Europe Paperboard Packaging Market size exceeded USD 31.01 billion in 2019 and is estimated to witness 2.9% CAGR from 2020 to 2026. 

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Paperboard packaging is the most preferred packaging material used in various end-user industries such as the food & beverage and electronic industries. The growing consumption of consumer goods and rapid modernization of transitioning regional economies are the major driving forces promoting the market growth. Government entities are actively introducing and promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solutions to decrease environmental impact and increase consumer awareness.

The major end-users are focusing on sustainability as a major competitive factor to maintain their market share. These companies are branding themselves as sustainable and eco-friendly organizations. For instance, in January 2020, Nestle announced a USD 1.9 billion investment to lead the shift from virgin plastic to recycled food-grade plastic, an innovative and sustainable packaging alternative. Companies focus on downsizing of packaging (light-weighting), increased use of recycled content, improvement in logistics & packaging efficiency, increased use of renewable source materials, and increased waste recovery coupled with recycling. Most companies are a part of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, an industry group dedicated to a robust environmental vision for packaging.

The impact of COVID-19 has positively impacted Europe paperboard packaging industry, primarily driven by the food & beverage industry. During the early spread of the virus, the demand for essential packed food & beverage products surged and companies struggled to fulfill the rapidly changing demand landscape and faced supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, the rapid rise in e-commerce promoted the growth of paperboard packaging in F&B and online pharmacy & drug store sales. Owing to stringent lockdowns and movement restrictions, factors such as excessive essential buying, panic buying, and prioritizing consumer expenses ultimately drive the market demand.

Europe Market, By Raw Material

The recycled source segment dominated more than 70% Europe paperboard packaging market share in 2019, on account of increasing recycling efforts and government initiatives. Europe accounts for major recycling operations and is expected to further increase its efforts owing to aggressive environmental targets and increasing consumer awareness. Fresh source is further segmented into wood pulp and other sources. Wood pulp is a major shareholder in the fresh source segment due to high-quality and existing industry expertise with the material. The wood-based fresh source is also essentially dominant due to an established supply chain and superior recyclable properties.

Europe Market, By Product

The containerboard segment is anticipated to show tremendous growth till 2026, credited to its lightweight characteristics to increase supply chain efficiency and superior product safety. The product boasts structural toughness, resistance to damage from stacking, and minimal impact.

Europe Paperboard Packaging Market, By Application

The food & beverage segment will observe around 2.2% growth rate during the forecast period. The segment is a major consumer of disposable and one-time-use packaging solutions. Increasing prospects of processed food & beverages, especially in the developed EU economies are expected to drive the industry growth significantly.

Europe Market, By Country

Germany paperboard packaging market accounted for 35% revenue share in 2019. The country is the largest EU economy and has witnessed consecutive growth in terms of domestic packaging consumption and production. Stringent environmental norms in Germany have provided the industry size.

Competitive Industry Landscape

Prominent participants operating across the Europe paperboard packaging market includes Mondi Plc, Metsa Group, Stora Enso Oyj, Smurfit Kappa Group Plc, Nippon Paper Group, International Paper Company, and several others.