The market size of global corrugated board industry expected to be USD 180.5 billion in 2025 and the market in 2035 is likely to be USD 275.3 billion. During forecasted period 2025 to 2035 sales are predicted to grow at CAGR of 4.3%. The Revenue for Corrugated Board Packaging in 2024 is USD 175.2 Billion.
Corrugated board is one of the most widely used light-weight, strong, and recyclable packaging material. By 2035, the market is expected to account for more than 55.6% of the paper-based packaging segment. As focus on sustainable options strengthens with passing time, the best protective properties and reasonable price point of corrugated board are anticipated to keep applications across industries like e-commerce, food & beverages, electronics at a truly favourable position.
| Metric | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 180.5 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 275.3 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.3% |
In terms of material type, recycled corrugated board is expected to account for a market share of over 65%. Due to cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages, recycled corrugated board is widely adopted. At the same time, virgin fibre based corrugated board is still relevant and important for high performance applications.
Approximately, USD 94.8 billion of incremental opportunity for corrugated board market, an increase of 1.5X over existing value till the year 2035.
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The table below shows the estimated CAGR for the global corrugated board market from 2025 to 2035 over semi-annual periods.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.5% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.1% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 3.9% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 4.7% (2025 to 2035) |
The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% in the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034 while during the second half (H2) of the same decade, the growth rate is expected to be slightly lower (4.1%). The CAGR for H1 2025 to H2 2035 moves down marginally to 3.9% in the first half and up to 4.7% in the second half. The first half (H1) saw a decline of 60 BPS, while in the second half (H2), the market experienced a Growth of 80 BPS.
Market Driver: Growing E-commerce Sector
The boom in e-commerce has led to the high demand for corrugated board packaging owing to its protective and lightweight properties. As online retail activity continues to grow, the demand for efficient and sustainable packaging solutions is increasing as well.
Government Sustainability Policies Support Market Growth
The transition towards sustainable packages like corrugated board is also fuelled by strict regulations to lower plastic waste. All around the world, governments are implementing recycling programs and green materials in an effort to mitigate environmental impact.
Difficulties Arising from Volatile Raw Material Prices and Supply Chain Management
The fluctuations in the prices of Kraft paper and recycled paper pulp (among others) pose challenges for the corrugated board market. Moreover, supply chain disruptions, especially post-pandemic, have resulted in challenges to production and delivery schedules. Nonetheless, continued investments in automation and sustainable sourcing will help sustain long-term growth of the global corrugated board market.
| Key Investment Area | Why It’s Critical for Future Growth |
|---|---|
| Advanced Lightweight & High-Strength Corrugated Materials | To reduce material usage while maintaining durability and structural integrity. |
| Automation & AI in Corrugated Board Production | To enhance production speed, efficiency, and customization capabilities. |
| Sustainable & Recyclable Coatings | To meet global sustainability regulations and enhance moisture resistance without plastic. |
| Circular Economy & Reusable Corrugated Packaging | To align with zero-waste initiatives and reduce packaging waste. |
| Government Collaboration & Compliance | To ensure adherence to evolving packaging regulations and certifications. |
Between 2020 and 2024, the global corrugated board market grew from USD 145.4 billion to USD 175.2 billion, at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. It was further boosted by rising e-commerce needs, food & beverage sector growth as well as transition towards sustainable packaging solutions.
At the same time, the market growth was aided by technological improvements in corrugated board production, recyclability benefits, and the design of novel, light-weight and high-strength structures of boards. However, issues like raw mat
Market Growth
The corrugated packaging market had a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 3.8% from the year 2019 to the year 2024, primarily due to e-commerce and sustainability trends. In the years ahead, from 2025 to 2035, the market is anticipated to grow at warp speed with an estimated CAGR of 4.3%, alleviated by regulatory requirements and rising packaging demand in each industry.
Sustainability Push
Over the past five years, a trend towards recyclable and bio-degradable corrugated packaging has been observed. But in hopes of a future that surely lies ahead, the industry will need to commit to zero-waste packaging solutions and create closed-loop recycling systems.
Raw Materials
Until now, manufacturers used mostly recycled paper and virgin Kraft board. By 2035 the industry will increasingly use sustainable raw materials, such as agricultural waste fibres, and alternative biodegradable coatings.
Technology & Automation
The past was marked by traditional production processes and gradual adoption of automation. Future AI powered production lines and an increase focus on robotics both in automation and in digital printing will shape the market.
Product Innovation
By the year 2024, companies started emphasizing on moisture resistant and high strength corrugated boards. Smart Packaging along with RFID tracking, temperature sensors, and anti-counterfeit features will be integrated during the next 10 years.
Cost & Pricing
Market margins were impacted by raw materials cost volatility. But going forward, localized production and supply chain optimization will bring down costs and drive pricing stability.
Industry Adoption
The corrugated packaging was primarily used for E-commerce, Food, and Retail packaging. By 2035, its adoption will extend to the pharmaceutical, electronics and automotive packaging industries.
Customization
Before, they offered limited design flexibility and branding options. By contrast, next-generation quality digital printing and smart packaging features will enable new levels of personalization.
Regulatory Influence
Early regulations had been focused on basic recycling and compostability standards. Tightened regulations in the future would require 100% recyclable and biodegradable corrugated materials which if obtained manufacturers would be forced to turn to sustainable solutions.
E-commerce Influence
Creative Solutions for Reducing Waste at the Production Level Solutions for corrugated packaging will be fully optimized according to its automated fulfilment and logistics in the future.
Circular Economy
Efforts to boost recyclability were small and new. Later, in 2035, the industry will offer comprehensive closed-loop and reusable corrugated packaging systems; circular economy models will be mainstream.
Above, pie charts show consumer priorities (left) for 2020 to 2024 versus 2025 to 2035 time frames, compared to manufacturer priorities.
Sustainability
In 2019 to 2024 consumers were paying more attention to the recyclability of packaging but price remained the main driver, while manufacturers were slowly changing towards more sustainable materials. Consumer-demand for 100% sustainably sourced and reusable packaging will force manufacturers to invest in alternative fibres and better recyclability.
Cost & Pricing
Consumers were willing to spend a little more for eco-friendly options, and manufacturers were focused on balancing cost and innovation. As consumers in 2035 will accept a higher price substantiation for the added-value from So (Sustainable) P (Packaging) and SOP will be standardized, manufacturers will only be able to price their products so high, which would slowly but surely provoke first the sustainable packaging community and then the packaging community as a whole to derive their affordable through AI-driven machine production and localization.
The performance (Strength, Moisture Resistance, Durability)
There were widespread concerns over durability, particularly for moisture-sensitive products. Companies concentrated on enhancing coatings and the strength of boards. They will see increased demand in the future for advanced water and high strength and longer-lasting packaging that will drive manufacturers towards more advanced biodegradable coatings and composite solutions.
Aesthetics & Branding
Low consumer demand for high-end printed packaging and manufacturers who utilized mostly basic flexographic printing. By the year 2035, this expectation will have matured into high-quality, full-colour printed corrugated formats, while digital printing and interactive packaging will further develop and grow.
Theoretical Convenience & Availability of the Product
Specialized corrugated packaging for niche markets from 2019 to 2024 was limited in offering, and manufacturers expanded at a slow pace due to cost pressures. Advanced packaging solutions will be available across industries and with a better global supply chain ensuring accessibility.
Food Safety & Hygiene
Individuals worried about the migration of ink and also the safety aspects of food-grade compliance, forcing manufacturers to adhere to basic food packaging standards. Certified food-safe corrugated will be the norm by 2035, as manufacturers will be required to invest in non-toxic, food-safe barrier coatings.
Circular economy & Reusability
Interest in reusable corrugated solutions existed, but it was somewhat limited and manufacturers' mind-set was around recyclability versus reuse. And the new era of reusable and multi-use packaging demand will continue the tides of traditional supply chains with reusable corrugated solutions.
The global corrugated board market is highly consolidated, wherein the Tier 1 companies hold a prominent share. Also, these companies maintain high production capacities and offer a variety of products. They are known and recognized to produce and manufacture different formats of corrugated board and have a presence across the country and even internationally with a strong consumer base.
Such companies also invest diligently in cutting-edge technology, sustainable solutions, and regulatory alignment to deliver quality products. International Paper Company, West Rock Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, Mondi Group, and DS Smith Plc. are major companies in tier 1.
Tier 2 companies have moderate size and a fairly powerful regional presence that dominates local markets. These companies have good tech capabilities and regulatory compliance but do not have the leading edge techno capabilities and versatility of the tier 1 players. They specialise in niche applications and tailored corrugated board solutions. Rengo Co., Ltd., Packaging Corporation of America, Cascades Inc., Georgia-Pacific LLC, and Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited are among the well-known companies in tier 2.
Tier 3 includes small-scale enterprises working at a local level to meet regional needs. Tier 3 players, as they are called, serve local market needs and operate as an unorganized sector relative to tier 1 and tier 2 companies which run more structured operations.
Region-Wise Trends: Past Analysis 2020 to 2024 and Future Projections 2025 to 2035
| Region | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| Asia Pacific (APAC) | Continued high growth as demand for sustainable and lightweight packaging solutions rises. Investments in automation and digital printing increase. |
| Europe | EU mandates stricter packaging waste reduction policies. Advanced recycling technologies and high-performance corrugated materials gain traction. |
| Global | Industry-wide shift to sustainable and biodegradable corrugated board packaging. Brands focus on lightweight yet durable designs to reduce carbon footprint. |
| Latin America | Growth accelerates as brands invest in sustainable packaging. Local manufacturing capacity expands to meet demand. |
| Middle East & Africa (MEA) | Governments push for sustainable packaging policies. Rising demand from food, agriculture, and FMCG industries. |
| North America | Stricter recycling mandates and growing automation adoption drive market expansion. Smart packaging solutions with QR codes and RFID gain popularity. |
| South Asia | Governments in India and Bangladesh introduce stricter packaging laws. Growth in retail, FMCG, and food delivery drives demand. |
The section below covers future projections for the corrugated board market in key countries across different regions. The United States is expected to remain a major market, with a CAGR of 5.4% through 2035. India is projected to lead South Asia with a CAGR of 7.1%.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.8% |
| India | 6.1% |
| Germany | 3.2% |
| China | 5.9% |
| Brazil | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | 3.5% |
| Canada | 3.6% |
In the USA, demand for corrugated board is growing with the boom in e-commerce and industrial packaging. With increased overseas shipping volume, online retailers are beginning to adopt packaging solutions that are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. Also, RFID tracking in corrugated boards and reinforced corrugated boards help in market growth.
The transition towards sustainable corrugated board solutions is spearheaded by Germany, which has strict recycling and waste management policies. There is a growing demand for biodegradable, compostable, and reusable packaging, especially in the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors. To increase the efficiency of packaging with a low environmental impact, German manufacturers are investing in high-strength, lightweight materials.
Data compiled in this section provide insights into the top segments in the industry. In terms of the types of board, the single-wall corrugated board is projected to hold a share of 52.3% in 2035. By end-use industry, food & beverages are expected to dominate with 41.7% share, throughout the forecast period, 2025 through 2035.
| Board Type | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Single-Wall Corrugated Board | 52.3% |
Single-wall corrugated boards are the most utilized boards as they are economical, easy to produce and can be customized. They are mainly used for shipping boxes, e-commerce packaging and retail displays. Their construction provides the right mix of strength and economy, and is well-suited for non-fragile consumer products.
