The Folding Carton market has been forecasted to experience immense and measured growth all through 2026.
According to the Paperboard Packaging Council’s (PPC) recent Trends: 2022-23 Industry Outlook and Market Data Report, U.S. demand for folding cartons will grow on average by 1.3% annually, with the market reaching 5.4 million tons by 2026. Output growth in nondurables, comprised of many carton-packaged goods, is expected to expand by 0.8% over the five-year forecast.
A provider of pulp and paper industry intelligence, the Trends Report describes how overall economic trends will affect the folding carton market in the near and far terms. The report states that general economic fundamentals in the U.S. economy will remain strong throughout the coming years, for example, with consumer spending growing by 1.8% from 2021-26.
In addition to the overall economic performance, other factors play an essential role in Trends’ growth forecast for the next five years, including changing consumer spending habits, substitution away from plastic packaging, and efforts to reduce plastic waste. Shipment growth will be healthiest at the end of the five-year forecast, as the current business cycle is predicted to peak in 2026. The total value of U.S. carton shipments is predicted to grow from an estimated $9.5 billion in 2021 to $13.3 billion in 2026.
‘On the flip side, decisions by some of the largest fast-food companies and municipalities across the country seem to be providing hope that paperboard packaging materials are poised to benefit from their environmentally friendly profile. Plastic substitution and environmentally friendly packaging trends should provide a tailwind for carton growth over the forecast.’
According to Ben Markens, PPC president, “Trends equips leaders in the folding carton industry with the knowledge they need to prosper in the changing marketplace,”
“Should they make an offensive move? Should they ramp up their defense? Trends helps them figure it all out.”
In addition to forecasts for the overall folding carton market, Trends also analyzes 17 end-use segments including confectionery, dairy, dry foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and recreational products. This year, nine categories were classified as growing markets, seven as mature, and one as declining.
