Corrugated Box Packaging for Food & Beverages Market Market Insights in 2025

Corrugated Box Packaging for Food and Beverages Market 2025 Asia Pacific Leads with 38 Percent Share

From 2025 to 2034, the global corrugated box packaging for food & beverages market is set for a massive revenue upswing, with projections of growth reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2024, Asia Pacific led with 38% market share, while North America is set for strong growth. Recycled corrugated board and flexographic printing dominated. Processed foods and retail/FMCG drove demand, with e-commerce and die-cut boxes growing fast.

Last Updated: 30 July 2025 Category: Advanced Packaging Insight Code: 5732 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Corrugated Box Packaging for Food & Beverages Market Size and Regional Production Analysis

The corrugated box packaging for food & beverages market is accelerating, with forecasts predicting hundreds of millions in revenue growth between 2025 and 2034, powering sustainable infrastructure globally. The rising demand for cost-effective, durable, and hygienic packaging has influenced the development of the single-use plastic packaging market. Continuous innovation in this sector to fulfil the shifting demand of the consumers has influenced the growth of this market. Due to the presence of major market players and investors, this industry is dominating in the Asia Pacific region.

Key Takeaways

  • Regional Insights:
    • Asia Pacific held over 38% market share in 2024
    • North America to grow at a notable CAGR (2025–2034)
  • By Material Type:
    • Recycled corrugated board: Largest share (70%) in 2024
    • Coated corrugated board: Fastest-growing segment (2025–2034)
  • By Box Type:
    • Regular slotted containers: 50% market share in 2024
    • Die-cut boxes: Strong growth projected (2025–2034)
  • By Printing Technology:
    • Flexographic: 60% market share in 2024
    • Digital: Significant growth expected (2025–2034)
  • By Application:
    • Processed foods: Largest share (35%) in 2024
    • Fresh produce: Growing rapidly (2025–2034)
  • By End-Use Channel:
    • Retail/FMCG: 55% share in 2024
    • Online grocery/e-commerce: Expanding at a strong CAGR (2025–2034)

Market Overview

The corrugated box packaging for food & beverages market refers to the global industry focused on the production and distribution of corrugated board-based packaging solutions tailored specifically for transporting, storing, and displaying food and beverage products. These boxes are made from fluted paperboard sandwiched between linerboards, offering a strong, lightweight, recyclable, and cost-effective packaging solution.

This market is growing rapidly due to the rise of e-commerce grocery platforms, sustainable packaging mandates, and the need for durable yet food-safe packaging across frozen, fresh, dry, and liquid categories. Corrugated packaging is favored for its customizability, printability, stack strength, and increasingly, its recyclable and biodegradable profile.

Rising Demand for Shipping Services

  • Rising demand for shipping services of food & beverages has influenced the requirement for high-quality packaging of the products.

Enhanced Functionality

Demand for Eco-friendly Materials

  • The rising demand for eco-friendly resources like recyclable, biodegradable, and decomposable packaging has raised the innovation in this market.

How Can AI Improve the Corrugated Box Packaging for the Food & Beverages Market?

The incorporation of AI in the corrugated box packaging for the food & beverages market plays an important role in the reduction of wastage of raw materials by analysing the demand of the market. The requirement for unique designs for the branding of food outlets increases the incorporation of AI in this market. It is also widely used for inventory management by automatic replenishment and several other ways. AI supports the optimization of materials to develop eco-friendly packaging for products. These advanced technologies also play a significant role in the detection of food & beverage contamination, which has raised the adoption of such technology.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising Demand for Convenient Packaging Solutions

The growing demand for food packaging that is convenient to use is the major driving factor of the corrugated box packaging for food & beverages market. There are several other factors influencing the growth of the market, such as changing lifestyle, rapid urbanization, safety concerns, increasing party culture, changing dietary habits, and many others. Technological improvements like fit in products, contamination detection, and many more have enhanced the demand for this market. The growth of online grocery shops has demanded the utilization of strong packaging resources that can withstand the rigors of distribution, further influencing the demand for corrugated boxes.

Challenges and Restraints

Fluctuating Raw Material Charges

The continuous fluctuation in the raw material prices has hindered the growth of the corrugated box packaging for the food & beverages market. The rising fondness for alternative packaging resources, such as plastic and biodegradable choices, positions a competitive threat. While corrugated boxes packaging is extensively predictable for its sustainability, the appearance of advanced packaging resolutions can distract attention and investment from traditional corrugated choices. The challenge exists in balancing customer likes with sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Opportunity

Rapid Urbanization and Disposable Income

Rising urbanization and disposable earnings boost the opportunities of the corrugated box packaging for the food & beverages market. The changing lifestyle of people has raised the demand for packaged food products, which has also influenced the demand for this packaging. Such a huge demand has influenced the innovation of corrugated boxes for the packaging of food products. The increasing development of sustainable corrugated boxes has enhanced the opportunities in this sector. Increasing demand for customization in size, colour. With growing shift towards urban areas has enhanced demand for packaged food products, which has influenced research and development work in this sector.

