The global old corrugated container (OCC) market size is estimated to be valued at US$ 41.4 billion in 2023. Old corrugated container sales are anticipated to reach US$ 65.7 billion by 2033. The market will likely expand at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period 2023 to 2033.
Recycled paper and old corrugated containers (OCC) in particular, have always been a volatile commodity. Recent years have showcased an increasing demand due to a rise in recycled containerboard production. It has been followed by a sudden decrease in export opportunities and disruptions on the supply side. As a result, pricing has been subject to significant fluctuations.
Paper manufacturers in China have been actively seeking remedies to tackle the shortage of recycled fiber. It was brought on by a significant drop in the country’s imports of recovered paper (RCP).
As a key source of recycled fiber, recycled pulp, which is primarily produced from old corrugated containers (OCC), has become a crucial alternative for paper producers in China. In 2017, imports of recycled pulp in the country were virtually nonexistent. However, by 2019, they had reached around 1 billion tons, and the trend continued to increase substantially next year onward.
In the United States, the average corrugated box contains 50% recycled materials and most of old boxes are repurposed for new paper products. This is closely tied to the production of containerboard, with consumption for 2021 already reaching 22.2 billion tons.
Across the pond in Europe, paper and board have maintained their position as the most commonly recycled packaging material. In fact, the recycling rate for this material in Europe stands at an impressive 71.4%, according to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) in 2021. Additionally, the United States boasts a 73% recovery rate for all paper-based packaging, with over 88% of corrugated boxes being recycled.
A new estimation predicts that sales in the recycled paperboard industry will rise from 2023 to 2033 and are projected to create a total financial potential of US$ 27 billion. The market for used cardboard containers is predicted to expand 1.6 times the current value during the forecast period.
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Old Corrugated Container Market Anticipated Size (2022A) | US$ 39.1 billion |
| Old Corrugated Container Market Estimated Size (2023E) | US$ 41.4 billion |
| Projected Old Corrugated Container Market Valuation (2033F) | US$ 65.7 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.7% |
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The old corrugated container market witnessed a CAGR of 3.1% during the historical period from 2018 to 2022. The global OCC industry attained a value of US$ 39.1 billion in 2022 from US$ 35.1 billion in 2018.
| Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) | 3.1% |
|---|---|
| Forecast CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.7% |
The historic perspective of the worldwide old corrugated container (OCC) market displays a diverse path driven by changing environmental projects, disposable patterns, as well as recyclable consumption. Over the years, increased environmental consciousness has fueled the recycling efforts and made old corrugated containers essential for reused paper and packaging.
The global demand for recycled fibers mainly sourced from old corrugated containers increased significantly with the adoption of the circular economy.
The growing trend of e-commerce on international level, especially in recent years, led to increased demand for old corrugated containers, which resulted in more containers available for recycling. The historic importance of old corrugated containers in the growing sustainable packaging industry makes this a good time to explore future developments.
These would help address evolving environmental concerns due to legislative changes by national authorities as industries are expected to adopt greener processes.
The table below offers a semi-annual update on the growth rate of the global old corrugated container market over two different periods, namely, H1 and H2, spanning from 2022 to 2033. CAGRs of each period exhibit the estimated average annual growth rates.
They vary between 4.7% and 5.1% for the primary portion of each period and from 4.6% to 4.8% for the second. This proves a largely favorable growth tendency in the market for old corrugated cardboards with slight fluctuation across diverse periods.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.7% (2022 to 2032) |
| H2 | 5.1% (2022 to 2032) |
| H1 | 4.6% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.8% (2023 to 2033) |
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Corrugated packaging producers are set to use recycled materials and manufacture new containers out of these. Several packaging companies are adopting rigid boxes, paper boxes, cardboard boxes, and folding cartons for the packaging of multiple products.
The strength and rigidity provided by sustainable packaging solutions is increasing the demand for old corrugated containers. Consumers are changing their preference toward sustainable choices and this is boosting sales of old corrugated container market.
Manufacturing companies and consumers are driven toward paper packaging due to increased plastic pollution and stringent regulations imposed on plastic usage. Corrugated containers play an important role in shipping and transportation of bulk products, especially in logistics and retail industry.
The rigidity and strength provided by used cardboard containers has increased its packaging applications in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, electrical & electronics, and cosmetics & personal care industries.
The increasing demand for online shopping or e-commerce is expected to drive the demand for old corrugated containers as consumers are becoming aware of sustainability. Wood pulp is a rich source of old corrugated containers. It is becoming a more valuable commodity in the packaging sector.
The rising preference for eco-friendly alternatives among modern consumers also positively influences the market. Companies operating in the cardboard recycling market are set to offer customization in different shapes or sizes as well as provide printable solutions as per the requirements of buyers.
Discarded paperboard containers are expected to be demanded by the logistics and transportation industry worldwide. This is attributed to their excellent shock absorption quality and high strength to hold heavy products while transporting goods.
The booming e-commerce sector is further expected to create a high potential for the old corrugated container market. This is due to the rising amount of post-consumer material generated by the sector.
Post-consumer corrugated containers generated from the e-commerce sector can be recycled and reused for the same purpose of shipping & packaging. The influence of digital platforms is projected to further accelerate the e-commerce sector. The rising demand for rigid, protective, and sustainable packaging solutions from consumers is anticipated to push the used cardboard container market growth.
One of the most important material in the global packaging market is paper. Demand for paper pulp is increasing rapidly, particularly in developing countries of Southeast Asia and South America.
Paper packaging is expected to be the ideal alternative to polystyrene, which can be fully replaced by recyclable paper. Currently, new developments of paper recycling allow for reprocessing of coated paper packaging as well as corrugated cartons. This is anticipated to lower the cost of recycling, and drive the demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
The section below highlights the CAGRs of the leading countries in the old corrugated container market. The three main countries pushing sales of discarded paperboard containers include Japan, Canada, and China.
According to the analysis, Japan is set to lead the market for scrap cardboard recycling by showcasing a CAGR of 5.9% in the forecast period. The country is anticipated to be followed by Canada and China, with CAGRs of 5.3% and 4.8%, respectively.
| Countries | Value (CAGR) |
|---|---|
| United States | 4.0% |
| Canada | 5.3% |
| Germany | 3.0% |
| Italy | 3.2% |
| France | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | 2.5% |
| China | 4.8% |
| Japan | 5.9% |
Corrugated packaging is the most often recovered packaging material for recycling, according to the Fiber Box Association. For the past ten years, the old corrugated containers (OCC) recovery rate has been around 90%.
About 52 percent of corrugated boxes are made of recycled materials on average. The United States has more than 56% of its forestland owned by private individuals. Homeowners who preserve their lands to safeguard their worth for future generations hold about 39% of the total (American Forest Foundation).
The United States’ old corrugated container market is anticipated to create a total financial potential worth US$ 3,877 million and expand at a CAGR of 4.0% in the forecast period.
According to the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in 2020, China’s online retail sales reached US$ 1.52 trillion. It remained the world’s largest online retail market for eight consecutive years. Overall, the growing retail market in China is expected to create considerable growth opportunities for the old corrugated container market in the estimated period.
China’s old corrugated container market is projected to reach US$ 3,594 million by the end of 2023, accelerating at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2033. Expansion of the retail industry in China is a key factor driving the recovered fiber market.
Canada’s old corrugated container market is expected to witness a CAGR of 5.3% in the assessment period. OCC demand is frequently correlated with recycling programs in Canada.
Paper and cardboard recycling is becoming more and more important as environmental concerns gain attention. Recycling initiatives are being increasingly promoted and participated in by businesses, consumers, and governments.
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The tables below showcase the growth rates of leading segments in the old corrugated container market. In terms of grade, the OCC 12 segment will likely witness a CAGR of 5.8% in the estimated period. Based on end-use, the healthcare segment is set to exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2033.
| Grade | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| OCC Grade 11 | 4.3% |
| OCC Grade 12 | 5.8% |
| WX-OCC | 3.5% |
| End-use | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | 5.0% |
| Personal Care & Home Care | 4.4% |
| Logistics & Transportation | 4.7% |
| Electrical & Electronics | 3.5% |
| Healthcare | 6.1% |
| Chemical & Fertilizer | 3.8% |
| Others (Agriculture, Automotive) | 3.0% |
In terms of grade, the OCC 11 segment is projected to expand 1.5 times the current old corrugated container market value during the forecast period. It is anticipated to showcase a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2033.