The demand for single-wall corrugated boards is growing across FMCG brands and logistics companies, owing to the growing trend of online retail, sustainability initiatives, and the rising use of recyclable packaging.
| End-Use Industry | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverages | 41.7% |
Food & beverage remains the largest market for corrugated board packaging. As demand for sustainable, featherlike packaging continues to gain momentum, it is used extensively for takeout boxes, fresh produce trays, frozen food packaging, and beverage carriers, among others.
Governments around the world are introducing strict regulations about the use of plastics, inspiring food organizations to adopt biodegradable and compostable sustainable corrugated packaging. Furthermore, coated corrugated boards with moisture resistance are increasingly being used in the ready-to-eat and frozen food industries.
These players in the global corrugated board market are also developing lightweight and durable corrugated materials and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes. Companies are diversifying their e-commerce-optimized packaging offerings, adding digital printing for bespoke branding.
| Manufacturer | 2025 to 2035 (Future Priorities) |
|---|---|
| International Paper | Investing in recyclable and biodegradable coated corrugated boards. |
| West Rock Company | Developing lightweight, high-strength corrugated boards for logistics. |
| Smurfit Kappa Group | Scaling up circular economy solutions with 100% recycled materials. |
| Mondi Group | Expanding water-resistant corrugated solutions for frozen foods. |
| DS Smith Plc. | Advancing fibre-based protective packaging for fragile goods. |
| Georgia-Pacific LLC | Investing in automated packaging systems with corrugated innovations. |
| Oji Holdings Corporation | Innovating ultra-thin corrugated boards for e-commerce parcels. |
| Rengo Co., Ltd. | Scaling up customizable digital print corrugated packaging. |
| Nine Dragons Paper Holdings | Investing in green energy and waste reduction in corrugated manufacturing. |
| Pratt Industries | Enhancing closed-loop recycling systems for sustainable packaging. |
| Hood Packaging Corporation | Introducing biodegradable coatings for food-safe corrugated packaging. |
| SAICA Group | Advancing custom corrugated solutions for premium consumer goods. |
| Stora Enso | Investing in durable corrugated materials for high-value shipments. |
| Klabin S.A. | Scaling high-performance corrugated solutions for industrial packaging. |
| Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing | Developing high-strength corrugated materials for heavy-duty shipping. |
| Visy Industries | Investing in automated box-making technology for mass customization. |
| Cartonajes International | Scaling up circular economy solutions with compostable corrugated packaging. |
| Great Little Box Company | Introducing AI-driven design optimization for eco-friendly packaging. |
| PCA (Packaging Corporation of America) | Enhancing recyclability and compostability of corrugated solutions. |
Announcement: Smurfit Kappa launched a new range of lightweight and high-strength of corrugated board solutions tailored for the e-commerce and food packaging sectors. This development is both more sustainable and more cost-effective.DS Smith worked with Amazon to create bespoke recyclable corrugated packaging solutions. This collaboration will help to minimize packaging waste and do more with less, aligning to increasing sustainability trends.
M&As: Integration Paper acquired DS Smith for USD 7.2 billion, making them a clear leader in sustainable corrugated packaging Mondi Group also fortified its business in Western Europe by acquiring Schumacher Packaging's assets for USD 634 million.
FSC® certifications: West Rock obtained its FSC® certificates for its corrugated board products, as part of its commitment to promote sustainable forestry practices and deliver eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Product innovation: Pratts Industries introduced waterproof, corrugated board solutions for fresh food and agriculture packaging. As the food sector faces growing demand for long-lasting and sustainable materials, this innovation meets that need.
The market for corrugated board is expected to grow at a 4.3% CAGR during 2025 to 2035.
In 2024, the market for global corrugated board was estimated at USD 175.2 billion.
The market is projected to be worth USD 275.3 billion by 2035.
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR due to the rising demand for sustainable packaging in e-commerce and retail.
They include Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith, and International.
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Corrugated Board Market
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