Paperboard Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Corrugated Box, Boxboard, Flexible Paper, Others), By Raw Material (Fresh Source and Recycled Wastepaper), By End-User Industry (Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Household Care, Electrical Products, and Others), and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Paperboard Market size was valued at US$ 27,500 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 32,300 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2025–2031. Moreover, the U.S. Paperboard Market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$ 11,700 million by 2031.

The market is defined as the industry encompassing the production, sale, and application of thick, paper-based materials primarily used for packaging across food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, and various other sectors. The global paperboard market is being driven by the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, particularly in sectors like food, beverages, and e-commerce. As both consumers and governments push for alternatives to single-use plastics, paperboard has gained traction due to its recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable properties. Brands such as Nestlé and Unilever are increasingly adopting paper-based packaging to meet sustainability goals and boost their environmental image. A notable trend is the rise of barrier-coated and functional paperboards, which allow paper to be used in applications traditionally dominated by plastic, such as moisture-sensitive food packaging. Companies like Tetra Pak and Stora Enso are investing in such innovations to align with circular economy targets.

Simultaneously, the booming e-commerce industry is presenting a major opportunity, as businesses seek lightweight, customizable, and recyclable materials for shipping and branding. Emerging economies and sectors such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals also offer high growth potential. However, the market faces challenges from fluctuating wood pulp prices, energy-intensive production, and regulatory pressures regarding deforestation and waste. These factors affect cost structures and operational efficiency, especially for small- and mid-sized manufacturers. Despite these hurdles, the paperboard market is set to grow steadily due to innovation, sustainability mandates, and evolving consumer expectations.

Facts & Figures

• Sustainability and Plastic Substitution: Governments, consumers, and industries are actively seeking alternatives to plastic due to environmental concerns. Paperboard, being recyclable, compostable, and renewable, is emerging as a key substitute. For instance, in 2023, Nestlé and Unilever expanded their commitment to reduce plastic by transitioning to paperboard-based trays and wraps, especially in their frozen and snack food lines. The EU’s ban on single-use plastics (Directive 2019/904) further accelerates the shift.
• E-Commerce Packaging Boom: The rise in online shopping requires packaging that is lightweight, durable, and brand-customizable. Paperboard fits these needs while also being eco-friendly and cost-effective. For instance, Amazon introduced Frustration-Free Packaging using paperboard to reduce environmental impact and improve recyclability.
• Regulatory Pressure and Green Packaging Mandates: Global and regional packaging laws increasingly require the use of recyclable or biodegradable materials, pressuring industries to shift away from plastic. For instance, the European Green Deal and Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) set strict recycling and material composition targets. In 2024, Germany mandated 90% recyclability in packaging, boosting paperboard demand.
• Technological Innovation in Coatings and Barrier Layers: Traditional paperboard lacked moisture and grease resistance, limiting its use. Recent bio-based barrier coatings now allow wider applications, including for liquids and perishables. For instance, Tetra Pak launched water-based barrier-coated paperboard for dairy and juice cartons in 2023, reducing plastic by 33% and maintaining recyclability.

Key Developments

• In June 2025, European packaging firm Palm Group acquired five corrugated plants in France, Spain, and Portugal from International Paper, expanding its regional footprint and local service capacity.
• In April 2025, UK-based Coral Products acquired Arrow Film Converters for £502,899 to expand its sustainable flexible packaging offerings, signalling consolidation in eco-coatings for paperboard and film sectors.
• In November 2024, Amcor plans an $8.4?billion all-stock merger with Berry Global. The combined entity, expected to close mid-2025, will reach $24?billion in annual revenue, expanding its reach in consumer and healthcare packaging.
• In October 2024, Mondi purchased Schumacher Packaging’s Western European assets for €634?million to strengthen its corrugated and e-commerce packaging capabilities in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, anticipating significant synergies.

Paperboard Market Segmentation

Based on the type

• Corrugated Box
• Boxboard
• Flexible Paper
• Others

The corrugated box segment holds the largest market share in the market due to its widespread application in e-commerce, industrial packaging, and logistics. Corrugated boxes offer superior strength, durability, and cushioning, making them ideal for transporting heavy or fragile goods over long distances. The explosive growth of online shopping, especially in markets like the U.S., China, and India, has significantly boosted demand for these boxes. Moreover, their recyclability aligns with global sustainability trends. On the other hand, the flexible paper segment holds the smallest share, primarily due to its limited strength and use in light-duty packaging, which restricts its adoption across industrial and heavy packaging sectors.

Based on the raw material

• Fresh Source
• Recycled Waste Paper

Based on raw material, fresh source dominates the market with the largest market share. Fresh source paperboard, made from virgin wood pulp, offers superior strength, consistency, and purity, making it ideal for applications that demand high performance and safety, such as pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, cosmetics, and premium packaging. It ensures compliance with hygiene standards and delivers better printability and structural integrity. On the other hand, recycled waste paper holds a smaller share due to its lower durability, inconsistent quality, and limited suitability in food-grade and high-end applications. However, it is increasingly used in secondary packaging and e-commerce shipping due to its eco-friendly nature and cost-efficiency, especially in regions focused on circular economy initiatives.

Based on the end-user industry

• Food
• Beverage
• Healthcare
• Personal Care
• Household Care
• Electrical Products
• Others

The food segment holds the largest market share in the market. This dominance is driven by the high consumption of packaged foods, frozen meals, dry snacks, and ready-to-eat products, particularly in urban and developed markets. Paperboard offers a sustainable, printable, and protective solution ideal for food packaging, especially with advancements in barrier-coated paperboard that improve moisture and grease resistance. In contrast, the electrical products segment accounts for the smallest share due to the industry's higher reliance on more rigid, durable, and non-flammable materials like plastic and metal. Paperboard's limited applicability in protecting sensitive electronic components limits its penetration in this segment.