Segmental Insights

Why Recycled Corrugated Board Segment Dominated the market in 2024?

The recycled corrugated board segment contributed a considerable share of the corrugated box packaging for the food & beverages market in 2024 due to biodegradability and eco-friendly packaging. The growing concern towards ecological issues has influenced the demand for this segment. Strict supervisory guidelines associated with this industry have also raised the demand for such packaging, which can be recycled multiple times. Advancements in recycling technology have also made this process effective and affordable, which boosts this segment to grow rapidly.

The coated corrugated board segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The increasing demand for superior quality safety has influenced the adoption of this segment. There is a huge concern regarding the ecological impact of food products while transporting, which boosts the demand for such packaging. The rising demand for packages that can enhance the shelf life of food products has played a significant role in the development of this sector.

Why Regular Slotted Containers Segment Dominated the market in 2024?

The regular slotted containers segment is expected to have a considerable share of the corrugated box packaging for the food & beverages market in 2024 due to their effective patterns and flaps. These are versatile, suitable, and cost-effective solutions for packaging that are widely accepted by various brands in the food packaging sector. The huge demand for a variety of shapes and sizes of packaging boxes has influenced the demand for this segment. These are moisture-resistant, which protects food products from damage, and are suitable for the packaging of perishable food products.

The die-cut boxes segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The growing focus on sustainable packaging has influenced the development of this segment. These are also highly utilized for branding and marketing purposes. These boxes provide sufficient space for printing, captivating graphic designs, and brand awareness.

Why Flexographic Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The flexographic segment is expected to have a considerable share of the corrugated box packaging for food & beverages market in 2024 due to its versatile printing process. These are non-toxic inks and quick-drying packaging. It can print on several variety of surfaces and help to generate unique designs. It reduces the requirement for extra elements such as tags, labels, and several such things. It can be done with water-based inks as well, which is considered to be ecologically friendly.

The digital segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is growing rapidly due to the increasing rate of online food ordering activities. Digital printing technology includes moisture-resistance, incorporation of smart technology, and UV protection. Adoption of customized graphic designs to attract a huge consumer base has notably evolved this segment.

Why the Processed Foods Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The processed foods segment is expected to have a considerable share of the corrugated box packaging for the food & beverages market in 2024 due to increasing requirements for protective and convenient packaging. This packaging is highly preferred in this market due to the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging. The need for packaging that can be stored for a longer time and maintain the integrity of food products without any reaction has boosted the demand for this market in the processed food sector. Brands are looking for a hygienic option for the packaging of food products has influenced innovation in this market. It maintains the temperature of food products, which can help avoid the growth of any pathogens.

The fresh produce segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is highly influenced the growth of this market due to its versatile and protective nature. The rising adoption of sustainable packaging and e-commerce demand has influenced enhanced packaging facilities to maintain the freshness of food products. This type of packaging provides ventilation to the products, which has influenced the incorporation of corrugated box packaging for fresh food products.

Why Retail/FMCG Segment Dominated the market in 2024?

The retail/FMCG segment is expected to have a considerable share of the corrugated box packaging for the food & beverages market in 2024 due to cost-effectiveness and sustainable packaging. These are recyclable packages that are considered to be an eco-friendly option for packaging purposes and attract a huge number of consumers towards this market. The expansion of the food industry also contributes significantly to the growing demand for this segment. The growing demand for ready-to-eat food products and the transportation of products requires such effective packaging.

The online grocery/e-commerce segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The growing demand for customized and cost-effective packaging has influenced the demand for this packaging market in this segment. The constant approach to meet consumers' demand has influenced the growth of corrugated boxes packaging in the online or e-commerce sector. The high-end protection of these packages for the smooth transportation of food products has raised the production of such packages.

Regional Insights

 Corrugated Box Packaging for Food & Beverages Market Share 2024 (%)

Developing Economic Condition Demand Asia Pacific Promote Dominance

Asia Pacific region held the largest share of the corrugated box packaging for food & beverages market in 2024, due to the improving economic condition of people. The growing number of working individuals has influenced the demand for packaged food products in countries like India, China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and several others. Rapid shift towards urban areas has also influenced the demand for high-quality packaged food. Such eco-friendly packaging helps brands to get attention from consumers and enhance the production process.

