Corrugated Boxes Market

Market Synopsis

The global Corrugated Boxes Market is valued at USD 148.6 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 203.2 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 2.89% between 2025 and 2035.

Corrugated Boxes are used for packaging products that require protection against external forces. They provide a sturdy container for the product to protect it from damage. These boxes are manufactured using different materials such as paper, plastic, metal, etc. Paperboard sheets that have been corrugated (fluted) and then coated with glue is mostly used as material for manufacturing these boxes due to its low cost and ease of use. In addition, plastic is widely used for manufacturing Corrugated Boxes owing to its lightweight nature and metal is used for manufacturing corrugate boxes for their durability.

The global market for Corrugated Boxes has been witnessing significant growth over the past few years owing to its wide range of applications across various industries. These include food & beverage packaging, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, automotive, construction, healthcare, and others. However, high cost associated with raw material production and stringent government regulations are some of the major factors restraining the growth of this market.

With the trend of online shopping, the demand for Corrugated Boxes has increased globally. Manufacturers are designing Corrugated Boxes in different shapes and sizes, printed with realistic images, to make the packaging unique and attractive. This helps e-commerce retailers use them for storage and shipping purposes, helping them effectively market and promote their products. In addition, increasing Research and Development (R&D) activities to upgrade and enhance the chemical resistance, dimensional stability and other properties of Corrugated Boxes are diversifying their applications. In addition, its applications are diversifying due to increased Research and Development (R & D) activities to upgrade and enhance the chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and other properties of cardboard boxes.

Market Segmentation:

The Global Corrugated Boxes Market is segmented into Type, Material, Printing Ink, Printing Technology, and End- Use. By Type, the market is segmented as Slotted Boxes, Telescope Boxes, Rigid Boxes, and Folder Boxes. On the basis of Material, the target market is segmented as Linerboard, Medium, and Others. Based on Printing Ink, the global market is segmented as Water- Based Ink, Uv- Curable Ink, Hot Melt- Based Ink, Solvent- Based Ink. By Printing Technology, the market is bifurcated into Digital Printing, Flexography Printing, Lithography Printing, and Others, By End-Use, the target market is segmented as Food & Beverages, Electronic Goods, Chemicals, Textile Goods, Home & Personal Care Goods, Glassware & Ceramics, Paper Products, and Others.

Slotted boxes segments holds the largest market share in terms of revenue during the forecast period

In terms of both value and volume, the slotted boxes sector surpassed the market. They are often created from a single piece of corrugated board that has been stitched, taped, or glued. After the blank, or tray, is cut and attached to support folding, the boxes are shipped straight to the user. To build a box, the user must square it, insert the product inside, and close the flaps. To give sufficient loading strength, the product is aligned adjacent to the depth. The slotted box is a particularly efficient product since it generates very little waste during the manufacturing process. It is great for transporting a wide range of products, including cups, mugs, and books, among others.

Linerboard segments holds the largest market share in terms of revenue during the forecast period

The linerboard material segment holds the largest market share in terms of revenue during the forecast period. Kraft liner includes at least 80% virgin kraft pulp fibres and is used as an exterior and middle layer in Corrugated Boxes due to its durability and moisture resistance. Kraft linerboard is largely utilised in the production of high-quality color-printed Corrugated Boxes for utilization in the food and beverage, home and personal care, and other applications. Recycled linerboard, also known as test liner, is made up with less than 80% virgin kraft pulp fibres which can also be used for corrugated boards outer and intermediate layers. However, because it contains more recycled fibre, it is not as sturdy as kraft liner. Recycled linerboard costs less than kraft liner.

Water-Based Ink segments dominates the market share in the forecast period

The water-based ink segment accounted for the largest share the market. By both value and volume, the water-based ink sector led the printing ink segment of the market. Water-based inks are comprised of colloidal pigments or colours suspended in water-soluble resins or resin emulsions. Water-based inks typically have a higher percentage of solids, implying that there is less liquid to be removed. Because of the nature of the resins found in the water system, a thinner coating of ink is frequently used. Water-based inks are classified into two types: dye and pigment. While dye inks produce high-quality graphics, but are not impermeable and will fade when exposed to UV radiation. Pigment inks are short-term waterproof inks with strong UV light resistance.

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Flexography Printing holds the largest segment of the market

Flexography segment holds the largest segment of the printing technology of the market. Flexography is a simple and cost-effective printing technology that is commonly utilised in packaging printing due to the numerous advantages it provides. It is used to imprint simple designs and colours on a variety of packaging materials, including Corrugated Boxes, plastic containers, tapes, envelopes, and metal foils. Flexography printing is a type of relief printing in which an image is transmitted onto a corrugated board using rubber or polymer plates, such as an automated rubber stamp. Flexography printing was developed to print on hard and uneven surfaces such as Corrugated Boxes. Flexography printing ink dries quickly and has a low viscosity, making it a speedy printing procedure. Flexography printing is appropriate for plain text or 1-2 colour graphical pictures on corrugated boards since they are highly porous.

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Food & beverages segment is the largest of the Corrugated Boxes Market

The food & beverages segment holds the largest end-use segment of the market. Organic vegetables, processed food, and non-perishables are some of the primary categories found in the food and beverage sector. Packaging is required in the food and beverage industry for product storage, handling, and transportation. Corrugated Boxes are required when shipping products of varied strengths, such as particularly fragile, perishable products and processed food products. Because Corrugated Boxes are non-reactive, they are an ideal medium for packaging, transporting, and storing food for an extended period of time. The packaging of processed foods necessitates the use of safe packaging materials that are appealing to the buyer while also confirming product safety. As a result, Corrugated Boxes are utilised to package processed meals.

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The Asia Pacific region dominated the Corrugated Boxes Market during the forecast period

Asia Pacific region holds the largest share of global corrugated box market in 2024. This is due to increasing demand for packaging materials across industries including food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive, electronics, and others. Moreover, rising disposable income among consumers coupled with increasing urbanization has led to increased consumption of packaged goods. The increasing consumer awareness about environmental issues and changing lifestyles are boosting the market growth and has resulted in shifting focus towards reusable packaging solutions. China is expected to dominate the Global Corrugated Boxes Market during the forecast period owing to its large population base and high per capita income. In addition, the country’s manufacturing industry is expanding rapidly, thus creating huge opportunities for manufacturers to expand their businesses.

Competitive Landscape-

Some of the major key players in the Global Corrugated Boxes Market are Rengo Co., Ltd. (Japan), Smurfit Kappa Group (Ireland), Mondi Group (UK), DS Smith (UK), and International Paper (US).

Segmentation of the Global Corrugated Boxes Market -