EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 6.82 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 7.87 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 2.91 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market Analysis
The EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 6.82 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 7.87 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.91% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Corrugated board packaging is a versatile and cost-efficient method of protecting, preserving, and transporting a wide range of products. Its attributes, such as light weight, biodegradability, and recyclability, have made it an integral component in the packaging industry.
- Factors such as increasing demand for fresh food and beverages, home and personal products, logistics applications, electronic goods, building consumer awareness toward sustainable packaging, and the growth of the e-commerce industry are expected to increase corrugated box demand in EMEA during the forecast period.
- The e-commerce industry has emerged as a significant player in recent years. Prominent e-commerce companies, such as Amazon, have been using corrugated board boxes as their principal packaging while relying on plastic packaging for individual items. The corrugated board is highly versatile. Thus, it can take various forms other than the box, and due to sustainability issues, it is slowly replacing flexible plastic bags. Moreover, corrugated boxes are a perfect base for several printing techniques.
- The processed food segment accounts for the largest share in terms of the use of corrugated boards. The segment leads the overall market due to the massive prerequisite of foodstuffs being packed, stored, and transported to various places for consumption within and outside EMEA. Also, the need for green packaging materials, particularly paper packaging solutions, is fueled by the enforcement of strict legislation regarding the ban on single-use plastic.
- Germany is one of the prominent European markets for corrugated boxes. The country's principal industries, including pharmaceutical, automotive, food, and electronics, generate a high demand for corrugated boxes. For instance, according to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, revenue from manufacturing corrugated paper and paperboard and containers of paper and cardboard in Germany amounted to approximately USD 24.03 billion by 2023.
- Fluctuations in raw material prices affect the production costs of corrugated products, which decreases the firmness and strength of corrugated boxes. Corrugated packing also has poor fire resistance. Hence, the low strength of corrugated materials and poor barrier properties hinder the growth of the market.
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market Trends
The Processed Foods Segment is Expected to Occupy a Significant Market Share
- The need for convenience foods is anticipated to grow owing to the busy lifestyles in EMEA. Processed food can be cooked in less time, which attracts consumers. The growing population is anticipated to drive the need for processed food, which is convenient and healthy. Additionally, the increasing realization among users regarding the practice of environment-friendly products is expected to drive the demand for corrugated board packaging in the region.
- Government drives to stimulate eco-friendly packaging materials, coupled with the efforts of the Corrugated Packaging Alliance, a corrugated industry initiative to strengthen corrugated packaging, provide an added stimulus to this market's growth.
- According to Statistisches Bundesamt, the German convenience food production business earned USD 6.35 billion in revenue in 2022, which increased to USD 6.35 billion in 2023. The convenience food industry significantly relies on packaging options to guarantee its products' protection and safe transit. As the convenience food production industry in Germany develops, the demand for corrugated board packaging to satisfy these needs will rise.
- Strict legislation banning single-use plastics has intensified the demand for green packaging materials, especially paper-based solutions. The rising popularity of e-commerce platforms in the region further drives market demand. E-commerce has significantly transformed the retail landscape. Key drivers fueling e-commerce's expansion in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region, include robust per capita income, advanced transportation and logistics networks, rising internet penetration, and technological advancements.
- The rising appetite for packaged food is increasing the demand for corrugated board packaging. According to Interpack (a packaging trade fair), the Middle East consumes 5% of the world's packaged goods, and its business is rapidly growing. Projections indicate a 21% surge in demand, reaching 44 million tons by 2026. Saudi Arabia, holding just under a 30% share, tops the Middle East in packaged food consumption. Additionally, as more single households lean toward takeaway and delivery services, the reshaped foodservice industry is expected to further propel the growth of the market.
The Beverage Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share
- The beverage industry plays an essential role in EMEA. The principal determinants driving the growth of the beverage segment include a steadily growing population, per capita revenue, and improving lifestyles. Due to economic constraints, some brand owners must simplify their pricey packaging. Secondary packaging is a good substitute, and corrugated boxes are among the affordable packaging options.
- As vendors prioritize sustainability, traditional rigid packaging solutions give way to more eco-friendly corrugated board packaging. With the rising demand for customer-centric products and superior product protection, liquid packaging is emerging as a viable and economical choice. This category includes corrugated boards in various sizes and thicknesses tailored to the required protection level.
- The government's activities are anticipated to increase consumer interest in the alcoholic beverage market. According to Krones AG, a German packaging and bottling machine manufacturer, consumption of packaged beverages in Middle East and Africa is expected to increase to 127.1 billion liters by 2024 from nearly 118 billion liters in 2021.
- Brands strategically employ corrugated packaging solutions to differentiate themselves, utilizing various fluting options, thicknesses, and designs tailored to their needs. With a range of customizable printing options, end users can ensure their packages are eye-catching on shelves, driving sales growth.
- The growing demand for milk-based products is boosting market growth as they are packaged in liquid beverage corrugated milk carton boxes. According to the British Soft Drinks Association, in terms of non-alcoholic beverages in the United Kingdom in 2023, carbonated soft drinks took the top position with 38.6%, followed by dilutables, bottled water, and other drinks.
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Industry Overview
The corrugated board packaging market in EMEA is fragmented, with many companies offering corrugated board packaging solutions. Corrugated board packaging is a cost-effective solution for safeguarding, preserving, and transporting diverse products. Attributes like lightweight, biodegradability, and recyclability have cemented the corrugated board's role as a cornerstone of the packaging industry. Corrugated boxes provide an ideal canvas for various printing techniques.
The market is dominated by players, including International Paper, DS Smith, Smurfit Kappa, Mondi, WestRock, Saica, Model, and Dunapack packaging. The market is set for consolidation as the big players acquire smaller players to expand their presence and revenue throughout and outside EMEA. Mergers and acquisitions have been among the most adopted strategies; this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Businesses continually innovate to develop sustainable packaging and render environment-friendly packaging goods. The players are launching corrugated box designs for various end-user industries to leverage market growth opportunities.
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market Leaders
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Mondi Group Plc
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Smurfit Kappa Group
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DS Smith PLC
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International Paper Company
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Sealed Air Corporation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market News
- August 2024: Hotpack Global, a food packaging company based in the United Arab Emirates, unveiled plans to establish one of the world's largest sustainable packaging plants in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated investment of SAR 1 billion (USD 0.26 billion). The company formalized this investment through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment and Industry and Minerals. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Investment headquarters in Riyadh.
- April 2023: TRICOR Packaging & Logistics AG invested around EUR 170 million (USD 183.98 million) in a cutting-edge box plant in the Weeze/Goch region near the Dutch border in western Germany. Set to roll out production in the third quarter of 2025, this advanced facility will specialize in heavy-duty corrugated boards. With an ambitious production target, the site aims to have an annual production capacity of 200 million sq. m.
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.2.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 High Recyclable Value and Ability to Support Innovations in Printing to aid Demand for Corrugated Boxes
5.1.2 High Demand from the Fresh Food & Produce Segment
5.2 Market Challenges
5.2.1 Concerns over Material Availability and Durability of Corrugated Board-based Products
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By End-user Industry
6.1.1 Processed Foods
6.1.2 Fresh Food and Produce
6.1.3 Beverages
6.1.4 Paper Products
6.1.5 Other End-user Industries (Electrical Products and Others)
6.2 By Geography***
6.2.1 Europe
6.2.1.1 United Kingdom
6.2.1.2 Germany
6.2.1.3 France
6.2.1.4 Spain
6.2.1.5 Italy
6.2.2 Middle East and Africa
6.2.2.1 South Africa
6.2.2.2 Saudi Arabia
6.2.2.3 United Arab Emirates
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles
7.1.1 International Paper Company
7.1.2 Mondi Group
7.1.3 Smurfit Kappa Group
7.1.4 DS Smith PLC
7.1.5 Sealed Air Corporation
7.1.6 WestRock
7.1.7 Saica Group
7.1.8 SCA Group
7.1.9 Neopack
7.1.10 Dunapack Packaging
7.1.11 Arabian Packaging LLC
7.1.12 VPK Packaging Group
7.1.13 National Packaging Industries
7.1.14 Corruseal Group
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Industry Segementation
The study covers the corrugated board packaging market in EMEA. The market is tracked in terms of consumption and the sales of different corrugated packaging products offered by various vendors across multiple end-user industries. Corrugated board packaging efficiently protects, preserves, and transports a diverse range of products. Due to its advantages, such as biodegradability, lightweight, and recyclability, the adoption of corrugated board packaging is rapidly growing.
The EMEA corrugated board packaging market is segmented by end-user vertical (processed foods, fresh food and produce, beverages, and paper products) and geography (Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe) and Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Rest of the Region). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By End-user Industry | |
| Processed Foods | |
| Fresh Food and Produce | |
| Beverages | |
| Paper Products | |
| Other End-user Industries (Electrical Products and Others) |
| By Geography*** | |||||||
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EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market Research Faqs
How big is the EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market?
The EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 6.82 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.91% to reach USD 7.87 billion by 2029.
What is the current EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 6.82 billion.
Who are the key players in EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market?
Mondi Group Plc, Smurfit Kappa Group, DS Smith PLC, International Paper Company and Sealed Air Corporation are the major companies operating in the EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market.
What years does this EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 6.62 billion. The report covers the EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
EMEA Corrugated Board Packaging Market Report Snapshots
