Leading Companies in Corrugated Box Packaging for Food and Beverages: Profiles, Innovations, and Global Impact (2024–2025)

As global food and beverage consumption surges the corrugated box packaging continues to be a cornerstone of safe, sustainable, and cost-efficient distribution. From retail-ready trays to moisture-resistant bulk containers, corrugated packaging plays a vital role in protecting products across supply chains. The following companies are at the forefront of this evolution, delivering cutting-edge innovations, scalable production, and eco-conscious solutions tailored for the food and beverage industry.

1. International Paper Company

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA

With a history dating back over a century, International Paper (IP) stands as a global leader in fiber-based packaging. The company provides a broad portfolio of corrugated solutions specifically designed for food and beverage applications. Notable offerings include:

• ClimaShield® and MaxNest™: Innovative coatings and tray designs tailored for moisture-sensitive food products.

• Bliss and RSC configurations: Leak-resistant boxes for fresh produce and perishables.

• SpaceKraft® bulk packaging: Designed for liquid foods and beverages.

International Paper has invested in automation and innovation across its manufacturing network to meet growing demand in the food and beverage segment. The company’s recent acquisition of DS Smith North America further expands its design capabilities and customer reach. With an increasing focus on sustainable practices and recyclable coatings, IP is actively shaping the future of safe and environmentally responsible food packaging.

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2. Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)

Headquarters: Lake Forest, Illinois, USA

PCA is one of the top U.S. producers of corrugated packaging, with a major footprint in the food and beverage sector. It offers custom structural design, printing, and containerboard production. PCA’s corrugated packaging supports a wide array of clients, including:

• Fresh produce growers

• Frozen and packaged food manufacturers

• Beverage bottlers and distributors

All PCA manufacturing facilities maintain rigorous certifications (e.g., GFSI) to ensure food safety compliance. With over 90 packaging plants and numerous containerboard mills across the country, PCA leverages a highly integrated supply chain to deliver reliable service and scalable capacity to food industry customers.

3. Graphic Packaging International

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Graphic Packaging International (GPI) specializes in fiber-based packaging solutions for both food and beverage manufacturers. Its product line spans:

• KeelClip™: A paperboard-based multipack carrier for cans, replacing plastic rings.

• PaperSeal™: A recyclable alternative to traditional plastic food trays.

• Folding cartons and retail-ready packaging for beverages, frozen foods, and dry goods.

GPI serves major global food and beverage brands and maintains a strong reputation for sustainability. Its “Better by 2030” roadmap outlines goals for reducing carbon emissions, water use, and non-renewable materials. GPI’s innovations align with industry demand for recyclable and compostable packaging alternatives, while also offering high-speed performance and shelf appeal.

4. Georgia‑Pacific LLC

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Georgia-Pacific, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, is a dominant player in corrugated container manufacturing, with significant expertise in food-contact packaging. Key features of their offerings include:

• Greenshield® coatings for moisture resistance

• Wax alternatives and sustainable linerboard solutions

• Versatile box styles including trays, RSCs, and custom die-cuts

Georgia-Pacific’s broad plant network is BRC-certified for food safety. Their production emphasizes speed, consistency, and cost efficiency for high-volume food and beverage distribution. With a commitment to innovation and circularity, GP continues to develop new formats that meet the evolving needs of food processors and retailers.

5. Smurfit Westrock plc

Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland and Atlanta, Georgia, USA

In 2024, the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock created Smurfit Westrock plc, now one of the largest paper-based packaging companies in the world. With a combined revenue of approximately US$34 billion, the company delivers corrugated packaging solutions at a global scale. It serves food and beverage customers with:

• Retail-ready and shelf-ready corrugated boxes

• Multipack beverage carriers

• High-performance containerboard for perishables and e-commerce

Smurfit Westrock has a workforce of over 100,000 and operates in more than 40 countries. Their sustainability initiatives include investments in fiber recycling, zero-waste facilities, and carbon neutrality goals—making them a preferred supplier for multinational food and beverage companies.

6. DS Smith Plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

DS Smith is known for its design-focused, sustainable corrugated packaging tailored for the food and FMCG sectors. Their packaging solutions are crafted with supply chain efficiency, shelf appeal, and recyclability in mind. DS Smith’s offerings include:

• Precision die-cut trays and boxes for fruits, bakery, and processed food

• Customized solutions for temperature-sensitive and perishable items

• E-commerce-ready formats for direct-to-consumer delivery of food and drinks

DS Smith maintains a strong R&D pipeline and collaborates with clients to reduce plastic use and optimize packaging design for transport and retail efficiency. Despite some economic headwinds in 2024, the company continues to invest in growth and sustainability innovation.

7. VPK Group

Headquarters: Aalst, Belgium

VPK Group is a major European player in recycled corrugated packaging. It serves a broad customer base in the food and beverage market with a focus on sustainability and circular economy models. Key strengths include:

• Corrugated packaging made from 100% recycled paper

• Pan-European production network with operations in France, Poland, Germany, and the UK

• High-volume custom boxes and trays for frozen, chilled, and dry foods

With revenues exceeding €2 billion, VPK has positioned itself as a reliable, eco-conscious partner for food manufacturers seeking packaging solutions that align with environmental targets.

Conclusion

As sustainability, regulatory compliance, and supply chain complexity reshape the food and beverage industry, these companies are leading the charge in corrugated box packaging. Each brings unique innovations, scale, and environmental commitments to the table—driving the market forward through 2025 and beyond.

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