The global traditional packaging materials market is on a strong growth trajectory, with revenues projected to expand by hundreds of millions of dollars between 2025 and 2034. In 2024, the Asia Pacific region commanded over 43% of the global share, fueled by its strong manufacturing base and high consumption of packaged goods.
Currently, paper & paperboard, rigid packaging, food & beverage applications, and B2B distribution channels dominate market share. Looking forward, the decade ahead will see North America, flexible packaging formats, and B2C e-commerce channels driving the next wave of industry expansion.
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Market Leaders in 2024: Asia Pacific leads with 43% global share.
Packaging Type Dominance: Paper & paperboard continue to hold the largest segment.
Material Trends: Rigid packaging remains dominant, but flexible packaging will grow fastest.
End-User Industry: Food & beverages account for the largest consumption of traditional packaging.
Emerging Growth: North America’s demand to rise, powered by retail, e-commerce, and consumer-centric packaging.
Procurement decisions in the traditional packaging materials market hinge on:
Sustainability Commitments – Preference for recyclable, compostable, and eco-friendly materials.
Cost Efficiency – Bulk production with competitive pricing remains critical.
Durability & Strength – Buyers in food & beverages prioritize rigidity and product protection.
Supply Chain Resilience – Regional sourcing and shorter lead times drive vendor selection.
Customization Capabilities – Adaptability to branding, shapes, and consumer engagement tools like QR codes.
| Feature | 2024 Leaders | 2025–2034 Growth Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Share | Asia Pacific (43%) | North America & emerging markets |
| Material Type | Paper & Paperboard, Rigid Packaging | Flexible Packaging Expansion |
| End-User Industry | Food & Beverages | E-commerce, Pharmaceuticals |
| Distribution Channel | B2B | B2C, Online Platforms |
| Innovation Focus | Cost & Durability | Smart, Sustainable, Lightweight Designs |
Global sustainability regulations pressuring manufacturers to innovate in recyclability.
Boom in online retail and B2C demanding smaller, flexible, and customized packaging.
Consumer awareness reshaping packaging aesthetics and material preferences.
Geographic expansion as companies shift supply chains closer to regional demand hubs.
Consolidation trends with mergers and acquisitions driving global market dominance.
A global leader in paper & paperboard packaging, International Paper dominates in corrugated boxes and containerboard. Its focus on sustainability and supply chain reliability makes it a go-to partner for FMCG and industrial sectors.
WestRock excels in paper and fiber-based packaging, delivering customizable, recyclable, and premium rigid packaging solutions. Its innovation in digital printing and smart labeling ensures strong appeal in consumer-driven markets.
Known for corrugated and paper-based packaging, Smurfit Kappa has a powerful European presence. It integrates sustainability, AI-driven smart packaging, and digital printing technologies to maintain competitive leadership.
Mondi leads in sustainable flexible and rigid packaging, with a strong emphasis on recyclable paper and mono-material solutions. Its circular economy initiatives and strong global reach position it as a major disruptor.
DS Smith specializes in corrugated and fiber packaging, with a focus on closed-loop recycling and design-led innovation. Its strength lies in serving e-commerce and FMCG with lightweight yet durable solutions.
Amcor is one of the largest players in rigid and flexible packaging, offering a wide portfolio across industries. It invests heavily in bio-based materials, lightweight designs, and recycling technologies, making it a sustainability leader.
Crown is a leader in metal packaging, primarily serving the food and beverage industries. With innovations in lightweight cans and coatings, Crown stays competitive by ensuring product safety and recyclability.
A global pioneer in aluminum packaging, Ball is at the forefront of sustainable beverage cans. Its ability to scale production while maintaining eco-friendly processes makes it vital for global beverage brands.
Ardagh is a significant supplier of glass and metal packaging. Its investments in lightweight glass and closed-loop recycling strengthen its European and North American presence.
A leader in glass packaging, O-I focuses on premium beverages and food packaging. With advancements in lightweight, sustainable glass designs, O-I aligns with consumer preferences for eco-friendly, premium aesthetics.
Best known for aseptic carton packaging, Tetra Pak dominates in beverages, dairy, and liquid foods. It is pioneering renewable and recyclable cartons integrated with smart packaging technology.
A leader in protective packaging solutions, Sealed Air is advancing in automated, recyclable cushioning materials. Its prominence in e-commerce and logistics packaging drives steady growth.
Berry Global provides rigid and flexible plastics packaging. Its strategy is shifting towards recycled plastics, bio-based materials, and circular economy solutions, particularly in healthcare and food packaging.
Huhtamaki specializes in food and beverage packaging, offering molded fiber and sustainable flexible packaging. Its role in replacing single-use plastics positions it as a leading sustainable innovator.
Sonoco offers a wide range of rigid paper, plastics, and industrial packaging. It differentiates through lightweight and recyclable designs and is deeply integrated into food and industrial packaging supply chains.
Reynolds specializes in aluminum-based packaging, particularly in food services. With strong North American presence, the company is expanding into eco-friendly foil solutions.
A global pioneer in fiber-based packaging, Stora Enso drives innovation in bioplastics and renewable materials. Its heavy investments in sustainability make it central to Europe’s green packaging agenda.
UPM offers paper and biocomposite packaging materials, with a strong focus on bio-based innovations. It competes by offering alternatives to fossil-based plastics in multiple end-use industries.
Can-Pack is a leader in metal beverage cans, with a strong European and North American presence. It emphasizes lightweight aluminum packaging and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Greif is known for industrial packaging solutions, including steel, plastic, and fiber drums. Its strategy focuses on durability, logistics efficiency, and recyclable materials to serve global industrial markets.
North America’s Growth Surge: Flexible packaging and B2C channels to drive expansion.
Flexible Packaging Dominance: Expected to outpace rigid packaging due to lightweight and cost benefits.
Digital Procurement Shift: B2C and e-commerce platforms to reshape distribution models.
Circular Economy Adoption: Global leaders to invest in recycling facilities and renewable materials.
Premium Packaging Growth: Glass and specialty paperboard to grow in beverages and luxury goods.
The traditional packaging materials market is evolving rapidly between 2025 and 2034. While Asia Pacific currently dominates, North America and flexible packaging formats will gain prominence in the next decade. Giants like International Paper, Amcor, Tetra Pak, and Ball Corporation are driving innovation, while eco-friendly and B2C-centric strategies redefine how packaging leaders compete.
Source: https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/traditional-packaging-materials-market-sizing
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