Commercial Packaging Market Insights in 2025

Commercial Packaging Market 2025 Outlook: Corrugated Boxes Dominate with 35% Share, Flexible Packaging Set to Surge

From 2025 to 2034, the global commercial packaging market is set for a massive revenue upswing, with projections of growth reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2024, Asia Pacific led the market with over 37% share. Corrugated boxes, paper & paperboard, secondary packaging, flexography, and food & beverages segments dominated, while flexible, biodegradable, tertiary, digital, and e-commerce are set to grow strongly.

Last Updated: 23 July 2025 Category: Advanced Packaging Insight Code: 5711 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The commercial packaging market is booming, poised for a revenue surge into the hundreds of millions from 2025 to 2034, driving a revolution in sustainable transportation. The development in this sector is influenced by various factors, including the rising demand for packaged products, mainly in the pharmaceutical sector and the food & beverages industry. The demand is to decrease the risk of spoilage or damage, which confirms product quality and protects products from adverse ecological conditions. The requirement for lightweight, durable resources and cost-efficient packaging has boosted the development of the global commercial packaging market.

Key Insights

  • Asia Pacific dominated the global market by holding more than 37% of the market share in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific dominated the global market with the largest share in 2024.
  • North America is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By packaging type, the corrugated boxes segment contributed the biggest market share of 35% in 2024.
  • By packaging type, the flexible packaging segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By material, the paper & paperboard segment contributed the biggest market share of 38% in 2024.
  • By material, the biodegradable/compostable materials segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By function, the secondary packaging segment contributed the biggest market share of 45% in 2024.
  • By function, the tertiary packaging segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By printing technology, the flexography segment contributed the biggest market share of 32% in 2024.
  • By printing technology, the digital printing segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By end-use industry, the food & beverages segment held the major market share of 40% in 2024.
  • By end-use industry, the e-commerce & retail segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034.

Market Overview

The global commercial packaging market encompasses the production and distribution of packaging solutions designed to protect, transport, and promote goods across industries such as retail, industrial, food and beverage, electronics, healthcare, and e-commerce. This market is shaped by factors like branding needs, product differentiation, sustainability regulations, supply chain optimization, and the booming online retail sector. Innovations in smart packaging, lightweight materials, and eco-friendly formats are further transforming the industry.

Rising demand for reliable packaging

  • Increasing customer demand to enhance the integrity and shelf life of products has influenced the demand for this packaging.

Growing e-commerce sector

  • The growing e-commerce sector has influenced the rise in demand for commercial packaging for the safe delivery of products.

Smart packaging adoption

  • The increasing demand for smart packaging in the industries has boosted the development of commercial packaging to provide ease to consumers with tracking facilities.

How Can AI Improve the Global Commercial Packaging Market?

The incorporation of AI in the global commercial packaging market plays an important role in adding smart technology such as sensors, QR codes, RFID tags, and several others. With the incorporation of AI, this market is exploring several designs, sustainability, customer engagement, production, and logistics enhancement. Continuous introduction of smart & sustainable packaging patterns has influenced the demand for this sector significantly. AI-influenced customers by providing customized packaging and meeting the demands of the consumers. It helps industries identify enhanced quality packaging materials.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising Demand for Enhanced Technology Packaging Solution

The continuous demand for enhanced technology, eco-friendly, and cost-effective packaging solutions in several industries has driven the development of the global commercial packaging market. The rapid extension of online retail, such as Flipkart, Amazon, and Shopify, has enhanced the demand for sustainable, secure, and branded packaging. The majority of consumers are seeking biodegradable and recyclable packaging that has no adverse effect on products. Continuous innovation in this market has boosted the development of the market by fulfilling consumers' expectations. The increasing demand for reducing waste generation, minimizing carbon footprints, and endorsing sustainability is conducive to market development.

Restraint

Ecological Concerns

The increasing ecological concern has hindered the development of the global commercial packaging market. The packaging waste is dumped into the ocean and soil, which is harming the ecology. The underdeveloped process for the biodegradability of materials has restricted the growth of the market.

Opportunity

Rising Manufacturing of Medicines Packaging

Rising innovation in the pharmaceutical sector has influenced the demand for packaging standards of medicines, which can maintain the integrity of the medicines has raising a huge number of opportunities in the global commercial packaging market. The growing demand for telemedicine has raised the concern for enhanced packaging of medicines in innovative ways. The execution of stringent government guidelines to order the acceptance of particular industrial packing to preserve the honesty of goods and safeguard the innocuous management of dangerous resources is offering a push to the market development.

Segmental Insights

Why Corrugated Boxes Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The corrugated boxes segment contributed a considerable share of the global commercial packaging market in 2024 due to the rising demand for versatile, sustainable, and cost-efficient packaging. These are manufactured mainly from recyclable paper-based resources and are extensively utilized across various industries like FMCG, e-commerce, electronics, and many others. The significant development of online retail services has also influenced the demand for such packaging materials. These boxes offer superior support, cushioning capacity, and personalization options.

The flexible packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is primarily in demand due to adaptability and cost-effectiveness. These are widely utilized for the packaging of home care and personal care products. It has the capacity to enhance the shelf life of the products and preserve freshness.

Why the Paper & Paperboard Segment Dominated the market in 2024?

The paper & paperboard segment is expected to have a considerable share of the global commercial packaging market in 2024 due to rising ecological concerns, consumer awareness, and regulatory pressure. This material comprises folding cartons, kraft paper, and boxboard, which are mainly utilized in the food & beverage industry. This segment is highly in demand due to its recyclability, biodegradability, and cost-efficacy. These are widely suitable for shelf-ready packaging and branding. Major brands are replacing plastic trays, wraps, and clamshells with laminated or molded fiber paperboard choices.

The biodegradable/compostable materials segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is dominating due to the evolving guidelines of the government towards the packaging industry. These biodegradable materials are derived from cellulose, sugarcane, cornstarch, and many such components. Several industries, such as e-commerce, personal care, and food & beverages, are boosting the development of this segment.

Why the Secondary Packaging Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The secondary packaging segment is expected to have a considerable share of the global commercial packaging market in 2024 due to its logistic efficacy and branding strategy enhancement capacity. It is the outer layer of packaging that groups every product for transportation, storage, and display. This segment comprises corrugated boxes, cartons, overwraps, shrink wraps, and trays. It protects goods from pollution, contamination, or any ecological adversities.

The tertiary packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The rising concern for right-sized boxes used for product packaging has influenced the development of this segment. These are highly versatile and high worth packaging. Innovation in this segment, such as the integration of barcodes and many such advancements, has raised the demand for such packaging significantly.

Why Flexography Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The flexography segment is expected to dominant over the global commercial packaging market in 2024 due to cost-efficacy, speed, and versatility. This segment is widely utilized for printing on several substrates such as corrugated cardboard, paper, plastic films, and metallic foils. This is an eco-friendly method of printing on the packages and improving branding patterns. The rising demand for personalized printing to attract a huge number of consumers towards this market has influenced the growth of this segment.

The digital printing segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The demand for designs that stand out in the competitive market and improve the brand value. Such a printing technique helps to create unique patterns in the packages. The growing demand for customization of packages has influenced the demand for this segment.

Why the Food & Beverages Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The food & beverages segment is expected to have a considerable share of the global commercial packaging market in 2024 due to the growing demand for protection and preservation of food products. The rising demand for packaged food due to the changing lifestyle of people has influenced the demand for this market. The requirement to protect food products from spoilage, UV radiation, and several such conditions has raised the demand for this segment. The rapid shift towards urban areas has upsurge the demand for this packaging market.

The e-commerce & retail segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. Rapid digitalization, evolving consumer experience, and growing online shopping trends have raised the demand for this segment. This segment needs enhanced product safety during transportation, which increases the reliability of commercial packaging.

Regional Insights

Commercial Packaging Market Growth and Trends

Rising E-Commerce Industries in Asia Pacific Promote Dominance

Asia Pacific held the largest share of the global commercial packaging market in 2024, due to the rising e-commerce industry. The growing e-commerce industries enhance the demand for flexible and corrugated packaging of products. The growing sustainability regulations have enhanced the demand for the packaging industry in this region. This region is dominating due to the huge production of packaging, which is made up of plastics, paper, and several other materials. In countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, India, and others are advancing packaging technology is advancing.

