Kraft Liner

Global Kraft Liner Market to Reach US$65.3 Billion by 2030

The global market for Kraft Liner estimated at US$46.2 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$65.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. GSM Below 80 Kraft Liner, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 7.0% CAGR and reach US$41.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the GSM 80 - 160 Kraft Liner segment is estimated at 4.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$12.6 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 9.6% CAGR

The Kraft Liner market in the U.S. is estimated at US$12.6 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$13.4 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 9.6% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% and 5.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.9% CAGR.

Global Kraft Liner Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Kraft Liner Emerging as a Game-Changer in the Packaging Industry?

The global kraft liner market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for sustainable, durable, and high-performance packaging solutions. Kraft liner, a type of paperboard primarily made from virgin pulp fibers, has gained popularity for its superior strength, resistance to moisture, and eco-friendly composition, making it an ideal choice for corrugated packaging applications. The rising emphasis on sustainable packaging solutions, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers and regulatory bodies, has propelled the adoption of kraft liner in various industries, including food and beverages, e-commerce, and logistics. As businesses seek to minimize their environmental footprint, kraft liner has become a preferred alternative to traditional plastic packaging, further amplifying its market potential.

The boom in global e-commerce has been a significant driver for kraft liner demand, with online retailers and logistics companies requiring robust and lightweight packaging materials to ensure product safety during transit. The surge in online shopping, fueled by changing consumer habits and the proliferation of digital marketplaces, has led to an exponential rise in the consumption of corrugated boxes, in which kraft liner plays a pivotal role. Additionally, the food packaging sector has increasingly embraced kraft liner for its ability to provide secure, non-toxic, and recyclable packaging solutions. As consumer preferences continue to shift toward organic, fresh, and minimally processed food products, brands are investing in biodegradable packaging options, positioning kraft liner as a crucial component in sustainable food packaging innovations.

How Are Advancements in Manufacturing and Recycling Boosting the Kraft Liner Market?

Technological advancements in kraft liner production have significantly enhanced its strength, durability, and recyclability, making it a highly sustainable choice for packaging manufacturers. The integration of advanced pulping and bleaching techniques has improved fiber retention and reduced energy consumption in kraft liner production, allowing manufacturers to meet stringent sustainability goals. Additionally, innovations in multi-layered kraft liner technology have resulted in enhanced moisture resistance, making it suitable for packaging applications in high-humidity environments, such as cold storage and beverage distribution. The increased availability of lightweight yet high-strength kraft liner grades has further expanded its application range, enabling cost-effective and efficient packaging solutions across diverse industries.

The growing emphasis on circular economy principles has accelerated the demand for recycled kraft liner, as industries seek to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions. Paper mills and packaging companies are investing heavily in recycling infrastructure, allowing them to repurpose post-consumer paper waste into high-quality kraft liner without compromising strength or durability. The development of closed-loop recycling systems has further contributed to the market`s sustainability, ensuring that used kraft liner is efficiently collected, processed, and reintegrated into new packaging materials. As governments worldwide implement stricter regulations on plastic waste and single-use packaging, the kraft liner market is poised to experience sustained growth, fueled by increasing commitments to eco-friendly and recyclable packaging solutions.

Is Kraft Liner Expanding Beyond Traditional Packaging? Exploring New Frontiers

While kraft liner has traditionally been associated with packaging, its versatility has led to its adoption in various non-packaging applications, including industrial laminates, protective wrapping, and specialty paper products. The construction industry, for instance, has begun leveraging kraft liner for temporary protective flooring and moisture-resistant barriers in building projects. Additionally, the furniture sector has incorporated kraft liner into decorative laminates and backing materials for plywood and particleboard manufacturing, highlighting its expanding utility beyond packaging. The ability of kraft liner to withstand mechanical stress and provide excellent printability has made it an attractive choice for creative and artistic applications, such as printed posters, book covers, and premium stationery.

Another emerging trend in the kraft liner market is its integration with barrier coatings and functional additives to enhance its performance in food-grade packaging. With the rising demand for sustainable food packaging solutions, manufacturers are developing kraft liner variants with biodegradable coatings that improve grease resistance and extend shelf life without relying on plastic-based laminations. This innovation has gained traction in the quick-service restaurant industry, where kraft liner-based food containers, takeaway boxes, and wrapping papers are replacing conventional plastic packaging. As industries continue to explore innovative uses for kraft liner, its market potential is expected to expand beyond conventional applications, opening new avenues for growth and diversification.

What Are the Key Growth Drivers Propelling the Kraft Liner Market Forward?

The growth in the kraft liner market is driven by several factors, including technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory pressures promoting sustainable packaging solutions. One of the primary drivers is the increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic-based packaging, fueled by heightened environmental awareness and corporate sustainability initiatives. As governments worldwide implement stringent regulations on single-use plastics, industries are shifting toward kraft liner as a renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging material, reinforcing its market dominance. The rise of sustainable branding and the growing influence of eco-conscious consumers have further accelerated the adoption of kraft liner, prompting companies to invest in greener packaging innovations.

The expansion of e-commerce and digital retail platforms has significantly contributed to the demand for kraft liner-based corrugated packaging, as businesses prioritize lightweight and durable solutions for shipping and logistics. With the rapid growth of online shopping and home delivery services, packaging companies are ramping up production capacities to meet the increasing need for high-quality kraft liner materials. Additionally, advancements in digital and flexographic printing technologies have enabled brands to customize kraft liner packaging with high-resolution graphics, enhancing product visibility and brand appeal. The growing preference for sustainable luxury packaging, particularly in premium consumer goods, has also spurred demand for high-grade kraft liner with superior printability and aesthetic appeal.

Moreover, the rising adoption of circular economy principles and advancements in recycling technologies have reinforced kraft liner’s position as a sustainable and cost-effective packaging solution. As industries strive to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce waste, the demand for recycled kraft liner is expected to surge, supported by improved collection and processing infrastructure. The growing investments in bio-based coatings and barrier technologies are further enhancing kraft liner’s functionality, making it a viable option for a broader range of applications beyond traditional packaging. With ongoing research and innovation, the kraft liner market is set to experience sustained growth, driven by the convergence of sustainability trends, technological advancements, and evolving consumer expectations.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Kraft Liner market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Product (GSM Below 80 Kraft Liner, GSM 80 - 160 Kraft Liner, GSM Above 160 Kraft Liner)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 37 Featured) -

• Billerud AB
• DS Smith plc
• Georgia-Pacific LLC
• INDEVCO Group
• International Paper Company
• Klabin S.A.
• Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.
• Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO)
• Mondi Group
• Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Rengo Co., Ltd.
• Sappi Limited
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Stora Enso Oyj
• UPM-Kymmene Corporation
• Venkraft Paper Mills Pvt. Ltd.
• WestRock Company
• Xiaolong Packaging

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

Please note: Reports are sold as single-site single-user licenses. Electronic versions require 24-48 hours as each copy is customized to the client with digital controls and custom watermarks. The Publisher uses digital controls protecting against copying and printing is restricted to one full copy to be used at the same location.

The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the report. Upon ordering an electronic version, the Publisher will provide a link to download the purchased report.

Prior to fulfillment of an order, the client will be required to sign a document detailing the purchase terms for a publication from this publisher.