North America’s Rising Sustainable Packaging Supports Growth

The North America region is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the corrugated box packaging for food & beverages market during the forecast period. The rising demand for sustainable packaging has supported the growth of this market. Increasing awareness regarding ecological issues due to packages has raised the demand for this market. Innovation in packaging technology has also supported the growth of the packaging market.

Top Companies in the Corrugated Box Packaging for Food & Beverages Market

Corrugated Box Packaging for Food & Beverages Market Companies

  • International Paper Company
  • WestRock Company
  • DS Smith Plc
  • Smurfit Kappa Group
  • Mondi Group
  • Georgia-Pacific LLC
  • Pratt Industries Inc.
  • Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)
  • Rengo Co., Ltd.
  • Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Ltd.
  • Oji Holdings Corporation
  • Stora Enso Oyj
  • Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.
  • Cascades Inc.
  • Visy Industries
  • Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
  • Klabin S.A.
  • Canpac Trends
  • U.S. Corrugated, Inc.
  • Bio-PAPPEL

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

  • In July 2025, Sabert Corporation sales and marketing senior vice-president Kathleen Deignan said: “We are very happy to announce the addition of the Kraft Collection to our already extensive product portfolio. The high demand for off-premise dining, coupled with the strong desire to minimise environmental impact, has driven the need for sustainable packaging solutions. The Kraft Collection offers the perfect balance of sustainability, performance, and versatility to help operators make a positive and lasting impression on customers.” (Source: Packaging World Insights)

New Advancements in the Market

  • In July 2025, Innovative food packaging products and solutions manufacturer Sabert expanded its sustainable packaging solutions with a new collection. (Source: Packaging World Insights)
  • In January 2025, the New Food and Beverage Carton Alliance Launches to Advance Sustainable Packaging. (Source: Packaging World)

Corrugated Box Packaging for Food & Beverages Market Segments

By Material Type

  • Recycled Corrugated Board
  • Virgin Corrugated Board
  • Coated Corrugated Board (waxed, laminated)

By Box Type

  • Regular Slotted Containers (RSC)
  • Die-Cut Boxes
  • Folded Trays
  • Telescopic Boxes
  • Corrugated Crates & Wraps

By Printing Technology

  • Flexographic
  • Lithographic
  • Digital
  • Screen Printing

By Food & Beverage Application

  • Processed Foods (e.g., ready meals, snacks, noodles)
  • Fresh Produce (fruits & vegetables)
  • Dairy Products
  • Beverages (bottled drinks, juices, cartons)
  • Meat, Poultry & Seafood
  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Frozen Foods

By End-Use Channel

  • Retail/FMCG Packaging
  • Foodservice/Takeaway
  • Institutional & Bulk Food Packaging
  • Online Grocery/E-commerce

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
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  • Insight Code: 5732
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 30 July 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Yogesh Kulkarni is an experienced Research Analyst specializing in the packaging sector, with a strong foundation in statistical analysis and market intelligence. He currently contributes his expertise to Towards Packaging.

Learn more about Yogesh Kulkarni

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

The market is primarily driven by rising e-commerce in grocery delivery, increasing demand for sustainable and recyclable materials, and growing consumption of processed and packaged food due to urbanization and changing lifestyles. Convenience, cost-efficiency, and durability further fuel adoption across retail and online grocery channels.

AI is enhancing efficiency by optimizing material usage, improving inventory management, enabling predictive demand analysis, and facilitating intelligent packaging design. It also aids in contamination detection and sustainability optimization making packaging smarter, safer, and more resource-efficient.

Sustainability is a core growth pillar. Consumers and brands alike are shifting towards biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable packaging options. Recycled corrugated boards held 70% market share in 2024, underscoring this preference.

AI enhances operational efficiency by optimizing material usage, minimizing waste, enabling predictive analytics for demand forecasting, and supporting automation in design and inventory management. It also helps in contamination detection and smart labeling.

Investment opportunities lie in digital printing technology, AI-enabled packaging solutions, coated corrugated boards, and e-commerce-ready formats. As brands seek custom, eco-friendly solutions, the sector is poised for innovation-led expansion.

Fluctuations in raw material prices, competition from plastic and biodegradable alternatives, and evolving regulatory compliance are key challenges. Balancing cost-effectiveness with sustainability is a continual concern.

Flexographic printing held a 60% market share in 2024 due to its cost efficiency and eco-friendliness. Digital printing is gaining traction for personalized, short-run, and e-commerce applications with enhanced visual appeal.

Governments worldwide are enforcing stricter environmental and food safety regulations, favoring recyclable packaging solutions. This regulatory shift has increased demand for compliant corrugated packaging across FMCG and online grocery sectors.