Corrugated Packaging Market Size, Share, and Trends 2025 to 2034

Corrugated Packaging Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global corrugated packaging market size was calculated at USD 311.66 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 477.33 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.36% from 2025 to 2034. Rising demand for a strong, versatile, and sustainable packing choice that protects the product during shipping and storage is increasing the adoption of the corrugated packaging market.

Corrugated Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific led the global market with the highest market share of 35.14% in 2024.
• North America is projected to expand at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• By Package Type, the single wall boards segment has held the largest market share in 2024.
• By Package Type, the double wall boards segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the projected period.
• By Application, the food & beverages segment captured the biggest revenue share in 2024.
• By Application, the e-commerce segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the projected period.

How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Changing the Corrugated Packaging Market?

Integrating artificial intelligence into the corrugated packaging industry offers automation of the work process, leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced labour costs, and prioritization of employee safety. Emerging technology such as computer vision, machine learning and 3D printing is noticed to be widely used in the packing industry for sourcing, manufacturing, design, and distribution processes. AI-powered sensors provide real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance which detect anomalies or potential issues before they become a serious problem. The integrated AI algorithm analyses historical recorded data and market trends to optimize the production of the company.

• In September 2024, Glacier has partnered with Colgate and Amazon to build and train an AI model for the use of MRF’s optical scanning, to detect and characterize the product based on the material and recyclability. Additionally, it detects biobased plastics and uses the information to improve packaging design for better traceability and recoverability.

Asia Pacific Corrugated Packaging Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The Asia Pacific corrugated packaging market size was exhibited at USD 112.20 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 174.22 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.50% from 2025 to 2034.

Asia Pacific dominated the market with revenue share of over 35.14% in 2024. This region is the manufacturing hub of the world. Most of the electronics, homecare, and healthcare products are manufactured in the region and supplied globally. Moreover, the presence of huge population in the region makes it the most lucrative market for the food & beverages industry, which is expected to significantly drive the demand for the corrugated packaging. Moreover, the rising penetration of the e-commerce and various online shopping platforms in the region is fueling the demand for the corrugated packaging. All these factors are expected to foster the growth rate of the Asia Pacific corrugated packaging market in the foreseeable future.

North America is estimated to be the most opportunistic market during the forecast period. The stringent government regulations towards the use of eco-friendly packaging materials couple with the increased consumer awareness regarding the usage of environment-friendly materials has fostered the growth of the corrugated packaging market. The joint efforts of the Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA) and the American government has significant contributions towards the increased adoption of the corrugated packaging materials across the industries in North America. The major cities in US has banned the use of plastics owing to its harmful impact on the environment and human health, which has triggered the use of sustainable, reusable, and recyclable corrugated packaging in the region. It is estimated that US has more than 1,000 corrugated manufacturing units and over 50% of the corrugated boxes are made using recycled contents. US is among the top importers of the tree fibers that are used for making corrugated boxes.

Corrugated Packaging Market Growth Factors

• The growing E-commerce retail sales are expanding at a significant rate which is contributing to the growth of the corrugated packaging market. The increasingly complex logistics chain for direct consumer delivery in e-commerce packing is increasing the demand for cost-effective corrugated packaging.
• The popularity of fit-to-product (FtP) or Box-on-demands systems is highly required in e-commerce sellers such as Amazon and Staples which ultimately boosts the corrugated packaging market.
• Corrugated packaging boards are gaining traction due to their sustainability factor which is proving to be important across the value chain. As it is easy to recycle and the pulp and paper industry converts it into new containerboard is meeting consumer preference.
• As the digital printing market is expanding, so is the corrugated sector the flexibility saves in set-up costs and the ability to personalize with brands, regions, stores or individuals brings opportunity growth.

Market Scope 

Market Dynamics

Driver

Expansion of E-commerce and Related Sectors

The rapid growth of e-commerce in the past decade has tremendously spiked the consumption of corrugated packaging all over the globe. The rising popularity of e-commerce and online retail platforms such as Pepperfry, Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, Wal-Mart, and various others are penetrating the developing and underdeveloped markets at a rapid pace. The significant growth of telecommunications and the IT infrastructure, increased penetration of the internet, rising adoption of smartphones, and rising awareness regarding virtual stores among consumers are the major factors that have boosted the growth of the e-commerce industry across the globe. The rising disposable income and rising standards of living is resulting in the growth in the demand for various personal care, electronics, home products, and food products. The increasing adoption of e-commerce platforms among consumers to buy various types of goods is supplementing the growth of the corrugated packaging market.

