Liquid Packaging Cartons Market

Industry Insights

[212+ Pages Report] According to Facts and Factors, the global liquid packaging cartons market was valued at USD 21.73 billion in 2023 and is predicted to surpass USD 35.98 billion by the end of 2032. The liquid packaging cartons industry is expected to grow by a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 to 2032.

Market Overview

Liquid packaging cartons is a kind of packaging solution which is designed specifically for liquids like dairy products, beverages, and other drinks. These formats help manufacturers to store and transport the items easily. Also, these are safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly packaging formats. These formats are made up of multiple layers of material which offer high strength and protection against external factors that could affect the quality of the content inside.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global liquid packaging cartons market size is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.5% over the forecast period (2024-2032).
• In terms of revenue, the global liquid packaging cartons market size was valued at around USD 21.73 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 21.73 billion by 2032.
• Sustainability and environmental concerns are driving the growth of the global liquid packaging cartons market.
• Based on the end-users, the dairy products segment is growing at a high rate and is projected to dominate the global market.
• Based on the shelf life, the long shelf life segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• Based on the carton type, the brick-liquid cartons segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Growth Drivers

• Sustainability and environmental concerns are likely to drive the growth of the global market.

There is surging awareness regarding the rising environmental issues, which are boosting the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. These liquid packaging cartons have emerged as an ideal option for people focusing on eco-friendly designs and packaging. These formats are made from renewable materials and can be easily recycled. Moreover, these packaging formats offer convenient features like ergonomic designs and reliable closures.

The surging consumer preferences for on-the-go packaging options are also contributing to the popularity of liquid cartons. Therefore, such a landscape is expected to boost the growth of the global liquid packaging cartons market. For instance, Tetrapack came up with tethered caps on carton packages in April 2022 by collaborating with leading beverage producers.

Restraints

• Competitive packaging alternatives are likely to hamper the growth of the global market.

The liquid packaging cartons industry is expected to witness competition from alternative packaging materials like metal cans, glass containers, and plastic bottles. Liquid cotton packaging is also not ideal for products with some specific preservation storage requirements. Therefore, such a landscape is expected to slow down the growth trajectory of the industry.

Opportunities

• Extended shelf life requirements are expected to foster growth opportunities in the global market.

Consumers are posing a huge demand for the extended shelf life of products, particularly for perishable items like beverages and dairy products. The liquid packaging cartons offers a good barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light.

Therefore, it helps people preserve the quality and freshness of the food product. The ongoing advancements in packaging technology are also expected to widen the scope of the global liquid packaging cartons market. Manufacturers have come up with many high-end features by improving the printing technologies, barrier materials, and manufacturing processes, which in turn is also likely to boost the growth of the industry.

For instance, Refresco Group NV said to successfully acquire Tru Blu Beverages Pvt. Ltd in October 2022. The major aim of this initiative is to expand the brand’s presence in Australia. The latter company is a manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages.

Challenges

• Recycling infrastructure is a big challenge in the global market.

The absence of proper recycling infrastructure is limiting the growth of the liquid packaging cartons industry. Limited recycling facilities restrict the widespread use of these packaging materials.

Segmentation Analysis

The global liquid packaging cartons market can be segmented into end-users, shelf life, carton type, and region.

On the basis of end-users, the market can be segmented into alcoholic drinks, liquid foods, non-carbonated soft drinks, liquid dairy products, and others. The dairy products segment accounts for the largest share of the liquid packaging cartons industry during the forecast period. Dairy products like flavored milk and others largely use liquid packaging cartons formats, which is driving the growth of the segment.

For instance, milk packaging is the widely used application of liquid packaging cartons format. It helps end users protect the freshness of the milk. Also, it offers convenient solutions for both the producers and consumers. Moreover, these consumers are increasingly looking forward to eco-friendly solutions for dairy-based beverages.

