North America Corrugated Packaging Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

North America Corrugated Packaging Market Size and Companies

The North America corrugated packaging market size was USD 97.53 billion in 2023, calculated at USD 104.98 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 233.25 billion by 2033. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 9.11% over the forecast period 2024 to 2033. The North America corrugated packaging market is driven by the increasing acceptance of online shopping.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. dominated the North America corrugated packaging market in 2023.
• Canada is observed to be the fastest growing in the market during the forecast period.
• By package type, the singe wall boards segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 38.46% in 2023.
• By package type, the double wall boards segment is observed to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period.
• By application, the food and beverages segment has contributed more than 34.36% of revenue share in 2023.
• By application, the e-commerce segment is the fastest growing in the North America corrugated packaging market during the forecast period.

U.S. Corrugated Packaging Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2033

The U.S. corrugated packaging market size accounted for USD 82.96 billion in 2023 and is projected to attain around USD 198.87 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 9.13% from 2024 to 2033.

The U.S. had largest market share in 2023 in the North America corrugated packaging market. The US pharmaceutical business is growing. The increasing number of pharmaceutical companies venturing into e-commerce and offering home delivery services is expected to drive the regional market dynamics through 2032. Due to strict lockdown measures, consumer choices for online platforms for acquiring necessities like food, medications, and other items have changed. In addition, end-use industries were motivated to employ sustainable packaging solutions by the strict regulations governing single-use plastic packaging and the quickening of the green transition. These variables helped businesses grow during the recession and are expected to follow a similar trajectory going forward.

The market for corrugated packaging in the United States is anticipated to expand in the following years due to the growing demand from various sectors for economical, eco-friendly, and effective packaging solutions.

Canada is the fastest growing in the North America corrugated packaging market during the forecast period. Growing markets, new technologies, and sustainability are propelling corrugated packaging's expansion in Canada. Customers choose readily recyclable cardboard containers over tin or plastic packaging because of the growing emphasis on sustainability. Paper packaging will probably become a practical and affordable choice across the country as consumer demand for more consumer-friendly packaging and enhanced product protection increases. Demand for cardboard and paper products is rising in the nation due to the growing e-commerce sector, especially among logistics and transportation firms.

A variety of items can be transported, preserved, and protected at a reasonable price with the help of paper-based packaging. As environmental restrictions become more stringent, there will likely be a greater preference for environmentally benign and biodegradable packaging with reused materials.

Market Overview

The term "corrugated packaging" describes a kind of packaging composed of corrugated paperboard, a substance made up of two outer and an inner layer of paper known as "liners" and an interior layer known as "fluting." The liners offer a smooth surface for branding and printing, and the fluting provides strength and cushioning.

A wide range of goods, from food and drink to electronics and furniture, are shipped and stored in corrugated packaging. It is well-liked since it is recyclable, robust, and lightweight. Corrugated packaging can be used for displays, stands, and other marketing materials in addition to standard boxes. These goods are intended to serve as product displays and marketers in retail settings. As eco-friendly packaging solutions become increasingly important to consumers and businesses, sustainability is a significant trend in the corrugated packaging sector. As a result, many companies are converting to recycled and renewable resources like paper pulp, bagasse, and bamboo and introducing sustainable practices into every aspect of their business operations.

Growth Factors

• The need for robust and lightweight packing to ensure safe product delivery is growing as more people purchase online.
• Growing industries such as food & beverage, personal care, and healthcare drive demand for bespoke packaging solutions.
• Corrugated cardboard benefits from consumer and governmental focus on environmentally friendly solutions because it is recyclable and biodegradable.
• Strong and dependable packaging is essential for protecting products during transit, especially due to growing manufacturing activity and global trade.
• Corrugated boxes are more useful and aesthetically pleasing thanks to innovations in printing, design, and lightweight materials.

North America Corrugated Packaging Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising demand in the agricultural sector and food and beverage sector

Popular packaging frequently used for storing and shipping various items is corrugated packing. It is constructed by laminating and fluting two or more sheets of paper to create a robust and long-lasting material. Food and drinks are kept safe despite being transported over large distances and handled by various personnel thanks to corrugated packaging. Additionally, corrugated boxes can be ordered in the precise size needed to fit the product. Customization usually impresses customers since it appears professional and denotes business, and it helps with brand recognition. Thus, creating a customized brand is the best approach to attract customers.

Due to the growing demand in the agriculture sector, there is a greater need for dependable and effective packaging solutions to move and store agricultural products. The agriculture business has favored corrugated packaging because of its affordability, durability, and adaptability. Because of its capacity to protect against moisture, pests, and other environmental conditions, it is specifically utilized for transporting and storing fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural items. Farmers and other producers will find it a helpful solution because it is lightweight and easy to handle.

Increasing demand due to restrictions on wooden packaging

Since corrugated crates are made of sophisticated materials, they weigh less and are as strong as wooden containers. This corrugated packing feature helps save freight and material costs by protecting the shipment. Furthermore, recyclable and reusable corrugated packaging lowers carbon dioxide emissions. Since corrugated packaging is one of the best choices for handling and long-distance transportation, it provides packaged goods with the highest stability and protection. Corrugated packaging takes up less room during transportation, another advantage over traditional hardwood shipping. As a result, more goods are transported in the available area, increasing demand.

Restraints

Flexible plastic container packaging poses significant competition

Retailers and manufacturers stand to gain the most from flexible plastic packaging since it reduces container weight, cuts transportation and storage costs, and requires significantly less space. Food tastes better in retort containers than traditional tin cans, and consumers appreciate features like single-serve amounts, easy-to-open, and easy-peel alternatives. Convenience, mobility, economy, sustainability, and health advantages are thus pushing product package manufacturers and packaging converters to move from rigid to flexible materials.

