3D Printed Paper Paperboard Packaging Market

3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging Market Size

The global 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market size was valued at USD 345.4 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 9.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The rising consumer need for unique, on-demand packaging designs is driving the market over the studied period.

The growing demand for customization along with the rising worldwide emphasis on sustainability is boosting the use of 3D-printed paper and paperboard packaging as a more environmentally friendly option compared to plastic. Manufacturers are using this technology to make biodegradable, recyclable packaging with less material waste, meeting regulatory requirements and consumer demands for more sustainable solutions. For instance, in 2024, Coca-Cola tested 3D-printed paper bottles as part of its sustainable packaging program, seeking to decrease the amount of plastic used in packaging its beverages.

Sustainability is also a vital driver of the 3D-printed packaging industry. As companies seek to minimize their carbon footprint, 3D printing is a cost-effective way to minimize packaging production waste. Conventional manufacturing processes entail material wastage, but 3D printing only requires the amount of material needed, which is in accordance with world sustainability objectives. Additionally, the development of biodegradable and recyclable 3D printing materials further fuels the use of the technology for packaging. For instance, in November 2024, Lactips and Walki Group made strategic movement by entering into the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) and focuses on developing fully recyclable paper-based food packaging.

3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging denotes packaging products printed using 3D printing technology, with the use of paper and paperboard materials. With this method, customized, lightweight, eco-friendly packaging of intricate designs with less material loss and enhanced structure can be developed. It finds extensive use across food & beverage, cosmetics, and retail businesses for green and innovative packaging alternatives.

3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging Market Trends

• Growing demand for product differentiation is fueling 3D-printed paper and paperboard packaging adoption. More brands are turning to unique, customized packaging formats to create increased consumer interaction and brand awareness. 3D printing provides high levels of complexity and customization, which other production methods cannot reproduce, and that enables companies to target niche market segments and shifting consumer attitudes. For Instance, In October 2023, Nestlé tested 3D-printed paperboard packaging for its confectionery products in Germany. The aim was to cut material waste and enhance packaging efficiency while preserving the protective barriers required to keep products fresh.
  
• The growing application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 3D printing is maximizing design accuracy, material use, and production rate in paper-based packaging. AI-powered software maximizes automation, minimizing waste and enhancing customization for brands that want sustainable options. For Instance, In March 2024, HP introduced an AI-powered 3D printing solution for paperboard packaging, enabling real-time error detection and material optimization, helping manufacturers improve sustainability and production efficiency.
  

3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging Market Analysis

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Based on type, the market is divided into boxes & containers, inserts & dividers, dispensing products, others

• The boxes & containers market was valued at 163.1 million in the year 2024. The Boxes & Containers in the 3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging industry is witnessing increasing adoption because of the need for sustainable, lightweight, and customizable packaging materials in industries such as e-commerce, food & beverage, and retail. Rising regulatory pressure against plastic waste and consumer inclination toward eco-friendly alternatives are compelling manufacturers to implement 3D printing for cost-effective, high-quality, and biodegradable paperboard packaging. For instance, in June 2025, DS Smith introduced Tape Back, a packaging solution that eliminates single-use plastic tear strips in e-commerce. It employs one glue strip for two shipments, cutting waste and allowing sustainable returns.
  
• The inserts & dividers market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% in the forecast period. Inserts & dividers in the 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging industry are gaining traction because they offer superior protection to the product and tailored fit for multiple industries, such as electronics, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals. Increasing demand for environmentally friendly and light-weight packaging solutions is pushing innovations in this segment during the forecast period.
  

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Based on printing technology, the 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market is classified into binder jetting, laminated object manufacturing (lom), inkjet 3d printing, polyjet printing, others.

• The binder jetting market is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 283.5 Million by the year 2034. Binder Jetting is a prominent technology in the 3D-printed paper & paperboard packaging industry as it can design complex and customized packaging solutions with high-speed printing. Binder Jetting offers effective material utilization, minimizing waste while providing lightweight yet strong packaging structures.
  
• The inkjet market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% in the forecast period. This technology supports sustainable packaging by enabling precise material deposition, reducing waste, and offering enhanced design flexibility for branding and personalization. Thus, driving the growth of overall segment in the market.
  

Based on application, the market is divided into food & beverage packaging, cosmetics packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, consumer goods packaging, industrial goods packaging, electronics packaging, others.

• The food and beverage market in 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 197.6 million by the year 2034. The food & beverages sector is increasingly using 3D printed packaging to design customized, sustainable, and innovative packages. 3D printing enables companies to produce packaging solutions that maximize product preservation, ensure freshness, and increase aesthetic attraction. It also helps brands come up with lightweight yet robust packaging with complex designs that cater to unique product requirements.
  
• The pharmaceutical packaging in the 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% in the forecast period. In pharmaceutical 3D printing is employed to create tamper-evident, sterile, and functional drug and medical device packaging solutions. With this technology, complex and customized designs, for example, dosage forms or packaging with anti-counterfeiting elements, are possible to produce.
  

