Corrugated & Paperboard Study

Published: June 01, 2010

CLEVELAND, OH | Demand for corrugated and paperboard boxes is expected to increase 2.4%/yr through 2014 to $36.4 billion, with gains driven by an expansion in manufacturing output after the real declines registered during the 2004-2009 period. This is the conclusion of a new study from the Freedonia Group entitled Corrugated & Paperboard Boxes. An increase in shipments of nondurable goods such as food and beverages will support demand for related boxes.

According to the report, demand also will benefit from the favorable environmental profile of corrugated boxes, which will become increasingly important as producers continue to seek ways to adopt sustainable packaging practices. Value gains also will be bolstered by heightened demand for more costly linerboard grades that can support high quality printing and graphics.

Demand for folding paperboard boxes will rise 1.8%/annum through 2014, slower than the corrugated box pace, as folding cartons face stiff competition from alternative packaging such as pouches, blister packs, and clamshells. Source reduction efforts also will restrain demand. However, gains will be supported by advances in printing and graphics capabilities and a more favorable perceived environmental profile than plastic packaging.

Good prospects for boxes are expected in markets such as frozen foods, dairy products, meat, poultry, and seafood. Other nondurable goods markets offering favorable opportunities for boxes include cosmetics and toiletries and rubber and plastic products.

In the durable goods sector, box demand will post healthy gains in the machinery and equipment, motor vehicle parts, and instruments markets. In nonmanufacturing markets such as retail shipping and carry-out foodservice, box demand will be supported by consumer preferences for online shopping and food prepared or eaten away from home.

For more information on this study, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.

US Corrugated & Paperboard Box Demand (million dollars)				% Annual Growth
Item	2004	2009	2014	04-09	09-14
Total Demand	30,505	32,300	36,400	1.2	2.4
Corrugated & Solid Fiber Boxes	21,593	23,300	26,600	1.5	2.7
Folding Paperboard Boxes	8,451	8,560	9,350	0.3	1.8
Set-Up Paperboard Boxes	461	440	450	-0.9	0.5