The demand for packaging materials and products has rapidly grown, with particular demand for environmentally friendly packaging materials as consumers and manufacturing concerns over the over-use of plastic have increased.
Corrugated boxes are a sustainable and eco-friendly material in packaging within Central in Eastern Europe, which is reflected in consumer appreciation, the material being utilised and enjoyed by 80 percent of the population.
According to Future Market Insights, the global demand for corrugated boxes is anticipated to reach 140.4 billion in 2023. The value is expected to increase to 213.9 billion in 2033 at a compound annual growth rate of 4.3 percent.
Corrugated boxes are predominately used for sustainable packaging solutions for online shopping, equalling 77 percent of the materials used. For consumers in Central and Eastern European regions, 57 percent responded that they would pay extra for customised corrugated packaging and sustainable packaging solutions.
The industry for corrugated products has been propelled by the digitisation of one of the most renowned manufacturers of corrugated packaging solutions, Smurfit Kappa. Furthermore, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions has driven technological advancement to increase the productivity and manufacturing efficiency of corrugated packaging for key players.
Customised graphic designs for clients have created various benefits for the industry, with significant sales increases to greater flexibility for custom corrugated packaging. These innovations are the fundamental forces behind the digitisation of paper-based packaging and the increased market growth and opportunity for sustainable packaging.
Plastic packaging solutions are flexible, reducing packaging weight and shipping and warehousing costs. These packaging solutions are of better value for manufacturers and retailers. However, despite the market growth and opportunity, the flexibility of plastic packaging products directly impacts corrugated box packaging solutions.
These packaging solutions reduce packaging costs by 40 percent, reducing landfill wastes by 50 percent and resulting in a 62 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
As well as the flexibility and cost efficiency of plastic packaging solutions, the energy consumption required to produce corrugated packaging poses another significant challenge, all of which are reasons behind end users' transition from rigid to flexible packaging materials.
To combat these challenges, businesses in the corrugated cardboard box market are working on launching new products, expanding operations, and building strategic partnerships with other manufacturers.
The custom corrugated boxes market is an area for the material's rich opportunity and expansion. Key players are driven to expand the customised product's manufacturing capabilities, lines, and global presence.