Old corrugated containers are characterized by premium quality corrugated cardboard composition sourced from several channels. These include manufacturing facilities, e-commerce distribution hubs, and retail centers.
E-commerce growth has also contributed extensively to sustaining the constant levels of OOC 11. This is because most of the packaging that accompanies online deliveries contribute toward increased amounts of OCC 11.
Food & beverage companies are expected to look for recyclable materials such as old corrugated containers due to the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Corrugated cardboard is mainly known for its flexibility and strength that fits well with the needs of food & beverage packaging.
Novel packaging solutions are expected to lead to the safe transportation of products and minimize their environmental impact. The growing consumer consciousness toward eco-friendly packaging is also set to fuel the market.
It is further projected to compel food & beverage manufacturers to prioritize recyclable packaging. The food & beverage segment is projected to exhibit a CAGR of around 5.0% in the forecast period in the old corrugated container market.
Leading players in the old corrugated container (OCC) waste paper market are gaining high shares by developing innovations and advancements. They are also focusing on mergers & acquisitions, collaborations, and joint ventures to expand their presence in the global old corrugated container market.
Developments by leading players in the old corrugated container market are
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Old Corrugated Container Market Value (2023) | US$ 41.4 billion |
| Projected Old Corrugated Container Market Value (2033) | US$ 65.7 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.7% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2022 |
| Historical Data | 2018 to 2022 |
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in Value US$ billion and Volume in 000’ tons |
| Old Corrugated Container Market Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis |
| Segments Covered | Grade, Source, End-use, Region |
| Key Companies Profiled in Old Corrugated Container Market Report | Smurfit Kappa Group; Kruger Inc.; International Paper; WestRock Company; DS Smith Plc; Sonoco Products Company; Cleanaway Waste Management Limited; Royal Oak Recycling; RecycleMax; Gabriel Container Co.; Green Recycling Ltd.; Allan Company; Miller Recycling Corporation; Berg Mill Supply Co.; Continental Paper Grading Limited; ALSECO S.r.l |
The old corrugated container market reached US$ 41.4 billion in 2023.
The old corrugated container market is set to reach US$ 65.7 billion in 2033.
The old corrugated container market will likely show a 4.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.
Old corrugated containers are used containers made from un-waxed, unbleached paper.
The old corrugated container market witnessed a 3.1% CAGR from 2018 to 2022.
1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Market Analysis 1.3. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 2.3. Heat Mapping/Product Mapping 3. Key Market Trends 3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Market 3.2. Sustainable Trends 3.3. Technological Trends 3.4. Product Innovation / Development Trends 4. Key Success Factors 4.1. Product Adoption / Usage Analysis 4.2. Product USPs / Features 4.3. Strategic Promotional Strategies 5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 5.1. Historical Market Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, 2018 to 2022 5.2. Current and Future Market Volume (000’ tons) Projections, 2023 to 2033 5.3. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis 6. Global Market - Pricing Analysis 6.1. Regional Pricing Analysis 6.2. Global Average Pricing Analysis Benchmark 7. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in US$ billion) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 7.1. Historical Market Value (US$ billion) Analysis, 2018 to 2022 7.2. Current and Future Market Value (US$ billion) Projections, 2023 to 2033 7.2.1. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis 7.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis 8. Market Background 8.