Trends · Ben Buzz · Nov 28, 2025

Growth of Corrugated Board Packaging Market Driven by E-Commerce and Sustainability

The corrugated board packaging market is expanding significantly, driven by e-commerce, which accounts for 40% of demand, and sustainability trends. Lightweight designs reduce material use by 10-15%, aligning with environmental goals, while digital printing enhances brand personalization. Corrugated board is well-suited to meet this demand due to its high recyclability, with an average recycling quota of 80%.

The corrugated board packaging market is experiencing significant growth, primarily fueled by the rise of e-commerce and increasing emphasis on sustainability. These two factors are reshaping the industry, influencing how companies approach packaging solutions, and driving innovations that meet contemporary consumer and environmental demands.

E-Commerce: A Major Driver of Demand

In recent years, e-commerce has emerged as a substantial driver of demand for corrugated board packaging, accounting for approximately 40% of the market's demand share. The growth of online shopping platforms requires packaging solutions that are not only lightweight and cost-effective but also durable enough to protect products during transit. Corrugated board offers the necessary protection while being customizable to meet various packaging needs.

As online retailers seek to enhance brand personalization, digital printing on corrugated boards has become increasingly popular. This technology allows for high-quality graphics and tailored designs, enabling brands to deliver a personalized unboxing experience to consumers. The ability to customize packaging in this way helps brands differentiate themselves in a competitive market, further bolstering the demand for corrugated board solutions.

Sustainability Trends and Material Efficiency

Sustainability trends are another critical factor driving the growth of the corrugated board packaging market. With consumers and companies alike prioritizing environmentally friendly practices, there is a growing demand for packaging materials that align with these values. Corrugated board is well-suited to meet this demand due to its high recyclability, with an average recycling quota of 80%. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Additionally, advancements in design have led to the development of lightweight corrugated board solutions that reduce material usage by 10-15%. This reduction not only lowers the environmental footprint of packaging but also offers cost savings for manufacturers and retailers. By embracing these innovations, the corrugated board industry is well-positioned to cater to the sustainability demands of modern consumers.

Industry Innovations and Collaborations

To meet the evolving needs of the market, companies within the corrugated board sector are focusing on enhancing automation and performance in production processes. Koenig & Bauer, a notable player in the industry, has made strategic moves to strengthen its presence in the corrugated board market. The company has placed a particular emphasis on high board line flexo presses, which offer improved efficiency and quality in printing and packaging production.

Further bolstering its capabilities, Koenig & Bauer has entered into a collaboration with Celmacch Group S.r.l. This partnership aims to enhance the technological advancements and production capabilities for corrugated board solutions, ensuring that the industry can keep pace with the growing demand and evolving requirements of both e-commerce and sustainable packaging.

Versatility and Future Outlook

One of the key strengths of corrugated board packaging is its versatility. It can be adapted to a wide range of applications, from simple protective packaging to complex, branded solutions. This adaptability makes it a preferred choice for various industries seeking reliable and customizable packaging options.

As the market continues to evolve, the focus on sustainability and efficiency will likely drive further innovations in corrugated board packaging. Companies are expected to continue investing in technologies and partnerships that enhance the performance and environmental credentials of their products. With the ongoing growth of e-commerce and the increasing importance of sustainable practices, the corrugated board packaging market is poised for continued expansion and development.