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

Vertical Cartoning Machines Market Size

The global vertical cartoning machines market was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.7% from 2024 to 2032.
 

The vertical cartoning machines industry is growing due to increased demand for automated packaging, the rise of e-commerce, more consumer-packaged goods, expansion in the food & beverage industry, advancements in packaging materials, technological improvements in cartoning machines, and growth in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Vertical cartoning machines are efficient, reducing labor costs and boosting production speed. As industries automate packaging lines for better throughput and cost savings, these machines are becoming the preferred choice. Moreover, the e-commerce boom has created a need for flexible and efficient packaging solutions. Vertical cartoning machines offer fast and reliable packaging, especially for the smaller packages common in online retail.
 

Furthermore, the food and beverage industry's demand for consumer-packaged goods drives the need for reliable cartoning machines. These machines help packaging lines keep up with growing consumer demand. The availability of advanced, eco-friendly packaging materials, like biodegradable and recyclable cartons, is also driving market growth. Vertical cartoning machines are adapting to handle these new materials, aligning with sustainability trends.
 

Vertical Cartoning Machines Market Trends

The vertical cartoning machines industry is evolving with key trends in packaging technology. These advanced machines integrate Industry 4.0 technologies like AI, machine learning, and IoT, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated adjustments. These advancements enhance efficiency and reduce downtime. Demand for faster, high-throughput packaging systems is rising. Vertical cartoning machines are optimized for speed and efficiency, offering quicker changeovers and higher product volumes per minute. This is crucial for high-volume industries like food and beverages. Energy efficiency is also a growing focus. Companies are developing vertical cartoning machines with energy-efficient motors, optimized controls, and eco-friendly components to lower the carbon footprint of packaging operations.
 

Vertical Cartoning Machines Market Analysis

The vertical cartoning machines industry shows rapid growth potential but faces challenges like high initial costs, technological obsolescence, competition from alternative packaging, and regulatory pressures. Vertical cartoning machines require significant upfront investment for equipment and installation, making it difficult for smaller manufacturers, especially in emerging markets, to afford them. As technology advances, older models may become obsolete or less efficient. Flexible packaging solutions, such as pouches, bags, and films, are gaining popularity in the food and beverage industry. These alternatives often require less space and are lighter, offering cost and logistical advantages over traditional carton packaging.
 

Based on machine type, the market can be segmented into manual vertical machine, semi-automatic vertical machine and fully automatic vertical machine. The fully automatic vertical machine segment accounted for revenue of around USD 1.2 Billion in the year 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 4.9% from 2024 to 2032. Fully automatic vertical cartoning machines are the most advanced and high performing in the market. Designed for large-scale, high-speed production, they require minimal human intervention. As automation dominates the packaging industry, these machines benefit from the latest technological innovations.
 

On the other hand, semi-automatic machines are becoming more versatile, handling various carton sizes, product types, and packaging formats. This versatility appeals to industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, which need adaptable packaging solutions. These machines feature digital controls, touchscreen interfaces, and smart sensors, improving operational control with faster changeovers, real-time diagnostics, and performance tracking. This trend highlights the industry's movement toward greater connectivity and optimization.
 

Based on the end use industry, the vertical cartoning machines market is categorized as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, consumer goods, cosmetics and personal care and others. The food and beverage segment held around 43% of the total market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032. The food and beverage industry relies heavily on vertical cartoning machines for efficient, safe, and attractive packaging. There's a growing demand for customized packaging with unique designs, color printing, and special shapes for brand differentiation. Vertical cartoning machines offer greater flexibility to create eye-catching packaging that stands out on shelves.
 

Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry requires precise, tamper-evident packaging due to strict regulations and safety concerns. There's an increasing need for specialized packaging for small quantities and niche drugs. Vertical cartoning machines have evolved to handle small batch runs, variable sizes, and multi-packaging formats, meeting the demand for personalized medicine and custom packaging.
 

In terms of the country, the U.S. dominates with an overall North America vertical cartoning machines market and valued at USD 430 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.7% from 2024 to 2032. The U.S. market is anticipated to grow due to increasing automation in packaging, a shift towards sustainable practices, the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels, technological advancements, and the need for high-quality, secure packaging in regulated industries. U.S. manufacturers are adopting automated solutions like vertical cartoning machines to enhance production speed and efficiency.
 

Furthermore, the e-commerce boom has created a demand for compact, durable, and secure packaging. Vertical cartoning machines are being optimized for smaller, customized packaging sizes suitable for e-commerce shipments. The U.S. pharmaceutical market drives the demand for vertical cartoning machines. As regulatory requirements grow, the need for secure, high-quality packaging solutions increases. The pharmaceutical sector often requires machines with tamper-evident features, child-resistant packaging, and serialization capabilities.
 

North America: In terms of the country, the US dominates with an overall market share of around 76% in North America Vertical cartoning machines industry. The U.S. market is anticipated to grow due to increasing automation in packaging, a shift towards sustainable practices, the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels, technological advancements, and the need for high-quality, secure packaging in regulated industries.
 

On the other hand, Canada vertical cartoning machines market expressing notable growth rate of around 4.2% from 2024 to 2032. The Canada market is set for significant growth, driven by automation in manufacturing, the rise of e-commerce, demand for sustainable packaging, and technological advancements. The expanding pharmaceutical, healthcare, consumer goods, and cosmetics industries also contribute to this growth. 
 

Europe: The Europe market with a market share of around 24% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 4.4% from 2024 to 2032. In Europe, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food, cosmetics, and consumer goods sectors are adopting cost-effective and flexible vertical cartoning machines to enhance production efficiency.
 

In terms of country, Germany market expressing notable growth rate of around 5.1% from 2024 to 2032. German manufacturers are increasingly seeking vertical cartoning machines for automation solutions that handle complex packaging tasks with high throughput and precision.
 

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific market with a market share of around 37% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 5.2% from 2024 to 2032. The asia pacific market is growing rapidly due to industrialization, a booming e-commerce sector, and rising demands from the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and cosmetics industries.
 

In terms of country, India is emerging as a fastest growing country for the market in terms of CAGR of 5.7% between 2024 to 2032. India's e-commerce sector is expanding quickly, driven by increased internet access, changing consumer habits, and the convenience of online shopping. This growth has led to a high demand for vertical cartoning machines to ensure secure, compact, and cost-effective packaging for shipments.
 

Vertical Cartoning Machines Market Share

In 2023, key companies like IMA Group, Marchesini Group, Massman, SaintyCo and Serpa Packaging Solution 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.
 

Vertical Cartoning Machines Market Companies

Major players operating in the vertical cartoning machines industry are:

• ACG 
• ADCO Packaging Solutions
• Econocorp 
• EndFlex 
• IMA Group
• Marchesini Group
• Massman 
• Mespack
• Mpac Group
• SaintyCo 
• Serpa Packaging Solution
• ShineBen Machinery
• Syntegon Technology
• Tishma Technologies
• Yeaman Packaging Systems
   

Vertical Cartoning Machines Industry News

• In November 2024, EndFlex unveiled the Boxxer Kartnr-V, an automatic vertical cartoning machine with a manual loading station. This machine offers precision, efficiency, and flexibility in packing. It can vertically form, load containers, and securely close chipboard cartons. Compatible with tuck, auto-lock, and glued cartons, it features quick-change options for various carton sizes.
   
• In February 2023, Mespack and Famartec announced their integrated vertical form-fill-seal and cartoning solution for the pharmaceutical sector. This solution meets industry demands for comprehensive production and complies with GMP, GMP5, and FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11 regulations. It also adheres to documentation standards like DQ, IQ, OQ, RA, PQ, and EN1020 material certificates.
   
• In January 2023, Massman Companies acquired Ultra Packaging Inc., a Chicago-based designer of vertical and horizontal automated cartoning machines. Serving the food, personal care, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, UPI offers high-speed continuous motion machines in manual to fully robotic configurations.
   

This vertical 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 vertical machine
• Semi-automatic vertical machine
• Fully automatic vertical machine

Market, By Capacity

• Up to 200 cartons/min
• 200 to 400 cartons/min
• 400 to 600 cartons/min
• Above 600 cartons/min  

Market, By End Use Industry

• Pharmaceuticals
• Food and beverages
• Consumer goods
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Others (chemicals 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