North America Folding Carton Market Size 2024-2028

The North America Folding Carton Market size is forecast to increase by USD 7.89 billion at a CAGR of 4.32% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing notable growth driven by various factors. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, there's an increasing use of eco-friendly materials in packaging, aligning with environmental concerns. Additionally, the market sees a rise in specialized folding cartons tailored for specific products catering to diverse consumer needs. The expansion of retail and e-commerce businesses further fuels demand for folding cartons, as they play a crucial role in product packaging and branding. This surge indicates a promising outlook for the folding carton market in North America, driven by innovation and evolving consumer preferences. This market forecast report includes key drivers, trends, and challenges during the forecasted period. 

What will the size be of the Market during the Forecast period?

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Market Segmentation

By Material 

The paper segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The paper segment comprises various types of paper, such as kraft paper, recycled paper, virgin paper, and others. In addition, the paper segment is expected to hold a significant market share due to its sustainable and eco-friendly nature. Furthermore, owing to increasing concern about environmental disruption over plastic usage, many users are shifting to eco-friendly packaging materials such as paper.

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The paper segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 17.02 billion in 2018. For example, in 2022, approximately 45-50 million tons of plastic waste was generated, and only 4%-6% of the total plastic waste was recycled. In addition, printed cartons made of paper are widely used in the packaging of various products such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others. For example, in the food and beverage industry, paper-based folding cartons are used for packaging cereals, snacks, frozen foods, and other perishable items. In addition, in the pharmaceutical industry, folding cartons made of paper are used for packaging drugs and medical devices. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment, which in turn drives the North America folding carton market size during the forecast period.

By End-user

Based on the end-user, the market has been segmented into food and beverage products, homecare and personal products, healthcare products, tobacco products, and others. The food and beverage products segment will account for the largest share of this segment. Folding cartons are increasingly used for the packaging of food and beverages, including cereals, dry food, frozen foods, candies and confectionaries, dairy products, refrigerated meat, wine, juices, beer, carbonated soft drinks, non-carbonated specialty beverages, and others (as secondary packaging). In addition, a folding carton offers a great solution for the food and beverage industry, as it helps enterprises to create a brand image through digital printing as well as to transport their goods safely. Moreover, the most common foods and beverages that use folding cartons in North America are cereals, pies, and cakes. Furthermore, folding cartons used for products such as pies and cakes usually consist of a plastic window to display the product so that customers know what the product looks like, which, in turn, helps enhance their buying experience.  Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment, which in turn drives the market size analysis growth report during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

This market size analysis growth report is experiencing significant growth fueled by technological advancements and rising demand for sustainable packaging options. With a focus on eco-friendliness and recyclability, manufacturers are offering customized designs suitable for various sectors like cosmetic and personal care, institutional, household, electrical, and electronic. This aligns with increasing government initiatives to combat environmental pollution. Convenience features such as printability and QR codes enhance consumer experience, especially for millennials. Eco-friendly materials, along with smart packaging solutions, are addressing stress levels associated with environmental concerns. Despite fluctuations in wood pulp prices, the market size is set for sustained growth driven by innovation and sustainability trends.

Key Market Driver

Increasing use of eco-friendly materials in packaging is one of the major driving factors for the market. Using materials for packaging that are recyclable, biodegradable, reusable, non-toxic, and have a minimal impact on the environment is referred to as eco-friendly. End users, such as the food and beverage industry and producers of household care products, are becoming increasingly aware of the need to use eco-friendly packaging materials. For instance, in 2020, Coca-Cola pledged to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle it sells by 2030 and to make all its packaging 100% recyclable by the same year.

Moreover, paperboard is produced using recycled or wood pulp-based materials. The majority of the wood pulp made for paperboard is made entirely of recycled materials. Additionally, the leftover scrap from the production can be used to create new folding cartons that can then be recycled once more, helping to lessen environmental pollution. The fact that these are environmentally friendly has prompted a number of vendors to offer that are made primarily of recycled paper.

Significant Market Trends

The rise in M&As in the market is one of the key trends in the market. The market in North America is fragmented, with vendors competing fiercely for customers and rapid technological advancements posing significant risks or dangers to the various vendors. The intense competition has increased the number of strategic mergers and acquisitions over the past few years. With the increasing demand from various end-users, such as the healthcare and food and beverage industries, vendors are opting for mergers and acquisitions to improve their market reach and customer base.

Moreover, intense competition in the market is expected to compel established vendors to increase their market presence through mergers and acquisitions. In an effort to expand their market share and establish new markets, the suppliers of these are focusing on joint ventures and acquisitions. The increase in such M&A activities is also expected to grow in the coming years and will help major vendors expand their product portfolios and geographical reach in the international market. The overall North America folding carton market size is expected to record more such acquisitions during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenges

Volatility in the prices of raw materials used in manufacturing folding cartons is one of the major challenges in the market. The primary raw material used in the manufacturing is paper pulp. In addition to paperboard mills, they are also made from recycled fiber and virgin fiber obtained from hardboard and softwoods. Due to an imbalance between supply and demand, paper pulp prices have fluctuated significantly. Paperboard, a thinner and more durable paper alternative, is commonly used to create these products. The cost of manufacturing may rise as a result of rising paperboard prices, which could ultimately result in higher product prices.

Vendors will experience higher production costs as a result of these raw material price increases, which will also lower their profit margins. As a result, suppliers are compelled to raise the cost to pass these expenses along to customers. For this reason, folding cartons manufacturers are compelled to test out less expensive alternatives to gain a competitive edge in the market. The growth of the North America folding carton market size analysis growth report under consideration is thus anticipated to be hampered during the forecast period by an increase in the price of raw materials.

Who are the Major Market Companies?

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

Amcor plc: The company offers folding cartons such as Jaholo with moving 2D patterns and Sunshine with bright, highly reflective metallic effect

The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:

Arkay, Astro Box Corp., BC Box Manufacturing Ltd., Bell Packaging Ltd., Cross Country Box Co. Inc., Diamond Packaging, Edelmann Group, Graphic Packaging Holding Co., Great Little Box Co. Ltd., Imperial Printing and Paper Box Mfg. Co., Industrial Development Co. sal, International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Laural Packaging Group South Inc., Oliver Inc., Rinaldi Printing Co., Service Die Cutting and Packaging Corp., Smurfit Kappa, and WestRock Co.

Qualitative and quantitativemarket size analysis report of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market 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.

Market Segment Overview

The market report provides comprehensive data with forecasts and estimates in USD Billion for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments. 

• Material Outlook
  • Paper
  • Plastic
• End-user Outlook 
  • Food and beverage products
  • Homecare and personal products
  • Healthcare products
  • Tobacco products
  • Others

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Market Analyst Overview

The overall folding carton industry offers a wide range of packaging products with various packaging options, colors, sizes, and designs to cater to different industries such as cosmetic and personal care, institutional, and electrical and electronic sectors. With rising government initiatives promoting eco-friendly solutions, the market is witnessing increased demand, especially from the tobacco industry. The printability and convenience make them a popular choice among consumers, particularly millennials, who value convenience and stress levels. Innovations such as smart folding cartons and smart packaging are driving North America folding carton market growth, along with the use of QR codes for consumer engagement. Despite fluctuating prices, including wood pulp prices, the market remains adaptable and cost-effective, offering environmentally responsible solutions. Major players in the industry focus on production capacity, network layouts, and distributors to meet market demands and maintain a competitive edge. In the folding carton market in North America, the packaging option is evolving with technological advancement, offering consumer packagings tailored for clinical monitoring.

Additionally, the North America folding carton market analysis report is shaped by factors such as provenance, stringent regulatory processes, and the implementation of serialized folding carton packaging solutions. Electronic inspection systems ensure compliance and provide real-time insights into the inspection status, incorporating unique identifiers for traceability. The emphasis on recyclable folding carton packaging is evident, incorporating features like anti grease barriers while minimizing environmental impact. Supply chain dynamics play a crucial role, with a shift towards sustainable practices and recyclable materials like aluminum and plastic for inner packaging. The use of food-safe colors and varnishes aligns with changing consumer preferences. As per Indian government statistics, the pulp cost and adherence to environmental standards impact paper-packaged products.

Further, in the food and beverage segment, changing lifestyles contribute to the demand for ready-to-eat and packaged items, especially in frozen food manufacturing. Circular economy principles are adopted through dispersion coating technology, minimizing the use of fluorochemicals. Online delivery mediums are influencing packaging choices, with a focus on reducing plastic counterparts. Economic Times reports suggest that considerations like plastic taxes and recycled plastic usage are influencing carton board consumption and folding cartons market trends. The folding carton market in North America, thus, reflects a balance between innovation, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market trends and analysis during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the folding cartons market growth and forecasting between 2023 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the folding cartons market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming folding cartons market trends and changes in consumer behavior
• North America folding carton market growth of the market across North America
• Market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies' market research and growth report.
• North America folding carton market size analysis report of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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