Liquid Packaging Carton Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Liquid Packaging Carton Market is accounted for $21.82 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $34.56 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Liquid packaging cartons are containers made from paperboard, polyethylene, and aluminum foil, primarily used for packaging liquids like milk, juice, and other beverages. They are designed to be lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly, often featuring a combination of layers for strength, barrier protection, and preservation of contents. These cartons typically have a spout or cap for easy pouring and resealing, making them convenient for consumers. The use of renewable materials and efficient production processes contributes to their sustainability.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India is considered to be the 4th largest fast-moving consumer goods market in 2020.

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

Escalating consumer preference for convenience

Consumers increasingly prioritize hassle-free solutions, favouring packaging that offers ease of use and portability. Liquid packaging cartons, with their lightweight and resealable designs, cater to this preference, providing convenient solutions for on-the-go consumption. This trend is further fuelled by busy lifestyles and the need for quick, practical packaging options. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on innovations that enhance convenience features, such as ergonomic designs and easy-to-open closures, to meet evolving consumer expectations and secure a competitive edge in the market.

Restraint:

Limited barrier properties

Liquid packaging cartons typically have limited barrier properties due to their construction materials, which often include paperboard and thin layers of plastic or aluminum. These limited barriers can lead to issues such as permeation of oxygen, moisture, and light, which can compromise the quality and shelf life of the packaged liquid contents. As a result, products may have shorter shelf lives or require additional preservatives, affecting consumer perception and potentially hampering market growth as consumers increasingly demand longer shelf life and more sustainable packaging options.

Opportunity:

Growing packaged food & beverage industry

As consumer demand for convenient, on-the-go products continues to rise, there is a corresponding increase in the need for efficient and sustainable packaging solutions. Liquid packaging cartons offer advantages such as lightweight construction, extended shelf life, and eco-friendliness, making them increasingly favoured by manufacturers and consumers alike. With the packaged food and beverage sector showing no signs of slowing down, the liquid packaging carton market is poised for sustained growth as it aligns with evolving consumer preferences and industry trends.

Threat:

Supply chain challenges

Supply chain challenges in liquid packaging cartons stem from complexities in sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, and distribution. Issues like fluctuating material costs, transportation constraints, and production delays can disrupt supply continuity. These challenges hinder market growth by leading to inconsistent product availability, increased costs, and reduced efficiency. Additionally, supply chain disruptions may impact customer satisfaction due to delayed deliveries or product shortages, thereby affecting market competitiveness and profitability.

Covid-19 Impact

The covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the liquid packaging carton market worldwide. Disruptions in the supply chain, labor shortages, and fluctuating raw material prices led to production delays and increased operational costs for manufacturers. Additionally, changes in consumer behaviour, such as a shift towards online shopping and bulk purchasing, influenced demand patterns for liquid packaging cartons. However, the increased focus on hygiene and food safety during the pandemic boosted demand for packaged goods, especially in the healthcare and essential goods sectors, mitigating some of the market's negative effects.

The tetra pak segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The tetra pak segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth. Tetra Pak cartons are made from layers of paperboard, plastic, and aluminum, providing a lightweight yet sturdy packaging option that protects the contents from external factors such as light, air, and bacteria. Tetra Pak's cartons are designed to extend the shelf life of products while maintaining their nutritional value and taste. With a focus on sustainability, tetra pak also offers recycling programs for their cartons, contributing to a more environmentally friendly packaging solution for liquid products. 

The food & beverages segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The food & beverages segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Liquid packaging cartons provide a convenient, lightweight, and environmentally friendly packaging solution that helps to preserve the freshness and flavor of the contents. They are often made from paperboard or other renewable materials and can be customized with various designs and shapes to suit the specific needs of different food and beverage products. Liquid packaging cartons offer advantages such as ease of storage, transportation, and recycling making them a popular choice in the industry.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to increasing urbanization, rising disposable income, and changing consumer lifestyles. Key countries like China, India, and Japan are witnessing significant demand for liquid packaging cartons, particularly in the dairy, beverages, and pharmaceutical sectors. Growing awareness regarding sustainable packaging solutions further propels market expansion. Moreover, advancements in packaging technology and government initiatives promoting food safety and hygiene standards contribute to the market's positive outlook, creating opportunities for key players in the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for convenient and sustainable packaging solutions. The United States and Canada are the major contributors to this growth, driven by the rising consumption of beverages, dairy products, and liquid foods. Consumers' preference for eco-friendly packaging materials and the emphasis on product safety and freshness are driving innovation in the market. Additionally, advancements in packaging technology and the presence of key players focusing on product diversification further fuel the expansion of the liquid packaging carton market in the region.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Liquid Packaging Carton Market include Tetra Pak, SIG Combibloc Group, Elopak, Sainsbury Design, Greatview Aseptic Packaging, Refresco Group, Nippon Paper Industries Corporation, Stora Enso Oyj, Billerud AB, Smurfit Kappa, Comar LLC, Ariake Japan Limited, Klabin S.A., Metsa Board Oyj, Nampak Limited, Weyerhaeuser Company, Uflex Limited and Evergreen Packaging.

Key Developments:

In November 2023, Ariake, a leading Japanese company, launched premium liquid broths in SIG carton packs. The carton packs are claimed to be ‘unbreakable’ and ‘lightweight’, which makes them convenient for transportation and distribution. They help preserve the contained liquid food products’ taste, natural nutrients, flavours, and colours.

In March 2023, UK-based supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has introduced sustainable packaging for its own-brand liquid laundry detergent. The packaging will feature across all Sainsbury’s own-brand 750ml laundry detergents, replacing the previous sleeved plastic packaging.

Products Covered:
• Gable Top Cartons
• Brick Liquid Cartons
• Tetra Pak
• Shaped Cartons
• Pillow Pack Cartons
• Other Products

Materials Covered:
• Paperboard
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Aluminum
• Other Materials

Capacities Covered:
• Less than 250 ml
• 250 ml to 500 ml
• 500 ml to 1000 ml
• Above 1000 ml

Distribution Channels Covered:
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Specialty Stores
• Other Distribution Channels

End Users Covered:
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care & Cosmetics 
• Household Products
• Food & Beverages
• Chemicals
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances