Report

The Australia Paper Packaging Market size is worth USD 6.60 Billion in 2025, growing at an 4.21% CAGR and is forecast to hit USD 8.11 Billion by 2030.

Key Highlights
- Paper is a widely used material for product packaging. The demand for paper packaging is expected to grow throughout the forecast period. Developing economies like Australia are expected to drive the paper packaging segment's market, with applications across industries like healthcare, personal care, home care, and retail. The versatility of paper packaging allows it to cater to various product types and sizes, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers and retailers alike.
- Australia represents one of the fastest-growing packaging markets in Asia-Pacific. The market's growth is propelled by increasing consumer awareness of sustainable packaging and strict regulations imposed by environmental protection agencies regarding environment-friendly packaging products. These regulations aim to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste and promote the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials.
- Paper packaging is anticipated to gain prominence as the focus shifts toward eco-friendliness and sustainability. Many countries are promoting paper packaging products over plastic packaging, which poses significant environmental threats. This shift is driven by growing concerns about plastic pollution in oceans and landfills and the long-term environmental consequences of non-biodegradable packaging materials.
- Increased recycling demand will further encourage the use of paper as a packaging material, with consumers and businesses seeking solutions that reduce costs and protect the environment while complying with government regulations. The paper packaging industry responds to this demand by developing innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions that maintain product integrity while minimizing environmental impact. These innovations include lightweight papers, water-resistant coatings, and improved printing technologies that enhance the visual appeal of paper packaging.
- Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce in Australia has created new opportunities for paper packaging, as online retailers require sturdy yet environmentally friendly packaging solutions for shipping products directly to consumers. This trend is expected to continue to drive the paper packaging market as more businesses transition to online sales models.
- Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials, such as pulp and paper, can impact profitability. Global supply chain issues, environmental policies, and changes in demand often influence price volatility. Additionally, the market must navigate regulatory changes and sustainability initiatives, which can further influence raw material costs and availability.


Australia Paper Packaging Market Trends

Food Occupies the Largest Market Share


- Adopting a circular economy for packaging in Australia can significantly impact the growth of the paper packaging market. A circular economy minimizes waste, maximizes resource efficiency, and ensures materials are continuously reused or recycled.
- As Australia shifts toward a circular economy, there will be a stronger demand for recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging materials. Paper packaging, which is inherently recyclable and biodegradable, will see increased adoption as businesses and consumers seek sustainable alternatives to plastics and other non-recyclable materials.
- The expanding food retail sector may drive innovation in packaging solutions, including advancements in paper-based materials. Companies might invest in research and development to create new types of paper packaging that offer better protection, extended shelf life, and enhanced consumer appeal, which can lead to the introduction of new products in the paper packaging market.
- According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the annual revenue of the Australian food retail industry accounted for over USD 111.85 billion in 2023, compared to USD 86.69 billion in 2018.
- As the food retail industry expands, there will be a greater need for packaging materials to accommodate higher volumes of products. This increased demand directly benefits the paper packaging market, as more packaging materials will be required to meet the needs of retailers and food manufacturers.


Corrugated Boxes Expected to Witness Major Growth


- Corrugated boxes have become a popular choice for eco-friendly packaging due to their versatility in size and reduced environmental impact compared to other options. As consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions increases, the recyclability of corrugated boxes provides a significant advantage. Recent advancements in eco-friendly coatings are expanding their use into areas such as liquid packaging, potentially opening new product lines.
- Food, healthcare, domestic, and personal care primarily use corrugated packaging. The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors benefit from corrugated boxes because they are transportable, biodegradable, and recyclable, making them ideal for packaging medicines and related products.
- Manufacturers increasingly focus on producing high-strength corrugated materials in the corrugated box market. These boxes are durable and well-suited for various applications, from shipping books and cosmetics to electronics. Although the cost of advanced corrugated materials can be higher, their strength and printability make them a valuable choice for many applications.
- Advancements in printed electronics technology are making innovative corrugated packaging more economical. The rise of "smart" corrugated boxes and various digital printing options will drive future market growth. These smart boxes enable vendors to track shipments throughout delivery and provide customers with enhanced product information through QR codes, personalized designs, and messages.
- According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the revenue of corrugated paperboard and paperboard container manufacturing in Australia was projected to reach approximately USD 2.93 billion by 2023 compared to USD 2.74 billion in 2018.
- The rise in revenue indicated that manufacturers expanded their production capacity and capabilities. Increased production capacity allows for greater corrugated paperboard and paperboard container output, meeting the growing demand for packaging solutions in various sectors such as food and beverage, e-commerce, and consumer goods.


Australia Paper Packaging Industry Overview

The paper packaging market in Australia is fragmented, with major players such as Visy Group, Paper Australia Pty Ltd, and Abbe Pty Ltd occupying most of the market share. Companies in the country are forming numerous alliances and mergers to increase their market share.

Additional Benefits:

- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support