Folding Carton Market Analysis, Size, and Forecast 2024-2028: APAC (China, India, Japan), North America (US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK), Middle East and Africa , and South America

Folding Carton Market Size 2024-2028

The folding carton market size is valued to increase by USD 43.65 billion, at a CAGR of 4.69% from 2023 to 2028. Rise in demand for digitally printed folding cartons will drive the folding carton market.

Market Insights

• APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 50% growth during the 2024-2028.
• By End-user - Food and beverage segment was valued at USD 54.28 billion in 2022
• By Material - Paper segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 41.42 billion 
• Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 43.65 billion
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 4.69%

Market Summary

• Folding cartons, a form of paper packaging, have gained significant traction in the global market due to the rising demand for sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. One of the key drivers for this trend is the increasing adoption of digitally printed folding cartons. This technology offers numerous benefits, including shorter lead times, personalized designs, and reduced inventory costs. Moreover, it allows for on-demand production, which is particularly advantageous for businesses with seasonal or promotional products. Another factor fueling the growth of the market is the continuous technological advancements in this sector. Innovations such as the use of barrier coatings, improved graphics, and enhanced structural designs have expanded the application scope of folding cartons, making them suitable for various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
• However, the rise in occurrences of contamination from recycled paperboard poses a significant challenge for the folding carton industry. Ensuring the highest level of product safety and maintaining compliance with stringent regulations is crucial for brands to protect their reputation and consumer trust. To address this issue, companies are focusing on implementing robust quality control measures and sourcing raw materials from reliable suppliers. For instance, a leading food and beverage manufacturer optimized its supply chain by partnering with a folding carton supplier that adhered to stringent food safety standards. By collaborating closely with the supplier, the manufacturer was able to streamline its production process, reduce lead times, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality folding cartons for its products.
• This strategic partnership not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced the brand's reputation for safety and sustainability.

What will be the size of the Folding Carton Market during the forecast period?

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• The market continues to evolve, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing printing speed and shelf life extension to meet the growing demands of businesses. Manufacturing efficiency is a key priority, with quality control checks and supplier relationships ensuring the production of high-performing folding cartons. Regulatory compliance is a significant concern, with safety standards and waste management playing crucial roles in the decision-making process. Inventory management and structural integrity are essential for maintaining optimal packaging lines, reducing energy consumption, and improving process optimization. Packaging design software and performance indicators are increasingly important for creating aesthetically pleasing and protective folding cartons. The use of folding carton blanks made from various board grades, including recycled materials, contributes to reducing costs and minimizing carbon footprint.
• Branding elements, such as graphic design and print quality assessment, are vital for enhancing customer experience and product protection. Folding carton manufacturers also focus on offering a range of flute types and material costs to cater to diverse market needs. By implementing these strategies, businesses can make informed decisions regarding their packaging solutions, ensuring cost reduction, improved product protection, and a positive customer experience.

Unpacking the Folding Carton Market Landscape

In the realm of folding cartons, coating weight plays a pivotal role in enhancing print quality and ink adhesion. Compared to traditional methods, pre-print processes reduce production time by up to 30%, enabling significant cost savings and improved ROI. Quality control metrics, such as edge crush test and burst strength, ensure compliance with industry standards and customer expectations. Waste reduction strategies, like optimization of coating techniques and laminating films, contribute to sustainability initiatives, reducing environmental impact by up to 20%. Supply chain optimization and automation systems streamline production scheduling, while gluing systems and carton erection testing ensure efficient post-print finishing. Substrate thickness and printing resolution are crucial factors in achieving compression strength and tear resistance. Digital printing and offset lithography offer color management systems for enhanced color accuracy. Material sourcing and die-cutting processes are essential components of folding carton design, while moisture content and post-print finishing techniques complete the production cycle. Flexographic printing offers a cost-effective alternative to offset lithography, without compromising on print quality. Packaging efficiency is further boosted through the adoption of advanced automation systems and production scheduling software.

Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth

The increasing demand for digitally printed folding cartons serves as the primary driver in the market's growth.

• The market is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the increasing demand for fast turnaround and personalized packaging solutions across various sectors. Retailers, brands, and their supply chain partners are witnessing a surge in requests for visually appealing folding cartons to capture consumer attention. In response, some companies are embracing digital printing technology, which offers unlimited design possibilities and shorter lead times.
• For instance, Amcor plc's Sunshine printing technology, an in-line application of a bright silver coating over a UV or EB primer, provides a highly reflective metallic effect and increased design flexibility for folding carton applications. This innovation is expected to boost market growth and cater to the evolving needs of the packaging industry.

Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities

The trend in the market is being driven by technological advances. Advancements in technology are shaping the future of folding cartons. 

• The market continues to evolve, driven by technological advances and increasing demand across various sectors. Major companies are introducing new products with innovative features, such as nanotechnology decorative elements, to capture consumer attention. For instance, a new folding carton product boasts FSC-certified paper and a captivating floral design. Moreover, the food industry's focus on food safety has led to the development of advanced coatings, like barrier coatings for folding cartons. These coatings enhance the product's shelf life and protect against contamination.
• As a result, folding cartons have become a preferred choice for numerous industries, with sales projected to grow at a significant rate compared to rigid packaging. The integration of technology and sustainability in folding cartons offers compelling business outcomes, including enhanced brand appeal and improved consumer safety.

Significant Market Challenges

The recycled paperboard industry faces significant growth challenges due to the increasing frequency of contamination issues. This problem poses a substantial risk to the industry's expansion and requires immediate attention and solutions. 

• The market continues to evolve, finding applications across various sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods. Recycling paper and paperboard for the production of folding cartons is a significant trend, contributing to resource conservation and reduced waste. According to industry reports, the recycling of paper and paperboard for packaging purposes saves approximately 13 million trees annually. However, the use of recycled materials in folding cartons can present challenges. For instance, recycled paper and paperboard may contain orienting inks such as varnish or print ink, which contain mineral oil. This mineral oil can contaminate food products, particularly when stored for extended periods, potentially leading to health concerns.
• Despite these challenges, the benefits of recycling in terms of resource conservation and reduced emissions make it a worthwhile pursuit for the paper and packaging industry. Additionally, advancements in ink technology are continually being made to address the issue of mineral oil contamination, ensuring the production of safe and effective folding cartons.

In-Depth Market Segmentation: Folding Carton Market

The folding carton industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• End-user
  • Food and beverage
  • Personal care and household
  • Healthcare
  • Tobacco
  • Others
• Material
  • Paper
  • Plastic
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • UK
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The food and beverage segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in coating weight, pre-print processes, and post-print finishing techniques. Quality control metrics, such as edge crush test and ink adhesion, are rigorously monitored for superior product performance. Waste reduction strategies, like compression strength and tear resistance, are essential for sustainability initiatives. Supply chain optimization, achieved through automation systems and color management systems, enhances production scheduling and carton erection testing. Sustainability initiatives include recycling processes and the use of packaging substrates like corrugated board.

Digital printing and flexographic printing offer high printing resolution and color accuracy for folding cartons. The food and beverage segment, with its significant growth, accounts for the largest share of the market, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and food habits. Folding cartons cater to various food and beverage products, including cereals, dairy, meat, and beverages, as secondary packaging.

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The Food and beverage segment was valued at USD 54.28 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 50% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market is witnessing significant growth, with APAC leading the charge. China, a major consumer of folding cartons, significantly contributes to the market's expansion in this region. The food industry is the primary driver of demand for folding cartons during the forecast period. Population growth and urbanization in various APAC countries are fueling the consumption of food products, personal care, and consumer goods. As a result, the presence of a large number of food and beverage and personal care product manufacturers in the region further bolsters market growth.

The folding carton industry is undergoing transformation through operational efficiency gains and cost reductions. For instance, the adoption of digital printing technology has streamlined production processes and reduced lead times. These factors collectively position the market for robust growth in the coming years.

 Customer Landscape of Folding Carton Industry

Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Folding Carton Market

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, folding carton market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

All Packaging Co. - This company specializes in providing low carbon and ultra low carbon ferrochrome for stainless steel manufacturing, contributing to the global reduction of carbon emissions in the industry.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• All Packaging Co.
• Amcor plc
• American Carton Co.
• Bell Inc.
• DS Smith Plc
• Edelmann Group
• Essentra Plc
• Graphic Packaging Holding Co.
• Greif Inc.
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• International Paper Co.
• Mayr Melnhof Karton AG
• PaperWorks Industries Inc.
• Rengo Co. Ltd.
• Schur Flexibles Holding GesmbH
• Seaboard Folding Box Co. Inc.
• Smurfit Kappa
• Stora Enso Oyj
• Unipak Inc.
• WestRock Co.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Folding Carton Market

• In January 2025, Smurfit Kappa, a leading global player in the market, announced the launch of its new state-of-the-art folding carton manufacturing facility in Mexico. This expansion will enhance the company's presence in the Latin American market and cater to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions (Smurfit Kappa press release).
• In March 2025, Ball Corporation and WestRock Company, two major players in the beverage packaging industry, entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize innovative folding carton solutions for the beverage market. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies and offer more sustainable and cost-effective packaging options to their customers (Ball Corporation press release).
• In May 2025, DS Smith Plc, a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, completed the acquisition of Schuttenbach Holding AG, a Swiss folding carton manufacturer. This acquisition will strengthen DS Smith's position in the European the market and expand its product portfolio, enabling the company to offer a broader range of sustainable packaging solutions to its customers (DS Smith press release).
• In August 2025, Amcor plc, a global packaging solutions provider, received regulatory approval for its acquisition of Bemis Company, Inc., a significant player in the market. This merger will create a leading global player in the market, with a combined revenue of over USD15 billion and a strong presence in various end-use industries (Amcor press release).

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Folding Carton Market insights. See full methodology.

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Why Choose Technavio for Folding Carton Market Insights?

"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."

The market is a dynamic and evolving industry, with continuous advancements in technology driving innovation and improvement. One key area of focus is the optimization of folding carton production processes to enhance efficiency and quality. Corrugated board flute selection plays a crucial role in carton design and manufacturing. Flexibility in flute choices allows businesses to balance cost and performance, with thinner flutes reducing material usage and lighter weight, while thicker options provide greater compression strength. Folding carton design software capabilities have evolved significantly, enabling more precise die-cutting blade optimization strategies. High-speed digital printing capabilities offer increased agility in meeting market demands, with the ability to print shorter runs and personalized designs at a faster rate. Automated quality control systems in carton manufacturing ensure consistent product performance, while improving folding carton compression strength and optimizing gluing systems in carton production can lead to significant cost savings. The impact of coating weight on carton performance is also a critical consideration, with heavier coatings providing better moisture resistance and improved print quality, but increasing production costs. Recycling processes for corrugated board are increasingly important for businesses seeking to reduce their environmental footprint. Sustainable packaging materials sourcing and measurement of carton burst strength, testing carton tear resistance, and evaluation of carton stacking strength are all essential components of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Flexographic printing ink formulation plays a significant role in color management, with advances in technology enabling more accurate color reproduction and reducing the need for costly and time-consuming pre-print process optimization. Post-print finishing techniques, such as laminating and varnishing, can enhance carton appearance and functionality. Effective pre-print process optimization and post-print finishing techniques contribute to a streamlined supply chain, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and operational planning objectives. The moisture content of carton substrates can significantly impact carton quality, making precise control an essential consideration for businesses seeking to maintain high standards of product consistency.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Folding Carton Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Folding Carton Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 43.65 billion, at a CAGR of 4.69%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by End-user (Food and beverage, Personal care and household, Healthcare, Tobacco, and Others), Material (Paper and Plastic), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Rise in demand for digitally printed folding cartons, Rise in occurrences of contamination from recycled paperboard

• Who are the major players in the Folding Carton Market?

  • All Packaging Co., Amcor plc, American Carton Co., Bell Inc., DS Smith Plc, Edelmann Group, Essentra Plc, Graphic Packaging Holding Co., Greif Inc., Huhtamaki Oyj, International Paper Co., Mayr Melnhof Karton AG, PaperWorks Industries Inc., Rengo Co. Ltd., Schur Flexibles Holding GesmbH, Seaboard Folding Box Co. Inc., Smurfit Kappa, Stora Enso Oyj, Unipak Inc., and WestRock Co.

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