The burger boxes market is projected to be valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2035. A CAGR of 5.2% is expected to be recorded during the forecast period. In 2024, sales were estimated at USD 3.8 billion, driven by rising adoption of branded and environmentally responsible food packaging formats within the fast food and delivery ecosystem.
Growth in the market has been enabled by the continued expansion of quick service restaurants (QSRs) and third-party delivery platforms. Aggressive expansion plans have been announced in 2025 by global chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King, in response to sustained post-pandemic demand for on-the-go dining. In a press release issued in March 2024, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that “Our global comparable sales growth in the first quarter marks 13 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth with 30% growth over the last 4 years.”
He added that “As consumers are more discriminating with every dollar that they spend, we will continue to earn their visits by delivering leading, reliable, everyday value and outstanding execution in our restaurants.” These developments have reinforced the requirement for burger boxes that ensure food texture is preserved, grease leakage is minimized, and brand messaging is effectively sustained.
A transition away from foam and single-use plastics has been observed across markets. From 2025 to 2035, the supply chain for burger boxes is expected to be dominated by biodegradable and compostable material formats. Kraft paper, molded fiber, and corrugated board are being increasingly adopted. Eco-conscious coatings, such as soy-based inks and aqueous barriers, are gaining preference. Polyethylene laminations are being replaced by water-based barrier coatings by many Tier 1 suppliers, in an effort to reduce the environmental footprint without compromising structural or functional performance.
Technological enhancements in digital printing have been introduced to enable high-impact, short-run burger box designs tailored to consumer segments. A recyclable, digitally printed clamshell range was unveiled by Graphic Packaging International in 2024, with specific targeting of Gen Z consumers by fast food chains being enabled. These solutions are being adopted to reinforce customer engagement while aligning with sustainability mandates.
Regulatory frameworks in foodservice packaging are acting both as a driver and constraint. Substantial investment in R&D has been necessitated by global suppliers to meet diverging regional standards while managing cost volatility in paper pulp and bio-based resin feedstocks.
Despite these challenges, an incremental opportunity of USD 2.7 billion is expected to be generated by 2035. This projected surge will be underpinned by a global pivot toward climate-positive packaging and the repositioning of burger boxes as critical assets in enhancing performance, safety, and brand resonance across the fast food value chain.
Paper based burger boxes are expected to dominate the material segment with an estimated 42.6% market share by 2025, driven by their affordability, biodegradability, and compatibility with large-scale fast food operations.
These boxes have become the standard in quick service restaurants (QSRs), food trucks, and high-volume takeaway counters where cost efficiency and speed of use are critical. Lightweight and easy to fold, paper boxes can be produced in bulk with minimal raw material input and are increasingly made from recycled or responsibly sourced fibers, aligning with growing environmental mandates and consumer expectations.
In addition to being cost-effective, paper burger boxes are readily compostable or recyclable, making them an ideal choice for municipalities and brands looking to meet zero-waste goals. Their surface is well-suited for eco-safe inks and water-based coatings, enabling basic branding without compromising sustainability.
Furthermore, modern paper variants can be enhanced with grease-resistant barriers that prevent leakage without the use of plastic linings. This advancement has widened paper’s usability across regular and saucy burger products. With an optimal balance of economics, compliance, and environmental favorability, paper has emerged as the most practical and widely accepted material solution for burger box packaging across both developed and emerging economies.
Square-shaped burger boxes are projected to lead the shape-based segmentation with an estimated 71.4% share of the market by 2025, driven by their practical advantages in handling, storage, and product presentation. Their geometric uniformity aligns well with operational needs in high-volume QSR kitchens where space efficiency and rapid order fulfillment are critical. Square boxes optimize carton stacking, reduce shelf footprint, and simplify packaging logistics during bulk transport or in delivery partner containers.
Beyond logistics, square shapes accommodate standard and double-patty burger builds more effectively than round counterparts, allowing for snug fit without compressing the product or compromising toppings. This prevents structural disintegration and helps preserve the visual appeal of gourmet offerings. Additionally, square formats provide ample surface area for branding elements, nutritional labeling, and promotional messaging, which are essential for chain visibility and consumer recall.
From an environmental standpoint, square die cuts minimize material waste during manufacturing compared to circular molds. This makes them not only more functional but also more cost-effective and sustainable. As urban foodservice operators and cloud kitchens focus on speed, consistency, and visual branding, square burger boxes are expected to remain the default configuration across formats and price tiers.
Sustainability and Environmental Regulations
In addition, changing regulations, rising environmental concerns among consumers and manufacturers have forced the burger boxes market to become more active. Governments around the world are mandating bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, leaving manufacturers no choice but to turn to biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable materials. However, switching to sustainable alternatives, like molded fiber or plant-based packaging, tends to be more expensive to produce, which can hurt margins. Another lingering challenge has been making eco-friendly burger boxes durable and able to resist grease.
Innovation in Sustainable and Customizable Packaging
This increases the opportunities for the market players, as the demand for packaging solutions which are eco-friendly and aesthetically appealing for the burger packaging is projected to grow. Brands are also investing in things like plant-based coated kraft paper, sugarcane bagasse and compostable bioplastics. The increase in food delivery services and the prevalence of takeaway culture only add to the demand for high-quality, leak-proof, and tamper-evident packaging. Custom-printed and branded burger boxes ensure another point for food chains and restaurants to get noticed in the market, and enhance the brand recognition giving them an edge over competition.
