Corrugated Boxes Market Share Analysis by Flute Type (A, B, C, E, F), Board Style (Single-Face, Single-Wall, Double-Wall, Triple-Wall), Box Style (Slotted, Telescope, Folder, Rigid), End Use (Processed Food, Fresh Food and Produce, Beverages, Paper Products, Electrical Goods, Personal/Household Care, Glassware and Ceramics, Chemicals, Tobacco, Wood/Timber Products, Textiles, Transportation, Direct Mail) – Global Industry Demand Forecast to 2030

Market overview

The corrugated boxes market size stood at $251.6 billion in 2022, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during 2022–2030, to reach $359.6 billion by 2030.

This growth can be majorly attributed to the rising demand for lightweight and convenient packaging solutions across diverse industries.

The rise in the adoption of corrugated boxes over other packing solutions, such as self-sealing boxes, plastic boxes, and retention packaging, is mainly due to the growing concerns over their sustainability in the value chain. Since corrugated material used is easy to recycle, it is witnessing a high demand for packaging applications. In addition, retail-ready packaging saves time and labor cost. Other advantages include its eco-friendly nature and lower cost compared to other products, which continue to drive the market globally.

The manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on boxes for product transportation and handling. These materials are widely utilized for the handling of food and beverages, chemicals, glassware, consumer electronics, textiles, and personal care and household products.

Corrugated board products are also used by businesses that provide a range of food services, such as serving and packing meals. For instance, restaurant chains are taking more interest in the packaging of their food items. Moreover, due to the trend of online retailing, the growing demand for e-commerce packaging is projected to accelerate market expansion.

Furthermore, the North American corrugated boxes market will demonstrate significant growth, around 5%, during the forecast period. The growth in the market can be majorly attributed to the high adoption of corrugated boxes that are durable and can withstand wear and tear during shipping. In addition, they facilitate easier printing on the exteriors, for branding and advertising purposes.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt on almost every industry across the world, further resulting in an economic slowdown. However, there are few industries that have remained unaffected to a great extent, and corrugated packaging is one of them, which has kept the supply chain moving. Owing to the lockdowns in various countries, including China, India, the U.S., Italy, Spain, Germany, and the U.K., the production and operations of various industries were temporarily halted or reduced. Owing to the unorganized nature of this industry, the demand for this material was mostly met by the local vendors.

Furthermore, such packaging is considered the backbone of the supply chain, especially in the U.S., Germany, China, and India. Hence, this pandemic did not have much effect on this industry, as packaging is required for the supply of almost all essential goods to grocery stores, retailers, pharmacies, and hospitals and, then, finally to the end users.

Growing Focus of Market Players on Product Recycling and Sustainable Packaging

Traditionally, packaging is disposed of after use, which has led to a massive increase in the amount of waste in landfills, thus resulting in harmful environmental effects. However, manufacturers have now started using advanced technologies for shredding and compaction, which help in the recycling of such boxes.

When the material is recycled, fiber is produced, which can be utilized for the development of new corrugated boards. The major advantage of recycling this material is that it helps in reducing the cost of manufacturing new boards. Additionally, recycling helps in waste reduction, thereby benefiting the environment at large. Due to this, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the recycling of old packaging materials for the development of new products.

Thus, materials are being recycled, along with the automation of the packaging process, to reduce wastage and create a sustainable environment, ultimately, to utilize resources optimally and sustainably.

Explore more about this report - Request free sample pages

C-Flute Type Makes Largest Contribution to Global Market

The C category accounted for the largest share, around 40%, in 2022. This flute type finds high usage in corrugated boxes for shipping purposes, primarily for the packing of glass products, dairy products, furniture, and automotive components.

For instance, market players provide such boxes for the packaging of engines, metallic body pieces, windshields, airbags, and car headliners. These boxes can be stacked and have a better compression strength since they feature a corrugated medium that is rather thick.

Additionally, owing to its good crush resistance, high stacking strength, and suitability for high-quality printing, the C flute is widely preferred by end users. Due to these factors, this category is expected to continue being the largest and grow with a rate of over 5% during the forecast period.

Growth in Packaging Industry Drives Market

One of the key factors driving the market is the growth in the packaging industry globally. The rise in the demand for manufactured goods, ranging from smartphones and television sets to consumable items, such as candies, has pushed the demand for corrugated material, especially corrugated boxes, for storage and transportation purposes, owing to their high structural strength and crush resistance.

Moreover, with the rise in the standard of living, especially in China, India, and Brazil, there has been an increase in the demand for products such as cosmetics, food and beverages, and electronics. Corrugated boxes are mostly recommended for shipping these products, as they are pressure-resistant and stronger than the regular cardboard packaging. Hence, cartons made of the material and sealed with strong packaging adhesives are widely used for transporting heavy and fragile consumer goods. Additionally, the robust growth in on-demand delivery services and online shopping has resulted in an increase in the use of eco-friendly boxes.

Preferred Board Style Is Single Wall

The single-wall category was the largest in the market, accounting for revenue of over $200 billion, in 2022. Single-wall corrugated boxes are lightweight and, therefore, perfect for carrying low-weight objects. Besides, owing to their flexibility, they can be easily converted into any size, as per requirement.

This type of board is compatible with the C flute, which is considered a medium-sized flute; the B flute, which is a fine flute; and the E flute, which is considered a micro-flute. Furthermore, the inner and outer liners give structural strength to the box, with the flute in between capable of absorbing shocks during the transportation of products. With the increasing demand for customized corrugated boxes, the demand for single-wall variants is further projected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period.

Moreover, to keep the various components separated in the outer packaging and provide additional protection to the packaged goods, single-face boards are also utilized as an interior packaging material. Because there is just one fluted medium linked to the liner board, single-face boards are less durable than other types. However, they provide an environment-friendly alternative to bubble wrap or loose-fill containers made of plastic. Double-wall variants can be utilized for fanfold separation as well as stacking and strengthening applications.

For instance, mangoes exported from India are packaged in boxes composed of corrugated fiber board (CFB) of five plies, or double-wall boards, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). These boxes can be sent via a variety of modes of transport, including air and land. As a result, these materials are utilized to create carton boxes, where the additional layers of paper provide the packed products with crush resistance.

Key Players in Corrugated Boxes Market are:

• International Paper Company
• WestRock Company
• Georgia-Pacific LLC
• Smurfit Kappa Group plc
• Mondi Group
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• DS Smith plc
• Stora Enso Oyj

Corrugated Boxes Market Size Breakdown by Segment

This fully customizable report gives a detailed analysis of the market from 2017 to 2030, based on all the relevant segments and geographies.

Based on Flute Type

• A
• B
• C
• E
• F

Based on Board Style

• Single-Face
• Single-Wall
• Double-Wall
• Triple-Wall

Based on Box Style

• Slotted
• Telescope
• Folder
• Rigid

Based on End Use

• Processed Food
• Fresh Food and Produce
• Beverages
• Paper Products
• Electrical Goods
• Personal/Household Care
• Glassware and Ceramics
• Chemicals
• Tobacco
• Wood/Timber Products
• Textiles
• Transportation
• Direct Mail

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • U.K.
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey