Europe Paper Packaging Market Forecast 2025–2033

According to Renub Research Europe Paper Packaging Market is projected to expand from US$ 110.88 billion in 2024 to US$ 158.23 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4,03% between 2025 and 2033. Heightened awareness of environmental sustainability, stricter government regulations on plastic use, and increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging materials are the primary forces accelerating the adoption of paper packaging across multiple industries in Europe.

With the region emerging as a global benchmark for circular economy principles, paper packaging is becoming the leading choice for retailers, manufacturers, e-commerce platforms, and food and beverage companies aiming to minimize carbon footprints.

Europe Paper Packaging Market Outlook

Paper packaging refers to the broad range of paper-based materials used to package, protect, and transport products in retail, shipping, manufacturing, and various commercial sectors. Common forms include corrugated cardboard boxes, folding cartons, paper bags, liquid paperboard cartons, and specialty wrapping papers.

Europe has become a hotspot for paper packaging due to its strong cultural and regulatory commitment to environmental protection. The recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable nature of paper aligns perfectly with EU priorities. As a result, companies across the region are shifting from plastic to paper alternatives to comply with legislation targeting the reduction of single-use plastics.

Demand is particularly strong within the retail, food & beverage, e-commerce, healthcare, and personal care industries. Consumers in Europe increasingly consider the sustainability of packaging when making purchasing decisions. Major brands are therefore integrating innovative paper packaging solutions into their operations to meet both regulatory requirements and environmental expectations, positioning Europe as a global leader in sustainable packaging innovation.

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Drivers for the Europe Paper Packaging Market Growth

Growing Need for Sustainable Packaging

Environmental consciousness has become deeply ingrained in European society. The adoption of paper packaging is driven not merely by trends but by long-term commitments to sustainability shared by governments, businesses, and consumers.

In recent years, Europe has seen significant growth in the recycling rates of beverage cartons, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. This progress aligns with the ambitious goals laid out in the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The industry has received robust investments—about EUR 200 million already committed, with a further EUR 120 million anticipated by 2027.

These investments underline the region’s dedication to circularity and ecological responsibility. As companies continue advancing recycling infrastructure and technologies, paper packaging becomes even more attractive as an environmentally preferred solution.

Growth of E-Commerce Industry

The rapid rise of e-commerce across Europe has significantly increased the need for durable, lightweight, and sustainable packaging materials. Paper mailers, corrugated boxes, paper envelopes, and recyclable cushioning materials have become the preferred choice for online retailers.

E-commerce platforms value paper packaging for its:

·        High protective strength

·        Cost effectiveness

·        Ease of recycling

·        Consumer appeal

In May 2025, the European Commission launched the Single Market Simplification Strategy, reducing annual paperwork costs by EUR 400 million. This initiative supports cross-border growth for SMEs and strengthens the regional e-commerce ecosystem, further increasing demand for efficient paper-based shipping solutions.

Food & Beverage Industry Growth

The food and beverage sector is one of the largest consumers of paper packaging in Europe. With major brands transitioning to compostable takeaway boxes, recyclable beverage cartons, and paper-based wrappers, the industry is making considerable strides toward plastic alternatives.

Consumer preferences for organic, natural, and clean-label products go hand in hand with sustainable packaging demands. A noteworthy example occurred in May 2022, when Vieve introduced vegan protein beverages in environmentally friendly packaging. Their introduction of “vegan water, ” made for flexitarians and new plant-based consumers, exemplifies how sustainable packaging is now a cornerstone of modern food and beverage branding.

Challenges in the Europe Paper Packaging Market

Price Volatility of Raw Materials

Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials—specifically wood pulp—present significant challenges for paper packaging manufacturers. High demand, supply chain disruptions, and limited forestry outputs can cause sudden price increases.

Rising raw material costs reduce profit margins for manufacturers and may temporarily make paper less competitive compared to alternative materials like bioplastics or reusable packaging systems. Long-term sustainability depends on stabilizing supply chains and increasing the availability of recycled paper materials.

Competition from Alternative Sustainable Materials

While paper packaging is one of the leading eco-friendly solutions, it still faces competition from materials such as:

·        Bioplastics

·        Compostable polymer films

·        Reusable packaging systems

·        Hybrid packaging combinations

These alternatives often offer advantages such as moisture resistance, durability, or barrier properties, making them preferred choices in certain applications. This competition can restrict paper packaging’s dominance in industries requiring high barrier performance.

Europe Corrugated Boxes Paper Packaging Market

Corrugated boxes remain a cornerstone of the European paper packaging market due to their durability, versatility, and recyclability. They are widely used across manufacturing, agriculture, e-commerce, and logistics sectors.

The shift toward lightweight and optimized corrugated designs is helping companies reduce material usage without compromising strength. Innovations such as digital printing, reinforced liners, and moisture-resistant coatings enhance both functionality and aesthetics, further boosting demand.

Europe Food & Beverage Paper Packaging Market

Paper packaging plays a crucial role in the food & beverage industry’s transition toward sustainability. Paper-based wrappers, beverage cartons, trays, cups, and containers provide environmentally responsible alternatives to plastic food packaging.

Strict EU policies regulating plastic food-contact materials have accelerated the shift to renewable and recyclable solutions. Growth in organic and clean-label food categories continues to support demand for food-safe, compostable, and attractive paper packaging.

Europe E-Commerce Paper Packaging Market

Online retail growth has generated unprecedented demand for sustainable packaging solutions across Europe. Companies are adopting corrugated shipping boxes, protective paper fillers, kraft mailers, and tamper-proof paper envelopes as part of their shift away from plastic packaging.

Consumer expectations for eco-friendly delivery packaging, combined with regulatory pressure, make e-commerce one of the fastest-growing segments in the European paper packaging market.

Europe Healthcare Paper Packaging Market

The healthcare sector in Europe is increasingly adopting paper packaging due to its recyclability, safety, and compliance with hygiene standards. Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and OTC products are widely adopting paper solutions for cartons, leaflets, and outer packaging.

The use of paper helps healthcare companies reduce plastic usage while complying with EU sustainability mandates. Paper packaging also ensures product protection, clear labeling, and tamper evidence, making it highly suitable for medical applications.

France Paper Packaging Market

France’s paper packaging market is strongly influenced by its strict environmental laws and highly eco-conscious consumers. The ban on single-use plastics and heavy support for circular economy initiatives accelerate demand for paper alternatives.

Industries such as cosmetics, food & beverage, and retail have rapidly adopted paper-based packaging to align with France’s ambitious sustainability goals.

United Kingdom Paper Packaging Market

The UK market is experiencing rapid growth driven by government regulations, corporate sustainability targets, and increasing consumer awareness. Retailers and e-commerce platforms are replacing plastic packaging with recyclable paper solutions to meet national recycling goals.

The UK’s emphasis on a circular economy continues to attract investment in advanced paper packaging technologies and materials.

Netherlands Paper Packaging Market

The Netherlands is a frontrunner in sustainable packaging innovation. With strong government support and environmentally conscious populations, Dutch companies across agriculture, retail, and e-commerce depend heavily on paper packaging to reduce environmental impact.

The country’s advanced recycling infrastructure strengthens the adoption of paper solutions across multiple sectors.

Russia Paper Packaging Market

Russia’s paper packaging market is expanding steadily, driven by increased consumption in food & beverage, retail, and e-commerce. Although sustainability trends progress at a slower pace than Western Europe, growing awareness and government measures to reduce plastic waste are creating opportunities for paper-based alternatives.

Market Segmentation

Product Type

·        Corrugated Boxes

·        Folding Boxes and Cases

·        Liquid Paperboard Cartons

·        Paper Bags and Sacks

·        Others

End Use

·        Food & Beverage

·        E-Commerce

·        Electrical & Electronic

·        Home Care

·        Personal Care & Cosmetic

·        Automotive & Industrial

·        Healthcare

·        Others

Country

·        France

·        Germany

·        Italy

·        Spain

·        United Kingdom

·        Belgium

·        Netherlands

·        Russia

·        Poland

·        Greece

·        Norway

·        Romania

·        Portugal

·        Rest of Europe

Key Company Profiles

Major companies influencing the Europe Paper Packaging Market include:

·        Amcor

·        DS Smith PLC

·        Pactiv Evergreen Inc.

·        WestRock Company

·        Mondi Group Plc

·        Smurfit Kappa

·        Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG

·        Billerud

·        Stora Enso Oyj

·        Rengo Co. Ltd.

These companies focus on recyclable materials, innovative packaging formats, lightweight solutions, and sustainable production technologies to maintain leadership in the evolving European market.