Corrugated Boards Industry Report by Regional Category Spend, Price Analysis, Key Demand, and Price Indicators, and Best Buying Practices

The global Corrugated Boards market produced a volume of about 172.5 MMT in 2021. The industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.5% in the forecast period of 2022-2027 to produce a volume of about 212 MMT by 2027.

The global Corrugated Boards industry report gives a comprehensive analysis of the industry, including key segments, trends, drivers, restraints, the competitive landscape, and other essential market aspects. The market is primarily driven by the demand for packaging from various end-user industries. The Asia Pacific is the highest category spender by region, driving the need for the Corrugated Boards industry.

Industry Definition and Segmentation

Corrugated fibreboard or composite board comprises one or two flat linerboards and a fluted corrugated sheet. Both are composed of containerboard, a specific type of solid paper. The Corrugated Boards industry report comprises segments by application (Processed Foods, Fresh Food and Produce, Beverages, Personal Care, Paper Products, E-Commerce, Chemicals, and others) and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, and Latin America).

The Asia Pacific Region is Driving the Growth of the Industry

The Asia Pacific holds the largest share in the industry due to the growing per capita income, changing social climate, and demography in China. The growth of e-commerce behemoths is projected to propel the corrugated packaging industry. In addition, factors like rising urban population, dropping pulp prices, and increasing population awareness about eco-friendly packaging are furthering the industry's expansion.

The market is being propelled by the various properties of the material, including being lightweight, biodegradability, and recyclability, making it an essential component of the packaging sector. Furthermore, it is heavily employed in transporting various goods flexibly and cost-effectively to protect items. In addition, due to rising concerns over sustainability, It is gradually replacing flexible plastic bags, further boosting sales in the sector. Also, corrugated packaging goods provide special protection to delicate, heavy, bulky, or high-value objects in storage and transit. Many layers add strength to the interest and make it more robust than ordinary cardboard, likely to propel demand.

However, the use of raw material in manufacturing the material is likely to harm the environment, which can act as a market restraint.

Best Procurement Practices

The global Corrugated Boards industry report by Procurement Resource gives an in-depth analysis of the best buying practices followed by major global Corrugated Boards regions across the globe, such as engagement models, contract terms, and buyer and supplier negotiation levers, among others.

Category Management Studies

Corrugated board is made on corrugators, which are massive, high-precision manufacturing lines. Paper is the essential raw material in corrugating, with varying grades for each layer that makes up the corrugated box. Paper reels are kept in stock at most corrugating operations. The paper is softened with high-pressure steam in a traditional corrugator. The board is then dried in the so-called dry end once made. Hot plates heat the newly created corrugated board from the bottom. A loading system on the belt applies varying pressures at the top. It is heated, wet, and shaped into a fluted pattern on geared wheels at the single facer. This is adhered to a flat linerboard with a starch-based adhesive to make a single face board. A second flat linerboard is attached to the different sides of the fluted medium at the double-backer to make a single wall corrugated board. Test liners (recycled paper) or kraft paperboard are used as linerboards. The liner might be pre-printed, bleached white, mottled white, or coloured.

Extensive Application in the Food and Beverage Sector, Further Augmenting the Procurement of Corrugated Boards

The product's extensive application is aiding the industry in the food and beverage sector. People's hectic lifestyles are driving more demand for convenience meals. Corrugated board packing keeps moisture out and can survive extended delivery durations; therefore, businesses increasingly use it to provide better service to their clients. Corrugated boards are commonly used for packaging snacks, ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, meat, fruits, and other perishable commodities, and need single-use packaging materials, driving demand. Furthermore, they make an excellent foundation for a variety of printing techniques. As a result, businesses favour corrugated packaging as a marketing tool. They also serve as movable billboards, allowing companies to avoid spending extra money on promotions.

The regional markets for the industry can be divided into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Key Industry Players Mentioned in the Corrugated Boards Industry Report

• The International Paper Company
• WestRock Company
• The Smurfit Kappa Group Plc
• Nine Dragons Paper Limited
• DS Smith Plc.

Market Landscape

The corrugated board industry is highly fragmented, with many firms offering corrugated board packaging services. Companies are always coming up with new ways to encourage sustainable packaging and provide environmentally friendly packaging. To elevate their market position, these players have implemented some growth tactics. These companies use expansion, new product development, mergers and acquisitions, and cooperation as essential growth strategies to enhance their product spectrum and geographical presence to fulfil the rising demand for corrugated boxes from emerging nations. Companies continually invent and deliver environmentally friendly packaging items to encourage sustainable packaging. Various organisations are publishing corrugated box designs for several end-user sectors to capitalise on the possibilities.

Key Initiatives by Companies

• September 2021 - Heinz and WestRock collaborate to replace shrink-wrapped multipacks of Heinz Beanz, Heinz soups, and Heinz pasta types on grocery shelves with WestRock's recyclable paperboard. The Heinz Eco-Friendly Sleeve is made from sustainably managed forests and is recyclable. The unique wrap design eliminates the need for adhesive and requires 50% less material than a wholly enclosed wraparound box and 10% less than a regular paperboard sleeve.
• DS Smith introduced the fast erectable tray with two motorised lateral bases in November 2021. The sturdy and material-optimised packaging solution may be quickly assembled, saving crucial logistical time. It is constructed entirely of 100% recyclable materials and 100% corrugated cardboard.