Therefore, manufacturers are also innovating with packaging materials to come up with unique solutions to appeal to consumers. Additionally, these liquid packaging cartons formats act as a barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light to extend the shelf life of dairy products, which is another primary reason for the high growth rate of the segment.

On the basis of shelf life, the market can be segmented into short and long-shelf-life cartons. The long shelf life segment is expected to grow with the highest share of the global liquid packaging cartons market during the anticipated period. Major food products in today's market travel a larger distance, which poses a huge requirement for products with long shelf lives.

Also, the global supply chains are becoming complex, which in turn needs improved packaging formats that help manufacturers maintain the freshness and quality of the product for a longer period, which is another major reason for the high growth rate of the segment. Consumers are also looking forward to products that offer a longer shelf life as they offer them flexibility in their purchasing schedule.

The busy lifestyles of modern consumers sometimes do not allow them to shop for household items regularly. Therefore, all these factors are expected to foster growth opportunities in the segment. Moreover, the globalization of brands is also an important reason for the high growth rate of the segment.

On the basis of carton type, the market can be segmented into gable top cartons, shaped liquid cartons, and brick liquid cartons. The brick-liquid cartons segment is likely to dominate the global liquid packaging cartons market in the coming years.

The most commonly used brick liquid cartons are in the tetra brik format, which is largely popular due to their sustainability, convenience, and efficient use of space. These formats are suitable and versatile for liquid beverages like dairy products and fruit juices.

Moreover, these packaging formats are made from renewable materials, which further boost their popularity in the market. Many brands are using these formats for reputation and recognition in the global marketplace. The innovations in carton design also encourage the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

Report Scope

Regional Analysis

• North America to dominate the global market.

North America accounts for the largest share of the global liquid packaging cartons market during the forecast period. One of the major factors boosting the demand for liquid packaging cartons is the growing awareness among people regarding sustainable packaging solutions in the region. Liquid cartoons are largely manufactured with the help of renewable and recyclable materials, which aligns with the overall goal of eco-friendly packaging.

Therefore, it is expected to propel the growth of the regional market in the forthcoming years. The beverage sector is contributing heavily towards the growth of the regional market. Different kinds of beverages like fruit, juices, dairy products and other plant-based drinks in the region are largely packed in liquid cartoons to align with the surging interest of people. This significant shift in consumer preferences for healthier beverage options is also expected to positively influence the growth of the regional market.

Asia Pacific is also likely to see a steady growth rate in the forthcoming years. The rapid economic growth in the countries in the region is leading to the growing organization. This also positively influences people's consumption patterns and lifestyles, which further contributes to the growth of the regional market. There is a huge demand for convenient and on-the-go packaging solutions like liquid cartons in the region, which, in turn, is one of the major factors propelling the growth of the regional market.

Moreover, the fast-growing middle-class population and changes in beverage consumption patterns further support the growth trajectory of the regional market. For instance, Nippon Paper Industry unveiled a new local subsidiary in Australia in June 2022. This effort will strengthen its brand visibility in the liquid packaging carton business.

Competitive Analysis

The key players in the global liquid packaging cartons market include:

• WestRock Company
• Tetra Laval Group
• Stora Enso
• Refresco Group
• Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.
• ITC Limited
• Greatview Aseptic Packaging
• Elopak
• Atlas Packaging
• Adam Pack S.A.

For instance, Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co. Ltd. unveiled its plan to take over the assets of Alternapack production SRL in Italy in 2022. This acquisition aims to strengthen its position in the liquid, dairy, and non-carbonated beverages industry.

The global liquid packaging cartons market is segmented as follows:

By End-Users Segment Analysis

• Alcoholic Drinks
• Liquid Foods
• Non-Carbonated Soft Drinks
• Liquid Dairy Products
• Others

By Shelf Life Segment Analysis

• Short-Shelf-Life Cartons
• Long-Shelf-Life Cartons

By Carton Type Segment Analysis

• Gable Top Cartons
• Shaped Liquid Cartons
• Brick Liquid Cartons

By Regional Segment Analysis

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America