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• In 2024, the U.S. 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market was valued at USD 90 million. Growth of the U.S. 3D printed packaging market is mainly fueled by the growing emphasis on sustainability in the U.S. packaging sector. With growing environmental concerns, U.S. companies are employing 3D printing to develop more sustainable packaging solutions through reduced waste, recyclable materials, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. 3D printing makes it possible for precise production, cutting down excess material consumption and the ability to create packaging that accommodates products better, hence saving on transport costs and emissions. For example, HP and Carbon developed biodegradable and compostable 3D-printed package materials in response to consumers' demands for environmental sustainability.
  
• The UK 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 9% in the forecast period. The country has been focusing on sustainable measures in food packaging to reduce the impact on the environment. For instance, In October 2024, British packaging group Mondi purchased German packaging company Schumacher Packaging's Western European assets for USD 634 million. The purchase is comprised of a UK packaging site near Birmingham Airport, strengthening Mondi's offerings in e-commerce and consumer-packaging capabilities.
  
• China 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 123 million by 2034. 3D printing allows for on-demand production, which helps brands meet these requirements more effectively. For example, companies in China are using 3D printed packaging for personalized and sustainable e-commerce parcels, significantly reducing the need for traditional packaging materials and allowing faster prototyping for new packaging designs.
  
• India 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market is anticipated to grow at CAGR of 13.6% in the forecast period. The Indian government's initiative of promoting plastic-free substitutes, including schemes such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, is nudging companies towards adopting creative and biodegradable packaging strategies. Furthermore, the growth of e-commerce and retail industries has boosted the demand for affordable and adjustable packaging, which has made 3D-printed paper-based packaging an interesting option.
  
• By 2034, South Korea 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 31.7 million in the forecast period. South Korea's Market is expanding with the country's heavy focus on technological advancement and environmental friendliness. The government of South Korea has set stringent standards for controlling plastic waste, compelling companies to shift to sustainable packaging options. Moreover, South Korea's advanced manufacturing and printing sectors are fueling the integration of 3D printing technology into customized and effective packaging solutions.
  

3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging Market Share

The 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging industry is highly fragmented owing to the players in the market leveraging the growing preferences of the sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging option in the food industry.  Top 5 companies in the 3D Systems Corporation, Stratasys Ltd., Materialise NV, HP Inc., EOS GmbH. and they together constitute a market share of 20-25% in 2024. The players are emphasizing research and development to enhance material compatibility, design flexibility, and production efficiency, serving industries like food & beverage, cosmetics, and e-commerce. Strategic alliances, acquisitions, and mergers are the norm with companies looking to build their technical capabilities and strengthen their global reach. Furthermore, competition is spurred by sustainability trends and growing needs for customized packaging, and firms are looking to differentiate themselves based on environmentally friendly materials and economic value.

3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging Market Companies

Top prominent companies operating in the 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging industry include:

• 3D Systems Corporation
• Stratasys Ltd.
• Materialise NV
• HP Inc.
• EOS GmbH
  

3D Systems Corporation is a prominent player, and its focus lies in the making of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. It is offering solutions for several applications, such as packaging. The firm provides cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, such as binder jetting and material extrusion, to be used in prototyping and customized paperboard packaging.

Stratasys Ltd. Is focusing on innovations in additive manufacturing for various applications, including packaging. The company has been actively expanding its capabilities in inkjet-based 3D printing to cater to sustainable and customizable paperboard packaging solutions. For instance, In March 2024, Stratasys introduced a new inkjet 3D printing solution specifically designed for high-resolution printing on paper-based materials. This innovation enabled the production of eco-friendly and customized packaging, catering to the rising demand for sustainable solutions in the consumer goods sector.

3D Printed Paper & Paperboard Packaging Industry News

• In April 2024, GP3DPrint introduced a novel approach to sustainable packaging through a collaboration between Baralan, Stratasys, and ICA. This initiative focuses on 3D printing technology to create personalized and eco-friendly cosmetic packaging. The service utilizes a specially developed water-based paint by ICA that integrates with Baralan's bio range, ensuring compliance with cosmetic packaging standards while promoting sustainability.
  
• In June 2023, voxeljet partnered with a leading e-commerce company in Europe to supply 3D-printed inserts and dividers for packaging fragile goods. This initiative helps reduce material costs and enhances product protection during transit.
  

The 3D printed paper & paperboard packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Boxes & containers
• Inserts & dividers
• Dispensing products
• Others

Market, By Printing Technology

• Binder jetting
• Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
• Inkjet 3d printing
• Polyjet printing
• Others

Market, By Application

• Food & beverage packaging
• Cosmetics packaging
• Pharmaceutical packaging
• Consumer goods packaging
• Industrial goods packaging
• Electronics packaging
• Others

provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE