Europe Paper Packaging Market Size & Forecast 2025–2033

The Europe Paper Packaging Market is undergoing a powerful transformation driven by environmental awareness, government regulations, and tightening sustainability standards across industries. According to Renub Research, the market is projected to grow from US$ 110.88 billion in 2024 to US$ 158.23 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 4.03% from 2025 to 2033. With consumers, governments, and corporations now aligned toward reducing plastic usage, paper packaging has emerged as one of the most rapidly growing and future-ready segments of the packaging industry.

As one of the world’s most environmentally conscious regions, Europe continues to set benchmarks for circular economy models, waste reduction, and sustainable production practices. Paper packaging—fully recyclable, biodegradable, and often made from responsibly sourced materials—fits seamlessly within this framework.

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Europe Paper Packaging Market Outlook

Paper packaging includes a broad range of products such as corrugated boxes, folding cartons, paper bags, paper sacks, and liquid paperboard cartons. These materials are widely used in retail, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, homecare, logistics, and especially the surging e-commerce sector.

Europe’s strong environmental consciousness, coupled with the EU’s aggressive regulatory stance against single-use plastics, is accelerating the shift toward paper-based alternatives. Countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom lead this transition, supported by highly efficient recycling infrastructures and public demand for sustainable solutions.

The rising popularity of biodegradable products and the increasing push from brands toward carbon-neutral packaging continue to position Europe as a global leader in paper packaging adoption. In grocery chains, convenience food outlets, and even luxury packaging segments, paper-based solutions are becoming the new standard.

Key Drivers Fueling Market Growth

1. Growing Need for Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability is at the center of Europe’s packaging revolution. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has introduced stringent measures to boost recycling rates, cut plastic waste, and ensure all packaging is recyclable by 2030. As a result, beverage carton recycling and circular production practices have grown significantly across Central and Eastern Europe.

Industry-wide investments reflect this shift. The European carton packaging sector has already attracted EUR 200 million (USD 216 million) in recent years, with an additional EUR 120 million (USD 129.6 million) expected by 2027. The aim is clear: to create future-proof packaging solutions that align with environmental commitments and reduce reliance on fossil-based materials.

Consumers are also voting with their wallets. Surveys show that European buyers prefer brands that use recyclable or compostable packaging, and many are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly alternatives. This behavioral shift gives paper packaging a long-term competitive advantage that other materials struggle to match.

2. Expansion of the E-Commerce Industry

E-commerce has become a defining pillar of Europe’s retail economy. The surge in online orders—from groceries to electronics—requires sturdy, lightweight, and sustainable packaging materials. This has led to heightened demand for:

Corrugated shipping boxes

Paper mailers

Protective paper fillers

Kraft envelopes

In 2025, the European Commission launched the Single Market Simplification Strategy, designed to reduce paperwork costs by EUR 400 million annually and promote cross-border SME growth. As small and medium retailers expand online, the need for efficient, recyclable, and cost-effective paper packaging solutions intensifies further.

3. Rising Demand from the Food & Beverage Industry

Food and beverage manufacturers are among the largest consumers of paper packaging. The shift toward healthier and environmentally conscious lifestyles has prompted consumers to prefer products packaged in biodegradable materials.

Innovations in paper-based food packaging—such as compostable takeaway containers, recyclable beverage cartons, and grease-resistant food wraps—are transforming the sector.

One notable example is Vieve, a start-up that launched vegan protein beverages in May 2022. This innovative brand claims to be among the first to introduce “vegan water” fortified with plant-based proteins, packaged in eco-conscious materials. Such product launches illustrate how health trends, sustainability awareness, and packaging innovation are merging to create new business opportunities.

Challenges Confronting the Market

1. Raw Material Price Volatility

Wood pulp—paper’s primary raw material—often experiences sharp price fluctuations due to supply chain disruptions, global demand imbalances, and climatic variations affecting forestry output. These irregularities squeeze margins for paper manufacturers and sometimes make paper-based solutions pricier than plastics or bioplastics.

