Printed Carton Market Report 2025

The printed carton market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $312.76 billion in 2024 to $334.49 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging, the expansion of e-commerce, rising consumer preference for convenience, the growth of the retail sector, and the enforcement of stringent packaging regulations.

The printed carton market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $433.98 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to a heightened focus on eco-friendly packaging, the ongoing expansion of e-commerce, increasing demand for premium packaging, regulatory initiatives promoting recyclability, and the growth of the food and beverage sector. Key trends expected during this period include a shift towards biodegradable materials, the adoption of smart packaging, the integration of AI in packaging design, advancements in printing technology, and innovations in digital printing.

The increasing popularity of e-commerce is expected to drive the growth of the printed carton market in the coming years. E-commerce involves the buying and selling of goods and services online through websites and digital platforms. Its growing appeal is attributed to its ability to provide a seamless shopping experience, save time, offer better deals, enhance convenience, and simplify purchasing decisions through personalization. Printed cartons contribute to the e-commerce sector by offering secure packaging, effective branding, and essential product information while creating a visually appealing unboxing experience that enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. For example, in February 2025, the United States Census Bureau, a government agency based in the US, reported that total e-commerce sales were estimated at $1.19 trillion in 2024, reflecting an 8.1% (±1.1) increase from the previous year. As a result, the growing popularity of e-commerce is fueling the expansion of the printed carton market.

Companies in the printed carton industry are increasingly adopting advanced printing technologies, such as digital printing for aseptic cartons, to improve product differentiation, enhance print quality, and provide greater customization for brands. Digital printing for aseptic cartons is a cutting-edge technology that allows high-quality, full-color graphics to be printed directly onto packaging materials without requiring traditional printing plates. In April 2023, SIG Group AG, a Switzerland-based packaging company, introduced digital printing for its aseptic cartons to enhance flexibility and efficiency in production. This technology eliminates the need for cylinders, enabling quick design changes and small-scale production runs. It is particularly suitable for products with lower order quantities, allowing for frequent design updates and promotional campaigns. This innovation supports SIG's commitment to delivering advanced solutions that meet the evolving demands of the food and beverage industry.

In November 2023, Carton Group GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer of creative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, expanded its market presence with the acquisition of British Duncan Print Group. The acquisition aims to strengthen Carton Group’s position in the UK, enhance its premium packaging offerings, and accelerate its European growth strategy while maintaining operational continuity. Duncan Print Group, based in the UK, specializes in luxury packaging solutions, including printed cartons.

Major players in the printed carton market are WestRock, International Paper Co., TCPL Packaging Limited, Amcor Limited, Smurfit Kappa Group, Tetra Pak International SA., Oji Holdings, Mondi Group, Graphic Packaging Holding Company, DS Smith, Nippon Paper Industries, Packaging Corporation of America, Sonoco Products, MayrMelnhof Karton AG, Huhtamaki Group, BillerudKorsnäs, SIG Combibloc Group Ltd., LGR Packaging, All Packaging Company, Quantum Print Packaging Limited.

North America was the largest region in the printed carton market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in printed carton report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the printed carton market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Printed cartons are packaging containers made from paperboard or corrugated cardboard, featuring printed designs, branding, product details, or graphics. These cartons are widely utilized across industries to enhance product presentation, convey essential information, and strengthen brand recognition.

The primary types of printed cartons include folding cartons, rigid cartons, set-up boxes, display cartons, and gift boxes. Folding cartons are lightweight paperboard boxes designed for easy folding and assembly. They are manufactured from materials such as cardboard, corrugated paper, chipboard, paperboard, and specialty papers, using various printing technologies such as flexographic printing, offset printing, digital printing, inkjet printing, and gravure printing. These cartons are commonly used in industries such as food and beverages, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, electronics and appliances, as well as retail and e-commerce.

The printed carton market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides printed carton market statistics, including printed carton industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a printed carton market share, detailed printed carton market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the printed carton industry. This printed carton market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

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.

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