Global revenue from composite paper cans was recorded at USD 946.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 999.1 million in 2025, then advance to USD 1,722.8 million by 2035 as a 5.6% CAGR is maintained during 2025 to 2035.
Expansion has been driven by food-and-beverage brands, whose shift toward recyclable formats has been encouraged by tighter plastics legislation and consumer demand for lighter packs. Food and beverage uses are expected to command 62.8% of global sales by 2035, supported by coffee, powdered drinks and snack applications that rely on shelf-stable moisture barriers.
Diameter ranges between 50 mm and 100 mm have continued to dominate, capturing roughly 45% share; this configuration has been preferred because the format balances volumetric efficiency with graphics space required for shelf appeal. Operating margins have been protected through automation-advanced high-speed spiral-winding lines installed in Europe and North America during early 2025 were reported to deliver output gains of 18 percent versus 2023 baselines, while trimming energy use by almost one-fifth.
Producers focus on capacity rationalisation and focused investment in the composite paper cans market. “ We continue our strategy of focusing on fewer, bigger businesses and investing to deploy our differentiated operating model,” stated Howard Coker, President and CEO of Sonoco, as the firm accelerated spending on rigid paper containers during its September 2024 portfolio update as per Sonoco Investor Relations.
In May 2025, Mondi confirmed the successful start-up of its €400 million kraft-paper machine at Štětí; “The quality of the paper is exceptional, and we are impressed with how quickly we have been able to deliver paper that meets our customers’ expectations,” reported Roman Senecky, COO Kraft Paper. Both statements underline a strategic pivot toward vertically integrated, fibre-based packaging.
The market concentration of composite paper cans manufacturers remains moderate. Tier-one suppliers-Sonoco, Mondi, Smurfit Westrock, Amcor - have leveraged global footprints to secure long contracts with beverage and nutraceutical fillers, while tier-two converters have targeted regional snack brands with custom graphics and shorter production runs.
Regulatory momentum also has acted as a catalyst; Europe’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) draft, released January 2025, proposed 90% recycling targets for contact-sensitive paper packs and has accelerated brand trials of barrier-coated, aluminium-free composite cans.
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global composite paper cans market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 5.5% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 5.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 5% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 6.2% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 5.5%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 5.7% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 5% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 6.2% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 50 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 50 BPS.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of production type, Spiral winding are being estimated to account for a share of 50.2% by 2025. By closure type, lids are projected to dominate by holding a share above 36.4% by the end 2025.
Spiral winding is a preferred method in producing composite paper cans because of its economical position, strength, and versatility. From the customization point of view, spiral winding gives options to manufacturers to produce cans with different diameters, wall thicknesses, and decorative options for branding. From a production standpoint, this process gives high-speed manufacturing, which is preferred for on-demand large-scale packaging needs in industries such as food & beverage, cosmetics, and household goods.
Spiral winding is characterized by consistent and uniform thickness and rigidity, thus giving high stacking strength and durability for transportation and storage. Lightweight, sustainable, and recyclable composite cans produced through spiral winding fit well with the current trend toward eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The lower cost for spiral winding, which is used for mass supply of tea, coffee, powdered milk, snack foods, and spices, versus more labor-intensive convolute winding, is an added advantage. Given the impetus on sustainable packaging, spiral winding is likely to remain the leader for some time to come.
| Closure Types | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Lids | 36.4% |
Adaptability, durability, and ease of use are some characteristics which combine to give lids a good market share of the composite paper cans market. Lids allow good sealing of artifacts, which in turn leads to preserving their freshness and protection, especially in food and beverage applications. They are generally used in snack food packaging, coffee, tea, powdered drinks, and dry foods, where moisture resistance and shelf life are paramount.
Consumer preference for resalable packaging has also made a higher demand for lid closures, especially for reusable and sustainable packaging. And the manufacturers love using lids as they are cheaper than Snap-On and plug closures. The increasing demand for eco-friendly and paper-based lids has also led manufacturers to explore biodegradable and recyclable options for its lids so as to achieve sustainability objectives.
Increasing Demand for Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable Packaging
Sustainability is the biggest growth driver for the composite paper cans market worldwide. The governments of the world are laying down tough regulations on plastic waste and compelling businesses to shift towards greener packaging processes.
Composite paper cans, being recyclable and biodegradable by definition, are the most ideal alternative to metal cans and plastic cans in food and beverages, personal care, and house products sector Top companies have been spending more capital in environment-friendly packaging alternatives to serve consumers' requirements and business sustainability standards. As international business establishments look to minimize carbon footprint and landfill material, the demand for light weight, affordable, and eco-friendly composite paper cans keep growing.
Growing Need for Eco-Friendly and Recyclable Packaging Boost the Composite Paper Cans Market
Sustainability is the largest growth driver of the composite paper cans market globally. Governments of the world are imposing stringent laws on plastic waste and forcing companies to move to more eco-friendly packaging processes.
Composite paper cans, being recyclable and biodegradable by nature, are the best substitute for metal cans and plastic cans in food and beverages, personal care, and house products industry Leading brands have been investing greater capital in environmentally friendly packaging alternatives to meet customer needs and business sustainability goals. As global business houses consider reducing carbon footprint and landfill content, the need for light weight, cost-effective, and environmentally sound composite paper cans continues to expand.
