| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Volume (2025) | 4.63 Billion tonnes |
| Market Volume (2030) | 6.90 Billion tonnes |
| CAGR | 8.33 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players.webp "Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Major Players")
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Analysis
The Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is estimated at 4.63 billion tonnes in 2025, and is expected to reach 6.90 billion tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.33% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Paperboard packaging is a preferred option across various end-user industries due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature. This type of packaging is widely used in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. Paperboard offers excellent printability, allowing for attractive branding and product information display. Its lightweight yet sturdy structure protects many products during transportation and storage. Additionally, the recyclability and biodegradability of paperboard align with growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions, further contributing to its popularity among manufacturers and retailers.
- Food and beverage producers are intensifying efforts to meet customer demands in Australia by offering sustainable packaging, functional displays, and healthier food options. This shift is driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental and health concerns. Sustainable materials, such as biodegradable plastics and recycled paper products, are being incorporated into packaging designs. Functional displays are being developed to enhance product visibility and improve the shopping experience.
- Paper bags are becoming increasingly popular in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and other food establishments as part of this sustainability push. These bags offer several advantages, including biodegradability, recyclability, and a lower carbon footprint than plastic alternatives. Many businesses are also exploring innovative paper-based packaging solutions for takeaway food and beverages, reducing their reliance on single-use plastics.
- The country's paper and paperboard packaging market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. Environmental consciousness in urban areas has been steadily increasing, leading to a higher demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Consumers are increasingly seeking packaging options that are both sustainable and easy to use, driving innovation in the industry. The rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector has further fueled the demand for paper and paperboard packaging, as online retailers require robust and protective packaging for shipping products.
- The increasing consumption of electronic goods and household products has contributed to the market's growth, as these items often require specialized packaging for protection during transport and storage. Electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, need robust packaging to prevent damage from impacts and environmental factors. Similarly, household products like appliances and fragile items demand secure packaging solutions to ensure they reach consumers intact.
- These factors have created a favorable environment for the paper and paperboard packaging market to expand and adapt to changing consumer preferences and industry requirements. The versatility of paper and paperboard materials allows manufacturers to design custom packaging solutions That cater to the specific needs of various products, further driving market growth.
- The country is also witnessing huge demand for corrugated box packaging with the growth of online shopping in the e-commerce sector. For instance, IAB Australia and Pureprofile released the Australian E-commerce Report 2023, revealing that 67% of customers considered convenience the primary factor for buying online. However, due to the increasing cost of living, more consumers prioritized discounts, loyalty programs, and price comparisons to avoid unexpected price hikes. This has increased the demand for corrugated box packaging of end products and secondary packaging, such as folding cartons, that must be delivered to online shoppers' doorsteps.
- This shift in consumer behavior has led to a surge in online purchases across various product categories, from electronics and clothing to household goods and groceries.
- As a result, the demand for corrugated box packaging has intensified for primary products and secondary packaging, such as folding cartons. These packaging solutions protect items during transit and ensure they reach online shoppers in perfect condition. The e-commerce boom has also prompted retailers and logistics companies to optimize their packaging strategies, focusing on sustainable and right-sized packaging options to meet consumer expectations and environmental concerns. This trend is expected to continue, further driving the growth of the Australian corrugated box packaging market.
- The market faces constraints due to increasing raw material costs and the trend toward outsourcing. These factors limit market growth and profitability for manufacturers in the industry. Raw material prices, particularly for paper and pulp, have been volatile in recent years, impacting production costs. Additionally, many companies are outsourcing their packaging needs to specialized firms, which can reduce demand for in-house corrugated packaging production. This shift in the supply chain structure affects traditional corrugated packaging manufacturers, forcing them to adapt their business models or risk losing market share.
Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Trends
Corrugated Boxes are Expected to Hold Major Share
- Corrugated boxes are anticipated to maintain a significant share of the market, driven by expansion in various end-user segments. These versatile packaging solutions are gaining traction across e-commerce, food and beverage, electronics, and consumer goods. The growth in these industries, coupled with the boxes' durability, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability, contributes to their dominant position in the Australian packaging market. As businesses increasingly prioritize sustainable packaging options, corrugated boxes are well-positioned to meet environmental concerns and practical packaging needs.
- Manufacturers are increasing the production of corrugated packaging in the country to meet growing demand. Various factors, including the expansion of e-commerce, increased consumer goods manufacturing, and a shift toward sustainable packaging solutions, drive this production increase. The corrugated packaging industry is adapting to these market trends by investing in new technologies and expanding production capacities, ensuring a steady supply to meet the diverse needs of various industries.
- For instance, in November 2024, MasterFoods, a brand under Mars Australia, is testing a new paper-based packaging for its Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce. This innovative packaging is recyclable through the country's standard curbside recycling system. The revamped paper packs use 58% less plastic than their predecessors, aligning with Mars Australia's commitment to fostering a circular economy and meeting Australia's National Packaging Targets.
- Australia's growing industrialization creates significant opportunities for major corrugated board market players. The country's rapid industrial growth has led to a surge in demand for packaging solutions across various sectors. Corrugated boxes are extensively utilized across diverse industries in Australia, including food and beverage, electronics, and e-commerce. These sectors rely heavily on corrugated packaging for product protection, transportation, and storage.
- The demand for corrugated boxes in Australia is expected to rise as awareness of environment-friendly and cost-effective packaging solutions grows. This trend is driven by increasing consumer consciousness about sustainable packaging options and the government's push for eco-friendly alternatives. Corrugated boxes, being recyclable and biodegradable, align well with these environmental concerns.
- Additionally, the Australian government's efforts to limit plastic packaging are expected to increase demand for corrugated packaging products. The ban on single-use plastic packaging is driving higher consumption of corrugated packaging in Australia. This shift toward more sustainable packaging solutions aligns with growing environmental concerns and consumer preferences for eco-friendly alternatives.
- Corrugated packaging, being recyclable and biodegradable, offers a viable option for businesses looking to comply with new regulations while meeting customer expectations. As a result, manufacturers and retailers across various industries are increasingly adopting corrugated packaging for their products, contributing to the overall market growth in Australia.
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Food Segment Expected to Hold Significant Share in the Market
- Paper packaging is used extensively in the food industry due to its environmental benefits and consumer convenience. This has led to intense competition in the food and beverage sector, with companies striving to offer high-quality products to customers. Various paper packaging materials, including corrugated boxes and cardboard, can fulfill different packaging needs.
- Paper packaging provides design and printing options versatility, allowing brands to create distinctive and appealing packaging solutions. Paper-based packaging is often recyclable and biodegradable, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging options. The food industry utilizes paper packaging for various products, from dry goods and baked items to frozen foods, demonstrating its adaptability across different food categories.
- In 2023, the annual revenue of the food retail industry in Australia reached over USD 111.8 billion, increasing from USD 101.5 billion in 2021. This substantial growth in the food retail industry has significant implications for paper and paper-based packaging, particularly in the food packaging segment. As food retail sales continue to rise, there is an increasing demand for packaging materials that are functional and environmentally friendly. Paper-based packaging, known for its recyclability and biodegradability, is well-positioned to meet these requirements.
- The expansion of the food retail market drives the need for diverse packaging solutions to accommodate various product types, sizes, and preservation needs. This includes paper-based options such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and composite materials that combine paper with other recyclable elements. The growth in convenience foods and ready-to-eat meals, which often require specialized packaging, further contributes to the demand for innovative paper-based solutions.
- Moreover, the increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues and the push for sustainable practices in retail are likely to boost the adoption of paper-based packaging. Retailers and food manufacturers increasingly seek eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging, aligning with consumer preferences and regulatory trends toward reducing plastic waste. This shift presents significant opportunities for the paper packaging industry to develop new products and expand its market share within the food retail industry.
- The correlation between food retail growth and packaging demand suggests that the paper packaging market will likely experience parallel growth as the Australian food retail industry expands. This trend may lead to increased investments in research and development for more advanced paper-based packaging solutions and expansions in production capacity to meet the rising demand from the food retail industry.
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Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Industry Overview
The Australian paper and paperboard packaging market is fragmented, with significant players such as Opal Group (Paper Australia Pty Ltd & Nippon Paper Industries), Visy Group, and Mondi PLC. The country's companies are forming partnerships and mergers to increase their market shares.
Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Leaders
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Opal Group (Paper Australia Pty Ltd & Nippon Paper Industries)
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Visy Group
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Mondi plc
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Sonoco Products Company
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Oji Holdings Corporation (Oji Fibre Solutions (AUS) Pty Ltd.)
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market News
- July 2024: Opal, an Australian company specializing in paper and fiber packaging, inaugurated a state-of-the-art, high-speed cardboard packaging facility in Barnawartha, Victoria. This new facility aligns with Opal's commitment to a circular economy, focusing on the local production of fiber packaging that is both recycled and recyclable. With an investment exceeding AUD 140 million (approximately USD 89.9 million), this facility is poised to address surging customer demands and tap into expanding markets. Additionally, the development received backing from the Victorian state government.
- July 2024: VektroPack, headquartered in Singapore and expanding with an office in Australia, introduced kerbside recyclable paper-based packaging for Coles' Bake & Create and Simply Baking chocolate range. Opal has verified the recyclability of this packaging. By transitioning from conventional plastic-based flexible film to VektroPack's High Barrier Paper Flex product, VektroPack underscores its dedication to sustainability.
- May 2024: Coles, an Australian supermarket chain, rolled out a recyclable paper packaging solution for its mandarin oranges, moving away from the conventional plastic net bags. This shift in packaging is projected to eliminate the use of 11,700 kg of plastic each year. The newly introduced paper bags are crafted for domestic curbside recycling. Coles aims to sell over a million paper bags between April and October 2024.
Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Industry Segmentation
Paper is a thin, versatile material made from pressed and dried cellulose fibers, typically derived from wood, rags, or grasses. It is used for writing, printing, and various applications. Paperboard, also known as cardboard, is a thicker, more durable paper-based material made by pressing multiple layers of paper pulp together. Both materials are essential in packaging, printing, and industrial applications, offering sustainable product protection and presentation solutions. The paper and paperboard industry continues to innovate, focusing on eco-friendly production methods and new applications to meet market demands.
The Australian paper and paperboard packaging market is segmented by product type (folding cartons and corrugated boxes, and other product types [flexible paper and liquid cartons]) and end-user industry (beverage, food, pharmaceutical and healthcare, personal care, household care, and other end-user industries). The report offers market forecasts and size in value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Product Type | Folding Cartons |
| Corrugated Boxes | |
| Other Product Types (Flexible Paper and Liquid Cartons) | |
| By End-user Industry | Beverage |
| Food | |
| Pharmaceutical and Healthcare | |
| Personal Care and Household Care | |
| Other End-user Industries |
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Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market Research Faqs
How big is the Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market?
The Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach 4.63 billion tonnes in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 8.33% to reach 6.90 billion tonnes by 2030.
What is the current Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size?
In 2025, the Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size is expected to reach 4.63 billion tonnes.
Who are the key players in Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market?
Opal Group (Paper Australia Pty Ltd & Nippon Paper Industries), Visy Group, Mondi plc, Sonoco Products Company and Oji Holdings Corporation (Oji Fibre Solutions (AUS) Pty Ltd.) are the major companies operating in the Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market.
What years does this Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size was estimated at 4.24 billion tonnes. The report covers the Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Australia Paper And Paperboard Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
