The cartonboard sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge, painting a hopeful picture for sustainable alternatives in the packaging industry. It currently represents around 17% of the global paper and board market, ranking as the second leading grade behind containerboard. This significant growth is a multifaceted response to several factors, including urbanization, population increments, economic fluctuations, heightened sustainability concerns, and evolving government policies and regulations. The data we’ll present in this post come from a recent survey by Forest2Market, which brings together experts in the sector.
The Exponential Growth in Cardboard
Experiencing a 5% YoY growth in 2021 and a 3% YoY growth in 2022, cardboard is projected to witness an even more significant rise of 8% YoY in 2023. This booming development is pivotal for industries like frozen foods and is instrumental in the collective fight against plastic pollution, pointing towards a sustainable future enriched with innovations in cardboard boxes.
Diversified Cardboard Grades
Different grades of cardboard are used to manufacture cardboard boxes, such as Folding Box Board (FBB), Solid Unbleached Kraft (SUK), and Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS). These diverse grades ensure the optimal combination of strength, flexibility, and sustainability for varying packaging needs, facilitating the creation of tailored solutions in the packaging landscape.
Impact of Evolving Consumer Preferences
The unprecedented growth in frozen foods and the increasing consumer preference for recycled-based packaging, especially during the pandemic, has catapulted the demand for cardboard boxes. With more and more consumers opting for recycled-based packaging like Coated Recycled Paperboard (CRB), the production capacity for such sustainable options has seen a remarkable increase.
The Global Shift Towards Sustainability
Rapid consumer awareness and international legislation against excessive plastic usage are reinforcing the shift towards cardboard boxes as environmentally friendly alternatives. Several nations are imposing bans and restrictions on single-use plastics, propelling the demand for cartonboard. The escalating need for paper food-grade containers and paper cups is set to replace plastic significantly in the coming years.
Spotlight on FBB and SBS
Focusing on Folding Box Board (FBB) and Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS), these grades are distinguishing themselves with their unique characteristics. FBB’s multi-ply composition and combination of chemical and mechanical or thermomechanical pulp make it versatile, with applications ranging from frozen food packaging to electronic packaging. On the other hand, SBS, primarily constructed of bleached chemical pulp, is renowned for its printing characteristics and moderate strength, finding its use in packaging pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and tobacco.
The Bright Future of Cartonboard
With FBB experiencing a 24% YoY increase in 2023, it’s evident that the shift towards sustainable cartonboard is not just a fleeting trend. Countries like China dominating the coated cartonboard market and substantial investments flowing into North American cardboard production signify the lasting impact and enduring growth of this sector.
Cardboard Boxes in Vancouver
Racer Boxes, a premier cardboard box manufacturer from Vancouver, is at the forefront of embracing and contributing to this sustainable transformation in the packaging industry. We recognize the promise that cardboard holds and are committed to innovating and delivering high-quality, sustainable cardboard box solutions that align with the global shift towards a greener future. Explore our range of cardboard boxes and let’s build a sustainable future together! Contact us today for all your cardboard box needs.
