Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 1.18 trillion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.44 trillion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.92% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The packaging market is set to undergo a significant transformation spurred by factors such as sustainability, technological innovations, evolving consumer preferences, and shifting market dynamics. There is a rising preference for materials that are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. In response, companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices in their packaging to align with consumer expectations and regulatory mandates.

Key Highlights

• The packaging industry is evolving toward sustainable solutions, driven by consumer preferences, government regulations, and environmental commitments from companies. Companies are adopting mono-material packaging and plant-based films to meet environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprint.
• According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, in February 2025, the paper packaging industry operates through a well-established network of over 900 paper units with an installed capacity of 4.99 million tons. India's paper manufacturing base includes 861 paper mills, of which 526 are currently operational.
• Major e-commerce companies in China are implementing measures to minimize packaging waste and increase cardboard box reuse. Cainiao (Alibaba Group's logistics arm), JD.com, and SF Express have established programs to reduce plastic usage and adopt recyclable packaging materials. Logistics companies are transitioning to recycled and biodegradable paper-based packaging to meet consumer and regulatory requirements. Cainiao announced in 2024 that it sources over 70% of its shipping boxes from recycled paper, reducing landfill waste by millions of tons annually.
• Various drivers shape the growth, demand, and sustainability of the paper and glass packaging markets. Heightened awareness of environmental issues has led consumers to favor sustainable packaging. Paper and glass, recognized for their recyclability, are increasingly chosen over plastic. Global government regulations are curbing plastic use and championing recyclable materials, amplifying the demand for paper and glass packaging. End-user industries, such as the food and beverage sector, are major consumers of paper and glass packaging. While glass is the go-to for beverages like juices and alcohol, paper dominates in food wrapping and takeaway containers.
• The market faces challenges from evolving regulatory standards due to environmental concerns. Governments worldwide are implementing regulations to minimize environmental waste and improve waste management processes in response to public concerns about plastic packaging waste.

Packaging Market Trends

Paper and Paperboard Packaging Witness Major Growth

• In the paper packaging realm, sustainability remains a key focus area. Companies are increasingly transitioning from plastics to environmentally friendly materials, such as paper and cardboard, which offer biodegradability and recyclability. If you are exploring innovative solutions, molded fiber packaging is worth considering, as it is gaining traction for applications in electronics, food, and beauty products due to its recyclability and composability.
• Folding cartons serve as essential packaging solutions across food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and luxury goods industries, combining product protection with brand visibility. These cartons, constructed from durable and lightweight materials, ensure product safety throughout the storage, shipping, and handling processes. The printable surfaces accommodate high-quality, full-color graphics for logos, product information, and visual elements that improve shelf presence.
• The increasing demand for sustainable packaging has led to a rise in trade shows and events focused on innovations in the folding carton industry. The upcoming folding carton show in India in May 2025 highlights advancements in packaging production processes such as printing, cutting, folding, creasing, and gluing. Exhibitions also feature sustainable materials, including folding carton equipment, inks, adhesives, and rigid box-making machinery, helping manufacturers align with regulatory requirements across various industries.
• The paper and paperboard packaging in North America shows steady growth, driven by e-commerce expansion, consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and regulations limiting plastic usage. Paper and paperboard materials offer cost-effective and versatile packaging options across the food and beverage, retail, and personal care industries. The market benefits from ongoing developments in packaging design, technology improvements, and enhanced recycling capabilities.
• For instance, food and beverage retail sales in the United States reached USD 1,000.6 billion in 2024 from USD 985.3 billion as per the United States Census Bureau. This creates opportunities for paper and paperboard packaging companies, with the expansion of consumer preference for recyclable and biodegradable materials driving demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Packaging manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by providing corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and custom-designed packaging that serves both retail and online food sales channels.

Asia Pacific to Register Major Growth

• The demand for paper and paperboard packaging in the Asia Pacific region is increasing due to the rapid growth of e-commerce. As online shopping expands, businesses require paper and paperboard solutions to deliver products securely to consumers. Corrugated packaging provides the strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness needed to protect products during transit. The rise in home deliveries and large-sized shipments has made corrugated boxes an efficient packaging solution.
• For instance, India's e-commerce industry is projected to grow from USD 102 billion in 2023 to USD 300 billion by 2030, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation.
• Similarly, according to the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM), Vietnam's e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 31 billion in 2024, with online retail sales accounting for more than USD 20 billion. VECOM forecasts the e-commerce market to expand to nearly USD 40 billion in 2025 and approximately USD 100 billion in 2030.
• The expansion of e-commerce has established paper and paperboard packaging as a significant growth driver in the Asia Pacific packaging industry, as it provides efficient, secure, and environmentally sustainable delivery solutions.
• Companies are expanding their regional production facilities and manufacturing capabilities to meet the growing consumer demand. This expansion includes setting up new production lines, upgrading existing facilities, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies to increase output volumes.
• For instance, in March 2025, Oji India Packaging Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan's Oji Group, inaugurated its fifth manufacturing facility in India at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. This new 43,000-square-meter facility specializes in corrugated boxes and packaging accessories, providing sustainable and high-quality packaging solutions to the South Indian market.

Packaging Industry Overview

The packaging market experiences rivalry due to the presence of both global and regional players, steady market growth, a focus on product differentiation, and ongoing industry consolidation.

Global corporations leverage their scale, broad portfolios, and innovation to compete, while regional players emphasize niche markets and customer relationships, creating a dynamic competitive environment.

Traditionally seen as a mature market, the sector is now shifting toward innovation and differentiation. Companies invest in R&D to develop new designs, improve functionality (e.g., easy-open ends, resealable features), achieve lightweighting for sustainability, and enhance packaging aesthetics. This focus on differentiation heightens rivalry as firms aim to offer unique value propositions.

The market is highly fragmented, with a mix of large multinational corporations and numerous small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating across various regions. These companies compete intensely based on factors such as price, product quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer service.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support