The global folding carton packaging market was valued at USD 136.88 Billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of USD 231.60 Billion by 2035. Growing ecological issues and the increasing urgency to restrict plastic waste are boosting the demand for folding cartons.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD), Global Plastics Outlook report, packaging generates 38% of plastic trash in Europe, 45% in China, and 37% in the U.S., totaling 60% of worldwide packaging waste. In addition, plastic consumption and waste are projected to almost triple by the end of 2060, prompting governmental crackdowns on plastic use.
Governments worldwide are taking initiatives to promote the use of sustainable packaging options such as folding cartons for a variety of use cases. One of the most notable examples is the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, effective since February 2025. This rule imposes stringent measures to lower excessive and non-recyclable packaging, improve recyclability, and eliminate harmful substances that are commonly found in plastic packaging.
In accordance with such sustainability goals, businesses worldwide are turning to paper-based folding cartons that fulfill regulatory criteria and address the evolving customer preferences. For instance, in May 2025, Dongguan Kante Packaging Materials Co., Ltd. created an eco-friendly, lightweight, and 100% recyclable folding carton series with high strength. This product development offers a more efficient and low-carbon option for packaging cross-border e-commerce, electronics, F&B, and other sectors.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Compound Annual Growth Rate
5.4%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
|
Global Folding Carton Packaging Market Summary |
Description |
Value |
|
Base Year |
USD Billion |
2025 |
|
Historical Period |
USD Billion |
2019-2025 |
|
Forecast Period |
USD Billion |
2026-2035 |
|
Market Size 2025 |
USD Billion |
136.88 |
|
Market Size 2035 |
USD Billion |
231.60 |
|
CAGR 2019-2025 |
Percentage |
XX% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 |
Percentage |
5.40% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035- Market by Region |
Asia Pacific |
6.0% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Country |
China |
6.2% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Country |
Brazil |
5.9% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by End Users |
Electrical & Electronics |
6.4% |
|
Market Share by Country 2025 |
India |
3.8% |
The ongoing growth of direct-to-consumer (DTC) and e-commerce business models has resulted in a major shift in packaging needs, with businesses seeking strong, lightweight, and visually appealing solutions that reflect their identity. Folding cartons are gaining popularity for their protective strength and attractive branding options. In October 2024, luxury digital business Mytheresa collaborated with Thimm Packaging Srl to introduce customized e-commerce packaging which offers a premium unboxing experience to customers while maintaining sustainability objectives. This partnership highlights how artistically designed folding cartons can prove useful in shipping while focusing on brand storytelling for environmentally aware customer interaction.
Recent developments in digital and offset printing have improved folding carton production by enabling faster customization, rich color reproduction, and the option for cost-effective small-batch manufacturing. With these enhancements, folding carton packaging has emerged as a perfect alternative for seasonal, limited-edition, and advertising applications requiring strong visual impact and flexibility. In addition, market participants are investing in expanding and improving their manufacturing capacity, thereby positively impacting market growth. For instance, in October 2024, Al-Medan Project plant for Carton (MPFC), a Saudi Arabian carton and packaging firms, opened its Rams Al-Tatour folding carton plant equipped with a modern Koenig & Bauer printing press which amplified their capacity to produce high-quality folding carton solutions.
Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have surged the global consumption of packaged, ready-to-eat, and frozen goods, which significantly rely on plastic packaging for protection and brand visibility. Prominent countries such as the United States, India, and China exemplify this tendency with their fast-growing takeout and delivery industries. As customers seek environmentally friendly, safe, and portable meal alternatives, folding cartons are in high demand. To meet these requirements, Stora Enso enhanced its core packaging offering in April 2024 by introducing Performa Nova, a future-proof folding boxboard (FBB) featuring superior performance. This creative board addresses the demand for sustainable, recyclable, and economical packaging solutions in sectors including dry, frozen, and chilled foods, as well as chocolate and confectionery.
The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries are driving considerable growth in the folding cartons market, owing to the importance of packaging in product safety, compliance, and traceability. Folding cartons feature an easily printable surface for clear, tamper-evident labeling and support serialization to ensure traceability of medicines during transit. In Europe, severe rules promote this shift, with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) establishing aggressive recycling goals for 2025 and 2030 while supporting circular economy concepts. Such legislative changes support the transition from plastic to recyclable fiber-based folding cartons, focusing on their use in pharmaceutical packaging.