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market Overview 8.2. Global Paper & Paperboard Packaging Industry Outlook 8.3. Macroeconomic Factors 8.4. Forecast Factors - Relevance & Impact 8.5. Value Chain 8.5.1. Exhaustive List of Raw Source Suppliers 8.5.2. Exhaustive List of Old Corrugated Containers Manufacturers/Convertor/Distributor 8.6. Cased-based Scenario – Impact Assessment 8.6.1. Current Statistics 8.6.2. Short-Mid-Long Term Outlook 8.6.3. Likely Rebound 8.7. Market Dynamics 8.7.1. Drivers 8.7.2. Restraints 8.7.3. Opportunity Analysis 8.8. Supply Demand Analysis 9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Grade 9.1. Introduction / Key Findings 9.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis By Product Type, 2018 to 2022 9.3. Current and Future Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast By Grade, 2023 to 2033 9.3.1. OCC 11 9.3.2. OCC 12 9.3.3. WX-OCC 9.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis By Grade 10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Source 10.1. Introduction / Key Findings 10.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis By Source, 2018 to 2022 10.3. Current and Future Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast By Source, 2023 to 2033 10.3.1. Household 10.3.2. Manufacturing Facilities 10.3.3. Retail 10.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis By Source 11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-use 11.1. Introduction / Key Findings 11.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis By Region, 2018 to 2022 11.3. Current and Future Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast By Application, 2023 to 2033 11.3.1. Food & Beverage 11.3.2. Personal Care & Home Care 11.3.3. Logistics & Transportation 11.3.4. Electrical & Electronics 11.3.5. Healthcare 11.3.6. Chemical & Fertilizer 11.3.7. Others (Agriculture, Automotive) 11.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis By End-use 12. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 12.1. Introduction / Key Findings 12.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis By Region, 2018 to 2022 12.3. Current and Future Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast By Region, 2023 to 2033 12.3.1. North America 12.3.2. Latin America 12.3.3. Europe 12.3.4. East Asia 12.3.5. South Asia 12.3.6. Middle East & Africa 12.3.7. Oceania 12.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis By Region 13. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 13.1. Introduction / Key Findings 13.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2018 to 2022 13.3. Current Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2023 to 2033 13.3.1. By Country 13.3.1.1. United States 13.3.1.2. Canada 13.3.2. By Grade 13.3.3. By Source 13.3.4. By End-use 13.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis 13.4.1. By Country 13.4.2. By Grade 13.4.3. By Source 13.4.4. By End-use 14. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 14.1. Introduction / Key Findings 14.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2018 to 2022 14.3. Current Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2023 to 2033 14.3.1. By Country 14.3.1.1. Brazil 14.3.1.2. Mexico 14.3.1.3. Argentina 14.3.1.4. Rest of Latin America 14.3.2. By Grade 14.3.3. By Source 14.3.4. By End-use 14.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis 14.4.1. By Country 14.4.2. By Grade 14.4.3. By Source 14.4.4. By End-use 15. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 15.1. Introduction / Key Findings 15.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2018 to 2022 15.3. Current Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2023 to 2033 15.3.1. By Country 15.3.1.1. China 15.3.1.2. Japan 15.3.1.3. South Korea 15.3.2. By Grade 15.3.3. By Source 15.3.4. By End-use 15.4. By Application Market Attractiveness Analysis 15.4.1. By Country 15.4.2. By Grade 15.4.3. By Source 15.4.4. By End-use 16. South Asia & Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 16.1. Introduction / Key Findings 16.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2018 to 2022 16.3. Current Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2023 to 2033 16.3.1. By Country 16.3.1.1. India 16.3.1.2. Association of Southeast Asian Nations 16.3.1.3. Australia & New Zealand 16.3.2. By Grade 16.3.3. By Source 16.3.4. By End-use 16.