Europe Paper Packaging Market Expected to Reach USD 75.6 Billion by 2033 - IMARC Group

January 15, 2025 | Packaging

VIEW FULL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Europe Paper Packaging Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The Europe paper packaging market size was valued at USD 54.5 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 75.6 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.52% from 2025 to 2033.

Europe Paper Packaging Market

To get more information on this market, Request Sample

The widespread focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance impels rising advancements in the paper packaging industries in Europe. Companies are facing pressure to adopt creative solutions that meet functional and environmental requirements as consumers are extensively focusing on eco-friendly alternatives. Besides this, the growing awareness towards plastic's negative environmental consequences is encouraging firms to spend money on research and development activities to introduce high-performing and environmentally friendly packaging options, thereby driving up demand for renewable packaging solutions. Aligned with this trend, Parkside presented its Recoflex line of paper-based, recyclable, and flexible packaging solutions in April 2024, a significant milestone in the development of sustainable packaging solutions. This range includes freezer-proof paper, translucent barrier paper for food applications, and flow-wrap solutions designed for ambient products. Recoflex demonstrates how advanced barrier properties can align with sustainability goals without compromising on functionality.

In accordance with this, All4Labels unveiled STARPACK in November 2024, an FSC-certified and renewable paper bundling container that uses 80% usage of plastic packaging. This solution, which targets sectors including F&B and healthcare, underscores the rising demand for replacements that provide performance coupled with environmental friendliness. Notably, STARPACK earned the Liderpack Award, reflecting its innovative approach and alignment with market trends. Overall, in the paper packaging industries in Europe, several factors contribute to the market growth. Businesses are creating paper-based solutions to fulfill the various requirements of sectors like retail, healthcare, F&B, etc. Further, innovations that promote sustainability targets are being driven by the shift toward packaging that is recyclable and lightweight.

Europe Paper Packaging Market Statistics, By Country

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others. According to the report, Germany is leading the majority of the market share, driven by robust environmental regulations, cutting-edge manufacturing infrastructure, sustainability adherence, etc.

Germany Paper Packaging Market Trends:

Germany is leading the overall market due to its highly qualified workforce and substantial expenditures in innovations and research. Along with this, its environmentally friendly packaging solutions control a large portion of the market. Germany further solidified its position with projects like Mondi's FlexStudios, which started in November 2024. This 2,300 m² facility, which includes testing labs, pilot lines, and collaborative areas to spur creativity, acts as a center for the development of sustainable and flexible packaging in the country. Additionally, the elevating adoption of green technologies and the rising focus on reducing waste confirm its continued leadership in this sector.

France Paper Packaging Market Trends:

Industry players across France emphasize premium and luxury paper packaging, driven by its strong cosmetics and wine industries. The nation prioritizes eco-friendly solutions, such as biodegradable and recyclable paper materials, aligning with strict EU regulations. For instance, the usage of FSC-certified paper packaging for L'Oréal's goods showcases France's innovative approach. Moreover, strong market growth is ensured by the country's emphasis on sustainability and superior aesthetics, especially in areas like gastronomy and beauty.

United Kingdom Paper Packaging Market Trends:

The United Kingdom is advancing in corrugated paper packaging, favored for the e-commerce and retail sectors. Leading companies like DS Smith innovate with lightweight yet durable materials to reduce carbon footprints. The UK’s emphasis on circular economy principles, including government policies supporting recycling, propels the market growth. For example, Amazon’s shift to paper-based mailers in the United Kingdom exemplifies the market’s transition toward sustainable and consumer-friendly packaging solutions.

Italy Paper Packaging Market Trends:

Italy is renowned for its artistic paper packaging, driven by its fashion and food industries. The country focuses on using recycled materials for creative and functional designs. Ferrero Rocher, for instance, uses paper-based trays in accordance with environmentally friendly standards. Furthermore, Italy is a pioneer in paper packaging for luxury and premium markets because of its long history of design and craftsmanship combined with sustainability.

