India Corrugated Boxes Market Outlook to 2028

India Corrugated Boxes Market Overview

• The India Corrugated Boxes Market was valued at USD 7.2 billion. The rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, particularly with increasing concerns over environmental impact, has propelled the adoption of corrugated boxes. As more industries shift toward biodegradable and recyclable packaging, the market is expected to see continuous expansion.
• Major players in the market include B&B Triplewall Containers Ltd, TGI Packaging Pvt. Ltd, Corrugated Case India Ltd, Shree Ganesh Packaging Solutions, and Singhania Corrugated Boxes Pvt. Ltd. These companies have established themselves as market leaders by offering innovative packaging solutions, expanding their production capacities, and enhancing product durability and customization to cater to diverse industry needs.
• Singhania Corrugated Boxes Pvt. Ltd's announcement of its new manufacturing unit in Maharashtra, designed to enhance production capacity by 20%. This facility is projected to produce over 50 million boxes annually, driven by the rising demand from the e-commerce and retail sectors. This expansion signifies the company's commitment to addressing growing consumer needs.
• The state of Maharashtra dominates the market, due to its established industrial base, proximity to major ports, and thriving e-commerce ecosystem. Maharashtra's contribution to the logistics and manufacturing sectors also drives the demand for corrugated packaging.

India Corrugated Boxes Market Segmentation

The market is segmented into various factors like product, end-user, and region.

By Product: The market is segmented by product into slotted boxes, folding cartons, and telescope boxes. Slotted boxes dominated the market due to their versatile usage across various industries such as e-commerce, FMCG, and electronics. The reason for their dominance lies in their efficiency in protecting during transportation, making them a preferred choice in logistics.

By End-User: The market is segmented by end-user into e-commerce, FMCG, and food & beverages. The e-commerce sector held largest market share due to its exponential growth, which has been driven by a surge in online shopping. The sectors reliance on durable and lightweight packaging has made corrugated boxes a preferred option.

By Region: The market is segmented by region into North, South, East, and West. The West region held a dominant market share due to the regions industrialization, its strong presence in manufacturing hubs, and its well-developed logistics infrastructure.

India Corrugated Boxes Market Competitive Landscape

• Corrugated Case India Ltd: In early 2023, Corrugated Case India Ltd partnered with a major e-commerce platform to supply 30 million corrugated boxes annually. This strategic move aims to streamline packaging operations for the platform while boosting Corrugated Case Indias market presence by 12% in the e-commerce sector.
• TGI Packaging Pvt. Ltd: In 2024, TGI Packaging Pvt. Ltd introduced eco-friendly, water-resistant corrugated boxes, a first-of-its-kind innovation in the Indian market. This product innovation is expected to drive the companys revenue by 8% as it taps into environmentally conscious businesses in the FMCG and food industries.

India Corrugated Boxes Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Demand from E-Commerce and Retail Sector: The rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector has fueled the demand for corrugated boxes in India. According to government estimates, the e-commerce sector with online retailers relies heavily on corrugated packaging for product deliveries. This growing dependence on durable and sustainable packaging solutions is expected to drive an additional requirement of over 2 billion corrugated boxes annually by the logistics sector alone by 2025.
• Government Push for Sustainable Packaging Solutions: The Indian governments focus on reducing plastic usage is driving the adoption of eco-friendly packaging options like corrugated boxes. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules of 2023 have set clear goals for reducing plastic waste by 1.5 million tons by 2025, leading to increased adoption of biodegradable and recyclable alternatives.
• Rising Demand in Food and Beverage Industry: The food and beverage sector is another key driver for the market in India. The sector contributed heavily to the Indian economy in 2024, with a large portion of this relying on corrugated packaging for transporting goods. With the increasing popularity of ready-to-eat meals and processed foods, the demand for safe, hygienic, and sustainable packaging solutions like corrugated boxes is projected to rise, driving the market forward with an estimated requirement for food distribution.

Market Challenges

• Inefficiencies in the Supply Chain: The supply chain for corrugated boxes in India remains inefficient due to high logistics costs and delays. As of 2024, the cost of logistics in India is high for packaging materials transported across states, which is higher compared to other countries. This inefficiency has increased delivery timelines and operational costs for manufacturers, impacting their ability to meet the growing demand from sectors like e-commerce and FMCG.
• Lack of Recycling Infrastructure: While the demand for corrugated boxes is growing due to their recyclability, India's recycling infrastructure is not fully developed to support the increased demand for recycled paper. As of 2024, India can recycle only 15 million tons of paper annually, which is insufficient to meet the industry's needs.

Government Initiatives

• Ban on Single-Use Plastics: The Indian government implemented a ban on 19 single-use plastic items on July 1, 2022, aiming to reduce plastic waste by addressing approximately 0.6 million tons annually. The initiative encourages sustainable alternatives, with a focus on promoting eco-friendly packaging solutions across various sectors, including food and beverage, and logistics.
• National Packaging Waste Management Framework: The National Packaging Waste Management Framework, launched in early 2024, aims to regulate the recycling and disposal of packaging materials in India. The framework incentivizes companies to use recyclable packaging by offering tax benefits and subsidies for using eco-friendly materials. This initiative is expected to drive into the corrugated packaging industry by 2025, as companies shift towards recyclable and biodegradable packaging solutions.

India Corrugated Boxes Market Future Outlook

The future outlook for the India Corrugated Boxes Market is positive, with growth expected to be driven by the increasing demand from e-commerce, FMCG, and food industries. The market is also likely to see a rise in sustainable packaging practices and advancements in automation by 2028.

Future Market Trends

• Increased Adoption of Biodegradable Materials: By 2028, it is expected that over 60% of all corrugated boxes produced in India will use biodegradable adhesives and coatings, aligning with government regulations aimed at reducing carbon footprints. The push for eco-friendly solutions will drive innovation in the use of recyclable materials, allowing manufacturers to produce environmentally responsible packaging at scale.
• Sustainable Packaging to Become the Industry Standard: Sustainability will be at the forefront of the packaging industry, with corrugated boxes expected to lead the charge. By 2028, over 80% of packaging used by the retail, FMCG, and food industries is projected to be sustainable. The demand for eco-friendly packaging will be driven by consumers increasing preference for sustainable products, with manufacturers investing in developing green packaging technologies.