High Production Costs and Limited Barrier Protection may Restrict the Market
Even with the advantages, high cost of production is a major drawback for the composite paper cans market. In comparison to conventional plastic and metal containers, composite paper cans need specific manufacturing processes and multi-layered materials to act as moisture and oxygen barriers. This increases the cost of production, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that cannot support bulk packaging changes.
Furthermore, though composite paper cans provide low-to-moderate barrier protection, they are inferior to aluminum or plastic versions with respect to resisting moisture, humidity, and the higher temperatures. This restricts their application for some perishable and liquid-based products, limiting market growth for high-barrier packaging applications in industries.
| Key Investment Area | Why It’s Critical for Future Growth |
|---|---|
| Sustainability & Recyclable Materials | With increasing environmental concerns, investing in biodegradable and recyclable composite paper cans will help brands meet sustainability goals and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. |
| Barrier Coatings & Product Protection | Innovations in moisture, oxygen, and grease-resistant coatings will enhance the shelf life and freshness of packaged products, especially in the food and beverage sector. |
| Lightweight & Cost-Effective Design | Developing lightweight yet durable materials will reduce transportation costs, improve handling efficiency, and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional metal or plastic cans. |
| Customization & Branding Opportunities | Offering high-quality printing, embossing, and custom shapes will allow brands to create eye-catching packaging that enhances product visibility and consumer engagement. |
| Automation & High-Speed Manufacturing | Investing in advanced production techniques will enable efficient large-scale manufacturing, reducing costs and meeting the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. |
The global composite paper cans market achieved a CAGR of 3.3% in the historical period of 2020 to 2024. Overall, the composite paper cans market performed well since it grew positively and reached USD 946.1 million in 2024 from USD 812.8 million in 2020.
From 2020 to 2024, the composite paper cans market grew steadily, driven by rising demand for sustainable and lightweight packaging, increased usage in the food and beverage sector for longer shelf life, and developments in recyclable and biodegradable materials.
| Market Aspect | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | Steady growth driven by rising demand for lightweight and eco-friendly packaging solutions. |
| Material Trends | Predominantly paperboard with metal or plastic ends for durability and product protection. |
| Regulatory Environment | Regulatory Environment Compliance with food-grade safety laws and growing need to eliminate plastic waste. |
| Consumer Demand | High demand in the snack, powdered beverage, and personal care product categories. |
| Technological advancements | Improved barrier coatings and moisture-resistant linings help to improve shelf life. |
| Sustainability efforts | Increased usage of recycled paper and a reduction in single-use plastic packaging. |
| Market Aspect | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | Strong growth fueled by increasing adoption in food, beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries for sustainable packaging. |
| Material Trends | To reduce plastic use, shift to entirely biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable products. |
| Regulatory Environment | Stricter environmental restrictions encourage plastic-free, recyclable, and low-carbon packaging. |
| Consumer Demand | A growing preference for resealable, tamper-proof, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. |
| Technological advancements | Bio-based adhesives and coatings are becoming more recyclable and food-safe. |
| Sustainability efforts | A strong emphasis on totally sustainable, zero-waste manufacturing techniques and circular economy packaging models. |
| Factor | Consumer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Sustainability |
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| Cost & Pricing |
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| Performance (Durability, Barrier Properties, Shelf Life) |
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| Product Availability & Convenience |
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| Food Safety & Hygiene |
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| Factor | Manufacturer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Sustainability |
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| Cost & Pricing |
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| Performance (Durability, Barrier Properties, Shelf Life) |
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| Product Availability & Convenience |
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| Food Safety & Hygiene |
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Between 2025 and 2035, the demand for composite paper cans is expected to increase due to expanding applications in snacks, powdered beverages, and personal care products, rising consumer preference for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and metal packaging, and increasing innovations in moisture-resistant and resalable packaging solutions for improved product freshness.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, Mondi Group PLC, Amcor PLC, Sonoco Products Company, Ace Paper Tube Corp.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach.
Prominent companies in tier 2 include Paper Tubes And Sales (PTS) Manufacturing, Canfab Packaging Inc., Bharath Paper Conversions, Nagel Paper, Corex Group, Chicago Mailing Tube Co., Valk Industries, Inc., Marshall Paper Tube Co., Inc., Western Container Corporation, Heartland Products Group LLC
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
| Region | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| North America | Strong adoption in food & beverage industries (snacks, coffee, powdered drinks). |
| Latin America | Moderate growth with increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging. |
| Europe | High adoption in premium food, beverages, and cosmetics packaging. |
| Middle East & Africa | Growth in premium food and beverage packaging. |
| Asia Pacific | Rapid market growth driven by urbanization and changing consumption patterns. |
| Region | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| North America | Expansion of innovative barrier coatings for moisture and air resistance. |
| Latin America | Expansion of local production to reduce reliance on imports. |
| Europe | Shift towards plant-based adhesives and recyclable metal ends for improved eco-friendliness. |
| Middle East & Africa | Development of cost-effective, biodegradable paper cans for regional markets. |
| Asia Pacific | Expansion of food & beverage industries fueling demand for composite paper cans. |
The section below covers the future forecast for the composite paper cans market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 4.5% through 2035. In Europe, Spain is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.2% by 2035.
US composite paper can market is being shaped by increased customer demand for green packaging. Food and beverages, and personal care companies are going green and transitioning to sustainable alternatives like composite cans made of paper as plastic pollution and environmental degradation increase.
Certain regulatory bodies are also forcing companies to employ recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials through the use of sustainable packaging technology. Composite paper cans, being lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive, are taking the place of traditional plastic and metal cans for large snack, powdered beverage, and coffee firms.
Germany's strict environmental regulations and strong circular economy regulations are the primary drivers of the composite paper cans industry. Due to regulations such as Germany's Packaging Act (VerpackG) and the EU Green Deal, companies must reduce plastic packaging waste and maximize the use of recyclable and biodegradable material. This has witnessed heightened utilization of composite paper cans, especially in the food, drink, and cosmetics industries.
German consumers are well informed about sustainable packaging, and businesses must match green demands in order to continue competing in the market. Furthermore, major manufacturers and retailers are putting money into creative paper-based packaging materials, which are substituting plastic and aluminum cans with composite paper cans, both fulfilling functional packaging needs as well as sustainability objectives. Given that Germany still holds the leadership position in terms of demand for low-carbon and recyclable packaging, composite paper can demand is expected to expand substantially.
Key players of global composite paper cans industry are developing and launching new products in the market. They are integrating with different firms and extending their geographical presence. Few of them are also collaborating and partnering with local brands and start-up companies
Key Developments in Composite Paper Cans Market:
| Manufacturer | Vendor Insights |
|---|---|
| Smurfit Kappa Group plc | Smurfit Kappa, a major manufacturer of paper-based packaging solutions, produces composite paper cans noted for their sustainability and unique designs, serving to a wide range of industries including food and beverage. |
| Amcor plc | Amcor plc Amcor, a packaging solutions provider, offers composite paper cans that emphasise durability and environmental friendliness, catering to industries such as consumer products and personal care. |
| Mondi Group plc | Mondi manufactures high-quality composite paper cans with an emphasis on utility and sustainability, ideal for a wide range of uses, from food to household items. |
| Sonoco Products Company | Sonoco, a global packaging company, manufactures composite paper cans engineered for robustness and versatility, which are frequently utilised in applications such as snacks and powdered beverages. |
| Ace Paper Tube Corp. | Ace Paper Tube Corp. specialises in custom paper tube solutions and manufactures composite paper cans to client specifications, serving a wide range of industries. |
Key Players in Composite Paper Cans Market
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Size (2025) | USD 999.1 million |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 1,722.8 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.6% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD million for value; Million units for volume |
| Closure Types Analyzed (Segment 1) | Caps, Snap-on, Plug, Lids, Aluminum Membrane, Plastic Membrane, Paperboard |
| Production Types Analyzed (Segment 2) | Spiral Winding, Convolute Winding, Linear Draw |
| Can Diameters Analyzed (Segment 3) | Less than 50 mm, 50 mm to 100 mm, Above 100 mm |
| End-Uses Analyzed (Segment 4) | Food & Beverages (Tea or Coffee, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages, Others), Agriculture, Household, Personal & Cosmetics, Others |
| Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; Middle East & Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Brazil |
| Key Players Influencing the Market | Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, Mondi Group PLC, Amcor PLC, Sonoco Products Company, Ace Paper Tube Corp., Paper Tubes And Sales (PTS) Manufacturing, Canfab Packaging Inc., Bharath Paper Conversions, Nagel Paper, Corex Group, Chicago Mailing Tube Co., Valk Industries, Inc., Marshall Paper Tube Co., Inc., Western Container Corporation, Heartland Products Group LLC |
| Additional Attributes | Spiral winding holds 50.2% market share in 2025, supported by its strength and versatility in packaging. Lids dominate the closure type segment at 36.4% due to the need for protection and resealability. Dollar sales are driven by demand from food, beverage, and personal care sectors with continued innovation in closure types and sustainability. |
| Customization and Pricing | Customization and Pricing Available on Request |
The composite paper cans market is categorized based on closure type into caps, snap-on, plug, lids, aluminum membrane, plastic membrane, and paperboard.
The market is segmented by production type into spiral winding, convolute winding, and linear draw.
The market includes different can diameter categories, including less than 50 mm, 50 mm to 100 mm, and above 100 mm.
The end-use market for composite paper cans includes food and beverages, agriculture, household, personal & cosmetics, and others. The food and beverages segment is further divided into tea or coffee, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and others.
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
The global composite paper cans industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.6% between 2025 and 2035.
The global composite paper cans industry stood at 946.1 million in 2024.
Global composite paper cans industry is anticipated to reach USD 1,722.8 million by 2035 end.
East Asia is set to record a CAGR of 6.7% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global composite paper cans industry include Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, Mondi Group PLC, Amcor PLC, Sonoco Products Company, Ace Paper Tube Corp.
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Composite Paper Cans Market
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