The U.S. corrugated and folding boxboard industry is set to witness a notable surge in growth from 2023 to 2032. This anticipated growth stems from several reasons, but two factors stand out: the lightweight nature and cost-efficiency of these boxes in linear supply chains.
Industry Dynamics
Competition in the boxboard market is robust. Major companies are employing a range of strategies to consolidate their market position. Mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are all part of the playbook. The goal is to penetrate deeper into the market, offering a wider range of solutions to clients across various sectors.
Apart from business-level tactics, there’s an emphasis on innovation. Research and development play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the market. As businesses become more environmentally conscious, they’re investing not just in the final product, but in the processes that lead to its creation.
Take Smurfit Kappa’s 2019 initiative as an example. The company unveiled significant improvements to its premier factory in Pitea, Sweden. By focusing on enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of their operations, particularly their recovery boiler and cooking facility, they’ve positioned themselves favorably in the market. Additions like advanced combustion technology and high-end purification filters further strengthen their competitive edge.
Market Segmentation
The market can be broadly categorized based on product type, printing methods, end-users, and regions.
- Products: We find two primary product types – corrugated boxes and folding boxboards. Among these, single-wall corrugated boxes are seeing the most significant growth. Their popularity, especially among online retailers, is undeniable. Lightweight, protective, and cost-effective, they offer an ideal solution for businesses looking for efficient shipping options.
- Printing Techniques: The rise of digital printing can’t be ignored. Its ability to print multiple colors simultaneously, without the need for individual plates, makes it a preferred choice. It’s a testament to how technology is transforming even traditional sectors.
- End Users: The medical sector emerges as a significant end-user. From capsules and tablets to sophisticated medical equipment, corrugated packaging provides a hygienic and safe transport solution. Its dust-free nature makes it especially suitable for sensitive pharmaceutical products.
- Regional Insights: Geographically, the Midwest U.S. leads the demand. With a projection of over $21 billion spending by 2032, the region’s extensive food and beverage exports are a primary driver.
Key Players in the Landscape
Several companies dominate the U.S. corrugated folding boxboard market. Notable among them are Smurfit Kappa Group, Acme Corrugated Box Co., Inc., Bio Pappel, U.S. Corrugated Inc., and All Packaging Company.
To sum it up, the next decade promises significant expansion and innovation in the U.S. corrugated and folding boxboard market. Businesses, consumers, and the environment all stand to benefit.
Source: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/us-corrugated-and-folding-boxboard-market