The USA burger boxes industry is growing at a steady pace due to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, the rise of growth in quick-service restaurants (QSRS), and increased consumer preference for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging. Throughout the USA, where the fast-food industry is among the largest of its industry, corporations, including McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's, are consistently innovating their packaging to match sustainability goals and consumer preferences.
As awareness of plastic waste and pollution increases, the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have begun to introduce regulations that promote use of recyclable and compostable burger boxes comprised of paperboard, molded fiber, and plant-based materials. Moreover, the increasing penetration of food delivery services and online food ordering has propelled the demand for durable, leak-proof, and heat-retaining burger boxes that retain the quality of the food during transit.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 5.5% |
The United Kingdom burger boxes market is expected to witness significant growth over the upcoming period, owing to government regulations governing the use of plastic packaging and escalating demand for recyclable material along with an upsurge in the number of takeaway and food delivery services. The UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax, which mandates a minimum of 30% recycled content in packaging materials, is spurring companies to adopt environmentally friendly burger boxes made from paperboard, bagasse and biodegradable polymers.
UK fast food and casual dining is sharpened by the consumer preference for sustainable, plastic-free packaging. Key QSR chains, including Five Guys, Shake Shack, and Burger King, are adopting compostable and recyclable burger boxes in line with their sustainability targets. Also, the growth of dark kitchens and ghost restaurants that serve to online food delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat is propelling the demand for durable and heat insulated burger boxes which prevent the degradation to food quality during long distance delivery.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 5.3% |
The market for burger boxes in the European Union (EU) is expanding rapidly, driven by rigorous sustainability standards, greater emphasis on circular economy packaging solutions, and a booming fast-food industry.
European Union regulations are also prompting a change, with the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and Green Deal initiatives leading companies toward biodegradable and recyclable burger boxes where paper, molded fiber and sugarcane-based materials are making inroads. As top fast-food chains, cafes, and street food vendors throughout Europe focus on sustainable food packaging, the need for innovative, compostable burger boxes is increasing.
Germany, France, and Italy also started to observe the market growth for plant-based & organic fast-food chain, thus expanding the demand for higher-quality alternative solutions for packaging that is sustainable. However, the growth of e-commerce food platforms, as well as increased demand for home delivery by consumers in the EU, will also stimulate investment in customized, heat-retaining, and grease-resistant burger packaging. Most packaging manufacturers are investing in water-based and PFAS-free coatings to keep imparting grease resistance and recyclability.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| EU | 5.2% |
The burger boxes market in Japan is being supported by factors such as technology in eco-friendly packaging, shift in consumer focus towards sustainable materials and growing inclination towards Western-style fast food. Japan’s tough food safety regulations and environmental protection guidelines are forcing restaurants and packaging makers to prepare high-quality, biodegradable burger boxes that align with government sustainability goals.
"Propel Demand for Custom Printed Burger Boxes"Growth of premium fast food brands and gourmet burger restaurants creating demand in the food service packaging industry which are boosting desired of custom printed and designed burger boxes that increase brand value and the experience of the consumer.
Japan’s infatuation with precision and quality control has resulted in innovations on grease-resistant, moisture-proof, and heat-retaining burger container designs. The growing demand for food delivery services and konbini burgers (convenience store burgers) is also driving up demand for small, functional, and lightweight burger boxes to preserve freshness and presentation.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 5.4% |
The burger boxes market in South Korea is already booming thanks to the rise of food delivery services, increased demand for premium and gourmet fast food, and government support initiatives for sustainable packaging. New regulations by the South Korean ministry of environment aimed at reducing single-use plastics have led fast-food brands and restaurants to adopt biodegradable, paper-based burger boxes. Also, the increase of convenience stores, especially in the ready-to-eat burgers segment, has further pushed the need for small size, easy-to-store packaging with better barrier properties.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 5.3% |
The burger boxes market is anticipated to be on the rise throughout the forecast period. Increased usage of takeaway & delivery services with tightening food safety regulations have created a demand for eco-friendly & grease-resistant greaseproof burger boxes.
To satisfy changing consumer and regulatory requirements, manufacturers are investing in sustainable alternatives like kraft paper, molded fiber, and coated cardboard, which are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.
Huhtamaki Oyj (20-24%)
Huhtamaki leads the sustainable burger box market, supplying major fast-food chains with fiber-based, grease-resistant, and recyclable packaging. The company is heavily investing in compostable and biodegradable solutions.
WestRock Company (15-19%)
WestRock specializes in high-performance, moisture-resistant burger boxes, leveraging coated paperboard and molded fiber technology to enhance durability and sustainability.
Georgia-Pacific LLC (12-16%)
Georgia-Pacific focuses on custom branding and high-barrier coatings, catering to premium and fast-casual restaurant chains.
Novolex Holdings, Inc. (8-12%)
Novolex is expanding its biodegradable and compostable burger box portfolio, aligning with zero-waste packaging initiatives.
Dart Container Corporation (6-10%)
Dart Container provides insulated, lightweight, and high-barrier burger boxes that maintain food temperature and freshness.
Other Key Players (23-29% Combined)
The overall market size for burger boxes market was USD 4.1 billion in 2025.
The burger boxes market is expected to reach USD 6.8 billion in 2035.
The expansion of the burger boxes market will be driven by the growing demand for sustainable and convenient food packaging solutions, supported by the rise of quick-service restaurants and eco-friendly material innovations.
The top 5 countries which drives the development of burger boxes market are USA, European Union, Japan, South Korea and UK.
Square burger boxes to command significant share over the assessment period.
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Burger Boxes Market
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