, are increasingly popular. These products tend to be lighter in weight and offer innovative design possibilities. Consequently, they pose a competitive threat to containerboard manufacturers and limit market growth in cases where high-value applications are being put into place.
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Containerboard Market Competitive Landscape
The global containerboard market is competitive, with major players focusing on mergers & acquisitions and green consolidation strategies to expand their market share. The firms are increasing their production capacity worldwide, and investing in recycling facilities and the production of lightweight containerboard. Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, for example, have continued to invest in premium production lines and practices that are linked to the circular economy to ensure that they remain at the top. Future growth will continue to necessitate the establishment of strategic partnerships and the expansion of operations into emerging markets.
- Blue Ocean Closures (2021): Blue Ocean Closures is a Swedish startup company with the vision of creating plastic cap and closure alternatives made of fiber. The company is aimed at creating eco-friendly solutions. Blue Ocean Closures aims at minimizing the amount of waste created by plastic using materials that are recyclable and biodegradable. The company is also currently developing fiber-based packaging materials that can be utilized as alternatives to traditional containerboard. This will create more circular and sustainable packaging solutions for the packaging industry. While its core products are closures, Blue Ocean Closures is also currently developing these materials.
Top Player’s Company Profiles
- International Paper (USA)
- WestRock (USA)
- Smurfit Kappa Group (Ireland)
- DS Smith Plc (UK)
- Oji Holdings Corporation (Japan)
- Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited (China)
- Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. (Hong Kong)
- Mondi plc (UK / South Africa)
- Georgia-Pacific LLC (USA)
- Packaging Corporation of America (USA)
- Graphic Packaging International (USA)
- Stora Enso Oyj (Finland)
- UPM-Kymmene Corporation (Finland)
- BillerudKorsnäs AB (Sweden)
- Sappi Limited (South Africa)
- Cascades Inc. (Canada)
- Domtar Corporation (USA)
- SCA (Sweden)
- Shanying International Holdings Co., Ltd. (China)
- Hamburger Containerboard (Austria)
Recent Developments in Containerboard Market
- In July 2024, PG Paper introduced the Opal Containerboard Range in the UK with the partnership of Opal. This consists of a unique lighter shade virgin Kraft Liner Board (KLB) that has a bright, smooth finish perfect for high-grade, professional printing and 100% recycled Fluting and Testliner grades. The new range will power innovative and sustainable packaging.
- In June 2024, Mondi launched ProVantage SmartKraft Brown and White with a combination of new and waste fibers to suit various packaging specifications without affecting quality and performance.
- In January 2024, WestRock Company announced that it will build a new corrugated box factory in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, to meet rising demand from customers in the Great Lakes market. The company will close its existing plant in North Chicago after the new facility is complete.
Containerboard Key Market Trends
- Rise to Fame of Lightweight Containerboard: There has been an increasing inclination among manufacturers to invest in the technology of lightweight containerboard, which is incredibly strong yet makes use of as little material as possible. This is enabled through the achievement of cost-efficient targets and in a bid to reduce the carbon footprint left behind upon manufacturing as well as during shipment. Containerboard that is lightweight is becoming increasingly sought after in the realm of e-commerce, where packaging must have the ability to accommodate durability and the reduction of shipping costs.
- Smart Packaging and Digitalization of the Packaging: Innovative technologies such as digital printing and intelligent packaging are having an effect on the utilization of containerboard. To enhance their brand visibility and the level of engagement they have with consumers, companies are calling for high-definition printing on their containers. Also, advanced packaging technologies that consist of QR codes and track-and-trace features are being incorporated on products based on containerboard. This is particularly occurring in the food and transport industries.
Containerboard Market SkyQuest Analysis
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, the global containerboard market outlook is expected to change with steady growth, which will be fueled by the increase in demand for sustainable packaging solutions in addition to the ongoing growth of the e-commerce sector. In a bid to meet the continually changing environmental regulations and the continually rising demands of consumers, companies are increasingly putting their attention towards the manufacture of products that are light, durable, and can be recycled. Although it is exposed to threats such as fluctuations in raw material prices and competition from other packaging products, containerboard remains a crucial material for manufacturing and retail industries. Expanding their capacity, improving their technology, and creating eco-friendly innovations are some of the actions that large companies are taking to stay competitive. There is a strong predictability that the Asia-Pacific region will become a key center of growth due to rising exports and industrialization. Overall, it is expected that the market will continue to grow, which will help to highlight the critical importance that it holds within global manufacturing supply chains.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2023 | USD 136.4 billion |
| Market size value in 2032 | USD 181.11 billion |
| Growth Rate | 3.2% |
| Base year | 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
| Segments covered |
|
| Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
| Companies covered |
|
| Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Containerboard Market Characteristics
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- SWOT Analysis
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
- Technology Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
- Pricing Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
- Supply Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
- Value Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
- Ecosystem Of the Market
- Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
- Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
- IP Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
- Trade Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
- Startup Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
- Raw Material Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
- Innovation Matrix
- (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
- Pipeline product Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
- Macroeconomic Indicators
COVID IMPACT
- Introduction
- Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
- Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
- Revised Market Size
- Exhibit: Data Table on Containerboard Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
- Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- COVID Strategies By Company
- Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Regulatory Landscape
- Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
- SWOT Analysis
- Porters Analysis
- Competitive rivalry
- Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of substitute products
- Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of buyers
- Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of new entrants
- Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of suppliers
- Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Competitive rivalry
- Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
- Political Impact
- Economic impact
- Social Impact
- Technical Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Legal Impact
Market Size by Region
- Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
- North America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- USA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Canada
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Europe
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Germany
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Spain
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- France
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- UK
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Europe
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Asia Pacific
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- China
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- India
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Japan
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Korea
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Latin America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Brazil
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of South America
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- GCC Countries
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Africa
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of MEA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
- Competitive Landscape
- Total number of companies covered
- Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
- Top companies market positioning
- Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
- Top companies market Share
- Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)
- Total number of companies covered
Methodology
For the Containerboard Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Containerboard Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Containerboard Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Containerboard Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
Containerboard Market Report Snapshots
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