Containerboard Market Size to Reach $172.17B by 2031 at 2.52% CAGR Amid Rising E-Commerce Demand & Sustainable Packaging

Containerboard Market Overview 

According to Mordor Intelligence, the global containerboard market size stood at USD 152.01 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 172.17 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 2.52% during the forecast period. This steady containerboard market growth reflects disciplined capacity management, rising recycled-content requirements, and sustained demand from e-commerce and packaged goods sectors. 

The containerboard industry continues to align production strategies with changing packaging needs across food and beverage, consumer goods, and industrial applications. As sustainability requirements tighten across Europe and North America, producers are balancing recycled fiber use with performance expectations such as burst strength and moisture resistance. The market forecast indicates stable expansion supported by lightweighting strategies, integrated mill operations, and regional capacity additions in emerging economies. 

Key Containerboard Market Growth Drivers 

Rising E-Commerce Shipping Volumes 

One of the most visible containerboard market trends is the continued rise in e-commerce shipping volumes. Growth in parcel delivery has increased demand for stronger linerboard grades that can withstand automated sorting systems and last-mile handling. Brand owners are specifying higher burst-strength kraftliners for direct-to-consumer packaging. Integrated producers with combined mill and box plant operations are responding by offering customized box formats that optimize cube utilization. This has strengthened demand for premium kraftliner grades while encouraging recycled producers to blend virgin fibers to meet performance requirements. 

Growth in Processed Food and Beverage Packaging 

Urbanization and changing consumption patterns are supporting steady containerboard market growth in food and beverage packaging. Shelf-stable foods, fresh produce, and beverage multipacks rely heavily on corrugated cases for protection and stacking efficiency. Converters are introducing moisture-resistant coatings and flute profile modifications to ensure durability in cold-chain logistics. Lightweight board structures are increasingly used for beverage multipacks, helping retailers manage pallet heights while reducing transportation costs. 

Shift Toward Sustainable and Recyclable Packaging Solutions 

Sustainability remains central to the containerboard industry. Regulatory mandates in the European Union and the United Kingdom are increasing minimum recycled content requirements and encouraging mono-material packaging formats. Producers are investing in closed-loop fiber systems and recycled containerboard machines to secure long-term supply stability. Extended producer responsibility schemes are influencing packaging choices, reinforcing the position of corrugated materials within the broader packaging market. 

Lightweight Containerboard Innovations 

Lightweighting continues to influence the containerboard market forecast. Mills are introducing lower basis weight kraftliners and fluting grades that reduce material consumption while maintaining edge-crush strength and stacking performance. Advancements in fiber orientation and calendering allow manufacturers to achieve cost savings in logistics without compromising packaging integrity. These developments are contributing to competitive differentiation and supporting stable containerboard market share for performance-focused producers. 

Check out more details and stay updated with the latest industry trends, including the Japanese version for localized insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ja/industry-reports/containerboard-market?utm_source=industrytoday.co.uk  

Containerboard Market Segmentation 

By Material 

• Virgin Fibers 
• Recycled Fibers 
• Blended Fibers 

By Type 

• Kraftliners 
• Testliners 
• Flutings 
• Other Types 

By Basis Weight 

• Below 150 gsm 
• 150 – 300 gsm 
• Above 300 gsm 

By End User 

• Food and Beverage 
• Consumer Goods 
• Industrial 
• Other End Users 

By Geography 

North America 

• United States 
• Canada 
• Mexico 

Europe 

• Germany 
• France 
• United Kingdom 
• Italy 
• Spain 
• Rest of Europe 

Asia-Pacific 

• China 
• Japan 
• India 
• South Korea 
• Australia and New Zealand 
• Rest of Asia-Pacific 

South America 

• Brazil 
• Argentina 
• Rest of South America 

Middle East 

• Saudi Arabia 
• United Arab Emirates 
• Turkey 
• Rest of Middle East 

Africa 

• South Africa 
• Egypt 
• Nigeria 
• Rest of Africa 

Explore Our Full Library of Packaging Research 

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/market-analysis/packaging?utm_source=industrytoday.co.uk  

Containerboard Market Key Players 

The competitive landscape of the containerboard market includes major integrated producers and regional specialists. Leading companies operating within the containerboard industry include: 

• Smurfit WestRock 
• International Paper Company 
• Oji Holdings Corporation 
• Mondi Group 
• Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited 

Explore more insights on containerboard competitive landscape: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/containerboard-market/companies?utm_source=industrytoday.co.uk  

Conclusion 

The global containerboard market remains on a steady path, supported by e-commerce expansion, food and beverage demand, and regulatory support for recyclable packaging. Although pricing volatility in recovered paper and competition from flexible packaging present challenges, disciplined capacity management and lightweighting initiatives are helping sustain margins. 

The long-term containerboard market forecast indicates moderate but stable growth, with sustainability compliance and integrated operations shaping the competitive environment. As regional investments continue in Asia-Pacific and emerging economies, the containerboard industry is expected to maintain its role as a foundational segment of the global packaging market.   

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Metal Packaging Market 

The metal packaging market is projected to increase from USD 136.22 billion in 2025 to USD 140.16 billion in 2026, reaching USD 161.61 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 2.89% during 2026–2031. Growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions, especially in food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries, along with increasing preference for durable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly materials such as aluminum and steel.

Plastic Bottles and Containers Market Trend 

The plastic bottles and containers market size is estimated at 43.79 million tonnes in 2026, growing from 42.2 million tonnes in 2025 and projected to reach 52.72 million tonnes by 2031 at a CAGR of 3.77%. Expansion is fueled by growing consumption of packaged beverages, personal care products, and household chemicals, along with advancements in lightweight plastic technologies and increasing demand from emerging economies. 

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Forecast 

The rigid plastic packaging market is expected to grow from USD 264.18 billion in 2025 to USD 272.29 billion in 2026 and reach USD 316.73 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 3.07% over the forecast period. Growth is supported by increasing demand from food, beverage, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors, coupled with innovations in recyclable plastics, improved barrier properties, and rising adoption of convenient and durable packaging formats. 

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