Shaped Corrugated Packaging Market Size to Hit US$ 36.12 Bn

Shaped Corrugated Packaging Market Companies and Global Growth

The global shaped corrugated packaging market size reached US$ 21.34 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around US$ 36.12 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034.

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Shifting consumer preference towards eco-friendly solutions, shaped corrugated packaging is becoming a growing trend as it is recyclable and lower environmental effects than typical plastic packaging, which is estimated to drive the global shaped corrugated packaging market over the forecast period.

Major Key Insights of the Shaped Corrugated Packaging Market

• Asia Pacific dominated the market with the largest share in 2023.
• North America is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period.
• By type, the rectangular sheets segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2023.
• By flute, C flute segment is expected to grow at significant rate during the forecast period.
• By combined board, triple wall segment is expected to grow at significant rate during the forecast period.
• By end use, the food segment dominated the shaped corrugated packaging market in 2023.

Shaped Corrugated Packaging Market: Minimizing Environmental Effects

The custom-designed packaging made from corrugated cardboard that is cut or molded into specific shapes to better fit products is known as shaped corrugated packaging market. The shaped corrugated packaging offers excellent protection for products during transit and handling. Custom shapes assists in enhancing brand visibility and create a unique unboxing experience. It can be designed to fit products perfectly, minimizing wasted space and reducing shipping costs. The corrugated material is often recyclable and environment friendly. Shaped corrugated packaging can be utilized for an extensive range of products, from electronics and cosmetics to   and beverage items.

The shaped corrugated packaging market refers to the segment of the packaging industry focused on producing and distributing corrugated packaging that is designed in specific shapes rather than standard, flat designs. The creation of shaped corrugated packaging that is tailored to fit unique product shapes or branding requirements. Advances in manufacturing technologies that allow for more complex and varied shapes. A growing need for distinctive and protective packaging solutions driven by trends in retail, e-commerce, and consumer preferences. This market encompasses the production, distribution, and use of shaped corrugated packaging solutions, which aim to provide better protection, enhanced branding opportunities, and improved logistics.

5 Key Factors Driving Shaped Corrugated Packaging Market Growth

• The key players operating in the market are focused on geographic expansion and launching their brand in other countries which is expected to drive the growth of the shaped corrugated packaging market in the near future.
• Increasing focus on cost reduction and production efficiency can drive the specialty market growth further.
• Emerging markets and trends for shaped corrugated packaging is expected to drive the growth of the global shaped corrugated packaging market over the forecast period.
• Increasing regulatory support is estimated to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period.
• Increase in adoption of the advanced technology for the production of shaped corrugated packaging is estimated to drive the growth of the global shaped corrugated packaging market in the near future.

How Can AI Improve the Shaped Corrugated Packaging Industry?

AI-powered design tools can analyze data on product dimensions, shipping conditions, and consumer preferences to provide more effective and efficient packaging solutions. This aids in creating unique designs that optimize protection while utilizing the least amount of material. Due to AI's ability to predict trends and demand patterns, producers may better control costs by minimizing waste and adjusting production schedules and inventory levels. In real time during production, AI-driven computer vision systems may check packaging for flaws or irregularities, guaranteeing high standards and lowering the number of returns or rejects. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve supply chain logistics through better inventory management, delay prediction, and supplier, manufacturer, and distributor coordination.

By incorporating client preferences and input into the design process, AI tools can facilitate more customized packaging solutions, improving the overall customer experience. AI can help produce environmentally friendly materials and processes by evaluating the effects of various packaging options on the environment and optimizing for sustainability. The shaped corrugated packaging sector can gain increased productivity, improved product safety, and more creative packaging solutions by utilizing these AI capabilities.

IMA Group's Trial on AI Innovations in Reducing Packaging Waste

• In February 2024, IMA Group, a manufacturer of automatic machines for battery processing, pharmaceutical, food packaging, revealed the introduction of the two artificial intelligence (AI) solutions with aim to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of services offered to customers. A cloud-based platform for co-development and partnering in the creation of complex algorithms, the IMA Sandbox solution is built on a shared and secure environment. The flexible digital infrastructure, according to IMA Group, combines centralized data collecting and management in a "playground" for simulating and testing complicated scenarios, assessing Al's performance in various circumstances, and improving machine learning algorithms prior to actual deployment. The goal of Sandbox, according to the business, is to provide insight into process optimization and prevent efficiency losses while corrugated packaging by analyzing the interaction of Al solutions with operating machine parameters including current, pressure, temperature, and vibrations.

More recently, Bollegraaf, industrial equipment supplier based in U.K. and Greyparrot, AI waste analytics platform signed partnership to incorporate Al into already-operational recycling facilities for packaging material, offer transparency during the recycling process, and give visibility in the waste stream.

Driver

Rising Trend of Online Shopping

Rising disposable income has increased the trend for the online shopping among the global population. Consumers are able to shop from anywhere at any time without the requirement to travel to physical stores, making it a time-saving option. The online platforms provide a wide range of commodities and brands, often more extensive than what’s available in physical stores. Shoppers are being easily able to compare cost prices and find the best deals, which is often more difficult in brick-and-mortar stores.

E-commerce sites utilize algorithms to recommend products based on past purchases and browsing behaviour, enhancing the shopping experience.  Shaped corrugated can be customized to fit products snugly, offering better protection while shipping and minimizing the risk of damage. Custom-shaped packaging allows brands to create unique, eye-catching designs which enhance brand identity and improve the unboxing experience.

• For instance, June 2024, according to the published by the American Finance Association, non-profit organization, estimated that 26.6 million e-commerce sites worldwide marking a 3.83% growth in income from the year 2023. The research study carried out by the American Finance Association it was reported that around 2,687 e-commerce websites are been initiated between 2023 and 2024.

Restraint

Problems with the Supply Chain and Limited Flexibility

The key players operating in the market face problem with the supply chain due to high cost of manufacturing of shaped corrugated packaging which restricts the growth of the shaped corrugated packaging market. Due to the requirement for unique moulds and tooling, the manufacture of corrugated packaging with custom shapes is frequently more expensive than that of ordinary packaging. The intricate engineering and design needed for shaped corrugated packaging can be expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, its intricacy may raise the possibility of manufacturing flaws. The inability to alter sizes or designs once manufacturing begins may be a drawback for businesses that must make regular adjustments to their packaging.

Opportunity

Technology Advancement and Launch of New Manufacturing Tool

Innovations in design and manufacturing technologies, such as digital printing and automated cutting, can reduce production costs and complexity, making shaped corrugated packaging more accessible. The key players operating in the market are focused on developing advanced technology for packaging industry, which is estimated to create lucrative opportunity for the growth of the shaped corrugated packaging market.

• For instance, in August, 2024, Kering, luxury goods company, revealed the introduction of the Ecodesign Tool for Packaging Items. By 2025, Kering wants to completely phase out single-use plastic packaging from all of its BtoC and BoB operations. In 2018, the Group released the Kering Standards for Raw Materials and Manufacturing Processes, and since then, circularity has been considered when creating new packaging solutions. For the first time, Kering is publishing its Ecodesign Tool for Packaging Items.
• Furthermore, in March 2024, ePS Packaging, the packaging operating unit of eProductivity Software (ePS) revealed its inclusive and future-proof ecosystem at Sino Corrugated. This ecosystem, which embodies packaging quality, is a monument to PS's longstanding dedication to the industry and reflects its ongoing progress. PS is bringing about a revolution in the packaging industry by incorporating advanced software solutions that improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability. This allows packaging companies to differentiate themselves in a market that is becoming more and more competitive.

Segment Insights

Rectangular Sheets Led Shaped Corrugated Packaging in 2023

Rectangular sheets segment held the dominating share of the global shaped corrugated packaging market in 2023. Rectangular sheets are easy to customize in terms of size, thickness, and strength to meet specific packaging requirements. They are generally affordable as they have low manufacturing cost, which helps to keep overall packaging costs low.

The surface of rectangular sheet of corrugated packaging can be printed easily, allowing for branding and product information to be easily included. The rectangular shape facilitates efficient use of space and stacking during storage and transportation, optimizing logistics.

The rectangular sheet segment holds dominating share as it offers a balance of protection, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits, making them a consumers’ choice for packaging solutions. The key players operating in the market are focused on innovating and launching the automated machine for manufacturing rectangular corrugated sheets, which is estimated to drive the growth of the segment over the forecast period.

• For instance, in January 2023, Ranpak Holdings Corp., packaging company headquartered in U.S., revealed the introduction of the automated, in-line solution worldwide for manufacturing corrugated packaging solution. The newly launched automated in-line packing machine scales up packaging output, minimises operating costs and encourages sustainability for customers’ operations.

Multi Depth Boxes Segment

The multi depth boxes are widely used for the shipping of goods as it reduces the need for multiple box sizes, leading to savings in inventory costs, transportation, and storage. The multi depth boxes can be adjusted to fit products more precisely, reducing the need for additional filler material. This helps in optimizing shipping space and can lower shipping costs.

Multi depth boxes are convenient for both packaging and unpacking allowing for quick adjustments and flexible packaging solutions. Range of sizes are available within multi depth box which helps streamline inventory and reduce the complexity of managing different box sizes, leading to more efficient shipping space and can lower shipping costs.

The multi depth box are used in widely in various sectors such as retail packaging, E-commerce shipments, food industry, automotive parts and pharmaceuticals industry. The key players operating in the market are focused on developing manufacturing solutions for multi depth corrugated packaging options which is estimated to drive the growth of the segment over the forecast period.

The A Flute Segment to Hold a Notable Share in the Market

A Flute segment held the dominating share of the shaped corrugated packaging market in 2023. A flute, with a thickness of approximately 5 millimeters or ¼ inch, is the thickest corrugated flute that is currently in stock. This indicates that one linear foot of packaging contains roughly 36 flutes.

Since of its extra-thick fluting, an A flute is perfect for delicate objects that require further protection. For heavy objects that need a sturdy packaging structure, this flute is also perfect. A flute corrugated boxes offers better insulation, which assists in maintaining temperature-sensitive products.

Growing E-commerce sector supports the dominance of a flute corrugated market. The requirement of the A flute corrugated boxes has increased due to rise in online shopping of electronic items as it requires robust packaging solutions to ensure products arrive in good condition. The A flute corrugated cardboard boxes can be utilized for wide applications, from storage of electronic items, glass utensils and shipping to retail packaging, making them a popular choice across different industries.

• In April 2024, according to the data published by the National E-commerce Associations, non-profit e-commerce sector organization in Europe, it was projected that global e-commerce sales is US$ 8.1 trillion globally by the end of 2024. Furthermore, in 2021, there were 2.14 billion digital buyers worldwide, and experts reported the number to rise to 2.77 billion by 2025.

 C Flute Segment

With a thickness of roughly 3.2 millimeters, or 11/64 inches, the C is the second-thickest corrugated flute on the market. According to this, a single linear foot of packaging contains roughly 41 flutes. Since it is not easily compressible and resists crusting, a C flute is perfect for shipping boxes. B flute, it offers a fantastic printing surface for marketing and branded products as well.

C flute provides good balance of cushioning and strength, making it suitable for protecting a wide range of products during transit and storage. The rise in trend of online shopping has significantly grown the need for sustainable and sturdy packaging solutions to ensure that products are been shipped in good condition.

Innovations in C-shaped Corrugated Packaging

The key players operating in the market are focused on developing and introduction of the C flute corrugated cardboard to meet the rising demand of the sustainable and sturdy corrugated boxes, which is estimated to drive the growth of the segment over the forecast period.

• On February 12, 2024, Kite Packaging Ltd., a company providing packaging material headquartered in U.K., unveiled the introduction of the corrugated fan fold. A lengthy piece of cardboard that has been scored and folded at regular intervals to resemble a fan is called a corrugated fan fold. When combined with automated box-making machinery, it enables large-scale organizations to manufacture customized boxes as needed. For the handling, storing, and shipping of items, its single wall C flute corrugation provides strong stacking strength and outstanding resistance to crushing and compression.

Important characteristics and advantages include: - Production of custom packaging on demand for a range of product sizes and specifications, combining inventory and SKU management; - Benefits related to flexibility and lead time, allowing for quick adaptation to changing packaging requirements without causing service interruptions. With a 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, Kite Packaging Ltd. company’s fan fold may support companies in fulfilling their social responsibility obligations.

Triple Wall Combined Board to Show Significant Growth

Triple wall segment is estimated to show significant growth over the forecast period in the shaped corrugated packaging market. Rise in global trade has increased the need of triple wall corrugated box.

A triple-wall board comprises seven layers, with three layers of flux enclosed by four layers of liner. This board resembles three boxes combined. Chemical containers and shipping crates are frequently made with triple wall packing, the strongest kind of board now in use. The triple wall type corrugated box are sturdy and tough of all patterns of wall and developed of three layers of corrugated medium and four layers of liner board. As the triple wall boxes have a higher load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for stacking and handling heavier loads, which is important for heavy bulk shipping and storage.

The growth of global trade has risen the demand for the triple wall robust packaging solutions. Triple-wall boxes provide the extra protection needed for shipping goods over long distances and through multiple handling stages.

Growth of Food Industry to Support Dominance

The food segment held the largest share of the global shaped corrugated packaging market in 2023. Food apps often allows access to a wide range of restaurants and cuisines, which demand different shaped corrugated packaging. The online food ordering apps offer features such as real-time order tracking, personalized recommendations, and easy reordering based on past purchases, improving the user experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online food ordering as people sought contactless transactions to minimize exposure. The Food ordering apps got boom as it allows customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments from their smartphones or computers, eliminating the demand to visit cafes and restaurants in person or make phone calls.

Here, is the representation of the revenue generated by online food delivery app which is supported by the people due to busy life-style.

Asia Pacific’s Retail Sector: To Sustain as a Market Leader

Asia Pacific led the shaped corrugated packaging market in 2023. The expansion of modern retail formats such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores is contributing to the demand for diverse and innovative packaging solutions to enhance product appeal and shelf presence. Accelerated urbanization in the Asia Pacific region is driving the demand for convenient and efficient packaging solutions for a rising urban population that values convenience and on-the-go consumption. The key players operating in the market are focused on launching electronics and automobile products in shaped corrugated packaging which is estimated to drive the growth of the shaped corrugated packaging market in Asia Pacific region over the forecast period.

• For instance, in February 2024, Canon Inc., photograph company headquartered in Japan revealed the launch of the new GP series large format inkjet printers in shaped corrugated cardboard packaging instead of styrofoam to reduce environmental impact.

E-Commerce Expansion: North America's Projection to Grow

North America is observed to witness the fastest rate of expansion in the upcoming years. Rapid Urbanization and changing lifestyle has given boom to e-commerce sector in North America. The growing e-commerce platform in North America region has remarkably increased the demand for corrugated packaging, as it is extensively used for shipping goods securely and efficiently.

Recent Advancements in Shaped Corrugated Packaging Industry

• In November, 2023, The Boxery, packaging company, unveiled the introduction of the new line of corrugated shipping boxes. These newly launched corrugated shipping boxes are being launched specially to offer enhanced security and safety to the enclosed shipped items.

Shaped Corrugated Packaging Market Companies

• Smurfit Kappa
• Kapstone
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Mondi Group
• Westrock
• Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd
• Georgia-Pacific Equity Holding LLC
• Rock-Tenn Company
• International Paper Company
• Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited.
• Orora Packaging Australia
• Archis Packaging Pvt. Ltd
• Nefab Group

Shaped Corrugated Packaging Market Segments

By Type

• Rectangular sheets
• Multi depth boxes
• Cardboard rolls
• Partition corrugated boxes
• Curved corrugated boxes
• Printed corrugated boxes
• Duplex corrugated boxes
• Flat boxes
• Die cut corrugated boxes

By Flute

• A-Flute
• B-Flute
• C-Flute
• E-Flute
• F-Flute

By Combined Board

• Triple wall
• Double wall
• Single wall
• Single Face

By End Use

• Food
• Chemical
• Electronics
• Hardware
• Health and beauty
• Automotive
• Others

By Region

• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Norway
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait