Horizontal Cartoning Machines Market - By Machine Type, By Capacity, By End Use Industry, By Distribution Channel and Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Horizontal Cartoning Machines Market Size

The global horizontal cartoning machines market was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.2% from 2024 to 2032.
 

The horizontal cartoning machines market is growing steadily due to increased demand for packaging efficiency, packaged food and beverages, e-commerce, and the expanding pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Emerging economies are also contributing to this growth. Companies are adopting high-speed cartoning machines to meet the need for faster production cycles and reduced downtime. These machines automate the packaging process, cutting labor costs and boosting operational efficiency. As businesses aim to lower overheads and increase output, the automation provided by these machines reduces the need for manual labor.
 

Furthermore, consumer lifestyles are driving the demand for packaged food and beverages, requiring efficient packaging solutions. The rise in e-commerce has increased the need for secure, well-packaged products for shipping. Horizontal cartoning machines create durable packaging that protects products during transit and supports branding efforts. Industrial growth and urbanization in regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are increasing the demand for packaged goods. As these economies grow, the need for efficient packaging machinery, including horizontal cartoning machines, is rising.
 

Horizontal Cartoning Machines Market Trends

Technological innovation in the global packaging machinery industry is accelerating. Companies are investing in artificial intelligence, advanced software, and other advanced technologies. As more companies offer advanced machinery, the adoption of these technologies, from sensors to software, is expected to become mainstream. Additionally, many companies are focusing on customization to create innovative packaging and attract customers. Globally, companies face workforce challenges like retaining skilled operators, rising labour costs, and ensuring worker safety during the pandemic. These issues are driving increased interest in artificial intelligence and automation technologies.
 

Horizontal Cartoning Machines Market Analysis

The horizontal cartoning machines industry faces challenges that hinder its growth. These include cost pressures, technological complexity, market competition, and regulatory requirements. The high purchase cost of horizontal cartoning machines may deter smaller companies and those in emerging markets. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the initial investment in automation technologies can be a significant barrier. Integrating new cartoning machines into existing production lines can also be difficult. Compatibility issues between older systems and newer technologies can lead to increased downtime and additional costs.
 

Moreover, the packaging industry, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food, and beverage sectors, is subject to strict regulations. These regulations may require specific packaging formats or tamper-evident features, making it challenging for cartoning machine manufacturers to keep up with evolving standards.
 

Based on machine type, the horizontal cartoning machines market can be segmented into manual horizontal machine, semi-automatic horizontal machine and fully automatic horizontal machine. Fully automatic horizontal machine segment having revenue about 1.8 billion in the year 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.4% from 2024 to 2032. Fully automatic horizontal cartoning machines are ideal for high-volume production where speed, precision, and minimal human intervention are crucial. A key trend is increasing automation, with integration into systems like product conveyors, inspection units, and robotic arms for automated loading and sorting.
 

On the other hand, semi-automatic machines are gaining popularity for automating tasks like carton forming and sealing while allowing human operators to handle complex tasks such as product loading. This mix of automation and flexibility appeals to mid-sized manufacturers seeking efficiency and adaptability. These machines are becoming more versatile, handling various carton sizes and product types, which benefits businesses with diverse packaging needs.
 

Based on the end use industry, the market is categorized as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, consumer goods, cosmetics and personal care and others. The food and beverage segment held around 33% of the total market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2032. The food and beverage industry heavily relies on horizontal cartoning machines. This sector demands packaging that ensures product freshness, safety, and compliance with food safety regulations. These machines package various products, including dairy, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, protecting them from moisture, air, and light.
 

On the other hand, rising concerns about counterfeiting and tampering have increased the demand for secure, tamper-evident packaging. Horizontal cartoning machines feature tamper-evident seals, RFID tags, and unique barcodes. With the growth of e-commerce and personalized products, manufacturers are shifting to smaller batch production and more diverse stock-keeping units. Horizontal cartoning machines are evolving to handle multiple product variations and packaging sizes on the same line.  
 

In terms of the country, the U.S. dominates with an overall North America horizontal cartoning machines market and valued at USD 700 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.2% from 2024 to 2032. The U.S. market is growing due to increased automation, consumer demand for convenience and customization, and expansion in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and food and beverage industries. The U.S. market is adopting fully automatic horizontal cartoning machines that integrate with product conveyors, robotic arms, and vision inspection systems. These advancements improve precision, reduce human error, and streamline workflows.
 

Furthermore, the U.S. pharmaceutical sector is expanding with rising demand for healthcare products, vaccines, and over-the-counter medications. Horizontal cartoning machines ensure tamper-evident packaging, high-security features, and compliance with FDA regulations. As personalized medicine and high-value pharmaceuticals grow, manufacturers focus on packaging solutions that offer precision, traceability, and protection.
 

North America: In terms of the country, the US dominates with an overall market share of around 79% in North America horizontal cartoning machines market. The U.S. market is growing due to increased automation, consumer demand for convenience and customization, and expansion in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and food and beverage industries
 

On the other hand, Canada market expressing notable growth rate of around 4.6% from 2024 to 2032. The Canada horizontal cartoning machines industry is growing steadily, driven by automation, eco-friendly packaging, e-commerce, technological innovations, and expansions in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries.
 

Europe: Europe market with a market share of around 24% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 4.9% from 2024 to 2032. In Europe, the rise in e-commerce has increased the demand for secure, cost-effective packaging. The region's leading pharmaceutical companies are also driving growth in pharmaceutical packaging.
 

In terms of country, Germany market expressing notable growth rate of around 5.5% from 2024 to 2032. Germany is a top manufacturer of packaging machinery in Europe, known for high-quality engineering and advanced manufacturing techniques. This has positioned Germany as a leader in the global packaging machinery market.
 

Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific horizontal cartoning machines market with a market share of around 37% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 5.7% from 2024 to 2032. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing robust growth in the horizontal cartoning machines industry due to rapid industrialization, increased automation, and the expansion of the pharmaceutical, food & beverage, consumer goods, and cosmetics sectors.
 

In terms of country, India is emerging as a fastest growing country for the market in terms of CAGR of 6.2% between 2024 to 2032. India's manufacturing sector is adopting Industry 4.0 principles, integrating IoT, AI, and robotics. The country's e-commerce market is also booming, with rising online sales in consumer goods, electronics, and food.
 

Horizontal Cartoning Machines Market Share

In 2023, key companies like IMA Group, Marchesini Group, Mpac Group, SaintyCo and ShineBen Machinery held a combined market share of 15%-20%. These companies are actively engaging in mergers, acquisitions, facility expansions, and collaborations to enhance their product portfolios, reach more customers, and strengthen their market positions.
 

Manufacturers stand out by using advanced technologies like robotic arms, automation, and smart features to boost speed and precision. Some offer custom solutions, making their machines adaptable to various products and packaging designs. Companies that provide strong customer support, including installation, training, maintenance, and spare parts, often retain loyal customers and gain a competitive edge.
 

Horizontal Cartoning Machines Market Companies

Major players operating in the horizontal cartoning machines industry are:

• ADCO Packaging Solutions
• BW Integrated Systems
• Econocorp 
• Eliter Packaging Machinery
• IMA Group
• Infinity Automated Solutions
• Jacob White Packaging
• Marchesini Group
• Mespack
• Mpac Group
• Nichrome 
• Omori Machinery
• SaintyCo 
• Serpa Packaging Solution
• ShineBen Machinery
   

Horizontal Cartoning Machines Industry News

• In October 2024, Econocorp introduced its latest secondary packaging machine, the Spartan M-Pro cartoner, at PACK EXPO International from November 3-6 at Booth S-1502. This new cartoner builds on the proven reliability of Econocorp’s Spartan cartoner, a trusted workhorse for over 40 years.
   
• In February 2024, IMA Group, a manufacturer of automatic machines for pharmaceutical, food, and battery processing and packaging, announced two AI solutions to enhance service efficiency. The IMA Sandbox is a collaborative, cloud-based platform for co-developing advanced algorithms in a secure environment.
   
• In November 2023, ELITER Packaging Machinery introduced its upgraded automatic cartoning machine at the Interpack Alliance Exhibition in Shanghai. The new end-load cartoner, “GRAN SONATA,” features stainless steel construction and a multi-axis servo drive system. It manages both large and medium-sized packaging, offering a compact solution for secondary and tertiary packaging automation.
   

This horizontal cartoning machines market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Machine Type

• Manual horizontal machine
• Semi-automatic horizontal machine
• Fully automatic horizontal machine

Market, By Capacity

• Up to 100 cartons/ min
• 100 to 200 cartons/ min
• 200 to 400 cartons/ min
• Above 400 cartons/ min

Market, By End Use Industry

• Pharmaceuticals
• Food and beverages
• Consumer goods
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Others (nutraceuticals etc.)  

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales   

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

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