APAC Paper and Paperboard Container and Packaging Market Size 2024-2028

The APAC Paper and Paperboard Container and Packaging Market size is forecast to increase by USD 21.3 billion, at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2023 and 2028. The market is witnessing growth due to the increased adoption of retail-ready packaging solutions. This trend is driven by the need for convenience and efficiency in the retail sector, as retailers seek to reduce labor costs and streamline their supply chain operations. Another trend influencing the market is the use of QR codes with packaging, which enables consumers to access product information and promotional offers using their smartphones. However, the market faces challenges related to the limited durability of paper bags, particularly in applications where heavy-duty packaging is required. Despite this, the market is expected to grow steadily, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and the ongoing shift towards e-commerce and online shopping. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including increased adoption of retail-ready packaging, rising demand from e-commerce industry in APAC, and environmental benefits associated with container and packaging.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

The market is a significant sector in the global packaging industry. The primary use of paper and paperboard for packaging is due to their versatility, renewability, and recyclability. Paper and paperboard containers are used extensively in both primary and secondary packaging applications. In primary packaging, they are used for food and beverage products, processed packed goods, and pharmaceuticals. In secondary packaging, they are used for protective and promotional purposes. Cellulose fibres are the primary raw material for producing paper and paperboard. The manufacturing process involves pulping, bleaching, refining, sheet forming, and drying. Paperboard is often used for rigid packaging, such as folding cartons and containers, while paper is used for flexible packaging.

Printing is an essential process in the paper and paperboard packaging industry, allowing for branding and product information to be displayed. The use of sustainable, green packaging, including recycled and reusable containers, is increasing due to environmental concerns and the growth of e-commerce and online shopping. Flexible plastic packaging is a significant competitor in the market, but the use of non-biodegradable materials raises environmental concerns. The market is responding with innovative R&D activities to create more sustainable, renewable, and recyclable packaging solutions. The market is expected to grow due to the convenience of paper and paperboard packaging, the rise of e-retailing channels, and the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Driver

Increased adoption of retail-ready packaging is a key driver shaping the market growth.  Shelf-ready packaging (SRP) and retail-ready packaging (RRP) were developed to simplify the process of moving goods from crates (cartons) to shelves. These SRP and EIA package options allow for a single smooth move rather than dumping individual units inside a box. Initially, SRP only considered the need to restock retail shelves. RRP, on the other hand, follows a comprehensive strategy that considers shelf restocking, supply chain needs, and customer feedback as a whole. RRPs and SRPs are the most effective way to store goods and quickly accelerate their movement throughout the supply chain. This is important as it increases brand visibility and product identification.

Packaging plays an important role in product demand and lifecycle. Some consumables require simple and flexible packaging materials for convenience and safety. Paper and cardboard containers are suitable for all of the above needs as they come in different shapes and offer packaging solutions for different products. This is due to consumer growth and changing tastes, increasing demand for processed foods. In the retail industry, the growing demand for fast food is calling for lightweight packaging. This also affects market growth. This will boost the demand for EIA packaging in the APAC paper and cardboard containers and packaging market during the forecast period. 

Significant Market Trend

The use of QR codes with packaging is a growing trend shaping the market. Placing QR (quick response) codes on paper and cardboard containers and packaging is powerful because consumers can scan the QR code to get fast, direct and specific information about the product. It becomes a marketing tool. Moreover, it can also be used by businesses to promote their products on social media, get customer feedback, and contact customers to provide support services.

Depending on the industry, QR codes can be used for various branding opportunities in paper and cardboard containers and packaging. The types of paper and cardboard containers and packaging that can be used with QR are as follows. Hence, such factors are driving the market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

The limited durability of paper bags is a major challenge impeding growth.  Single-use plastic bags and packaging will be banned in many countries around the world, including APAC, in 2023, increasing demand for paper bags. However, paper bag durability is a major concern, especially for companies in the food and beverage industry. In most cases, paper bags are not strong enough to support the weight of your groceries. Also, paper bags are not suitable for biodegradable packaging of liquid foods such as juices, sauces, and curries. As a result, food can be wasted because paper bags tear easily.

It is difficult for restaurants and food service providers to pack liquid food into paper bags for takeaway service, as liquid food spillage can damage the packaging, leading to food waste and food contamination. For example, sauces and juices in paper containers tend to get soggy. This can damage the paper bag and spill the liquid on its way to the customer. Therefore, the durability of paper bags has become a major challenge in paper bag adoption, especially for companies in the food and beverage industry. This may adversely affect the growth of the Asia-Pacific paper and corrugated container packaging market during the forecast period.

Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth and forecasting strategies.

Market Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

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 paper and paperboard container and packaging solutions such as AmFoil and AmFiber.

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

• C and H Paperbox Thailand Co. Ltd.
• Continental Packaging Thailand Co. Ltd.
• Graphic Packaging Holding Co.
• Hong Thai Packaging Co. Ltd.
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• International Paper Co.
• Mondi plc
• Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd.
• Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.
• Oji Holdings Corp.
• Rengo Co. Ltd.
• Sarnti Packaging Co. Ltd.
• SCG Packaging
• Shandong Sun Holdings Group
• Tetra Pak Group
• Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd.
• WestRock Co.
• Xiamen Hexing Packaging and Printing Co. Ltd.
• Zijiang Holdings

Qualitative and quantitative analysis 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 Segmentation 

The market share growth of paper bags and sacks segment will be significant during the forecast period. Paper bags are mainly used in the food and beverage industry and the construction industry. They provide a cost-effective and versatile way to protect, store and transport a wide variety of goods. Eco-friendly, customizable, practical and recyclable, these bags come in different sizes. In addition, corrugated box is biodegradable and reusable as it is made from renewable natural resources. Plus, it requires less energy to recycle than plastic bags.

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The paper bags and sacks segment was valued at USD 26.20 billion in 2018. An increase in the use of paper bags in the food and beverage industry is expected to fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period. A sack bag is a paper or gunny bag used to carry things, especially things bought in a food shop. Sack bags are mostly used by enterprises in the construction industry as well as in the food industry. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), 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

• Product Outlook
  • Paper bags and sacks
  • Corrugated containers and packaging
  • Folding boxes and cases
  • Others
• End-user Outlook
  • Food and beverages
  • Industrial products
  • Healthcare
  • Others

Market Analyst Overview

The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for primary and secondary packaging in various industries. Paper and paperboard are the primary materials used in the production of containers and packaging, with cellulose fibers derived from pulp being the key raw material. The market caters to various sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, and e-commerce, among others. Rigid packaging, such as folding cartons and Kraft collection boxes, and flexible packaging, including paper bags and RFD technology-enabled packaging, are popular choices in the market. The use of eco-friendly, renewable, recyclable, and recycled materials is a major trend, with a focus on sustainable green packaging and circular economy principles.

Further, the market is witnessing numerous innovations, such as RFID technology and convenient packaging solutions, to improve supply chain efficiency and inventory management. The market for paper and paperboard containers and packaging is expected to grow further due to the increasing popularity of online shopping and e-retailing channels. Processed packed goods, such as frozen meals, are also driving demand for this market. The use of reusable and sustainable packaging is expected to gain further traction as consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact. R&D activities and process improvements are ongoing in the market to enhance the functionality and sustainability of paper and paperboard containers and packaging. Overall, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.

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

• CAGR of the market report during the forecast period
• Detailed information of market analysis and report on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across APAC
• Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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