The cardboard packaging market in Europe by 2030
Analysis of high-potential markets and competition
The latest market and competition figures
Our forecasts to 2030 and detailed country-by-country data
A large number of case studies to highlight the challenges of the industry
Top 200 leading companies in Europe
An operational format with 30 slides of insights and a detailed 240-page report
Access to the complete study database
3300 €
This report aims at:
Analysing the market and its outlook to 2030
This study provides all the figures you need to understand market trends and dynamics in Europe. As regulations are becoming increasingly restrictive with the publication of the PPWR and economic uncertainties are intensifying, what are the real growth prospects for 2030, by country and by segment? And how will manufacturers' prices and financial performance evolve?
Identifying high-potential regions and countries
Xerfi compiled data for the most attractive European countries in the industry. Using around twenty indicators, it provides an unprecedented insight into the identification of priority business locations. Which markets have the greatest potential? What are the strengths and characteristics of the different countries?
Outlining competition and its evolution
The report provides a detailed analysis of the competition: market share, positioning, geographical positioning, leaders' profile, and a list of the top 200 European companies. Who are the most successful groups? And what are the implications for the consolidation trend?
Detailed plan
Report scope and market overview
The European paper and corrugated packaging market, estimated at nearly €60bn, covers three main segments: corrugated board (67% of the market in value), cardboard boxes (24%), and paper packaging (11%). Germany is the main market, followed by Italy, France, and Spain. Mainly intended for the food packaging sector (over 50% of demand), this industry is characterised by a high concentration around major European groups such as Smurfit Kappa and DS Smith. However, manufacturers favour setting up local operations close to their customers and have industrial sites in most major regions.
Highly dependent on the economic climate, and in particular on food packaging production and manufacturing, the paper and packaging industry in Europe has faced major upheavals in recent years. After a record year in 2022, marked by a sharp rise in activity and a significant improvement in operating performance, the sector suffered a sharp decline in 2023 and 2024. Due to an unprecedented drop in demand and deflationary pressures, the sector's revenue plunged by 11% in two years in Europe.
Today, cardboard and paperboard packaging manufacturers operate in a mature market where growth opportunities are rare. For several years, the industry has been undergoing a phase of consolidation, with an increasing number of mergers and acquisitions across Europe. Cardboard manufacturers have also followed their customers' lead, shifting business operations to Eastern European countries where price and production costs are more competitive, and the local market is dynamic.
One of the key challenges for the paper and cardboard packaging industry is the transition towards a more circular economic model. This shift involves adopting more sustainable packaging solutions—82% of packaging materials are currently recycled—and reducing the carbon footprint of operations. In the food packaging sector, the push to eliminate plastic presents an opportunity for industry leaders to strengthen their positions and attract new customers.
Additionally, the new European regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste Reduction (PPWR) will come into force in August 2026. By significantly expanding circularity policies, the PPWR is set to reshape the balance within the packaging market. Paper bag and corrugated packaging manufacturers will need to adapt to new sustainability requirements while maintaining cost efficiency.
In around thirty slides, the executive summary gives access to the conclusions of the study on the market outlook to 2030, dynamics of competition and strategic challenges within the industry.
Market drivers and demand indicators : economic situation in Europe and by country, analysis of the impact of the new PPWR regulations, competition from other materials, dynamics of customer markets at European level and by country (agri-food, FMCG, transport/logistics, e-commerce).
The latest market figures for Europe : the size and structure of the paperboard packaging market by country, market dynamics in Europe and in 4 key countries (Germany, Italy, Spain, France).
Indicators for European manufacturers : paper and board packaging production, prices, revenues and financial performance of manufacturers in Europe and in the main countries.
Xerfi's 2030 market and revenue forecasts for manufacturers
- The hunt for plastic in the food industry opens up new prospects / Case studies : DS Smith, Calsberg, Frugalpac
- Aiming for packaging reduction / Case studies : Pernod Ricard, LVMH, Smurfit Kappa
- New packaging requirements of e-commerce / Case studies : Amazon, Mondi, CMC
- Targeting zero GHG emissions by 2050 / Case study : Smurfit Kappa
- Towards 100% recyclable and more recycled paperboard / Case study : Tetra Pak
- Securing supplies as a priority in the industry / Case study : Smurfit Kappa
- Demand shifting to Eastern Europe / Case studies : Stora Enso, VPK, Tetra Pak
- The importance of consolidation to cope with the market levelling off / Case study : Smurfit West Rock
The exclusive ranking of the most attractive countries
Country positions and rankings for some twenty competitiveness criteria
- Market potential: size and dynamics of the domestic market, outlook to 2030
- Economic environment: density of the industrial ecosystem, logistics performance, intra-sectoral competition, energy prices, corporate tax rates, etc.
- Human capital: level of education, availability of labour, productivity and labour costs
The 15 most attractive countries : Germany, Italy, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Turkey, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Portugal and Hungary.
The forces at work in the European paper and board packaging industry : rankings, market share, financial performance, positioning and location of leading groups
Key operators : DS Smith, Graphic Packaging, International Paper, Mayr-Melnhof, Mondi, Palm, Saica, Smurfit Kappa, Stora Enso, Tetra Laval, VPK Packaging
Top 200 companies in Europe : location, revenue, Ebitda, staff costs
Companies covered
Tables and charts
Related reports
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