The fanfold market is estimated to be around USD 9.8 billion in 2024. With sales estimated to register a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period, the market valuation is envisioned to reach USD 15.1 billion by 2034.
Over the upcoming decade, the industry is anticipated to be propelled by a boom in e-commerce sales and development in consumer awareness of sustainable packaging. The demand is anticipated to grow owing to government restrictions regarding packaging safety and the demand for better packaging materials.
The customer base is projected to evolve because of the extensive use of corrugated packaging for a variety of products, industrialization, international commerce, and the prohibition of plastic packaging in emerging countries like India and China. In 2023, fanfolds brought approximately USD 9.3 billion in revenue.
Fanfold Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 9.3 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 9.8 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 15.1 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 4.6% |
Since fanfolds are frequently utilized as packaging in the retail industry, their sales are growing quickly. Growth in the number of people purchasing online is also anticipated to propel up demand for folded paperboards in the forthcoming decade.
The folded packaging are projected to additionally trade well since a greater number of individuals are using them to package consumer items. Global market share is probably going to be heavily influenced by the FMCG sector.
Due to the substantial need for fanfolds, FMCG companies are concentrating on eco-friendly packaging. A significant contributing cause to the sales of folded paperboards is the ongoing trend of shipping electrical items due to the surge in e-commerce.
The growth of online shopping and e-commerce companies is driving up demand for fanfold. The market share is projected to inflate significantly during the projected period due to the emergence of e-commerce and the continued improvement of digital printing technology.
Sales of fanfolds are developing quickly because customers are becoming more concerned with a reliable, safe, and secure packing option.
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The subsequent table shows an average CAGR for the demand for folding paperboards from 2024 to 2034, based on multiple semi-annual periods. The industry is expected to expand at a low deterioration rate, with a CAGR of 4.8% in the first half (H1) and 4.5% in the second half (H2) of the decade under reference.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.8% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.5% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 4.9% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.8% (2024 to 2034) |
Over the consequent decade, the growth trajectory of the fanfold industry is anticipated to transform marginally. It is predicted that in the first half (H1) of the term, the CAGR will incline fairly from 4.5% to 4.9%. After that, a slight decay is estimated to occur in the second half (H2) at a CAGR of 4.8%.
This industry trend predicts that the CAGR is scheduled to drop by 10 basis points in H2 and decrease by 30 basis points in H1. A variety of factors, including the requirement for paperboards to have historical packing in H1, which may have impacted demand, are attributed by industry analysts as the causes of the change. However, changes to the H2 sector or advancements in material science may stimulate sales in the projected period.
Emphasis on Green Initiative across Several Companies Boost the Revenue
Growing environmental consciousness and consumer demand for recyclable or eco-friendly items are driving growth in the global industry. In the folded paper industry, Smurfit Kappa and International Paper Company are leading the way with creative, recyclable fanfold solutions that satisfy legal requirements and entice green-minded consumers.
Through its sustainable packaging activities, Smurfit Kappa is a leading supplier of environmentally friendly solutions that improve recyclability and reduce waste.
To provide high-quality, recyclable products, International Paper Company is concentrating on environmentally friendly production techniques. Environmental sustainability is an important element in the folded paper industry, driving demand for sustainable goods and highlighting the need for alignment.
Specialized Refinements in Printing and Packaging Technology Blooms the Revenue
In view of breakthroughs in printing and packaging materials, fanfold product innovation is anticipated to considerably accelerate market growth in the folded paper sector.
Several transnational establishments like the International Paper Company offer better customization and branding choices for clients by utilizing cutting-edge printing technology to enhance the quality and effectiveness of its folded products.
To meet the needs of consumers who are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability, global brands such as DS Smith are using creative designs and sustainable materials in packaging to improve functionality and lure in new customers.
Because of the folded paper industry's ongoing innovation, which is fueled by environmental responsibility and technological prowess, the global industry is anticipated to develop rapidly. This highlights how paramount ongoing innovation is to remain competitive.
