Paper packaging market seen topping $798B by 2030

The global paper packaging market is projected to grow from $565.84 billion in 2025 to $605.06 billion in 2026, driven by e-commerce, recycling rules and demand for plastic-free alternatives. The Business Research Company says the market could reach $798.12 billion by 2030 as sustainability and smart packaging adoption accelerate.

Why it matters: - Paper packaging is gaining share as brands and retailers shift away from plastics. - Demand is being driven by sustainability targets, e-commerce growth and tighter rules on recyclable packaging. - The market’s forecast growth suggests continued investment in corrugated fiberboard, kraft paper and molded pulp products.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its paper packaging market outlook covering 2026-2035. - The report says the market will rise from $565.84 billion in 2025 to $605.06 billion in 2026. - The report projects the market will reach $798.12 billion by 2030. - The report places North America as the largest paper packaging market in 2025. - The report expects Asia-Pacific to post the fastest growth during the forecast period.

The details: - Paper packaging includes paperboard, corrugated fiberboard and kraft paper used to wrap, protect and transport products. - The report cites a 6.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2026. - The report cites a 7.2% CAGR through 2030. - Growth drivers include retail and e-commerce expansion, stricter recyclable-packaging rules, demand for bulk packaging and rising packaged food and beverage consumption. - Future growth is expected to come from circular economy adoption, smart and traceable packaging technologies, advanced barrier-coated papers and more automation in packaging production. - The report also points to demand for zero-waste and plastic-free alternatives. - Key trends include lighter corrugated fiberboard, biodegradable and compostable materials, customized branded packaging and replacement of plastics with recyclable kraft and molded pulp packaging. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The 2026 report adds market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, and updated graphics and tables. - The Business Research Company offers a free sample of the report. - The company also offers the full paper packaging market report.

Between the lines: - Consumer pressure is doing much of the work here. - A January 2025 Shorr Packaging report found 90% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that offer sustainable packaging. - The same report found 54% of shoppers deliberately chose products with sustainable packaging in the previous six months. - That buying behavior helps explain why paper packaging is becoming a default option for brands trying to signal lower environmental impact.

What's next: - The market’s next phase likely hinges on how quickly manufacturers scale biodegradable materials, traceable packaging systems and barrier-coated paper products. - Asia-Pacific’s growth trajectory could reshape regional supply chains and packaging capacity. - More brands may replace plastic formats with recyclable paper-based alternatives as sustainability requirements tighten.

The bottom line: - Paper packaging is moving from a sustainability niche to a mainstream packaging category, and the market forecast points to steady global expansion through 2030.