Corrugated Boxes Market By Product Type (Slotted Box, Folder Box, Telescope Box, Die-Cut Box, ), Board Type (Single Face Board, Single Wall Board, Double Wall Board, Triple Wall Board) & Region - Forecast 2021 - 2031

Corrugated Boxes Market Snapshot

As per Future Market Insights (FMI) analysis, the corrugated boxes market is estimated to register positive growth through 2021, with the overall valuation to reach US$ 128.3 Bn in 2021. FMI projects corrugated boxes sales to increase at 4.3% CAGR between 2021 and 2031. In terms of volume, the corrugated boxes market has been projected to expand at 3.7% CAGR over the forecast period.

The corrugated boxes market analysis shows that global consumption of overall corrugated boxes increased year-on-year (YoY) by 4.4% in 2021. Corrugated boxes demand will expand 1.5x times during the forecast period.  

2013-2020 Corrugated Boxes Market Outlook Compared to 2021-2031 Forecast

Majorly driven by the growth of the e-commerce industry across the globe, FMI projects, the global corrugated boxes market to expand at 4.3% CAGR between 2021 and 2031, in comparison to the CAGR of 2.8% registered between 2013 and 2020. 

Corrugated boxes are one of the most commonly used secondary packaging solutions in a wide range of end-use industries. Feasible and convenient as packaging cartons have made them a favorable alternative for the packaging of various products in food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and chemicals among many other industries.

Corrugated shipment boxes can be easily folded and they consume very less storage space when not used. They are generally manufactured with fluting that provides cushioning to the packaged products during transportation which helps in protecting the fragile packaged products during transit.

Corrugated containers can be reused and are also made from recycled material making them a highly sustainable packaging solution. All these qualities are contributing to consistently increasing demand for corrugated carton boxes over the past decade.

The e-commerce industry witnessed sharp growth in the span of the past few years. The increasing purchase power of the consumers and increasing usage of mobile shopping among has spurred shopping via online portals. The corrugated crates and cardboard packaging are available in a large variety of sizes that are feasible for the packaging of small items like pharmaceutical or personal care products to large items like electronics or furniture products.

The increasing trend of purchasing products from e-commerce platforms and the growing number of players entering the e-commerce industry are anticipated to drive sales in the corrugated boxes market.

Increasing sales of kraft boxes steered by higher demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions are expected to offer opportunities for growth in the coming years. Besides this, some of the leading market players are expected to offers custom corrugated boxes such as paper packaging solutions to replace plastic packaging alternatives.

The shift in consumer preference towards paper packaging is anticipated to boost the demand for corrugated boxes during the foreseeable future. According to Future Market Insights (FMI), 

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Will the Rising Demand from Personal Care and Cosmetics Support Corrugated Boxes Market Growth?

The global personal care and cosmetics industry has grown significantly in the past couple of years. The growth is majorly driven by the rising consciousness of consumers regarding appearance. The growing significance of taking care of hair and skin amongst the millennial population is one of the factors that is positively influencing the personal care industry growth.

Corrugated shipping boxes are commonly used in the secondary packaging of personal care and cosmetics products. Corrugated shipping boxes are not only used in the bulk shipments of personal care and cosmetics products but also for packaging of small quantity items that are ordered via e-commerce platforms. As the personal care industry is growing the demand for corrugated cartons is anticipated to rise.

Is Increasing Popularity of Recycled Packaging Solutions Influencing Corrugated Boxes Market Growth?

Traditionally, corrugated containers were made from only virgin materials. These boxes were reused and then were generally scrapped or dumped in the wastelands. The recycling of corrugated boxes and using recycled material for manufacturing these shipment boxes are key trends that are gaining traction across the globe.

The adaptation of recycled corrugated crates over the virgin corrugated crates has not only helped in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases but also significantly reduced the demand for virgin timber.

Several factors are boosting the demand for corrugated boxes made from recycled material. Consumers’ awareness regarding the increasing amount of waste and importance of the using sustainable packaging solutions is increasing the demand for recycled corrugated boxes. The manufacturers are preferring corrugated boxes made from recycled material over virgin material. As the corrugated boxes made from recycled material are comparatively economical and also help the manufacturers in reducing their carbon footprint and meeting their sustainability targets.

All the above-mentioned factors are attracting end-use industry manufacturers towards the use of recycled corrugated containers and augmenting the sales of cardboard cartons in the global market.

Traditionally, it was not feasible to manufacture high-quality packaging solutions from completely recycled products, but with advancements in technology standard quality packaging solutions such as carton boxes, kraft cardboards, cardboard packaging, and plain corrugated boxes can be made completely using recycled raw materials.

 The use of recycled raw material in manufacturing packaging solutions is gaining popularity among manufacturers, as it helps manufacturers in reducing their carbon footprint. This also helps in attracting customers that are focused and concerned about the sustainability of their packaging materials.

What Is the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Global Corrugated Boxes Market?

The COVID-19 crisis has severely impacted the demand for corrugated containers across various industries, except for food and healthcare applications. The extensive demand for these products globally has, in turn, bolstered the corrugated boxes market growth during the past two years.

The comparatively stagnant growth of many end-use industries such as electronics, personal care and cosmetics industries has negatively impacted the target market. The growth of the personal care and cosmetics industries was hampered during the pandemic as a result of restrictions to manufacturing and logistics of non-essential goods.

Restrictions imposed by national and regional government authorities across several parts of the globe on the manufacturing and transport of non-essential products has severely disrupted several end-use industries of the target market.

However, with ongoing ease on restriction and lifting of lockdowns across the globe, in the first quarter of 2021 the market showed positive signs of rapid recovery. The market for corrugated boxes is projected to expand at an even higher growth rate during the forecast period compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Country-wise Insights

Why is United States Corrugated Boxes Market Considered Highly Lucrative?

North America is anticipated to remain the third-largest market for corrugated boxes, holding approximately 16% of the market share by the end of 2026. According to the corrugated boxes industry analysis, the United States is projected to account for nearly 90% of the total North America market for corrugated boxes in the next ten years.

The strong desire for an exceptional healthcare system among people living in the U.S. and favorable state policies have bolstered the growth of the healthcare industry in the country. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the U.S. in the year 2019 recorded the highest per capita healthcare spending globally, totaling US$ 11,072.

Factors such as the high spending on healthcare and consumer awareness are anticipated to reinforce the growth of the healthcare industry as an end user of corrugated boxes market in the country.

How is the Food and Beverages Industry Supporting Germany Corrugated Boxes Market Growth?

The corrugated boxes market in Germany is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 4 Bn by the end of 2021. Germany is estimated to be one of the top 3 market shareholders in the Europe market for corrugated boxes. 

The food and beverage industry in Europe has consistently grown in the past 10 years, the increasing consumer preference for packaged food and beverages and the growing demand for fast food among the millennial populations are a few factors boosting the market in Germany.

As stated by the German Trade and Invest (GTAI) in its report ‘The Food and Beverage Industry in Germany’ 2019-20 issue, almost one-third of all the processed food manufactured in Germany is exported and the German food and beverage companies spend over 1.7 Bn EUR on innovations and product development.

These facts signify the tremendous growth opportunity of the food and beverage industry in Germany. The extensive applications of corrugated boxes in the packaging of food and beverage products and significant presence of corrugated boxes manufacturers in Germany are propelling the market growth.

Will Increasing Sales of Silicone Release Liners Continue Driving India Corrugated Boxes Market?

In APEJ, India is estimated to hold a market share of more than ~20% by the end of 2021. The consistent efforts of the Indian government for the development of the country’s electronics industry by implementing favorable policies for promoting domestic manufacturing is a major factor positively influencing the target market.

Expansion of electronics sector in India will offer higher prospects for the corrugated boxes market growth. As per Invest India a National Investment and Facilitation Agency, Indian electronics market was worth US$ 118 Bn in the year 2020 and the country is second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

It also states that the Indian Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) Industry is expected to grow 6.5x its current market size by 2025. The consistently evolving electrical and electronics industry and promising government policies will continue offering revenue-generating opportunities and boost the sales of corrugated boxes in the India.

Category-wise Insights

Why the Demand for Recycled Corrugated Boxes Rising?

The recycled corrugated boxes segment is estimated to register a CAGR of nearly ~4.7% during 2021-2031. By material type, corrugated boxes are classified into virgin and recycled materials.

Recycled corrugated boxes are projected to register high demand in response to increasing focus on environmental conservation. Recycled corrugated boxes consume comparatively less energy for manufacturing, raw material can be easily sourced, and recycled materials in general are economical than the virgin material type. These factors are anticipated to augment the demand for recycled corrugated boxes in the global market.

Who is the Leading End User of Corrugated Boxes?

Food is the most lucrative application segment in the corrugated boxes market. The food industry followed by the electrical and electronics segment is estimated to lead the target market with a market value share of ~61% in the year 2021.

Besides expansion of both industries, higher willingness among consumers to spend on food and quality electronic items will result in high demand for corrugated boxes in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape

Companies operating in the corrugated boxes market are aiming at product launches, expansions, and strategic partnerships with other manufacturers. The key players also are expanding their product manufacturing capabilities, product portfolio, and global presence. Leading corrugated boxes manufacturers are committed to the research and development of

For Instance, on 29th June 2021, Smurfit Kappa Group LLC announced the opening of a new e-commerce corrugated packaging laboratory in the United Kingdom to test and launch new solutions in the e-commerce domain certified minimum with reliable ISTA certification.

On 1st Feb 2021, Mondi added a new product BCoolBox in its sustainable e-commerce portfolio which will carry fresh produce and food. This product is a packaging solution in a corrugated range with thermo-insulation that will make sure food is chilled and less remain less than 7 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 24 hours without the support of any external cooling device.

On 29th January 2021, Georgia Pacific LLC expanded its Hummingbird digital print solution with the purchase of Hewlett Packard PageWide T1190 press to produce the world's highest volume of digital corrugated packaging solutions.

On 29th October 2019, WestRock was honored for packaging design excellence by Paperboard Packaging Council at the 76th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition.

Scope of Report

Corrugated Boxes Market by Category

By Material Type:

• Virgin
• Recycled

By Board Type:

• Single Face Board
• Single Wall Board
• Double Wall Board
• Triple Wall Board

By Grade Type:

• Liner
  • Kraftliner
    • Bleached
    • Unbleached
  • Test liner
    • Bleached
    • Unbleached
• Fluting Medium
  • Semi-Chemical
  • Recycled

By Product Type:

• Slotted Box
• Folder Box
• Telescope Box
• Die-Cut Box

By End-Use:

• Food
  • Processed Food
  • Fresh Produce
  • Dairy Products
  • Food Grains
  • Confectionery & Bakery
  • Other Foods
• Beverages
  • Alcoholic
  • Non-Alcoholic
• Electrical & Electronics
  • Industrial
  • Consumer
• Healthcare
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Medical Devices
• Textiles & Apparels
• Tobacco
• E-commerce
• Building & Construction
• Homecare
• Automotive & Allied Industries
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Chemicals & Fertilizers

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• APEJ
• Japan
• Middle East & Africa