Enhanced Flexibility, Rigidity, and Convenience: Pillars Driving the Sales for Top Folding Carton Manufacturers

In light of rising instances of counterfeiting over recent years, the packaging industry has witnessed the dawn of anti-counterfeit technologies such as RFID, embedded barcodes, and others. This has emerged as a major trend in the folding cartons sector, opening new avenues for top folding carton manufacturers. The tech deployment is slated to offer new opportunities for innovation and optimization across several industries. Besides, the integration of IoT and smart packaging technologies aids in tackling various challenges in the current business landscape, driving industry growth.

Furthermore, the diverse benefits associated with folding cartons are pushing product demand across several end-use sectors. Some of these benefits comprise flexibility, rigidity, and excellent printability. The solutions find extensive adoption across the healthcare, food & beverage, cosmetics, and other industries. The mounting demand for barrier coatings on account of the escalating deployment of curtain coating technology in paper mills is another factor propelling industry expansion.

The market is also anticipated to witness favorable growth prospects considering the eco-friendly nature of carton solutions and an upsurge in environmental consciousness among consumers. On this note, the global market for folding cartons is anticipated to surge from USD 176.99 billion in 2024 to USD 266.43 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.25% over 2024 to 2032, cites Fortune Business Insights. The market size stood at USD 169.42 billion in 2023.

What Strategies are Being Adopted by Pivotal Market Players to Outpace their Competitors?

Top folding carton manufacturers are undertaking various endeavors to expand their clientele base across numerous regions. Furthermore, companies are keen to develop and bring advanced packaging solutions to the market to gain an edge over their competitors.

Here Is A List Of The Top 10 Players In The Global Folding Cartons Industry:

1. Huhtamaki

Huhtamaki is one of the key providers and manufacturers of sustainable packaging products. The company’s solutions protect on-the-shelf and on-the-go food and beverages, ensuring hygiene and safety and helping to prevent food waste. In April 2021, Huhtamaki acquired Jiangsu Hihio-Art Packaging Co. Ltd. The move would help the company strengthen its position in the food packaging sector and expand its product portfolio.

2. Graphic Packaging International:

Graphic Packaging International is one of the top folding carton manufacturers and sustainable packaging solutions at the global level. The company has more than 130 facilities that offer sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. In February 2020, Graphic Packaging International expanded its Netherlands-based Sneek production site to meet the escalated sustainable packaging demand. The facility manufactures folding carton packaging in the beverage market in Europe.

3. Mayr-MelnhofKarton AG:

Mayr-MelnhofKarton AG is a key producer of carton boards and folding cartons in Europe. The company provides products catering to various applications such as cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, detergents, personal care, and luxury products. In April 2022, Mayr-MelnhofKarton AG acquired major Nordic pharma packaging group Eson Pac. The move would help strengthen the company’s position in the premium packaging business.

4. Rengo Co., Ltd.:

Rengo Co., Ltd. produces corrugated boards, corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and other paper products. It also provides an extensive range of heavy-duty and flexible packaging solutions. In September 2022, Rengo announced its takeover of Marufuku Co., Ltd. The move helped strengthen the company’s packaging solutions, which range from individual packaging to outer boxes.

5. Smurfit Kappa:

Smurfit Kappa is one of the globally leading providers of paper-based packaging solutions. The company offers solutions that cater to various industries such as industrial, retail, and e-commerce packaging. In July 2021, Smurfit Kappa acquired Mexico-based manufacturer Cartonbox. The move would help strengthen the company’s position in Mexico’s paper packaging solutions sector by expanding its footprint to four folding carton locations.

6. August Faller GmbH & CO. KG: 

August Feller is specialized in the production of an entire range of solutions for secondary packaging solutions for the pharma sector. The company is known for its production of folding cartons, package inserts, labels, and customizable products. In April 2023, August Feller increased its production in Denmark, planning to produce 600 million cartons each year. The move would help in meeting the rising demand for customers in Nordic countries.

7. Supremex Inc.: 

Supremex is one of the top folding carton manufacturers and a provider of paper-based packaging solutions in North America. The company has four manufacturing units in the U.S. and eleven in Canada. In May 2023, Supremex announced the takeover of Graf-Pak Inc. The acquired company offers folding carton packaging solutions to numerous commercial markets.

8. Oliver Inc.:

Oliver is one of the major manufacturers of specialty packaging solutions and offers solutions for the food & beverage, health & beauty, cannabis, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical industries. Solutions offered by the company comprise specialty packaging, blister card packaging, photography packaging, folding cartons, labels, and printed marketing collateral. In January 2023, Oliver announced its takeover of Tap Packaging. The move would help the company consolidate its position as the largest supplier and manufacturer of specialty packaging solutions.

9. MAX Solutions:

MAX Solutions is known for the production of folding cartons catering to the electronics, consumer, beauty & personal care, consumer, and other markets. Products offered by the company include labels, rigid boxes, folding cartons, paper foam, trays, and specialty packaging. In September 2022, MAX Solutions acquired Canadian packaging company Ellis Group. The move would help expand the company and increase its production capacity and business.

10. Parksons Packaging Ltd.: 

Parksons Packaging is one of the major providers of packaging solutions in India. The company provides an entire range of carton styles for retail, fast-moving consumer goods, apparel, and other sectors. In April 2023, Parksons Packaging announced the takeover of Fortuner Packaging, which would help expand the company's manufacturing capacity.

In the Years to Come: Rising Food Safety Awareness to Bode Well for Product Demand  

In the coming years, the demand for folding cartons is poised to elevate considering the mounting awareness regarding the significance of food safety. The cartons provide various benefits such as convenience, product protection, and ample space for nutritional and branding information. This is one of the key factors pushing product adoption across the food & beverage sector.