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Paper Packaging Materials - Global Strategic Business Report

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    Report

  • 547 Pages
  • June 2025
  • Region: Global
  • Global Industry Analysts, Inc
  • ID: 338765
The global market for Paper Packaging Materials was estimated at US$282.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$420.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Paper Packaging Materials market.

Global Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Paper and Paperboard Packaging, and Why Is It Pivotal in Today`s Market?

Paper and paperboard packaging are essential components in various industries due to their versatility, recyclability, and sustainability. These materials are crafted from cellulose fibers extracted from trees or recycled waste paper, often used in forms such as cartons, boxes, and wrapping papers. Paper packaging is favored for its light weight, biodegradability, and renewable nature, making it a popular choice in the push towards eco-friendly packaging solutions. Paperboard offers a sturdier form of paper with higher durability and is typically used for shipping heavier items or products requiring a greater degree of protection during transit. As industries globally move towards more sustainable business practices, paper and paperboard packaging stands out as a beneficial choice, aligning with consumer preferences and environmental regulations.

How Are Advances in Material Science Enhancing Paper Packaging Products?

The field of material science has significantly advanced, influencing the development of paper and paperboard packaging. Innovations include barriers and coatings that enhance the functional properties of paper products, such as water resistance, grease resistance, and improved thermal properties. These enhancements have expanded the use of paper packaging in sectors that traditionally relied on plastics, such as the food and beverage industry, by making paper solutions viable for a broader range of products. Furthermore, advances in digital printing technologies have transformed paper and paperboard packaging into highly effective tools for branding and marketing, offering excellent print quality, customization, and aesthetic appeal while maintaining environmental friendliness.

What Role Does Paper and Paperboard Packaging Play in Consumer Industries?

Paper and paperboard packaging is ubiquitous in consumer industries, serving critical roles ranging from protective containment to marketing. In the food industry, paper packaging ensures hygiene and safety while offering the convenience of easy handling and storage. In the retail sector, the aesthetic appeal and easy recyclability of paperboard boxes make them attractive for packaging a wide array of consumer goods, from electronics to apparel. Additionally, as e-commerce continues to surge, the demand for sustainable yet durable shipping solutions has propelled the use of paperboard in creating innovative packaging that protects goods while enhancing the customer unboxing experience. This sector`s reliance on paper-based packaging solutions underscores their importance in not only fulfilling functional packaging needs but also in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Growth in the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Market Is Driven by Several Factors

The growth in the paper and paperboard packaging market is driven by several factors, including the increasing global emphasis on sustainability. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, their preference for green packaging solutions influences companies to adopt paper-based packaging over less sustainable options. Additionally, the rise in online shopping has led to an increased demand for shipping and packaging solutions that are both robust and eco-friendly. Technological advancements in paper production and recycling processes have also made paper and paperboard packaging more competitive in terms of cost and performance. Furthermore, global regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste have spurred innovations in paper packaging, making it more versatile and suitable for a variety of applications. These dynamics collectively contribute to the robust expansion of the paper and paperboard packaging market, reflecting its growing indispensability in a world leaning towards sustainable practices.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Paper Packaging Materials market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
  • Segments: Product (Paper Bags & Sacks, Corrugated Containers & Packaging, Folding Boxes & Cases, Other Products); Application (Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Industrial, Other Applications)
  • Geographic Regions/Countries: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa.

Key Insights:

  • Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Paper Bags & Sacks segment, which is expected to reach US$132.8 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.9%. The Corrugated Containers & Packaging segment is also set to grow at 6.2% CAGR over the analysis period.
  • Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $73.8 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.9% CAGR to reach $87.5 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

  • Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Paper Packaging Materials Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
  • Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
  • Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Paper Packaging Materials Market.
  • Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

  • How is the Global Paper Packaging Materials Market expected to evolve by 2030?
  • What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
  • Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
  • How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
  • Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

  • Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
  • In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
  • Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Georgia-Pacific LLC, Amcor PLC, Cascades, Inc., Graphic Packaging International, Inc., DS Smith PLC and more.
  • Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 95 companies featured in this Paper Packaging Materials market report include:

  • Georgia-Pacific LLC
  • Amcor PLC
  • Cascades, Inc.
  • Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
  • DS Smith PLC
  • Elopak AS
  • Euro Packaging UK Ltd.
  • Flexipack International Wunderlich GmbH + Co. KG
  • Clearwater Paper Corporation
  • Confoil Pty., Ltd.
  • Brodrene Hartmann A/S
  • ADSURE Packaging Limited
  • Green Bay Packaging, Inc.
  • egepack GmbH & Company KG
  • Gravure Packaging Limited

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

  • Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
  • Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
  • Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
  • Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
  • Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
  • Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
  • Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.

Table of Contents

I. METHODOLOGYII. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. MARKET OVERVIEW
Influencer Market Insights
Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns
Paper Packaging Materials - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E)
Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E)
Paper Packaging: A Prelude
Making of Paper
Types of Paper used in Flexible Packaging Products
A Comparative Analysis of Paper and Plastic Packaging
Plastic Crates & Corrugated Box: A Comparative Review of Major Attributes
Paper Packaging Material Options Crafted for Diverse End-Use Requirements
Corrugated Boxes
Paper Bags & Sacks
Paperboard Cartons & Boxboards
Market Outlook
Recent Market Activity
2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS
3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
E-Commerce Leads to Boom in Paper Packaging
Global e-Commerce Market Growth Outlook (In %) For Years 2019 Through 2025
Global B2C E-Commerce Sales in US$ Trillion for the Years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025
Colorful Paper-based Packaging Remains Mainstay for Traditional Retail & E-Commerce
Sustainability Remains Critical Factor Driving Recycling Initiatives
Food Industry Remains the Prime Market for Flexible Paper Packaging
Growing Environmental Concerns Regarding Use of Plastics in Packaging Application Spurs Demand for Paper
Major Attributes of Paper Packaging Drive Preference over Other Packaging Options
Paper Bottles Emerge as Promising Alternative to Plastic Bottles
Rising Appetite Related to Fiber-based Packaging Marks Shift Away from Plastic
Key Technical Challenges Associated with Sustainable Packaging
Select Examples of Companies Offering Recyclable Paper Packaging
Does Paper Hold the Capability of Replacing Plastic in Barrier Packaging?
Skyrocketing Prices of Paper Pressurize Margins of Paper Packaging Brands
Factors Responsible for Spike in Paper & Packaging Prices
Changing Food Habits and Trend towards Convenience & Ready-to-Eat Foods Fuels Demand
Paper Packaging Market Benefits from the Growth of Delivery from QSRs and Fast Food Establishments
Global Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant Market Size (in US$ Billion) for 2019, 2022 & 2025
Food Disposables Market Benefits from the Growth of QSRs and Fast Food Establishments
Healthy Gains in Third Party Online Food Delivery Services & Mobile Apps Drive Need for Packaging
Global Online Food Delivery Services Market Size (in US$ Billion) for 2019, 2021, 2023 & 2025
Snacking Culture Pushes Up Demand
Global Snack Foods Sales in US$ Billion for the Years 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2026
Compostable Barrier Coatings Witness Rising Popularity for Sustainable Food Packaging
Retail Sector: A Key Beneficiary of Corrugated Packaging
Manufactures Explore New Paper Recycling Technologies
Fashion Brands Face Catch-22 Situation over Transition from Plastic to Paper Packaging
Cardboard Production Amid Looming Environmental Concerns
Environment-Friendly Packaging and Printing Inks Gain Momentum
Digital Folding Cartons Market
Corrugated Packaging Market
Factors Driving Growth
Regional Review
Food and Beverages Sector Leads Demand for Corrugated Boxes
Global Demand for Foodservice Board - Percentage Breakdown of Demand by Type and Region
Rising Demand for Packaged and Ready-to-Eat Foods
Snacking Culture Pushes Innovation & Demand
Surge in E-Commerce Sales: Corrugated and Paperboard Box Market Positioned for Growth
Corrugated Packaging Materials: A Review
Corrugated Packaging Material Market (2023): Percentage Breakdown of Material Volume Demand by Type of Application
Recyclability: A Major Fetching Factor for Corrugated and Paperboard Boxes
Shift towards Lightweight Corrugated Boxes
Growing Demand for Micro-Corrugated Cardboard
Growing Popularity of Smaller Flute Profiles
Global Folding Carton Market
Innovations Benefit Carton Packaging Industry
Industry Faces Threat from BioMaterials
Companies Focus on Cost Containment in Packaging
Industrial Manufacturing Activity to Influence Growth Trends
Innovations in Packaging for Pet Food
Favorable Demographic & Economic Trends Strengthen Market Prospects
Ballooning Global Population
World Population (in Thousands) by Geographic Region for the Years 2019, 2030, 2050, 2100
Urbanization Trend
World Urban Population in Thousands: 1950-2050P
Burgeoning Middle Class Population
Global Middle Class Population (In Million) by Region for the Years 2020, 2025 and 2030
Global Middle Class Spending (US$ Trillion) by Region for the Years 2020, 2025, and 2030
4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
TABLE 1: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Paper Packaging Materials by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 2: World Historic Review for Paper Packaging Materials by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 3: World 15-Year Perspective for Paper Packaging Materials by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 4: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Paper Bags & Sacks by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 5: World Historic Review for Paper Bags & Sacks by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 6: World 15-Year Perspective for Paper Bags & Sacks by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 7: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Corrugated Containers & Packaging by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 8: World Historic Review for Corrugated Containers & Packaging by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 9: World 15-Year Perspective for Corrugated Containers & Packaging by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 10: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Folding Boxes & Cases by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 11: World Historic Review for Folding Boxes & Cases by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 12: World 15-Year Perspective for Folding Boxes & Cases by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 13: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Other Products by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 14: World Historic Review for Other Products by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 15: World 15-Year Perspective for Other Products by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 16: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Food & Beverage by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 17: World Historic Review for Food & Beverage by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 18: World 15-Year Perspective for Food & Beverage by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 19: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Healthcare by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 20: World Historic Review for Healthcare by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 21: World 15-Year Perspective for Healthcare by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 22: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Industrial by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 23: World Historic Review for Industrial by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 24: World 15-Year Perspective for Industrial by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 25: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Other Applications by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 26: World Historic Review for Other Applications by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Revenues in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 27: World 15-Year Perspective for Other Applications by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Revenues for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 28: World Paper Packaging Materials Market Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2030
III. MARKET ANALYSIS
UNITED STATES
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United States for 2025 (E)
CANADA
JAPAN
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Japan for 2025 (E)
CHINA
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in China for 2025 (E)
EUROPE
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Europe for 2025 (E)
FRANCE
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in France for 2025 (E)
GERMANY
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Germany for 2025 (E)
ITALY
UNITED KINGDOM
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United Kingdom for 2025 (E)
SPAIN
RUSSIA
REST OF EUROPE
ASIA-PACIFIC
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Asia-Pacific for 2025 (E)
AUSTRALIA
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Australia for 2025 (E)
INDIA
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in India for 2025 (E)
SOUTH KOREA
REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC
LATIN AMERICA
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Latin America for 2025 (E)
ARGENTINA
BRAZIL
MEXICO
REST OF LATIN AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Middle East for 2025 (E)
IRAN
ISRAEL
SAUDI ARABIA
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
REST OF MIDDLE EAST
AFRICA
Paper Packaging Materials Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Africa for 2025 (E)
IV. COMPETITION

Companies Mentioned (Partial List)

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

  • Georgia-Pacific LLC
  • Amcor PLC
  • Cascades, Inc.
  • Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
  • DS Smith PLC
  • Elopak AS
  • Euro Packaging UK Ltd.
  • Flexipack International Wunderlich GmbH + Co. KG
  • Clearwater Paper Corporation
  • Confoil Pty., Ltd.
  • Brodrene Hartmann A/S
  • ADSURE Packaging Limited
  • Green Bay Packaging, Inc.
  • egepack GmbH & Company KG
  • Gravure Packaging Limited

Table Information