The global liquid carton packaging market is experiencing robust growth in 2025, driven by changing consumer habits, urbanization, and the rising demand for sustainable beverage packaging. Key industry players are innovating with new materials and expanding their reach to meet increasing demand worldwide.

Why the Liquid Carton Packaging Market Is Booming in 2025

The demand for liquid beverages is surging globally due to population growth, urban lifestyles, and the popularity of packaged drinks among youth. This shift has encouraged manufacturers to focus on liquid carton packaging solutions with extended shelf life, supporting market growth in 2025 and beyond.

Leading players like Elopak, SIG, and Tetra Laval Group are ramping up production and developing advanced packaging technologies to cater to these needs.

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Market Highlights and Key Insights

• The global liquid carton packaging market is projected to witness significant expansion during the forecast period.

• Rising consumer preference for eco-friendly, convenient, and on-the-go packaging is a major growth driver.

• Challenges such as limited compatibility with certain beverages and high manufacturing costs are being addressed through technological innovations.

• Brick cartons remain the dominant packaging type, especially for dairy and juice products.

• Asia Pacific leads the global market, while North America shows promising growth due to rapid urbanization and a thriving dairy sector.

Composition and Features of Liquid Packaging Boards

Liquid packaging boards are made of multi-ply virgin paper fibers with high stiffness and protective barrier coatings like plastic. This design prevents leakage and preserves freshness. Commonly, three plies are used with a base weight of about 300 g/m², and the middle layer often uses chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) to enhance rigidity and bulk.

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Drivers of Growth: Innovation and Sustainability

1. Urbanization and Rising Disposable Income

As urban populations grow, so does the need for packaged beverages. Consumers in emerging economies increasingly seek convenient and safe packaging for their drinks.

2. Eco-Friendly Solutions

Environmental concerns have led to a surge in recyclable and sustainable packaging innovations. Governments are supporting this trend with policies favoring recyclable materials. For example, Zotefoams Plc recently introduced mono-material barrier beverage cartons that are fully recyclable and reduce carbon footprints.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Lightweight Design

Liquid cartons are more affordable and lighter than glass or metal alternatives, lowering shipping costs and reducing breakage risks during transport.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite strong growth, the market faces hurdles:

• Compatibility Issues: Liquid cartons are less suitable for high-acidity or alcohol-based beverages.

• Manufacturing Complexity: Advanced production systems can drive up costs.

However, ongoing R&D is addressing these challenges by improving material resilience and reducing production expenses.

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Regional Insights: Why Asia Pacific Dominates

Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2025 due to:

• High demand from millennials for packaged dairy, juices, and soft drinks.

• Recent entries of global beverage brands into markets like China and India.

• Innovative launches such as Amul’s Kathiyawadi Chaas and Heritage Foods’ new milkshakes in sustainable liquid cartons.

North America is emerging as a lucrative market, with companies like Graphic Packaging International introducing recycled paperboard to meet consumer demands.

Recent Industry Developments

• May 2024: Zotefoams partnered with Südpack to commercialize recyclable mono-material beverage cartons.

• September 2024: ACE UK launched the ‘Carton Ready’ campaign to integrate cartons into the UK’s new recycling system.

• July 2024: Black Cow introduced a premium milk carton-inspired pack for its Pure Milk Vodka range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is driving the growth of the liquid carton packaging market in 2025?
The market is driven by urbanization, rising demand for sustainable packaging, and consumer preference for convenient, lightweight, and recyclable solutions.

Q2. Why are brick cartons so popular in liquid packaging?
Brick cartons offer excellent protection against moisture, preserve product freshness, and have a longer shelf life without the need for preservatives.

Q3. Which regions are leading the liquid carton packaging market in 2025?
Asia Pacific leads the market due to high consumption of packaged beverages, while North America is the fastest-growing region.

Q4. What challenges does the liquid carton packaging market face?
Key challenges include compatibility with certain beverages (like acidic or alcoholic drinks) and the high complexity of manufacturing processes.

Q5. Who are the major players in the liquid carton packaging market?
Leading companies include Elopak, SIG, Tetra Laval Group, Zotefoams Plc, and Graphic Packaging International.

Source : https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/liquid-carton-packaging-market-sizing