Corrugated packaging refers to the type of packaging material and structure commonly used for shipping and transporting goods. It consists of a fluted or wavy sheet, known as corrugated medium, crammed between two flat sheets, called linerboards. Corrugated packaging provides strength and rigidity to the packaging, making it suitable for protecting and containing a wide range of products during storage, handling, and transportation.
Single Face Board, Single Wall Board, Double Wall Board, and Triple Wall Board are the Corrugated Product Types. The Single wall segment accounts for the largest share as it is commonly used in shipping boxes that weigh less and is designed for light to medium usage. In single-wall corrugated packaging, one layer of fluted material is placed between two sheets of liners. This type of packaging provides a cost-effective packaging solution which are widely used by general consumers and e-commerce businesses.
In terms of packaging types, the market is divided into boxes, Pallets, Trays, and Crates. The boxes segment accounted for the largest share owing to its use in storage containers, retail packaging, and product packaging. Due to their manageable sizes, corrugated boxes are used for packing shoes, garments, kitchenware, and many other products. Corrugated boxes are utilized for prestige, luxury, elegance, and quality packaging, and are ideal for small, high-end items such as jewelry or electronics.
In terms of corrugated packaging demand by applications, the market is bifurcated into Food & Beverages, Transportation, Electrical & Electronics, Healthcare, Home Care Products, and Personal Care products. Food & Beverages holds the largest share owing to its significant role in the Food & Beverage industry. It is used for packaging perishable goods, processed foods, beverages, snacks, and other food items.
Asia Pacific is the largest market for corrugated packaging. China has a significant share in the global market due to its large population, growing e-commerce sector, and growing manufacturing activities. The rapid growth of e-commerce in China has further fuelled the demand for corrugated packaging solutions to support the shipping and delivery of goods. North America also is a prominent player in the corrugated packaging market owing to its vast retail sector, extensive manufacturing activities, and strong e-commerce presence.
In February 2023, HP Introduced HP PageWide C550 Press, which is a high-speed, post-print digital corrugated press for Corrugated Packaging.
In 2023, IEMME’s central plant in Italy produced 70 million m² of cardboard, employed 100 people, and generated €40 million in revenue.
In January 2021, Rengo Co Ltd.’s Thai joint venture, Thai Containers Group, acquired 94.11% of the shares in Bien Hoa Packaging, a corrugated packaging and folding carton manufacturer in Vietnam.
In September 2021, Heinz rolled out the Heinz Eco-Friendly Sleeve Multipack, a sustainable and recyclable paperboard pouch for its multipack canned products.
In October 2020, International Paper sold its Brazilian corrugated packaging business to Klabin for $59.4 million.
Corrugated packaging offers excellent cushioning and shock-absorbing properties, which provide effective protection to the packaged goods during transportation and handling. It is widely used in the Food & Beverage industry as product quality, integrity, and safety are critical. In August 2021, Mondi introduced a comprehensive range of corrugated packaging solutions for the online grocery market in Central Europe.
Corrugated packaging can be easily customized in terms of size, shape, and printing. This flexibility allows businesses to create packaging solutions that are tailored to their specific products and branding requirements. Customized packaging can enhance product visibility, create a unique brand image, and improve consumer engagement. For instance, in February 2020, Mondi partnered with Cartro to create a sustainable avocado box for the fresh produce sector.
Many consumers value sustainable and recyclable packaging options and actively seek products that are packaged in environmentally friendly materials. Businesses respond to these preferences by choosing Corrugated packaging solutions as a way to meet consumer demands and enhance their brand image. The implementation of several rules and regulations on the use of single-use plastics will increase the use of corrugated packaging, especially in the Food & Beverages industry.
One major challenge in the market is the absence of cost-effective alternatives to corrugated boxes. The availability of more durable, attractive, and economical corrugated plastic containers is negatively affecting the demand for corrugated boxes. Furthermore, the rising cost of raw materials is decreasing the decline in demand for corrugated boxes.
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