Containerboard Market–By Type, By Product Type, By End-use Industry– Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Containerboard Market Size

The global containerboard market size was valued at USD 150.9 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 2.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The market is growing significantly owing to growth in e-commerce and food and beverage industry.
 

The expansion of e-commerce enormously boosts the demand for containerboard products since packaging material is required to transport products purchased online. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), global B2C e-commerce sales will hit USD 5.5 trillion in sales by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% from 2020.  The rise in e-commerce, fueled by shifting consumer trends and digitalization, has created a steady growth in packaging requirements, which will favor the containerboard market. With a major emphasis on sustainability, top e-commerce retailers such as Amazon, Alibaba, and Walmart are focusing on sustainable packaging solutions. Containerboard, which is mostly produced using recycled fibers and biodegradable products, supports these sustainability initiatives and is therefore the favored option over plastic packaging. This has generated more investment in lightweight and recyclable containerboard materials.
 

Containerboard manufacturers must aim to develop lightweight, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging materials to meet the increasing demands for sustainability by e-commerce players. Increasing production efficiency and innovation in sustainable materials will be essential in leveraging the growing e-commerce packaging market.
 

The growing adoption in food and beverages sector is one of the major driver for containerboard market. As consumers need for sustainable, convenient, and portable food product packaging grows, companies are increasingly relying on containerboard for packaging their goods. Growth of convenience food, ready-to-eat meals, and packaged drinks has generated increased demand for moisture-resistant, light, and strong packaging. Containerboard protects food well while retaining freshness and strength during transportation and storage.
 

Containerboard manufacturers need to develop water-resistant, light, and robust packaging materials to meet the growing demand in the food and beverage industry. Investments in sustainable and innovative barrier coatings will improve product protection and provide for freshness and strength in transport and storage.
 

Containerboard Market Trends

• One of the key trends in the containerboard industry is the rise in the demand for premium packaging materials designed for high-end industries. As consumers preference for premium packaging evolves, several industries such as luxury goods, electronics, food are opting for packaging solutions that offers quality packaging. To cater to this need in the market companies are concentrating on creating innovative and high-end containerboard packaging. For example, in January 2025 Silverton Pulp and Paper and Worthwell Papers launched White Kraft Liner (WKL) containerboard in India. The product is designed to meet the increasing demand for premium packaging materials from different industries, which is an indication of the shift of the market towards more advanced and sophisticated packaging solutions. Due to this trend, manufacturers of containerboard will be compelled to concentrate on manufacturing high-quality containerboard packaging that is strong, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing.
   
• Another trend in the containerboard market is the increasing the use of lighter weight containerboards. Businesses seek to minimize packaging weight in order to reduce shipping expenses and maximize logistics efficiency. This is most prevalent in the e-commerce industry where shipping costs are extremely vital. Lightweight containerboard packaging assists in reducing the total volume of packaging material required while still enabling businesses to properly secure the items being transported.
   

Containerboard Market Analysis

Based on type the market is divided into virgin and recycled.
 

• The recycled market is expected to reach USD 153 billion by 2034. Recycled containerboard is gaining traction as businesses attempt to reduce their packaging waste and embrace circular economy practices. This is driven by the need for sustainable and cost-effective packaging. Recycled containerboard helps businesses meet their sustainability goals with satisfactory performance for regular packaging needs, particularly for food and industrial use.
   
• The virgin containerboard market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 2% by 2034. The growing need for durable and high-quality packaging is fostering the demand for virgin containerboards. The growth in e-commerce, international trade, and heavy-duty packaging applications is driving the demand for high-quality corrugated boxes. Virgin containerboard provides improved stacking performance and resistance to compression and moisture, which makes it suitable for shipping delicate or high-value items.
   

Based on product type, the market is divided into linerboard, corrugating medium, and white tops.
 

• The linerboard market held a share of 61.9% in 2024. Linerboard remains a major product type due to its essential role in creating strong and durable boxes. Furthermore, the growth of e-commerce and shipping operations increases the demand for linerboard as an outer layer for corrugated boxes. Demand for linerboard is driven primarily by cost-effective and eco-friendly packaging requirements.
   
• The corrugating medium market is projected to reach USD 66.7 billion by 2034. The market for the corrugating medium is increasing as it offers protection for goods in transit. Corrugating medium in being used in the market as it offers more cushioning and support to the goods that are being transported, thus offering a cost-effective solution for businesses such as electronics. As businesses continue to seek low-cost and lightweight packaging, corrugating medium continue to experience increased use. 
   
• The white tops market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% by 2034. white tops are increasingly being used for high-end packaging. As the consumer demand for aesthetically pleasing and protective packaging increases, white tops are being used for premium packaging, especially in the food and beverage industry. White tops provide a clean, high-quality surface for branding as well as labelling thus driving its demand in the packaging industry.    
   

Based on end-use industry, the market is bifurcated into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, electronics, industrial, consumer goods, and others.
 

• Food & beverages dominated the global market accounting for 36.1% market share in 2024. The food and beverage industry is one of the major end-user of the containerboard market due to the increasing consuming of packaged food. Changing lifestyle and urbanization have resulted in higher consumption of ready-to-eat foods, processed foods, and packaged drinks. This has heightened the demand for lightweight, moisture-resistant, and robust containerboard packaging for food safety, shelf-life extension, and survivability through supply chain logistics.
   
• The pharmaceuticals market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% by 2034. The pharmaceutical industry is witnessing increased use of containerboard since it offers safe and protective packaging of sensitive products. With increased online pharmacy purchases and the requirement to be in compliance with regulatory policies, containerboard offers a solution to meet this regulation while preserving product integrity.
   
• The electronics market is anticipated to reach USD 10.3 billion by 2034. There is a growing demand for containerboard in the electronics industry due to its protective packaging capability that ensures safety during transportation. With the growth of smartphones, laptops, wearables, and domestic appliances, demand for rugged and shock-absorbing packaging has also grown. Containerboard, particularly corrugated boxes with multi-layer coverings, are commonly employed to protect fragile electronics from transport and storage shock.
   
• The industrial market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% by 2034. With increasing global manufacturing activity, markets like automotive, electronics, machinery, and chemicals need strong packaging to handle bulk cargo and heavy-duty transport. Corrugated packaging made from containerboard offers higher strength and protection for industrial products, lowering damage during transit and handling.
   
• The consumer goods market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% by 2034. There has been a shift from traditional packaging materials to more environmentally friendly and economical containerboard in consumer goods packaging. There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly approaches in the consumer goods sector which utilize containerboard for its affordability, strength, and environmentally friendly nature for packaging of broad spectrum of goods.
   

North America held a market share of 26% in 2024. The North America containerboard market is expanding owing to growth of e-commerce and retail industry. Growth in containerboard is being propelled by increasing requirements for robust and lightweight packaging across logistics and distribution where economical and effective packaging systems are vital for supply chain management. 
 

• The U.S. market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 41.1 billion by 2034. In the United States, the containerboard industry is growing because of the growth of e-commerce market. As online shopping continues to increase, demand for containerboard will rise subsequently. As reported by Statista the United States e-commerce market is expected to generate USD 1.8 trillion in revenue by 2029. This expansion of the e-commerce sector is expected to drive the demand for containerboard.
   

• Canada market is expected to reach a CAGR of 2.1% by 2034. In Canada containerboard market is witnessing growth because of a surge in demand for sustainable packaging. Companies are utilizing recyclable material as a means of meeting their sustainability goals. This is complemented by the anti-wastage packaging legislations in the country. Thus, there is greater popularity for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives in Canada.
   

Europe held a significant market share of 23.8% in 2024. The European containerboard market is expanding with intense emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly options. With increasing regulations demanding more environmentally friendly and recyclable material, more organizations are employing containerboards made from recycled paper. Expansion in the quality and quantity of packaging material needed for food, beverages, and retailing further encourages the market in this region.
 

• Germany containerboard industry is growing rapidly and is anticipated to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2034. Digital printing advancements are contributing to the Germany containerboard industry growth. Digital printing is being integrated into containerboard packaging processes to create more sophisticated packaging. Germany’s strong industrial foundation along with the rise in demand for multi-functional packaging is fueling this trend across several industries.
   

• The UK containerboard market is expected to reach USD 9.4 billion by 2034. The demand for containerboard in the UK is spurred by the increased need for recyclable and lightweight packaging. Containerboard is becoming the cost-effective packaging option in retail and e-commerce sectors because it is environmentally friendly and attractive to both consumers and businesses.
   
• France market is expected reach a CAGR of 2.4% by 2034. In France, the premium food and beverage packaging trend is becoming increasingly popular, and this is driving demand for containerboard. With greater focus on aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly packaging, firms are using containerboard because it is strong and versatile enough to satisfy both functional and visual demands.
   
• Italy containerboard market accounted for 12.2% of the global market share in 2024. Growth in Italy’s market is attributed to the increase in demand for luxury packaging. Luxury cosmetics, fashion, and specialty foods demand strong, visually attractive, and sustainable containerboard, thereby driving the demand for containerboard in Italy.
   
• Spain industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2% by 2034. In Spain, growth in e-commerce is increasing the demand for containerboard. The demand for quality and protective packaging materials is increasing the use of corrugated boxes and linerboard, which offer inexpensive and eco-friendly packaging for many industries.
   

Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a strong pace at a CAGR of 3.5% by 2034. Asia Pacific is expected to register robust growth in the containerboard market owing to industrialization and increased consumer spending. Urbanization and growth in per capita income leads to greater demand for packaged products requiring containerboard packaging solutions. The flexibility offered by containerboard makes it an ideal option for many different businesses.
 

• China market accounted for 44.2% of the market share in 2024. With the surge in domestic production and exports, the market for containerboard in China is growing rapidly. There is a significant demand for containerboard in various industries because it proves to be beneficial in transportation of goods as well as in packaging.
   
• The containerboard market in India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% by 2034. In accordance with the IBEF report, the India e-commerce sector will grow to USD 325 billion by 2030. Such growth is increasing the need for lightweight, robust, and economical packaging materials driving the adoption of containerboard for e-commerce packaging.
   
• Japan market held a share of 12.4% in 2024. The containerboard market of Japan is expanding due to the increasing focus on green packaging. Increased regulation on recycling and corporate efforts to be sustainable are driving consumption for premium-grade containerboard made from recycled paper across different sectors.
   
• ANZ containerboard market is expected to grow steadily, with a CAGR of 2.4% by 2034. The expansion of Australia’s food and beverage industry is positively impacting the market. With expansion in this sector, the demand for protective and sustainable packaging materials is also increasing. The durability and recyclability of containerboard makes it the ideal material for packaging of food and beverages.
   
• South Korea containerboard market is projected to reach USD 7 billion by 2034. The growth of the retail and e-commerce industry in South Korea is anticipated to boost the demand for containerboard. Companies streamlining their supply chain logistics and requiring further brand recognition have increased the use of corrugated boxes for shipping and packaging which is cost competitive and environmentally friendly.
   

Latin America is expected to reach USD 11.7 billion by 2034. The Latin America containerboard industry is being boosted by the increasing consumer goods market and growth of e-commerce. The demand for cost-effective and durable packaging materials to enhance logistics and supply chain management is propelling business investments.
 

• Containerboard market in Brazil is expected to grow significantly at an approximate CAGR of 3% by 2034. The consumer goods market growth in Brazil is driving the demand for containerboard. Increasing demand for branded packaged goods and expansion of retail is boosting the need for cost efficient, eco-friendly packaging which is strongly positioning the market in the country.
   
• Mexico containerboard market is growing steadily accounting for 35.3% of the market share in 2024. Mexico is witnessing an upsurge in demand for containerboard as e-commerce and logistics activities are rapidly increasing. Major retailers in Mexico are elevating demand for light and cushioning packaging like corrugated boxes and linerboard.
   

Middle East & Africa is projected to grow at a strong pace with a CAGR of 2% by 2034. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is witnessing an expanding need for containerboard due to expanding trade and the growth of the logistics business. Continued expansion of infrastructure growth and industrialization has raised demand for durable packaging solutions. Additionally, the trend towards green packaging is also boosting usage of containerboard in the region.
 

• Saudi Arabia containerboard market accounted for 30.8% of the market share in 2024. Saudi Arabia’s market is witnessing growth due to the increase in industrial and export activities. The increased demand for economical and highly durable containerboard for industrial goods and manufacturing components is spurring more demand.
   
• South Africa containerboard is expected to grow significantly at a CAGR of 1.7% by 2034. In South Africa, the expansion of retail and logistics activities is propelling demand for containerboard. Increased focus by firms on economical and eco-friendly packaging is boosting the application of containerboard in logistics and packaging of consumer goods.
   
• The UAE containerboard market is expected to reach a CAGR of 2.5% by 2034. In the UAE, increased focus on trade and the development of retail infrastructure is propelling the market growth. The expanding logistics and packaging industries in the country requires technologically advanced, durable, strong, light-weight packaging materials for more efficient supply chain management, which will consequently increase the demand for containerboards.
   

Containerboard Market Share

The containerboard industry is highly competitive. Top 5 key players in the market are DS Smith, International Paper, WestRock Company, Smurfit Kappa, and Stora Enso accounting for a significant share of over 20% in the market. The containerboard industry is competitive, characterized by major competitors that are focusing on expanding their capacity, innovating new products, and investing in sustainable practices.
 

Companies are adopting new manufacturing processes that increase production efficiency and lower costs. Geographical and customer expansion is often achieved through mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships. Furthermore, companies are also focusing on lightweight, high-strength containerboard production to meet changing industry needs. One of the key elements of their strategy is the growing utilization of post-consumer waste fiber and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices to drive compliance and capture environmentally conscious markets.
 

Containerboard Market Companies

Some of the prominent market participants operating in the containerboard industry include:

• DS Smith
• International Paper
• WestRock Company
• Smurfit Kappa
• Stora Enso
   

Sealed Air market strategy involves innovation and sustainability to consolidate its position in the containerboard market. Sealed Air focuses on using recyclable and lightweight materials in different products, thereby increasing protection while minimizing waste. Sealed Air's use of recyclable and lightweight materials addresses the growing need for sustainable and affordable packaging in most industries.
 

DS Smith's strategy is guided by the principles of a circular economy. DS Smith concentrates on containerboard packaging, developing recycling infrastructure, and collaborates with businesses to reduce environmental footprint. The approach encompasses vertical growth and bespoke containerboard solutions for e-commerce, retail, and industrial sectors.
 

Containerboard Industry News

• In July 2024, PG Paper introduced the Opal Containerboard Range in the UK in partnership with Opal. This encompasses a unique, lighter color virgin Kraft Liner Board (KLB) with a bright, smooth finish suitable for high-quality, professional printing, as well as 100% recycled Fluting and Testliner grades. The new range will promote innovative and sustainable packaging.
   
• In August 2023, Billerud diversified its U.S. product range through the introduction of a new range of coated white top kraftliners. This is part of the company's growth strategy. The new range contributes to sustainability and improved cost effectiveness for packaging converters and brand owners.        
   

The containerboard market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Type

• Virgin 
• Recycled       

Market, By Product Type

• Linerboard    
  •  Kraftliner
  •  Testliner
• Corrugating medium
• White tops    

Market, By End Use Industry    

• Food & beverage     
• Pharmaceuticals       
• Electronics    
• Industrial      
• Consumer goods      
• Others

The above information is 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