Printed Carton Market Report 2026

The printed carton market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $331.54 billion in 2025 to $353.11 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of retail and consumer goods packaging, growth in branded product marketing, increasing use of paper-based packaging, adoption of flexographic and offset printing, expansion of food and beverage packaging needs.

The printed carton market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $452.99 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing focus on recyclable packaging solutions, rising investments in smart printing technologies, expansion of e-commerce driven packaging demand, increasing customization requirements, adoption of premium packaging formats. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for sustainable printed packaging, rising adoption of digital printing technologies, growing use of high-quality brand graphics, expansion of custom and short-run cartons, enhanced focus on shelf-ready packaging.

The rising popularity of e-commerce is expected to propel the growth of the printed carton market going forward. E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services online through websites and digital platforms. The popularity of e-commerce is rising due to its ability to offer a seamless shopping experience that saves time, provides better deals, enhances convenience, and personalizes and simplifies purchasing decisions. Printed cartons enhance e-commerce by providing secure packaging, effective branding, and essential product information while ensuring a visually appealing unboxing experience that strengthens customer satisfaction and loyalty. For instance, in February 2025, according to the United States Census Bureau, a US-based government agency, total e-commerce sales were estimated at $1.19 trillion in 2024, marking an 8.1% (±1.1) increase from the previous year. Therefore, the rising popularity of e-commerce is driving the growth of the printed carton market.

Key players in the printed carton market are focusing on adopting innovative printing technologies, such as digital printing for aseptic cartons, to enhance product differentiation, improve print quality, and offer greater customization for brands. Digital printing for aseptic cartons is an advanced printing technology that enables high-quality, full-color graphics to be directly printed onto packaging materials without the need for traditional printing plates. For instance, in April 2023, SIG Group AG, a Switzerland-based packaging company, introduced digital printing for its aseptic cartons, enhancing flexibility and speed in production. This technology allows for full-color digital printing without the need for cylinders, enabling quick design changes and small-scale production runs. This is ideal for products with lower order quantities, facilitating frequent design updates and promotional activities. This innovation aligns with SIG's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that cater to the fast-paced and dynamic needs of the food and beverage sector.

In November 2023, Carton Group GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer of creative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, acquired British Duncan Print Group for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Carton Group aims to expand its UK presence, strengthen its premium packaging offerings, and accelerate its European growth strategy while ensuring operational continuity. British Duncan Print Group is a UK-based company specializing in luxury packaging solutions, including printed cartons.

Major companies operating in the printed carton market are WestRock, International Paper Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, Graphic Packaging Holding Company, DS Smith, Mondi Group, Mayr Melnhof Karton AG, Huhtamaki Group, TCPL Packaging Limited, Parksons Packaging Limited, Uflex Limited, ITC Limited, Stora Enso Oyj, Oji Holdings Corporation, Nippon Paper Industries Company Limited, Sonoco Products Company, Saica Group, Rengo Company Limited, Pratt Industries, Packaging Corporation of America.

North America was the largest region in the printed carton market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the printed carton market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the printed carton market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The printed carton market consists of sales of printing plates, dyes & pigments, finishing materials, coatings & laminates, and corrugated cardboard. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.