Cardboard Recycling Market Report 2026

The cardboard recycling market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $55.31 billion in 2025 to $59.71 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of retail and e-commerce packaging waste, increasing landfill diversion efforts, growth of municipal recycling programs, rising availability of corrugated cardboard waste, development of mechanical recycling infrastructure.

The cardboard recycling market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $80.41 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of circular economy regulations, rising investments in chemical recycling technologies, expansion of sustainable packaging demand, growing use of recycled content mandates, increasing automation in recycling facilities. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of automated sorting systems, rising demand for high-quality recycled fibers, growing integration of advanced de-inking technologies, expansion of circular packaging initiatives, enhanced focus on contamination reduction.

The rising demand for sustainable packaging is expected to drive the growth of the cardboard recycling market in the coming years. Sustainable packaging solutions refer to packaging methods and materials that are designed to reduce environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. This demand is increasing as consumers become more aware of environmental issues and prefer eco-friendly products that help reduce waste. Cardboard recycling supports sustainable packaging by enabling the reuse of materials, lowering environmental impact, and encouraging circular economy practices. It also contributes to efficient waste management, meeting eco-conscious consumer expectations and enhancing supply chain sustainability. For example, in January 2023, Protega Global Limited, a UK-based company providing sustainable packaging solutions, reported that 81 percent of consumers demanded sustainable packaging, showing a notable increase of 1.7 percent compared to the previous year. Therefore, the increasing demand for sustainable packaging is contributing to the growth of the cardboard recycling market.

Key players in the cardboard recycling market are focusing on developing advanced, innovative solutions such as circular economy enablement to promote eco-friendly practices and reduce carbon emissions. Circular economy enablement involves designing systems that extend the use of materials through recycling, reusing, and regenerating resources, which minimizes waste and environmental harm. For example, in July 2023, Russell Richardson & Sons Ltd., a UK-based company specializing in waste management and recycling, introduced a dedicated cardboard recycling service. This new offering helps businesses manage their cardboard waste more sustainably and efficiently through advanced recycling infrastructure and specialized collection and processing systems, supporting environmental targets while also reducing operational expenses.

In April 2024, Ekman & Co AB, a forest products company based in Sweden, acquired Allan Morris Recycling Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is aimed at reinforcing Ekman’s presence in the paper and cardboard recycling industry by integrating Allan Morris Recycling’s advanced facilities and experienced workforce. The combined capabilities are expected to drive business growth, enhance operational efficiency, and expand service offerings across the United Kingdom. Allan Morris Recycling Ltd. is a UK-based company that processes recyclable materials including paper and cardboard.

Major companies operating in the cardboard recycling market report are Oji Holdings Corporation, Stora Enso Oyj, Mondi Group plc, Georgia-Pacific Recycling LLC, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Sonoco Products Company, Klabin S.A., Cascades Inc., Shred-Tech Corporation, Reliable Paper Recycling Inc., Casepak Limited, Simply Waste Solutions Limited, American Recycling Corporation, M.W. White Ltd., St. Louis Recycling LLC, Greenobin Recycling Pvt. Ltd., Winfibre (U.K.) Company Limited, Clear Stream Recycling Inc., Recycling Revolution LLC, Total Recycling and Waste Solutions Limited.

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

The cardboard recycling market consists of sales of molded fiber packaging, recycled cardboard sheets, recycled paper rolls, and pulp-based materials. 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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