Corrugated fiberboard, paper container, paper cup, paper carton, paper bag, molded pulp

Manufacturers and developers

In recent years, those who use packaging have become more conscious of sustainability when choosing materials. The enactment of the Plastic Resource Circulation Act has prompted them to promote environmentally conscious practices throughout the supply chain. Package converters are now required to suggest sustainable materials that reduce emissions, minimize plastic use, and promote resource circulation. In this context, paper packaging is once again in the spotlight as a sustainable option. 
This report covers six types of paper packaging—corrugated fiberboards, paper containers, paper cups, paper cartons, paper bags, and molded pulp—and compiles the respective market trends and marketability.

I. Status and Perspectives of the Paper Packaging Market

• The paper packaging market is worth 1.95 trillion yen.
• Although rising commodity prices have slowed demand for paper packaging, price adjustments seem to help ensure continued market growth in FY2025.
• There is a growing need for paper materials that offer additional environmental benefits beyond sustainability and being plant-based.
• A collection scheme for primary food packaging is underway.
• How will the paper packaging market be in FY2030?
• This report forecasts the market size by value and volume through FY2030.

II. Corrugated Fiberboard Market Trends

• Rising commodity prices have greatly impacted the demand for corrugated fiberboards. Demand from mail order, home delivery, and moving services, which had underpinned the market, has finally declined.
• Market shrinkage is anticipated for FY2025 due to slowing beverage demand, a key driver of corrugated fiberboard demand.
• In the spring of 2024, manufacturers were out of sync in raising product prices.
• Integrated manufacturers that produce both corrugated base paper and products raised prices simultaneously for shipments starting in October 2025.
• Large corrugated base paper machines have been operating in succession since 2020. However, their operating rate has decreased due to slower domestic demand and exports.
• This report covers the demand forecast for corrugated sheet production through FY2030.

III. Paper Container Market Trends

• Despite consumers' reluctance to purchase, price adjustments helped the paper container market grow in both FY2023 and FY2024.
• Since the price of paper boards has increased, further price adjustments are anticipated in FY2025, which will likely contribute to continued market growth.
• The food sector is expected to continue growing due to price adjustments, despite slower demand caused by consumer hesitation.
• In FY2024, demand for paper containers for cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, and prescribed medicines showed an uptick.
• The micro flute market size reached a new record in FY2024, but growth slowed due to shrinking demand for takeout food and a shift toward lower-priced consumption.
• The market is expected to experience hindrance through FY2030, due to growing preferences for reduced and flexible packaging.

IV. Paper Cup Market Trends

• The growth of the paper cup market has slowed due to rising prices of paper cups for both beverages and food, which generated purchase hesitation.
• Drinking paper cups for both non-vending and vending machines have trended downward since FY2024.
• Manufacturers are adding value to non-vending paper cups by offering them with lids.
• Sales of paper cups for food increased in FY2025 due to robust demand for food sold at convenience stores, such as pasta, bento boxes, and snacks, in addition to steady demand for cups for soups, cup noodles, and ice cream.
• Environmental initiatives have progressed, including the use of biomass ink, the recycling of used cups and wastepaper, and modal shift implementations.

V. Market Trends of Paper Carton Containers for Liquid

• While IOP, Toppan, and DNP use domestically produced base paper, other companies continue to use imported base paper.
• Price revisions by paper carton manufacturers persist due to rising various costs and a weaker yen.
• Paper cartons of new shapes in personal sizes are growing in popularity, as they respond to requests for unique shapes and diverse contents.
• DNP/SIG Combibloc and Nippon Paper Industries have entered the market where Tetra Pak Japan has been dominant.
• The market size by volume has leveled off or declined. Consumers prefer smaller sizes due to price increases.
• For milk and processed milk containers, which are the core applications, two-thirds of the milk used for school lunches has shifted to environmentally friendly cartons. 
• For paper carton containers for soft drinks, those for fruit juices are experiencing predicament due to soaring juice prices. However, demand for containers of vegetable juice and soy milk is robust due to growing health consciousness.
• Tetra Pak Japan continues to occupy a large market share.
• No changes have been observed for paper cartons containing alcohol beverages due to fixed customer bases and the maturity of the digitization rate.
• Both Toppan and DNP have made suggestions to use biomass-based and recycled materials.
• Paper carton containers intended to replace plastic bottles have shifted their appeal from environmental friendliness to improved convenience.
• The initiatives, primarily by Tetra Pak Japan and Oji Holdings, have made aluminum-coated paper cartons recyclable.

VI. Paper Bag Market Trends

• While the paper bag market is growing robustly in value, its growth in volume is slowing.
• Rising commodity prices have created a disparity between tote bag types and gusseted paper bags.
• Tote bag types: The introduction of a fee, rising commodity prices, and prevailing ecommerce have taken a toll. There is limited demand from inbound tourists.
• Gusseted paper bags: Robust demand from fast food restaurants and growing demand from home delivery services. 
• The market will continue to diversify between tote bags and gusseted paper bags in FY2030.

VII. Molded Pulp Market Trend

• Despite their reputation for eco-friendliness, demand has slowed lately due to the decreasing demand for takeout services.
• In FY2024, declining demand from takeout services was offset by demand from large-scale events.
• Currently, there are 15 to 20 businesses in the market. Since 2000, new market entrants have explored the market and established their roles.
• The market has entered an era where sales representatives are required to suggest ample options and conduct consultative sales with customers.
• The market continues to grow due to smaller price gaps with plastic containers, increased new applications, and stricter regulations on disposable plastics.
• The wet-pressed molded pulp market is expected to grow. Further growth is anticipated if commodity prices stabilize and regulations on disposable plastics tighten.
• Profiles of Market Players: 7 Companies