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis 16.4.1. By Country 16.4.2. By Grade 16.4.3. By Source 17. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 17.1. Introduction / Key Findings 17.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2018 to 2022 17.3. Current Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2023 to 2033 17.3.1. By Country 17.3.1.1. Germany 17.3.1.2. France 17.3.1.3. Spain 17.3.1.4. Italy 17.3.1.5. United Kingdom 17.3.1.6. BENELUX 17.3.1.7. Poland 17.3.1.8. Hungary 17.3.1.9. Romania 17.3.1.10. Nordics 17.3.1.11. Rest of Europe 17.3.2. By Grade 17.3.3. By Source 17.3.4. By End-use 17.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis 17.4.1. By Country 17.4.2. By Grade 17.4.3. By Source 17.4.4. By End-use 18. Middle East & Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 18.1. Introduction / Key Findings 18.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2018 to 2022 18.3. Current Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2023 to 2033 18.3.1. By Country 18.3.1.1. GCC Countries 18.3.1.2. Türkiye 18.3.1.3. Northern Africa 18.3.1.4. South Africa 18.3.1.5. Israel 18.3.1.6. Saudi Arabia 18.3.2. By Grade 18.3.3. By Source 18.3.4. By End-use 18.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis 18.4.1. By Country 18.4.2. By Grade 18.4.3. By Source 18.4.4. By End-use 19. Oceania Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 19.1. Introduction / Key Findings 19.2. Historical Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2018 to 2022 19.3. Current Market Size (US$ billion) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2023 to 2033 19.3.1. By Country 19.3.2. By Grade 19.3.3. By Source 19.3.4. By End-use 19.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis 19.4.1. By Country 19.4.2. By Grade 19.4.3. By Source 19.4.4. By End use 20. Country wise Market Analysis 2023 & 2033 20.1. United States Market Analysis 20.1.1. By Grade 20.1.2. By Source 20.1.3. By End-use 20.2. Canada Market Analysis 20.2.1. By Grade 20.2.2. By Source 20.2.3. By End-use 20.3. Brazil Market Analysis 20.3.1. By Grade 20.3.2. By Source 20.3.3. By End-use 20.4. Mexico Market Analysis 20.4.1. By Grade 20.4.2. By Source 20.4.3. By End-use 20.5. Germany Market Analysis 20.5.1. By Grade 20.5.2. By Source 20.5.3. By End-use 20.6. United Kingdom Market Analysis 20.6.1. By Grade 20.6.2. By Source 20.6.3. By End-use 20.7. Spain Market Analysis 20.7.1. By Grade 20.7.2. By Source 20.7.3. By End use 20.8. France Market Analysis 20.8.1. By Grade 20.8.2. By Source 20.8.3. By End-use 20.9. China Market Analysis 20.9.1. By Grade 20.9.2. By Source 20.9.3. By End-use 20.10. Japan Market Analysis 20.10.1. By Grade 20.10.2. By Source 20.10.3. By End-use 20.11. India Market Analysis 20.11.1. By Grade 20.11.2. By Source 20.11.3. By end-use 20.12. Australia & New Zealand Market Analysis 20.12.1. By Grade 20.12.2. By Source 20.12.3. By End-use 20.13. GCC Countries Market Analysis 20.13.1. By Grade 20.13.2. By Source 20.13.3. By End-use 20.14. South Africa Market Analysis 20.14.1. By Grade 20.14.2. By Source 20.14.3. By End-use 21. Market Structure Analysis 21.1. Market Analysis by Tier of Companies (Old Corrugated Containers) 21.2. Market Share Analysis of Top Players 21.3. Market Presence Analysis 22. Competition Analysis 22.1. Competition Dashboard 22.2. Competition Benchmarking 22.3. Competition Deep Dive (Global Based/Operating Key Market Players) 22.3.1. Smurfit Kappa Group 22.3.1.1. Overview 22.3.1.2. Product Portfolio 22.3.1.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region) 22.3.1.4. Sales Footprint 22.3.1.5. Strategy Overview 22.3.2. Kruger Inc 22.3.3. International Paper 22.3.4. WestRock Company 22.3.5. DS Smith Plc 22.3.6. Sonoco Products Company 22.3.7. Cleanaway Waste Management Limited 22.3.8. Royal Oak Recycling 22.3.9. RecycleMax 22.3.10. Gabriel Container Co. 22.3.11. Green Recycling Ltd. 22.3.12. Allan Company 22.3.13. Miller Recycling Corporation 22.3.14. Berg Mill Supply Co. 22.3.15. Continental Paper Grading Limited 22.3.16. ALSECO S.r.l The above list is indicative in nature and is subject to change during the course of research 23. Assumptions and Acronyms Used 24. Research Methodology
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Old Corrugated Container Market
