The global liquid packaging cartons market size was valued at USD 13.15 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18.81 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.85% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. The market growth is driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable and recyclable packaging materials, reinforced by stringent environmental regulations and technological advancements in manufacturing. Increasing applications in the food and beverage sector also contribute to the expanding market.
STUDY ASSUMPTION YEARS
- Base Year: 2024
- Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
- Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033
LIQUID PACKAGING CARTONS MARKET KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Current Market Size: USD 13.15 Billion in 2024
- CAGR: 3.85%
- Forecast Period: 2025-2033
- Europe dominates with over 46.5% market share in 2024.
- Consumer preference is shifting towards sustainable and recyclable materials made primarily from paperboard.
- Stringent environmental regulations globally are promoting the adoption of eco-friendly packaging.
- Technological advancements in materials and manufacturing improve shelf life and product protection.
- The United States is a key market due to demand for sustainable packaging and innovations.
Sample Request Link:
https://www.imarcgroup.com/liquid-packaging-cartons-market/requestsample
MARKET GROWTH FACTORS
The liquid packaging cartons market is principally driven by increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions. With heightened environmental concerns, consumers and companies are prioritizing alternatives to plastic, favoring recyclable liquid cartons made from renewable materials. Design innovations, such as lightweight packaging and advanced shelf-life protection, enhance market appeal, especially across the beverage, dairy, and food sectors. The ready-to-drink trend among on-the-go consumers further fuels market growth.
Global awareness is shifting significantly towards sustainable packaging options. Reports indicate that 82% of consumers, including 90% of young adults, are willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaging despite inflation. The cartons are eco-friendly, helping reduce emissions and aligning with consumers’ environmental stewardship values. Campaigns reinforcing ecological awareness additionally support market expansion, as these cartons are lightweight, recyclable, and sourced from responsible forestry.
Regulatory bodies worldwide are imposing stringent regulations aimed at minimizing environmental impact, encouraging recycling, and promoting biodegradable or renewable packaging materials. Liquid packaging cartons, composed of paperboard and recyclable plastics, align with these regulations, enhancing their demand. Compliance with such regulations also offers companies a competitive edge by demonstrating commitment to sustainability, supported by government bans on non-biodegradable packaging in several countries, favoring environmentally responsible solutions.
MARKET SEGMENTATION
Analysis by Carton Type:
- Brick Liquid Cartons: The largest segment, constituting around 40.6% of the market in 2024. Designed as rectangular prisms optimizing space utilization and logistics efficiency, made from renewable paperboard with protective layers of plastic and aluminum. Manufacturing efficiency leads to cost savings.
- Shaped Liquid Cartons
- Gable Top Cartons
Analysis by Packaging Type:
- Flexible Liquid Packaging: Lighter than traditional packaging, reducing transportation costs and energy use. Conforms to product shape, reduces wasted space, preserves freshness, and extends shelf life.
- Rigid Liquid Packaging: Provides robust physical protection, stability during handling and transport, and excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and contaminants to preserve quality and shelf life.
Analysis by Shelf Life:
- Long Shelf Life Cartons: Hold around 57.6% market share in 2024. Engineered with multilayer materials preventing air and light entry, preserving taste, texture, and nutrition. Enables distribution without refrigeration and reduces retail wastage.
- Short Shelf Life Cartons
Analysis by End User:
- Liquid Dairy Products: Leading segment with 45.0% market share in 2024. Includes milk, yogurt, and cream requiring packaging for freshness and contamination prevention. Increasing sustainability focus in dairy enhances demand.
- Non-Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Liquid Foods
- Alcoholic Beverages
REGIONAL INSIGHTS
Europe leads the liquid packaging cartons market with over 46.5% market share in 2024. Growth is driven by strict environmental regulations, increasing consumer environmental awareness, and a strong recycling infrastructure. The region benefits from leading packaging companies investing in advanced liquid packaging solutions and a growing food and beverage industry requiring sustainable packaging. Supportive government policies promoting circular economy principles further boost market expansion.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS & NEWS
- October 2024: Tetra Pak partnered with Lactalis to introduce ISCC PLUS-certified recycled polymers in carton packaging sourced from recycled beverage cartons in Spain, committing €100 million annually for circular packaging development.
- September 2024: Carton Service CSI invested USD 10 Million in expanding its liquid packaging facility in Shelby, Ohio, enhancing printing, sealing, and testing capabilities, focusing on gable-top cartons for various liquids.
- June 2024: Zotefoams, with Refresco, advanced ReZorce® beverage carton trials, signing the first contract manufacturing partner for 100 million carton capacity, emphasizing recyclability.
- May 2024: UFlex launched advanced liquid packaging solutions, including 5L spout pouches for detergents and 5kg stand-up spout pouches for food batter, along with high-barrier films and coatings.
- February 2024: Dr. Bronner’s introduced a 32 oz soap refill carton, reducing plastic use and confirming paper cartons as the most sustainable option.
KEY PLAYERS
- Adam Pack S.A.
- Billerud AB
- Elopak
- Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co. Ltd.
- IPI s.r.l. (Coesia S.p.A.)
- Mondi plc
- Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.
- Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
- SIG Combibloc Group Ltd. (Reynolds Group Holdings)
- Smurfit Kappa Group plc
- Tetra Laval Group
- Uflex Limited
Customization Note:
If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.
ABOUT US
IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.
CONTACT US
IMARC Group
134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Email: sales@imarcgroup.com
Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800
United States: +1-201971-6302
