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United States Corrugated Packaging Market

United States Corrugated Packaging Market, valued at USD 211 billion, is fueled by e-commerce expansion and eco-friendly demands, projecting strong growth through innovations and regulatory support.

Region:North America

Author(s):Rebecca

Product Code:KRAA2129

Pages:85

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Overview

  • The United States Corrugated Packaging Market is valued at USD 211 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This robust market size is primarily driven by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, the rapid expansion of e-commerce, and the need for efficient logistics and supply chain management. The corrugated packaging sector has experienced significant growth across industries such as food and beverage, electronics, and consumer goods, with customization and digital printing trends further enhancing market appeal .
  • Key cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago continue to dominate the market due to their strong industrial bases and high consumer demand. These urban centers serve as critical hubs for manufacturing and distribution, supporting the rapid movement of goods and the demand for advanced packaging solutions. The presence of major packaging companies and proximity to large consumer populations further reinforce their market leadership .
  • The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, 2020, issued by the United States Congress, established comprehensive measures to reduce plastic waste and promote the use of recyclable materials in packaging. This regulation requires manufacturers to enhance recycling infrastructure, adopt eco-friendly materials, and comply with national standards for recyclable packaging, thereby driving increased demand for corrugated packaging solutions that meet sustainability criteria .
United States Corrugated Packaging Market Size

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Segmentation

By Type:The corrugated packaging market is segmented into various types, including Regular Slotted Containers (RSC), Die-Cut Boxes, Folding Cartons, Multi-Depth Boxes, Single-Wall, Double-Wall, Triple-Wall Boards, and Others. Among these, Regular Slotted Containers (RSC) hold the largest share due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of assembly. RSCs are widely adopted across multiple industries for their adaptability in shipping and storage, making them the preferred choice for a range of packaging applications .

United States Corrugated Packaging Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes Processed Foods, Fresh Food and Produce, Beverages, Paper Products, Electrical and Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Goods, and Others. The processed foods segment is the leading end-user, supported by the growing demand for packaged and ready-to-eat food products and the need for efficient, compliant distribution methods. This segment’s dominance is reinforced by stringent FDA regulations and the critical role of corrugated packaging in maintaining product safety and minimizing damage during transport .

United States Corrugated Packaging Market segmentation by End-User.

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Competitive Landscape

The United States Corrugated Packaging Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as International Paper Company, WestRock Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, Packaging Corporation of America, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Mondi Group, DS Smith Plc, Sonoco Products Company, Pratt Industries, Stora Enso Oyj, Ranpak Holdings Corp., Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj, Novolex Holdings, Inc., UFP Industries, Inc., Veritiv Corporation contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

International Paper Company

1898

Memphis, Tennessee

WestRock Company

2015

Atlanta, Georgia

Smurfit Kappa Group

1934

Dublin, Ireland

Packaging Corporation of America

1959

Lake Forest, Illinois

Georgia-Pacific LLC

1927

Atlanta, Georgia

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

US Corrugated Packaging Revenue (USD Million)

Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)

Market Share (%)

Production Capacity (Tons/Year)

Number of US Manufacturing Facilities

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing E-commerce Demand:The U.S. e-commerce sector is projected to reach $1.1 trillion in sales in future, driving the demand for corrugated packaging. With over 230 million online shoppers, the need for durable and efficient packaging solutions is paramount. This surge in online retail is expected to increase corrugated packaging consumption by approximately 22 million tons annually, as businesses seek reliable materials to ensure product safety during transit and enhance customer experience.
  • Sustainability Trends:The U.S. corrugated packaging market is increasingly influenced by sustainability, with 75% of consumers preferring eco-friendly packaging options. In future, the demand for recyclable materials is expected to rise, with the market for sustainable packaging projected to reach $550 billion. Companies are investing in sustainable practices, leading to a 17% increase in the use of recycled content in corrugated products, aligning with consumer preferences and regulatory pressures.
  • Innovations in Packaging Design:The corrugated packaging industry is witnessing significant innovations, with investments in design technologies expected to exceed $2.2 billion in future. Enhanced designs not only improve product protection but also reduce material usage by 12%. Companies are adopting advanced printing techniques and structural designs, which are projected to increase market competitiveness and attract new customers, further driving growth in the sector.

Market Challenges

  • Raw Material Price Volatility:The corrugated packaging industry faces challenges from fluctuating raw material prices, particularly for kraft paper, which has seen price increases of up to 32% in the past year. This volatility can significantly impact production costs, leading to tighter profit margins for manufacturers. In future, the industry anticipates continued price instability, which may hinder investment in new technologies and expansion efforts.
  • Competition from Alternative Packaging:The rise of alternative packaging solutions, such as plastic and biodegradable materials, poses a significant challenge to the corrugated packaging market. In future, the market share of alternative packaging is expected to grow by 15%, driven by consumer demand for lightweight and versatile options. This competition may lead to a decline in corrugated packaging usage, necessitating strategic adaptations by manufacturers to maintain market relevance.

United States Corrugated Packaging Market Future Outlook

The future of the U.S. corrugated packaging market appears promising, driven by ongoing trends in e-commerce and sustainability. As companies increasingly adopt eco-friendly practices, the demand for recyclable materials is expected to rise significantly. Additionally, advancements in automation and smart packaging technologies will enhance production efficiency and product tracking. These developments will likely position the corrugated packaging sector as a key player in meeting the evolving needs of consumers and businesses alike, fostering innovation and growth.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth in Food and Beverage Sector:The food and beverage sector is projected to grow by $120 billion in future, creating substantial opportunities for corrugated packaging. As demand for safe and sustainable packaging solutions increases, manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by offering tailored products that meet industry standards and consumer preferences, enhancing their market position.
  • Technological Advancements in Production:The integration of advanced technologies in production processes is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Investments in automation and AI-driven solutions are projected to increase by 30% in future, allowing manufacturers to streamline operations and improve product quality. This technological shift presents a significant opportunity for companies to innovate and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Regular Slotted Container (RSC)

Die-Cut Boxes

Folding Cartons

Multi-Depth Boxes

Single-Wall, Double-Wall, Triple-Wall Boards

Others

By End-User

Processed Foods

Fresh Food and Produce

Beverages

Paper Products

Electrical and Electronics

Pharmaceuticals

Consumer Goods

Others

By Application

Retail Packaging

Industrial Packaging

E-commerce Packaging

Export Packaging

Others

By Distribution Channel

Direct Sales

Online Sales

Distributors

Retail Outlets

Others

By Material Type

Recycled Paperboard

Virgin Paperboard

Kraft Paper

Others

By Size

Small

Medium

Large

Others

By Price Range

Low

Medium

High

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration)

Manufacturers and Producers

Distributors and Retailers

Packaging Equipment Suppliers

Logistics and Supply Chain Companies

Industry Associations (e.g., Fibre Box Association, American Forest & Paper Association)

Financial Institutions

Players Mentioned in the Report:

International Paper Company

WestRock Company

Smurfit Kappa Group

Packaging Corporation of America

Georgia-Pacific LLC

Mondi Group

DS Smith Plc

Sonoco Products Company

Pratt Industries

Stora Enso Oyj

Ranpak Holdings Corp.

Ahlstrom-Munksjo Oyj

Novolex Holdings, Inc.

UFP Industries, Inc.

Veritiv Corporation

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. United States Corrugated Packaging Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 United States Corrugated Packaging Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. United States Corrugated Packaging Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing E-commerce Demand
3.1.2 Sustainability Trends
3.1.3 Innovations in Packaging Design
3.1.4 Cost-Effectiveness of Corrugated Solutions

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Raw Material Price Volatility
3.2.2 Competition from Alternative Packaging
3.2.3 Environmental Regulations
3.2.4 Supply Chain Disruptions

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Growth in Food and Beverage Sector
3.3.2 Expansion of Retail Outlets
3.3.3 Technological Advancements in Production
3.3.4 Customization and Personalization Trends

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Shift Towards Recyclable Materials
3.4.2 Automation in Packaging Processes
3.4.3 Rise of Smart Packaging Solutions
3.4.4 Increased Focus on Supply Chain Efficiency

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Packaging Waste Reduction Initiatives
3.5.2 Compliance with Environmental Standards
3.5.3 Regulations on Material Sourcing
3.5.4 Safety Standards for Packaging Materials

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. United States Corrugated Packaging Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. United States Corrugated Packaging Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Regular Slotted Container (RSC)
8.1.2 Die-Cut Boxes
8.1.3 Folding Cartons
8.1.4 Multi-Depth Boxes
8.1.5 Single-Wall, Double-Wall, Triple-Wall Boards
8.1.6 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Processed Foods
8.2.2 Fresh Food and Produce
8.2.3 Beverages
8.2.4 Paper Products
8.2.5 Electrical and Electronics
8.2.6 Pharmaceuticals
8.2.7 Consumer Goods
8.2.8 Others

8.3 By Application

8.3.1 Retail Packaging
8.3.2 Industrial Packaging
8.3.3 E-commerce Packaging
8.3.4 Export Packaging
8.3.5 Others

8.4 By Distribution Channel

8.4.1 Direct Sales
8.4.2 Online Sales
8.4.3 Distributors
8.4.4 Retail Outlets
8.4.5 Others

8.5 By Material Type

8.5.1 Recycled Paperboard
8.5.2 Virgin Paperboard
8.5.3 Kraft Paper
8.5.4 Others

8.6 By Size

8.6.1 Small
8.6.2 Medium
8.6.3 Large
8.6.4 Others

8.7 By Price Range

8.7.1 Low
8.7.2 Medium
8.7.3 High
8.7.4 Others

9. United States Corrugated Packaging Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 US Corrugated Packaging Revenue (USD Million)
9.2.4 Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)
9.2.5 Market Share (%)
9.2.6 Production Capacity (Tons/Year)
9.2.7 Number of US Manufacturing Facilities
9.2.8 Key End-User Segments Served
9.2.9 Sustainability Initiatives (e.g., % Recycled Content, Certifications)
9.2.10 R&D/Innovation Investment (% of Revenue)
9.2.11 Distribution Network Strength
9.2.12 Customer Retention Rate (%)
9.2.13 Pricing Strategy
9.2.14 Production Efficiency (e.g., Output per Employee)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 International Paper Company
9.5.2 WestRock Company
9.5.3 Smurfit Kappa Group
9.5.4 Packaging Corporation of America
9.5.5 Georgia-Pacific LLC
9.5.6 Mondi Group
9.5.7 DS Smith Plc
9.5.8 Sonoco Products Company
9.5.9 Pratt Industries
9.5.10 Stora Enso Oyj
9.5.11 Ranpak Holdings Corp.
9.5.12 Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj
9.5.13 Novolex Holdings, Inc.
9.5.14 UFP Industries, Inc.
9.5.15 Veritiv Corporation

10. United States Corrugated Packaging Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Government Procurement Policies
10.1.2 Budget Allocations for Packaging
10.1.3 Supplier Selection Criteria
10.1.4 Sustainability Considerations

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment Trends in Packaging Infrastructure
10.2.2 Energy Efficiency Initiatives
10.2.3 Budgeting for Sustainable Packaging

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Cost Management Challenges
10.3.2 Quality Assurance Issues
10.3.3 Supply Chain Reliability
10.3.4 Regulatory Compliance Difficulties

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Sustainable Options
10.4.2 Training and Support Needs
10.4.3 Technology Adoption Rates

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of ROI Metrics
10.5.2 Case Studies of Successful Implementations
10.5.3 Future Use Case Opportunities

11. United States Corrugated Packaging Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Framework


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail vs Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix
9.1.2 Pricing Band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 JV

10.2 Greenfield

10.3 M&A

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 JVs

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Industry reports from the American Forest & Paper Association and other relevant trade organizations
  • Market analysis from government publications and economic data sources
  • Review of academic journals and white papers on corrugated packaging trends and innovations

Primary Research

  • Interviews with packaging engineers and product managers at leading corrugated packaging firms
  • Surveys with logistics and supply chain professionals to understand packaging needs
  • Field interviews with retailers and end-users to gather insights on packaging preferences

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through multiple data sources, including trade publications and expert opinions
  • Triangulation of market data with sales figures and production statistics
  • Sanity checks conducted through expert panel reviews and feedback sessions

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Analysis of total packaging market size and segmentation by corrugated packaging share
  • Evaluation of growth trends in key end-user industries such as food and beverage, e-commerce, and consumer goods
  • Incorporation of macroeconomic indicators and consumer spending patterns affecting packaging demand

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of production volume data from major corrugated packaging manufacturers
  • Cost analysis based on material prices, production processes, and distribution expenses
  • Estimation of market size through volume x average selling price calculations

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable regression analysis incorporating factors such as e-commerce growth and sustainability trends
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and shifts in consumer behavior
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Food & Beverage Packaging120Packaging Managers, Supply Chain Coordinators
E-commerce Packaging Solutions90E-commerce Operations Managers, Logistics Directors
Consumer Goods Packaging70Product Development Managers, Marketing Executives
Industrial Packaging Applications60Procurement Managers, Operations Supervisors
Sustainability Initiatives in Packaging50Sustainability Officers, R&D Managers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the United States Corrugated Packaging Market?

The United States Corrugated Packaging Market is valued at approximately USD 211 billion, driven by factors such as the demand for sustainable packaging solutions, the growth of e-commerce, and efficient logistics management across various industries.

What are the main drivers of growth in the corrugated packaging market?

Which cities are leading in the corrugated packaging market?

What types of corrugated packaging are most commonly used?

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