Spain Paper Packaging Market Trends:

Spain's paper packaging market thrives on innovations for the agricultural sector, with a focus on fresh produce packaging. The country adopts compostable paper trays to support its extensive fruit export market. For example, companies in Valencia use recyclable paper cartons for citrus fruits. Spain’s commitment to minimizing plastic use in agriculture positions it as a key player in environmentally friendly packaging solutions for food.

Other Countries Paper Packaging Market Trends:

In other countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, etc., the market focuses on renewable materials from sustainably managed forests. Concurrently, companies like BillerudKorsnas lead with innovative solutions, including paper-based alternatives to plastic in food packaging. Governments support sustainable forestry, enhancing paper production. For example, Swedish companies lead the region in environmentally responsible practices by using recyclable paper cartons for dairy goods, which promotes the expansion of paper packaging in Northern Europe.

Top Companies Leading in the Europe Paper Packaging Industry

Key companies in the Europe paper packaging sector are prioritizing innovation and eco-friendly practices. As such, the adoption of automation in manufacturing is boosting efficiency and reducing costs, enabling these companies to remain competitive in pricing. In February 2024, Smurfit Kappa invested €54 Million to expand its Bag-in-Box facility in Ibi, Spain. The upgrade included advanced equipment to boost production, supporting rising demand for sustainable packaging with features like reduced plastic use and extended shelf life for products.

Europe Paper Packaging Market Segmentation Coverage

On the basis of the product type, the market has been bifurcated into corrugated boxes, folding boxes and cases, liquid paperboard cartons, paper bags and sacks, and others, wherein folding boxes and cases represent the most preferred segment. This segment capitalizes on improvements in packaging technology that increase the strength and durability of folding boxes, thereby making them versatile for packaging various items.
Based on the grade, the market is categorized into solid bleached, coated recycled, uncoated recycled, and others. Currently, uncoated recycled exhibits a clear dominance in the market. Uncoated recycled paper in packaging is eco-friendly, offering durability and versatility and it is majorly used for boxes, bags, wrapping, etc., to reduce environmental impact.
On the basis of the packaging level, the market has been divided into primary packaging, secondary packaging, and tertiary packaging. Among these, primary packaging exhibits a clear dominance in the market. Primary paper packaging protects products directly, ensuring safety and freshness. It is commonly used for food, beverages, and personal care items, emphasizing sustainability and convenience.
Based on the end use industry, the market is bifurcated into food, beverages, personal care and home care, healthcare, and others, wherein food dominates the market. Paper-based food packaging is designed for safety and freshness, thereby incorporating grease-resistant coatings and recyclability.

Report Features	Details
Market Size in 2024	USD 54.5 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033	USD 75.6 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033	3.52%
Units	Billion USD
Scope of the Report	Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment: Product Type Grade Packaging Level End Use Industry Region
Product Types Covered	Corrugated Boxes, Folding Boxes and Cases, Liquid Paperboard Cartons, Paper Bags and Sacks, Others
Grades Covered	Solid Bleached, Coated Recycled, Uncoated Recycled, Others
Packaging Levels Covered	Primary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, Tertiary Packaging
End Use Industries Covered	Food, Beverages, Personal Care and Home Care, Healthcare, Others
Countries Covered	Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Others
Customization Scope	10% Free Customization
Post-Sale Analyst Support	10-12 Weeks
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request)

Browse IMARC Related Reports on Paper Packaging Market:

Need more help?

Speak to our experienced analysts for insights on the current market scenarios.
Include additional segments and countries to customize the report as per your requirement.
Gain an unparalleled competitive advantage in your domain by understanding how to utilize the report and positively impacting your operations and revenue.
For further assistance, please connect with our analysts.

Europe Paper Packaging Market Expected to Reach USD 75.6 Billion by 2033 - IMARC Group

Purchase Options Discount
Offer

Inquire Before Buying

Benefits of Customization

Personalize this research
Triangulate with your data
Get data as per your format and definition
Gain a deeper dive into a specific application, geography, customer, or competitor
Any level of personalization

Speak to an Analyst

Request Brochure

Get in Touch With Us

UNITED STATES

Phone: +1-631-791-1145

INDIA

Phone: +91-120-433-0800

UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: +44-753-714-6104

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Client Testimonials

IMARC made the whole process easy. Everyone I spoke with via email was polite, easy to deal with, kept their promises regarding delivery timelines and were solutions focused. From my first contact, I was grateful for the professionalism shown by the whole IMARC team. I recommend IMARC to all that need timely, affordable information and advice. My experience with IMARC was excellent and I can not fault it.