2. Competition from Alternative Sustainable Materials

Paper packaging is sustainable, but it is not the only green option. Bioplastics, compostable films, and reusable containers have unique benefits such as moisture resistance and high durability. While paper excels in recyclability and biodegradability, these competing solutions may restrict its growth in specific applications, especially in sectors requiring high barrier protection.

Segment Insights

Europe Corrugated Boxes Market

Corrugated boxes dominate the European paper packaging landscape due to their strength, durability, and high recyclability rates. They remain indispensable in retail, manufacturing, shipping, and most notably, the booming e-commerce sector. Newer innovative designs—such as lightweight corrugated structures and reinforced surfaces—are helping reduce material usage while maintaining strength.

Europe Food & Beverage Paper Packaging Market

Paper packaging is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for food & beverage brands aiming to reduce plastic dependence. EU regulations limiting plastic usage in food-contact applications further support this trend. Growing demand for organic, health-oriented, and clean-label products has strengthened the need for recyclable, food-safe paper packaging solutions.

Europe E-Commerce Paper Packaging Market

The e-commerce sector is one of the most powerful contributors to the region’s paper packaging demand. Consumer expectation for sustainable packaging, coupled with increasing regulatory pressure to eliminate plastic fillers and non-recyclable packaging materials, is reshaping industry dynamics. Innovations such as reinforced mailers, shock-absorbing paper fillers, and foldable corrugated designs are gaining traction.

Europe Healthcare Paper Packaging Market

Healthcare manufacturers are adopting paper packaging to meet both safety and sustainability requirements. Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and OTC products now increasingly use paper-based cartons, pouches, and leaflets to ensure hygiene, product protection, and regulatory compliance. EU guidelines promoting reduced plastic use further propel this growth.

Country Analysis

France

France is one of Europe’s strongest proponents of green packaging, supported by strict national laws and EU sustainability frameworks. The country’s bans on single-use plastics and the growing preference for eco-conscious brands have accelerated the adoption of paper packaging in retail, cosmetics, food services, and luxury sectors.

United Kingdom

The UK’s transition toward a circular economy has positioned paper packaging at the forefront of its sustainability agenda. Retailers and e-commerce giants have introduced ambitious recycling goals, with many shifting fully to recyclable paper packaging for deliveries and in-store purchases.

Netherlands

The Netherlands exemplifies Europe’s commitment to sustainable packaging through its strong recycling systems and government-backed eco-initiatives. Paper products are preferred for their recyclability and reduced carbon footprint, particularly in agriculture, grocery retail, and e-commerce fulfillment.

Russia

Russia’s paper packaging market is expanding steadily, driven by food & beverage consumption, retail growth, and a rising awareness of sustainability. Although environmental initiatives are progressing more slowly compared to Western Europe, ongoing government efforts to reduce plastic waste are boosting paper packaging adoption.

Europe Paper Packaging Market Segmentation

By Product Type

Corrugated Boxes

Folding Boxes and Cases

Liquid Paperboard Cartons

Paper Bags and Sacks

Others

By End Use

Food & Beverage

E-Commerce

Electrical & Electronics

Home Care

Personal Care & Cosmetics

Automotive & Industrial

Healthcare

Others

By Country

France

Germany

Italy

Spain

United Kingdom

Belgium

Netherlands

Russia

Poland

Greece

Norway

Romania

Portugal

Rest of Europe

Key Players Covered

(With company overview, key personnel, recent developments, SWOT analysis & revenue insights)

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.

Final Thoughts

The Europe Paper Packaging Market is entering an era of unprecedented growth fueled by sustainability imperatives, evolving consumer expectations, and progressive EU policies. As industries—from food and beverages to healthcare and e-commerce—continue shifting toward environmentally responsible packaging, paper-based materials stand at the center of this transformation.

Innovation, recyclability, and circular economy principles will remain the driving forces shaping the industry through 2033. With strong government backing, increasing investments, and rising environmental consciousness, Europe is set to maintain its position as a global leader in sustainable paper packaging for years to come.