Containerboard market forecast for 2.4 percent growth

DUBLIN, Ireland—The containerboard market in North America is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.42 percent during the period 2016-2020.

Containerboard is widely used for packaging different durable and non-durable goods. Containerboard is classified into two broad categories—recycled containerboard and virgin containerboard, which are produced using modified paper machines with a capacity for higher grammage (grammage is used to measure the mass of the product in the pulp and paper industry).

According to the report, “Containerboard Market in North America 2016-2020” by Research and Markets, sustainable packaging solutions are gaining traction in the market. Consumer goods manufacturers prefer eco-friendly packaging materials as they promote sustainability.

Paper can be recycled up to seven times, which gives corrugated manufacturers an advantage over manufacturers of other packaging products. Therefore, manufacturers are focusing on producing 100 percent recyclable corrugated boxes.

According to the report, growing e-commerce industry is anticipated to drive the demand for containerboard in North America. This demand is a result of increased shipments of products in the US and Canada via e-commerce platforms.

The retail industry in North America was heavily impacted by the sluggish economic growth in the past. However, even with slow economic growth, online retail sales have outpaced major markets in the region in terms of revenue generation.

Further, the report says the market is witnessing increased competition from the increasing availability of alternate packaging material options. In a convenience-oriented culture, consumers prefer lighter forms of packaging. Other materials used in packaging are aluminum, glass, plastic, brick carton, and cardboard.

The following companies are the key players in the containerboard market in North America: International Paper, WestRock, Georgia-Pacific, PCA, and KapStone.

Other prominent vendors in the market are: Amcor, Buckeye Corrugated, Cascades, Corrugated Supplies Company, Greif, Kruger Packaging, Pratt Industries, Riverside Paper, Shillington Box Company, Stephen Gould, Sonoco Products, and U.S. Corrugated.

The report was prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. It covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years.