North America’s Rising Packaging Concerns Support Growth

The North America region is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the global commercial packaging market during the forecast period. The growing innovation in the packaging sector has influenced the demand for the packaging market. The rising investment of the major market players has influenced the growth of the market. Such advancement has influenced the development of the commercial packages, which meet the demand of the industries.

Top Companies in the Commercial Packaging Market

Commercial Packaging Market Top Key Players

Latest Announcements by the Global Commercial Packaging Market

  • In February 2025, International Paper Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Andy Silvernail, expressed, "With a stronger portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions, the combination of International Paper and DS Smith enhances our offerings, increases innovation, and expands our geographic reach. We will bring together the capabilities and expertise of two experienced teams, with similar cultures, to create the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions." (Source: PR Newswire)

New Advancements in the Global Commercial Packaging Market

  • In June 2025, Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging, partnered with Saga Nutrition, a French pet food manufacturer, to create recyclable packaging for Saga’s dry pet food range. (Source: Mondi)
  • In February 2025, International Paper and DS Smith, two of the leading producers of sustainable packaging, containerboard, and pulp products, combined forces on January 31, 2025, to create a new global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, focused on the attractive North American and EMEA regions. (Source: PR Newswire)

Global Commercial Packaging Market Segments

By Packaging Type 

  • Corrugated Boxes 
  • Flexible Packaging
  • Rigid Plastic Containers
  • Folding Cartons
  • Pallets & Crates
  • Paper Bags & Envelopes
  • Returnable/Reusable Packaging

By Material

  • Paper & Paperboard
  • Plastics
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Biodegradable/Compostable Materials
  • Wood

By Function

  • Primary Packaging
  • Secondary Packaging
  • Tertiary Packaging

By Printing Technology

  • Flexography
  • Digital Printing
  • Gravure Printing
  • Lithography
  • Screen Printing

By End-Use Industry

  • Food & Beverage
  • E-commerce & Retail
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
  • Electronics
  • Industrial Goods
  • Personal Care & Cosmetics
  • Automotive

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
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  • Insight Code: 5711
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 23 July 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar is a Senior Research Analyst at Towards Packaging, bringing over 4 years of dedicated expertise in market intelligence and strategic analysis across the dynamic world of packaging technologies and solutions.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

Corrugated boxes led in 2024 due to versatility and recyclability, while flexible packaging is projected to grow fastest owing to its adaptability and cost-efficiency. In terms of materials, paper & paperboard dominate due to eco-friendliness and regulatory support, and biodegradable/compostable materials are gaining traction due to sustainability mandates.

AI is revolutionizing packaging through automated quality checks, design optimization, sustainability improvements, and customer engagement. The integration of RFID tags, QR codes, and smart sensors helps in tracking, personalization, and ensuring product authenticity, which is increasingly critical for premium and sensitive goods.

Stringent sustainability and waste reduction mandates are compelling companies to switch from plastic-based to eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable and compostable materials. Regulatory push is fostering innovation in material science and reshaping supplier strategies to align with ESG and circular economy goals.

Flexible packaging, biodegradable materials, and e-commerce-specific solutions are among the fastest-growing segments. Secondary and tertiary packaging are also expanding rapidly due to increasing logistic demands and product safety concerns. Companies innovating in sustainable materials and digital printing are poised for strong returns.

The market is consolidating through strategic mergers and partnerships, like the 2025 International Paper–DS Smith merger. Top players include Amcor, Berry Global, WestRock, Mondi, and Smurfit Kappa, all focusing on sustainability, regional expansion, and material innovation to maintain competitive advantage.

Flexography dominates due to its high-speed, cost-effective printing on diverse substrates, while digital printing is gaining popularity for its customization and short-run flexibility. Both technologies are pivotal for enhancing brand identity, packaging aesthetics, and consumer engagement.

The main challenge is ecological impact, particularly from plastic waste and underdeveloped recycling infrastructures. Balancing cost, performance, and sustainability remains complex. Additionally, raw material price volatility and regulatory unpredictability in emerging markets pose risks.

From 2025 to 2034, the market is expected to see steady growth, fueled by sustainability innovations, digital transformation, and rising demand from e-commerce and healthcare sectors. Companies that embrace smart packaging, automation, and regulatory alignment will likely outperform and reshape the competitive landscape.