The IMARC team was very reactive and flexible with regard to our requests. A very good overall experience. We are happy with the work that IMARC has provided, very complete and detailed. It has contributed to our business needs and provided the market visibility that we required

We were very happy with the collaboration between IMARC and Colruyt. Not only were your prices competitive, IMARC was also pretty fast in understanding the scope and our needs for this project. Even though it was not an easy task, performing a market research during the COVID-19 pandemic, you were able to get us the necessary information we needed. The IMARC team was very easy to work with and they showed us that it would go the extra mile if we needed anything extra

Last project executed by your team was as per our expectations. We also would like to associate for more assignments this year. Kudos to your team.

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC again, if we need Market Research/Consulting/Consumer Research or any associated service. Overall experience was good, and the data points were quite helpful.

Arabian Plastic Manufacturing Company Ltd.

The figures of market study were very close to our assumed figures. The presentation of the study was neat and easy to analyse. The requested details of the study were fulfilled. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was satisfactory.

The overall cost of the services were within our expectations. I was happy to have good communications in a timely manner. It was a great and quick way to have the information I needed.

My questions and concerns were answered in a satisfied way. The costs of the services were within our expectations. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was very good.

I agree the report was timely delivered, meeting the key objectives of the engagement. We had some discussion on the contents, adjustments were made fast and accurate. The response time was minimum in each case. Very good. You have a satisfied customer.

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC for more market reports in the future. The response from the account sales manager was very good. I appreciate the timely follow ups and post purchase support from the team. My overall experience with IMARC was good.

IMARC was a good solution for the data points that we really needed and couldn't find elsewhere. The team was easy to work, quick to respond, and flexible to our customization requests.

IMARC did an outstanding job in preparing our study. They were punctual and precise, delivering all the data we required in a clear and well-organized format. Their attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines was impressive, making them a reliable partner for our project.

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your efforts in handling this matter. Your dedication and commitment have truly been commendable. It is evident that you have put in a tremendous amount of hard work and expertise into resolving the issues at hand. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that we are greatly interested

Overall, the deliverable was well organized and my experience with the project team was good. In particular, I appreciated how they responded when I requested additional information and the Japanese version.

The IMARC team were extremely professional and very cooperative. The team were also extremely flexible in making changes and modifications wherever required. The entire experience right from project kick-off to after sales support was fruitful and smooth.

I’d like to express my gratitude for the work you accomplished with the industry report. The way you responded to the requirements and delivered under tight timelines shows your expertise, exceptional work ethic and commitment to your customer’s success. The entire team and company are incredibly thankful for your dedication. Once again, thank you

The market reports from IMARC have been instrumental in guiding our business strategies. We found the reports comprehensive and data-driven, which helped us make informed decisions. The detailed insights and actionable data have consistently provided us with a competitive edge in a rapidly changing alcohol market.

One of the best things about IMARC is their flexibility and predisposition to tailor the reports and adapt to our needs. They are not just great in their researching and consulting solutions, but their service is unparallelled. We’ve worked with them a couple of times and we will keep working with them in future projects.

We recently commissioned multiple market research reports from IMARC, and the insights we received were invaluable. The depth of analysis, accuracy of data, and actionable recommendations have greatly enhanced our strategic decision-making.

The market estimates provided by your team were pretty much in line with what we were theorizing internally. Really appreciate the work on this.

The sale account manager and the service was excellent. The data and market trends gathered from the report was insightful and really assisted while planning future product and growth strategies.

The report is excellent and has good amount of data and our team is extremely happy with the information provided.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and post purchase support. We were really happy with the final deliverable, and the takeaways from the report.