The rising acceptance of personal care and beauty items has spiked the demand for folding cartons that feature luxury aesthetics, product safety, and eco-friendly appeal. Additionally, since the cosmetics industry is competitive, packaging has a significant impact on purchasing decisions as it represents the company's identity and sustainability commitment. In response to the increasing needs of consumers, several firms are aggressively switching to recyclable and renewable materials in their packaging. For example, in May 2025, L’Oréal revealed that it had missed its 2025 objective of having 100% recyclable, reusable, refillable, or biodegradable plastic packaging by 51%. Despite this, the firm reassured it committed to its 2030 sustainability goals, which includes making all packaging refillable, reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable and created completely from recycled or bio-based materials.
The EMR’s report titled “Global Folding Carton Packaging Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by End User
Key Insight: The electrical and electronics segment is leading the folding cartons market in terms of end-user, owing to the growing need for sturdy and customized packaging for consumer electronics. The food and beverage industry fosters growth through increased consumption of packaged and ready-to-eat items, as well as a strong push for environmentally friendly packaging. Additionally, the household segment is recording substantial growth attributed to the rising demand for organized, user-friendly retail packaging. Meanwhile, in the personal care and cosmetics segment, the trend toward premium aesthetics and sustainable material usage is contributing to the growing adoption of designer folding cartons.
Market Breakup by Region
Key Insight: Asia Pacific holds the highest share of the folding cartons market revenue, primarily due to increasing industrialization, a thriving e-commerce industry, and strong demand from food and electronics. North America is seeing stable growth because of mounting environmental consciousness, premium packaging trends, and increasing consumption of packaged goods. In Europe, strong environmental rules and a well-established FMCG business are driving the transition to recyclable, fiber-based packaging. Likewise, Latin America is also experiencing the transition towards folding cartons in food and domestic industries owing to the expansion of retail infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa are expanding economies, with rising disposable incomes driving up demand for packaged goods, leading to an ongoing surge in folding carton usage.
|
CAGR 2026-2035- Market by |
Region |
|
Asia Pacific |
6.0% |
|
Latin America |
5.8% |
|
Middle East and Africa |
5.6% |
|
North America |
5.2% |
|
Europe |
5.0% |
By end-use, electrical & electronics emerged as a dominant segment of the market
The electrical & electronics segment holds the largest share in the global folding cartons market revenue mainly due to the rising consumer demand for smart devices. These products require secure, lightweight, and visually appealing packaging to protect sensitive components and enhance branding. Many electronics brands are committing to sustainable practices by replacing plastic packaging with recyclable, fiber-based packaging alternatives. To cite an instance, when Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 smartphone in February 2025, it featured packaging made entirely from FSC-certified recycled paper and ocean-bound plastics. This minimalist, plastic-free design not only reduced material usage and transport emissions but also set up a new standard for eco-conscious tech packaging.
On the other hand, healthcare is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the global folding cartons market, due to the rising demand for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, medical devices, and consumer preference for over-the-counter medicines. According to WHO, around 86% of the total healthcare waste is classified as non-hazardous, causing the need for eco-friendly packaging. The growing shift toward sustainability has pushed healthcare brands to adopt recyclable and biodegradable packaging options. Additionally, several market players are making efforts to innovate methods for integration of anti-counterfeiting features, and cost efficiency of folding cartons, boosting their demand as ideal modern healthcare packaging solutions.
By Region, Asia Pacific Accounts for the Largest Market Share
Asia Pacific continues to dominate global folding cartons market revenue due to rising urbanization in the region's key countries. For example, in India, around 35% of the population lives in urban areas, which is expected to reach 50% by 2047, posing a several environmental concerns. Growing plastic and non-biodegradable packaging usage has highlighted the urgent need to switch to sustainable alternatives such as folding cartons. Furthermore, China's express delivery business handled 175 billion items in 2024, positioning its e-commerce sector as a significant contributor to plastic packaging waste. To mitigate this, China implemented new laws in June 2025, encouraging the use of recyclable materials and better supply chain coordination, which in turn is surging the demand for eco-friendly foldable cartons.