In contrast to corrugated packaging, these flexible plastic containers have superior moisture barrier qualities that shield the product from moisture and humidity while it is being stored and transported. When not in use, they occupy less space than corrugated packing, which lowers storage and shipping expenses. In addition, most of the packaging for flexible plastic containers is recyclable, which promotes sustainability initiatives and helps cut down on waste.

Inadequate weatherproofing

Extreme weather conditions negatively impact corrugated packaging. Corrugated container producers need to allow more time for the drying process when moisture and humidity levels rise. Because businesses want to expedite this process, the adhesive or ink could not evaporate entirely, giving the impression that the cardboard is flimsier, like how an absorbent substance retains moisture and water.

Conversely, suppose cardboard is stored in dry conditions for an extended period. In that case, the absence of moisture causes the packing to function as if it were a dehydrated sponge. It becomes very stiff and brittle, making it difficult to fold a box without ripping or breaking it. These elements might, in part, prevent market revenues from growing. Numerous companies are researching and developing projects to get around this restriction. Another choice is to erect a barrier between the product and the surroundings out of plastic or other waterproof materials. These methods might not work for all items or applications, and they might raise the cost of the packing.

Opportunity

Implementation of digitalization in the corrugated packaging industry by advancing novel paper range

Several businesses, including Smurfit Kappa, invented the incorporation of digitalization into corrugated packaged goods. It created a range of multipurpose paper suitable for flexographic and digital printers. Multipurpose paper facilitated cooperation between the printer and the packaging materials. This development expands the parameters of ideal digital printing and should optimize digital printing abilities.

One benefit of personalized graphic design is higher revenue, among other things. These advancements offer substantial market growth potential and have advanced the digitization of the paper-based packaging industry. The development of converters and printers is made possible by the capacity to personalize for brands, regions, stores, or individuals, in addition to the quality currently attainable through cutting-edge technologies.

Brand owners realize that these technological advancements present opportunities to engage their customer base more profoundly and increase declining brand loyalty. Industry leaders also find that packaging is critical in creating a memorable shopping experience that customers are likely to share on social media, which could enhance marketing, attract new customers, and encourage repeat business.

North America Corrugated Packaging Market, by Package Type, 2020-2023 (Million Tonnes)

Package Type Insights

The singe wall boards segment dominated the North America corrugated packaging market in 2023. Corrugated packaging comprises two or more paper sheets with an inner layer fluted and adhered together. Single wall boards are frequently used for shipping boxes and packing since they include just one layer of corrugated paper. Shipping cartons are made from a single wall board. The board with a single wall serves as an extra layer of protection inside the outer packaging and facilitates the application of multiple coatings and printing. Single-wall corrugated boxes offer an affordable packing solution for online retailers and regular consumers. Because it's designed for light to medium-duty use, it's ideal for house shifts where you need to organize, arrange, and transfer stuff.

The double wall boards segment is observed to be the fastest growing in the North America corrugated packaging market during the forecast period. When two layers of corrugated material are combined to create double-wall boards, the result is more strength and durability than single-wall boards. Over the past several years, the corrugated packaging market in North America has grown gradually thanks to rising demand from various end-use industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and retail. These are frequently employed in businesses where the product needs additional protection during transportation and in heavy-duty applications such as large or heavy objects.

One of the biggest markets for double wall boards is North America, where rising industrialization and urbanization are predicted to fuel further demand for these boards in the coming years. Double wall boards have different thicknesses and strengths depending on the intended use. They are frequently employed in producing pallets, boxes, and other transportation containers. They are also utilized in the automobile industry for part packing and transportation and in the construction sector for protective packaging. Double-wall substitutes are employed in strengthening, fanfold separation, and assembly applications.

North America Corrugated Packaging Market, by Application, 2020-2023 (Million Tonnes)

Application Insights

The food and beverages segment dominated the North America corrugated packaging market in 2023. In North America, the selection of alcoholic beverages has expanded significantly, and a rise in organic products is impacting the market. Customers and brand owners are becoming more environmentally conscious. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increase in demand for liquid carton packaging due to several factors, including concerns about sustainability, technological advancements, and appealing economics. Consumer perspectives and how they engage with products are rapidly evolving.

Vendors are emphasizing sustainability, and corrugated packaging, which is creative and sustainable, is replacing traditional rigid packaging solutions. Beverage containers made of corrugated plastic serve multiple purposes. The packaging can preserve safety and stop heavy bottles from breaking. It serves as a barrier layer to keep out sunlight. Corrugated cartons' inexpensive cost has contributed to their growing popularity. Financial constraints force companies to eliminate waste and reduce their expensive, leading packaging.

The e-commerce segment is the fastest growing in the North America corrugated packaging market during the forecast period. The need for packaging materials, especially corrugated packaging, has surged due to the recent rapid growth of e-commerce. Because it is affordable and long-lasting, corrugated packaging is a kind of cardboard frequently utilized in the e-commerce sector for handling and delivering items. Applications for online shopping offer real-time shipment tracking data while they're in transit. Tracking codes and other identifying information are integrated into the corrugated packaging used for e-commerce shipments to facilitate monitoring.

North America Corrugated Packaging Market Companies

• Georgia-Pacific
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.
• Smurfit Kappa
• DS Smith
• WestRock Company
• International Paper
• Packaging Corporation of America

Recent Developments

• In August 2022, Agawam, Massachusetts-based B2B Industrial Packaging, a GenNx360 company, announced that it has acquired Springfield Corrugated Box Inc.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Package Type

• Singe Wall Boards
• Double Wall Boards
• Triple Wall Boards
• Single Face Board

By Application

• Electronics and Electricals
• Food and Beverages
• Transport and Logistics
• E-commerce
• Others

By Country

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada