Kraft Liner Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product (Unbleached, Bleached and Other Products), Basis Weight (Up to 250 GSM, 250 to 400 GSM and Above 400 GSM), Distribution Channel, Packaging Type, Grade, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Kraft Liner Market is accounted for $46.23 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $83.96 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. Kraft liner, a type of paperboard, is renowned for its strength and durability. It's produced from a mixture of Kraft pulp, which is derived from wood fibers treated with a chemical pulping process. The distinctive brown color comes from the natural wood fibers used in its production. Kraft liner finds extensive use in packaging applications, particularly for corrugated boxes, where its robustness is paramount for protecting goods during transportation.

According to India Brand Equity Foundation, The Indian E-commerce industry has been on an upward growth trajectory and is expected to surpass the US to become the second largest E-commerce market in the world by 2034. According to DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE e. V., the Germany paper sector ranks first in Europe and fourth worldwide. Around 3000 different varieties of paper, cardboard, and paperboard are produced in Germany to meet a wide range of needs.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growth in E-commerce

The growth in e-commerce has been a significant driver of the Kraft liner market due to the surge in online shopping, which has increased the demand for packaging materials like Kraft liners to protect products during shipping. Kraft liners offer sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, aligning with the growing consumer preference for environmentally responsible products. The rise of direct-to-consumer brands and small businesses selling online has created a greater need for customizable and cost-effective packaging solutions, which Kraft liners can provide.

Restraint:

Raw material availability

The raw material availability constraint are due to the limitations in the procurement of key inputs required for manufacturing Kraft Liner paper, primarily pulp derived from wood fiber. Factors such as fluctuations in wood supply, environmental regulations impacting logging practices, and competition for raw materials from other industries can affect availability. Additionally, seasonal variations, natural disasters, and geopolitical factors may disrupt supply chains, influencing material availability and pricing. Such constraints can challenge Kraft Liner manufacturers to manage costs, explore alternative fiber sources, or invest in sustainable forestry practices to ensure a steady and reliable supply of raw materials for production.

Opportunity:

Collaboration and partnerships

Collaboration and partnerships present a strategic opportunity for companies to leverage complementary strengths and resources. By teaming up with suppliers, distributors, or even competitors, companies can enhance their product offerings, expand market reach, and optimize supply chains. Collaborations also foster innovation by pooling expertise and sharing research and development costs, leading to improved product quality and sustainability practices. Furthermore, partnerships enable companies to access new markets and tap into diverse customer bases, driving mutual growth and profitability.

Threat:

Shifts in consumer preferences

As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness, there's a growing demand for packaging materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, and environmentally responsible. If Kraft Liner manufacturers fail to adapt to these changing preferences, they risk losing market share to alternative packaging materials that align better with consumer values. Additionally, evolving consumer lifestyles and purchasing habits, such as the rise of e-commerce and the demand for convenient packaging solutions, can further challenge the relevance of Kraft Liner in the market.

Covid-19 Impact:

Initially, disruptions in global supply chains led to shortages of raw materials and logistical challenges, affecting production and distribution. Fluctuating consumer demand due to lockdowns and economic uncertainty further complicated matters causing shifts in purchasing patterns and inventory management. While the e-commerce and packaging sectors surged, traditional sectors like retail and manufacturing experienced downturns. Additionally, stringent health and safety measures introduced additional operational costs for producers. Despite these challenges, the market witnessed adaptation strategies, such as digitalization and innovation in packaging solutions, to navigate the crisis and anticipate future uncertainties.

The bleached segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The growth in the bleached segment within the Kraft Liner market can be attributed to rising demand for high-quality packaging materials, especially in industries like food and beverages, where product presentation is crucial. Bleached Kraft Liner offers a smoother, brighter surface compared to its unbleached counterpart, making it more suitable for printing and enhancing brand aesthetics. Environmental concerns are driving the shift towards sustainable packaging solutions, and bleached Kraft Liner can be sourced from sustainably managed forests and recycled materials.

The healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The healthcare segment has seen notable growth due to increased awareness of hygiene and sanitation standards in medical facilities, which has led to a higher demand for packaging solutions that ensure product safety and sterility. Furthermore, the rise in e-commerce platforms for medical supplies has fuelled the need for robust packaging materials to protect sensitive healthcare products during transit. Advancements in Kraft Liner technology, such as moisture resistance and durability, have made them increasingly suitable for healthcare applications. This has made manufacturers to expand their product offerings and investing in research and development to cater to this growing segment, driving overall market growth.

Region with largest share:

In recent years, the North American region has experienced significant growth in the Kraft liner market. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, which have driven the adoption of Kraft Liner, which is renowned for its recyclability and eco-friendliness. The rise of e-commerce and online shopping has boosted the need for robust packaging materials like Kraft Liner to ensure product protection during transit. Innovations in manufacturing processes and technologies have enhanced the efficiency and quality of Kraft Liner production, further fueling market growth.

Region with highest CAGR:

The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed significant growth due to industrialization and urbanization, especially in emerging economies like China and India. Increasing e-commerce activities have led to a surge in demand for sturdy and sustainable packaging solutions, further boosting the Kraft Liner market. The region's robust manufacturing sector and expanding consumer base are also driving market growth. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting sustainable practices and investments in packaging infrastructure further support the expansion of the Kraft Liner market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Kraft Liner market include BillerudKorsnas AB, DS Smith Plc, Georgia-Pacific LLC, International Paper Company, KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation, Klabin S.A., Mondi Group, Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited, Packaging Corporation of America, Pratt Industries, Inc., Rengo Co., Ltd., Smurfit Kappa Group, Stora Enso Oyj, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) and WestRock Company.

Key Developments:

In April 2024, International Paper (IP) and DS Smith announced that they have reached a takeover agreement, resulting in a 66.3 per cent ownership of IP in the combined company and 33.7 per cent for DS Smith shareholders, implying a transaction value of about $9.9bn. The transaction is to create a global leader in packaging solutions focussing on the North American and European regions.

In April 2024, WestRock Company announced plans to build a new corrugated box plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, to meet growing demand from customers in the Great Lakes region. The company intends to close its existing plant in North Chicago when construction of the new facility is completed. This investment will position WestRock to increase its production capabilities and improve its cost profile in the Great Lakes region.

Products Covered:

• Unbleached
• Bleached
• Other Products

Basis Weights Covered:

• Up to 250 GSM
• 250 to 400 GSM
• Above 400 GSM

Distribution Channels Covered:

• Wholesale Distribution
• Packaging Industry
• Other Distribution Channels

Packaging Types Covered:

• Open Mouth Sacks
• Valve Sacks
• Other Packaging Types

Grades Covered:

• Semi-extensible
• Extensible
• Kraft
• Other Grades

End Users Covered:

• Electrical & Electronics
• Automotive & Allied Industries
• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare
• Chemicals & Fertilizers
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances