North America Secondary Packaging Market Expected to Reach @marketSize @valueUnit by 2033

Key Insights

The North America secondary packaging market, valued at $66.11 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by several key factors. The expanding e-commerce sector fuels demand for robust and protective packaging solutions, particularly corrugated boxes and protective wraps, for efficient and damage-free product delivery. Growth in the food and beverage, healthcare, and consumer electronics industries further contributes to market expansion, as these sectors rely heavily on secondary packaging for product preservation, safety, and branding. Increased consumer awareness of sustainable packaging practices is also influencing market trends, leading to a rise in demand for eco-friendly materials like recycled cardboard and biodegradable plastics. However, fluctuating raw material prices and increasing transportation costs pose challenges to market growth. The market is segmented by product type (corrugated boxes, folding cartons, plastic crates, wraps and films, and others), end-user industry (food, beverage, healthcare, consumer electronics, personal care, and others), and geography (United States and Canada primarily). Competition is fierce, with major players like WestRock, Smurfit Kappa, and Amcor vying for market share through product innovation and strategic acquisitions. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates a continued, albeit moderate, growth trajectory, shaped by evolving consumer preferences and industry regulations regarding sustainable packaging.

The North American market is witnessing significant regional variations. The United States, being the largest economy in the region, dominates the market share, followed by Canada. Mexico, while exhibiting growth potential, currently holds a smaller market share compared to the US and Canada. Growth in the US is mainly fuelled by e-commerce expansion and the strong performance of several key end-use sectors. Canada’s growth is closely linked to its robust manufacturing and consumer goods sectors. Within the product segments, corrugated boxes remain the dominant type, driven by their versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, the demand for sustainable alternatives like biodegradable and compostable packaging is steadily increasing, presenting new opportunities for innovative packaging solutions. This shift towards sustainability is anticipated to reshape the competitive landscape, with companies focusing on developing and offering eco-friendly products to attract environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

North America Secondary Packaging Market Report: 2019-2033

This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the North America secondary packaging market, offering invaluable insights for industry stakeholders, investors, and strategic decision-makers. Covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with a base year of 2025, this report forecasts robust growth and examines key trends shaping this dynamic sector. The market is segmented by product type (corrugated boxes, folding cartons, plastic crates, wraps and films, other product types), end-user industry (food, beverage, healthcare, consumer electronics, personal care and household care, other end-user industries), and country (United States, Canada). Leading players like WestRock Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, and Amcor PLC are profiled, highlighting their market strategies and competitive landscapes. The report quantifies market size in Millions and provides insightful CAGR projections.

North America Secondary Packaging Market Concentration & Dynamics

The North America secondary packaging market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure, with a handful of major players commanding significant market share. However, the presence of numerous smaller, specialized firms contributes to a competitive landscape. The market is characterized by ongoing innovation in materials, designs, and automation, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and efficient packaging solutions. Regulatory frameworks focused on environmental sustainability and recyclability are significantly influencing industry practices. Substitute products, such as reusable containers and alternative materials, are gaining traction, presenting both challenges and opportunities. End-user trends towards e-commerce and personalized packaging are further shaping market demand. The recent M&A activity, as evidenced by several significant acquisitions (detailed further in the report), reflects industry consolidation and a push towards greater scale and efficiency.

• Market Share: The top five players hold an estimated xx% of the market share in 2025.
• M&A Activity: A total of xx M&A deals were recorded in the North America secondary packaging market between 2019 and 2024, with a notable increase in activity in 2023.

North America Secondary Packaging Market Industry Insights & Trends

The North America secondary packaging market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. The rising demand for packaged goods across various sectors, including food & beverage, healthcare, and consumer electronics, is a major catalyst. E-commerce expansion is further fueling demand for specialized packaging solutions to ensure product protection during shipping. Technological disruptions, such as advancements in automation and sustainable material development, are reshaping manufacturing processes and product offerings. Consumers' increasing awareness of environmental sustainability is driving the adoption of eco-friendly packaging options made from recycled materials and designed for recyclability. The market size reached approximately $xx Million in 2025 and is projected to reach $xx Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Key Markets & Segments Leading North America Secondary Packaging Market

The United States dominates the North America secondary packaging market, accounting for the largest share of revenue due to its large and diversified consumer base and robust manufacturing sector. Within product types, corrugated boxes hold the largest market share, driven by their cost-effectiveness, versatility, and recyclability. The food and beverage industry is the leading end-user segment, consuming a significant portion of secondary packaging materials.

Drivers:

• United States: Strong economic growth, well-established infrastructure, and high consumer spending.
• Corrugated Boxes: Cost-effectiveness, versatility, and recyclability.
• Food & Beverage: High demand for packaged food and beverages, driven by population growth and changing lifestyles.

Dominance Analysis:

The dominance of the United States in the market is attributed to the large size of its economy, high consumer spending power, and thriving food & beverage and e-commerce industries. The prevalence of corrugated boxes reflects the economic and environmental advantages of using this material. The importance of the food and beverage sector underscores the vital role of secondary packaging in product preservation and distribution. Canada represents a significant, albeit smaller, market within North America, exhibiting similar trends but with nuances reflecting its unique economic and regulatory context.

North America Secondary Packaging Market Product Developments

Recent years have witnessed significant innovation in secondary packaging, focusing on sustainable materials, improved designs, and enhanced automation. The emergence of biodegradable and compostable packaging options addresses growing environmental concerns. Advanced printing and labeling technologies personalize packaging and enhance brand visibility. Automation in packaging lines improves efficiency and reduces costs. These innovations are enhancing the competitive edge of manufacturers and catering to evolving consumer preferences.

Challenges in the North America Secondary Packaging Market Market

The North America secondary packaging market faces several challenges. Fluctuating raw material prices, especially for paper and plastics, impact production costs. Stringent environmental regulations necessitate investment in sustainable solutions. Intense competition, including from overseas manufacturers, puts pressure on profit margins. Supply chain disruptions, especially experienced post-pandemic, have created volatility in material availability and transportation costs, resulting in a quantifiable increase of xx% in production costs in 2022.

Forces Driving North America Secondary Packaging Market Growth

Several factors are driving the growth of the North America secondary packaging market. The increasing demand for packaged goods across diverse industries fuels market expansion. Advancements in automation and sustainable materials technology improve efficiency and address environmental concerns. Favorable government policies supporting sustainable packaging contribute to industry growth. The rise of e-commerce significantly increases the need for robust and protective shipping packaging.

Challenges in the North America Secondary Packaging Market Market (Long-Term Growth Catalysts)

Long-term growth catalysts in the North America secondary packaging market include the increasing focus on sustainable packaging practices. Strategic partnerships between packaging firms and technology providers enhance innovation and efficiency. Market expansion into new industries and geographical areas provides growth opportunities. The development of novel materials and improved packaging designs will further propel market expansion.

Emerging Opportunities in North America Secondary Packaging Market

The market presents emerging opportunities in the areas of sustainable packaging, personalized packaging solutions, and advanced automation technologies. The demand for reusable and refillable packaging is growing, offering new revenue streams. The expanding e-commerce sector continues to create opportunities for specialized protective packaging solutions. The increasing awareness of food safety and product authenticity opens possibilities for innovative packaging designs featuring tamper-evident seals and advanced traceability technologies.

Leading Players in the North America Secondary Packaging Market Sector

• WestRock Company
• Deufol SE
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Tranpak Inc
• Berry Global Group Inc
• Amcor PLC
• Mondi PLC
• International Paper Company
• Reynolds Packaging
• Packaging Corporation of America

Key Milestones in North America Secondary Packaging Market Industry

• January 2023: Cascades launches a recyclable closed basket for produce, showcasing commitment to sustainable packaging.
• February 2023: Mill Rock Packaging Partners acquires Keystone Paper & Box Company, expanding its presence in specialty packaging.
• February 2023: Ara Partners acquires Genera Energy Inc., boosting sustainable pulp and packaging production.

Strategic Outlook for North America Secondary Packaging Market Market

The North America secondary packaging market is poised for continued growth, driven by sustained demand and innovation. Strategic opportunities lie in developing sustainable, efficient, and customizable packaging solutions. Companies should prioritize investment in automation, research and development, and strategic partnerships to maintain competitiveness. Focusing on e-commerce packaging and catering to growing sustainability concerns will be critical for long-term success in this evolving market.

North America Secondary Packaging Market Segmentation

• 1. Product Type
  • 1.1. Corrugated Boxes
  • 1.2. Folding Cartons
  • 1.3. Plastic Crates
  • 1.4. Wraps and Films
  • 1.5. Other Product Types
• 2. End-user Industry
  • 2.1. Food
  • 2.2. Beverage
  • 2.3. Healthcare
  • 2.4. Consumer Electronics
  • 2.5. Personal Care and Household Care
  • 2.6. Other End-user Industries

North America Secondary Packaging Market Segmentation By Geography

• 1. North America
  • 1.1. United States
  • 1.2. Canada
  • 1.3. Mexico