Expensive Manufacturing with the Hint of Economic Downturn Is Likely To Impede the Sales
Due to competition from substitutes, economic downturns, fluctuations in the price of raw materials, lack of knowledge, and strict restrictions, and the fanfold market may experience difficulties. While economic downturns can affect company activity and demand, other goods or technology may offer comparable or even greater benefits.
Changes in the price of raw materials can have an impact on market share and profit margins. A lack of knowledge may prevent the market from growing, hence successful marketing and awareness-raising initiatives are required. Strict laws can also prohibit some features or raise compliance expenses, which might be a barrier to the market.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a continuous increase in demand for fanfold products. However, manufacturers have faced challenges in maintaining a consistent supply due to shortages of raw materials. The shortage has not only impacted the availability of folded papers but has also affected sales in the projected period.
Between 2019 and 2023, the demand is foreseen to fluctuate at a CAGR of 3.2%, reaching a total of USD 9.3 billion in 2023.
When it comes to products that need to be positioned vertically, fanfold packaging is a creative way to display and store goods while maintaining visibility. The distinctive design and increased product visibility of fanfold packaging, which was created for better visibility and flexibility, are fueling the growth of the global packaging market.
A significant USD 15.1 billion additional potential is projected to arise from the market, which is predicted to boom at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2024 and 2034.
Rising demand across a range of applications is anticipated to propel the market expansion of folded paper packaging, a distinctive clamshell form that may be displayed. Fanfolds make items easier to see in supermarkets and retail establishments. It works well for large, imbalanced products and gives displays a sturdy foundation.
In the packaging sector, tier 1 companies comprised Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith plc, and International Paper Company are industry leaders renowned for their significant market presence and wide recognition. International Paper Company excels in sustainable packaging solutions with a transnational footprint, while DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, with operations across Europe and North America.
At the same time, Smurfit Kappa is a leading provider of paper-based packaging solutions, with a strong international presence and extensive product portfolio.
Tier 2 companies in the packaging sector, such as Menasha Packaging Company, Papierfabrik Palm, Box on Demand, and Rondo Ganahl, are gaining significance through innovation, customization, and competitive pricing. The firms are leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices to meet evolving consumer demands.
The firm regional presence and commitment to quality enable them to effectively compete with larger firms, intensifying their influence and revenue share.
By providing specialized and custom packaging solutions, Tier 3 packaging firms such as Braepac Packaging, Independent Corrugator, and RIBBLE PACKAGING LTD. are specializing in certain features of the industry.
To set themselves apart, they emphasize innovative design, adaptability, and individualized customer service. They are gradually developing a devoted clientele and gaining traction by serving the demands of particular industries and smaller-scale businesses.
The industry analysis for each of the several countries' fanfold markets may be found in the section that follows. Spain is predicted to continue leading its industry in Europe at a 3.3% CAGR until 2034. By 2034, the Asia-Pacific region is envisioned to have a CAGR of 6.7% from India and a CAGR of 5.9% from China's paper manufacturing industry.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| United States | 2.9% |
| Canada | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | 2.8% |
| Spain | 3.3% |
| India | 6.7% |
| China | 5.9% |
Spain is forecasted to lead its industry in Europe with a CAGR of 3.3% until 2034, highlighting its emergent influence in the folded paper industry. An increasing number of companies in Spain looking to boost operational efficiency are using paper products, which are renowned for their economical and effective solutions.
Smurfit Kappa Spain is capitalizing on this trend by providing cutting-edge fanfold products that optimize packaging procedures and minimize waste, meeting the rigorous requirements of the e-commerce and transportation industries.
The operations in regional establishments of DS Smith are concentrated on environmentally friendly products, improving sustainability and cost cutting for productions, supporting Spain's leadership in the folded paper sector, and stimulating growth.
The fast expansion of end-use sectors is estimated to propel the demand for paper packaging throughout China. By 2034, the demand for paper packaging in China is anticipated to record a CAGR of 5.9%.
China's e-commerce business is booming, according to the International Trade Administration, due to rising internet penetration and a rise in online shoppers. Because of the increased need for effective and affordable packaging solutions to fulfill the demands of e-commerce enterprises, this boom has a substantial impact on the fanfold industry.
Innovative fanfold solutions for e-commerce are being developed by folded paper firms such as Smurfit Kappa and International Paper Company, which provide enhanced protection, personalization, and sustainability.
Fanfold packaging solutions from Smurfit Kappa maximize space and minimize waste for e-commerce behemoths like JD.com and Alibaba, underscoring the vital role that the folded paper sector plays in China.
Forecasts indicate that the growing requirement for packaging in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and ready-to-eat food sectors is anticipated to propel a constant growth in the demand for paper. Expectedly, the corrugated fanfold industry in India is estimated to benefit from the expansion of the paper packaging industry; estimations place the country's CAGR at 6.7% by 2034.
India is regarded as one of the rising markets for corrugated fanfold, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), because of the nation's quick industrialization and sectoral expansion. Paper is a fundamental material used extensively in the packaging business in India, making it a major supplier to the industry.
Details on the top industrial categories are provided in the section that follows. According to estimates, the demand for double wall is predicted to generate 37.6% of the total revenue in 2024. Manufacturers are foreseen for end use of shipping and logistics packing in 2024, accounting for 24.3% of the market.
| Wall Type | Double Wall |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 37.6% |
In 2024, with a revenue share of 37.6%, the double wall segment became the leading proportion. It serves as an additional layer of protection, divider, pad, or partition that can be utilized to separate the various product layers.
Corrugated cartons featuring double walls are anticipated to provide secure protection and can be utilized for lighter packaging. It can be easily printed, allowing for the application of various coatings to its surface, and is used to create cartons for the packing of a variety of commodities.
Due to the lesser weight of the double layer of paperboard used in double wall corrugated board boxes, shipping expenses are decreased. They are frequently used in e-commerce packaging to deliver more compact and smaller items. Increased demand for packaging solutions is probably a result of the growing popularity of online shopping.
| End Use | Shipping and Logistics |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 24.3% |
Continuously cutting and folding sheets into the appropriate length and form enables the development of customized packaging solutions that optimize space usage and improve the protection of items during transit. The shipping and logistics industry is estimated to attain a substantial revenue share of 24.3% by 2024.
The folding packaging offers a high level of versatility, making it an immaculate choice for accommodating a wide range of product shapes and sizes. The adaptability is particularly valuable in the shipping and logistics industry, where there is a need to package products of various dimensions.
The customizable nature of cardboard folding packaging allows for efficient and tailored solutions to meet diverse packaging requirements, ensuring that products can be securely and appropriately packaged for transportation and delivery.
The fanfold market is experiencing a fascinating shift. Leading players are prioritizing sustainability, and recognizing the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. This translates to a surge in research and development of innovative designs for packaging materials made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
International businesses are seeking strategic alliances, such as mergers and acquisitions, in the background. Such relationships provide access to cutting-edge knowledge and technology, especially when they are formed with local companies and creative entrepreneurs.
This enables them to broaden the range of paperboard products they provide, thus enhancing their global sales and serving a greater number of applications. The current dynamic state of the market portends a future in which consumer preferences and smart industry alliances are going to propel eco-conscious corrugated boards to the forefront.
Recent Industry Developments in Fanfold Market
The industry is projected to witness CAGR of 4.6% between 2024 and 2034.
The global industry stood at USD 9.8 billion in 2024.
The global industry is anticipated to reach USD 15.1 billion by 2034.
In 2023, the market is anticipated to be valued at USD 9.3 billion.
The key players operating in the global industry include Box on Demand, International Paper Company, Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith, and others.
Based on the wall types, the industry is divided into single wall, double wall, and triple wall.
In terms of printing technology, the industry is segregated into digital printing, flexographic printing, and lithographic printing.
Based on the end use of the containers, the demand is categorized into shipping and logistics e-commerce, electronics and home appliance, pharmaceutical, personal care and cosmetics, food and beverage, and other consumer goods.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA), have been covered in the report.
Fanfold Market
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