Latin America has emerged as the fastest-growing region in the folding cartons market share, owing to an increase in the number of retail and foodservice establishments. Apart from this, the rising disposable income has boosted demand for cosmetic items, medicines, packaged foods, and drinks in prominent countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. This is pushing businesses to switch from traditional plastic and metal packaging to recyclable fiber-based cartons, in order to meet both customer desires and rising environmental standards. Furthermore, investments in modern packaging technologies, local manufacturing capacity, and continuous supply chain improvements are supporting market expansion.
These industry giants are reinventing packaging by pushing beyond the boundaries of design, using eco-friendly materials, and investing in innovative technologies such as digital printing and smart packaging. Strategic acquisitions and international capacity expansions have strengthened their efforts to remain competitive in a market that is gradually moving toward sustainability and innovation.
Players including Huhtamäki, Georgia-Pacific, and Parksons Packaging are ramping up factory automation, using AI-driven quality checks, and optimizing operations to increase efficiency as they seek to remain competitive. Meanwhile, firms like TOPPAN Holdings and R.R. Donnelley are focused on custom design abilities and quick-turn packaging solutions to address the changing demands of industries such as healthcare, food and beverage, and e-commerce. These methods represent an industry-wide trend toward sustainable, agile, and technologically enabled packaging ecosystems.
WestRock, founded in 2015 and located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a market leader in sustainable paper-based packaging. It provides unique folding carton solutions to the food, beverage, personal care, and healthcare industries. WestRock incorporates fiber-based materials, structural design, and advanced printing to create recyclable, shelf-ready cartons. Through its comprehensive manufacturing and packaging capabilities, WestRock assists global brands in achieving sustainability and performance, with a particular emphasis on logistical efficiency and circular economy aims.
Graphic Packaging International, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a global leader in paperboard-based folding cartons. It provides environmentally responsible, high-impact carton solutions to major food, beverage, and personal care businesses. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the firm serves worldwide supply chains with dependable, fiber-based folding cartons that meet customer expectations and environmental regulations.
Founded in 1860, Amcor plc, is based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a worldwide packaging company that provides folding carton solutions via its specialized cartons division. It concentrates on high-barrier, visually sophisticated boxes for the luxury food, tobacco, and healthcare industries. The company's innovative approach and sustainability initiatives support businesses in meeting regulatory, aesthetic, and environmental criteria with unique folding carton designs.
Sonoco is a global packaging corporation headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, and was founded in 1899. It creates custom-printed paperboard cartons for food, healthcare, and personal care businesses. Its packaging solutions are designed for durability and brand recognition, making it an ideal supplier for businesses looking for top-notch folding cartons that exceed retail and regulatory requirements.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other players in the global folding carton packaging market include Parksons Packaging, Huhtamäki Oyj, Georgia-Pacific, R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, TOPPAN Holdings Inc, PM PACKAGING, and others.
Find out how the worldwide folding carton packaging industry is changing from 2026 to 2035. Stay ahead of the curve by exploring exclusive trends, insights, growth predictions, and crucial market developments. Request a free sample report or contact our experts on market prospects and trends for 2026.
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2025, the global folding carton packaging industry reached an approximate value of USD 136.88 Billion.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.40% between 2026 and 2035.
The key players in the market include reputed companies such as WestRock Company, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Amcor plc, Sonoco Products Company, Parksons Packaging Ltd., Huhtamäki Oyj, Georgia-Pacific, R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, TOPPAN Holdings Inc., and PM PACKAGING, among others.
Key strategies driving the market include focusing on sustainable packaging innovations, capacity expansion, strategic mergers, digital printing upgrades, and customized solutions to meet evolving industry demands.
The electrical & electronics segment leads in market share, attributed to the growing sales of consumer electronics surging the demand for secure, lightweight, and branded packaging for electrical and electronic devices.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
|
| Breakup by End User |
|
| Breakup by Region |
|
| Market Dynamics |
|
| Competitive Landscape |
|
| Companies Covered |
|
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