• According to a Shopify survey, global e-commerce sales in 2024 were $6.09 trillion worldwide. This number is 8.4% more than the previous years. The market is estimated to rise to $6.56 trillion in 2025.

Restraint

Increase in Raw Material Cost

There are several challenges faced by the corrugated box industry, some of them vary with urgency and intensity depending on the company. The primary challenge the company needs to deal with is rising in raw material prices. The increasing demand and drop in supply is impacting the cost. The corrugated packaging companies need to spend more on raw materials such as kraft paper and many more, and the overall prices as increased in the supply chain. Another reason for the increase in raw material cost is the rising energy cost at the paper mills. This also increases the production cost in the corrugated box industry.

Opportunity

Global Sustainability Initiatives

The future of corrugated packaging is anticipated to grow more towards sustainability with driving factors including consumer awareness about environmental issues, rising preference for recyclability, and eco-friendliness. This trend is meeting the current market demand and setting the stage for a better sustainable and personalized market in the coming years.

Package Type Insights

The single wall boards segment dominated the global corrugated packaging market. This is attributed to the increased adoption of the single wall boards owing to its durability, strength, and feasible price. The single wall boards are more feasible for packaging and transportation of the majority of the products like food products, small electronic products, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Hence, the increased adoption of the single wall boards has fueled the growth of this segment across the globe.

On the other hand, the double wall boards segment is estimated to be the most opportunistic segment during the forecast period. The higher strength and durability is needed for the packaging of the heavy products of the electronics, healthcare, and homecare products. The increased popularity of the e-commerce has created a huge demand for the consumer electronics across the globe such as laptops, washing machines, air conditioners, fans, and various other products that needs more protection especially during the transit. Hence, the rising penetration of the e-commerce is fostering the growth of the double wall board segment growth.

Application Insights

Based on the application, food & beverages dominated the global corrugated packaging market in 2023. The food & beverages industry accounts for the highest volume consumption and highest revenue generation in the corrugated packaging market. The food & beverages industry require the corrugated packaging for the storage, handling, and transportation of the processed food products, non-perishables, and fresh produce. Varieties of the corrugated packages is required based on the perishability of the food products. The corrugated packaging is non-reactive, which makes it a popular choice for packaging the food products for longer time period and for transportation. Therefore, the food & beverages industry has a significant contribution in the growth of the global corrugated packaging market.

On the other hand, the e-commerce is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment. This is attributable to the rapidly growing adoption of the online shopping in the developing and the underdeveloped economies. The easy availability of the desired products, easy payment options, availability of feasible EMI options, fast home deliveries, and easy replace and return policies offered by the e-commerce channels is fueling the online shopping across the globe, which in turn is expected to foster the demand for the corrugated packaging in the forthcoming years.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, Power Adhesive launched its biodegradable hot melt adhesive, designed for use by cartons, corrugated packaging, point of sale (POS) converters, and contract packers. The majority of the key players in the supply chain is working towards sustainable products and processes in the market to support brands and consumers.
• In May 2024, Toyota Motor Corporation collaborated with DAIEI Co., Ltd. and NabiAce Co., Ltd. to create a new corrugated cardboard packaging container. The container is designed to increase loading weight while ensuring ergonomic handling. This lightweight design not only improves upon content loading capacity but also contributes to a 72% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions to improve transport efficiency and promote sustainability.

Corrugated Packaging Market Companies

• Mondi Group
• WestRock Company
• International Paper Company
• DS Smith PLC
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited
• Georgia-Pacific Equity Holdings LLC.
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.
• Packaging Corporation of America

Segments Covered in the Report

By Package Type

• Single Wall Boards
• Double Wall Boards
• Triple Wall Boards
• Single Face Boards

By Application

• Electronics & Electricals
• Food & Beverages
• Transport & Logistics
• E-Commerce
• Personal Care Goods
• Healthcare
• Homecare Goods
• Others

By Geography

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa