Market Size (2018)
$4.85B
Vertical: PCMBase Year: 201811 Sections
Market Size (2018)
$4.85B
Projected (2025)
$6.60B
CAGR (2018–2025)
4.5%
Key Players
14+
The global paper bags packaging is driven by factors such as the growth of the food & beverage industry, growth of the retail sector, and cost-effective packaging solutions. However, the fluctuating supply and raw material prices act as a restraint for the market growth during the forecast period. The global paper bags packaging is expected to grow at 4.65% CAGR during the forecast period.
The global paper bags packaging has been segmented based on material type, product type, thickness, and end use. Based on material type, the global market has been segmented into brown kraft and white kraft. In 2018, brown kraft segment accounted for the larger market share of 65.43% with a market value of USD 3,173.9 million. It is projected to grow at 4.55% CAGR during the forecast period.
Based on product type, the global market has been segmented into multiwall bags and flat bottom bags. In 2018, the multiwall bags segment accounted for the largest market share of 55.44% with a market value of USD 2,689.4 million. It is projected to grow at 4.79% CAGR during the forecast period.
On the basis of thickness, the global market has been segmented into 3 ply, 2 ply, more than 3 ply and less than 2 ply. In 2018, the 3 ply segment accounted for the largest market share of 30.59% with a market value of USD 1,484.0 million. It is projected to grow at 4.60% CAGR during the forecast period.
On the basis of end use, the global market has been segmented into food & beverage, retail, pharmaceutical and others. In 2018, the food & beverage segment accounted for the largest market share of 34.67% with a market value of USD 1,681.9 million. It is projected to grow at 5.34% CAGR during the forecast period.
On the basis of region, in 2018, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share of 32.00% with a market value of USD 1,552.30 million. It is projected to grow at 4.28% CAGR during the forecast period.
The Paper Bag Packaging Market market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2018 to 2025.
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View Subscription PlansPaper Bag Packaging Market
Historical performance and future projections (2020–2030, USD Billion)
Market Size (USD Mn)
Paper bags are made using different papers, usually kraft paper, and are used as shopping bags, packaging, and sacks. Paper bags packaging has become a vital component of modern lifestyle and is being preferred by customers in the global market due to its eco-friendly nature.
Paper bags packaging is a versatile and cost-efficient method to transport, protect, and preserve a wide array of items. They are engineered to be sturdy, yet lightweight, and can be customized to meet product or customer-specific needs. A paper bag is often used as retail packaging with handles and personalized with a print. These bags offer people a sustainable option to carry their purchases home. Paper shipping sacks are often used for packaging and shipping items such as cement, animal feed, or flour in bulk.
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View Subscription PlansThis report applies a rigorous multi-stage research process combining primary interviews, secondary data sources, and bottom-up market modelling to ensure accuracy and completeness across all segments and geographies.
Base Year
2018
Historical Period
2018 – 2018
Forecast Period
2019 – 2025
Primary Interviews
150+
Historical data (2018–2018) and forecast period (2018–2025)
Our research process spans primary interviews with industry stakeholders combined with comprehensive secondary data analysis, validated through triangulation across multiple independent sources.
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View Subscription PlansThe global paper bags packaging market is characterized by a large number of players that operate at global and regional levels. The players adopt strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, product development, and expansion to improve their position in the global market. High competition, rapid changes in technology, and availability of integrated solutions by industry participants are the key factors that restrict the market growth. Vendors compete in terms of cost, product quality, and reliability. It is vital for these players to offer cost-effective and superior products and services to succeed in the competitive market environment.
The growth of market vendors depends on market conditions, government support, and industry development. Thus, they should focus on improving their products and expanding their market presence. International Paper (US), WestRock Company (US), Smurfit Kappa (Ireland), Mondi (Austria), Huhtamaki Group (Finland), Oji Holdings Corporation (Japan), Welton Bibby & Baron Ltd. (UK) held nearly 41.20% of the market share in 2018.
Novolex (US), B&H Bag Company (US), Ecobags NZ (New-Zealand), Primepac Industrial Limited (New-Zealand), Bee Dee Bags, Langston Bag (US), and American Paper Bag (US) are some of the other key players operating in the global paper bags packaging market.
The leading players, as mentioned above, are dominating the market due to their enhanced product portfolios, vast industry experience, and wide geographic reach. These players may strengthen their presence in the market through expansion and acquisitions during the forecast period. Players with access to better technologies can develop unique and innovative products, which could render the competitor’s offerings, obsolete. The competitive environment in the market is likely to intensify further due to the increasing number of expansions.
Michael Porter’s Five Forces model is a framework to study the global paper bags packaging market. Strategic business managers, trying to gain an edge over competing firms in the global paper bags packaging market, can utilize this model to better comprehend the industry, in which the company operates. The components of each of the forces and the degree of impact of each force in the context of the global paper bags packaging market have been broken down and analysed. Threat of New Entrants
The requirement of a vast customer base, moderate technological complexity, and moderate investments to set up production facilities along with the stringent regulatory framework, restrict the entry of new players in the global paper bags packaging market. Furthermore, the established players, unlike the new players, can afford advanced manufacturing technologies. Additionally, in regions such as North America and Europe, stringent regulations have been introduced regarding the manufacturing process of packaging materials due to their chemical content and environmental impact. This leads to an increase in direct and indirect costs associated with regulatory compliance, which reduces the threat of new entrants. Thus, the threat of new entrants in the global paper bags packaging market is expected to be moderate during the forecast period. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
The suppliers in the paper bags market are the providers of raw wood pulp as a primary material and kraft papers in various forms. The requirement for raw materials is high for the production of paper bags. Moreover, the presence of several suppliers in the global market decreases the bargaining power of suppliers. Although the differentiation between the raw materials is low, the paper bags manufacturing companies cannot switch between suppliers due to their long-term contracts with the suppliers. Thus, the bargaining power of suppliers in the global paper bags packaging market is expected to be moderate during the forecast period. Bargaining Power of Buyers
The primary buyers of paper bags packaging are the food manufacturers who purchase paper bag packaging products in high quantities, which leads to an increase in their bargaining power. The concentration of buyers in the global market is high. Additionally, the impact of brand identity among consumers is moderated. Thus, the bargaining power of buyers in the global paper bags packaging market is expected to be moderate during the forecast period. Threat of Substitutes
Paper bags packaging plays an important role in food packaging. However, there are several substitutes available for paper bag packagings, such as PET PE, PP, PVC, metalized sheets, and paperboard. Hence, the threat of substitutes in the global paper bags packaging market is expected to be high during the forecast period. Rivalry
The key players operating in the global paper bags packaging market are working on offering their products at competitive prices while ensuring on-time delivery. The global market is fragmented due to the presence of several players. The key players strategize to invest in developing the market and in acquisitions to gain an edge over their peers. Hence, the intensity of rivalry in the global paper bags packaging market is expected to be moderate during the forecast period.
Market estimates by geography (2025)
InsightAsia Pacific leads with $2.06B by 2025, while Europe is projected to grow fastest at a 4.8% CAGR.
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View Subscription Plans| REGION | 2018 | 2018 | 2025 | CAGR | SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East and Africa | $278.10M | $329.40M | $385.00M | 4.8% | 6% |
| North America | $1.47B | $1.71B | $1.99B | 4.5% | 30% |
| Asia Pacific | $1.55B | $1.80B | $2.06B | 4.2% | 31% |
| Europe | $1.25B | $1.49B | $1.74B | 4.8% | 26% |
| South America | $299.60M | $354.50M | $412.40M | 4.7% | 6% |
| Total | $4.85B | $5.68B | $6.60B | 4.5% | 100% |
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View Subscription PlansTotal Market Size
$6.60B
| APPLICATION | REVENUE ($B) | GROWTH RATE | MARKET PENETRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Kraft | $4.28B | 4.4% | 65% |
| White Kraft | $2.31B | 4.7% | 35% |
* Revenue projections based on 2025 estimates. Growth rates represent CAGR 2024–2030. Market penetration indicates current adoption rate within addressable market segments.
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Analytical insights on Paper Bag Packaging Market covering market dynamics, competitive landscape, and strategic outlook.
The Paper Bag Packaging Market market is projected to reach $6.60B by 2025, growing at 4.5% CAGR. The Brown Kraft segment holds the largest share.
The global paper bags packaging is expected to witness sustainable growth in the next five years. The demand for paper bags packaging is poised to be driven growth of the food & beverage industry, growth of the retail sector, and cost-effective packaging solutions. Fluctuating supply and raw material prices act as a restraint for the market.
The rapid increase in population, along with growing urbanization, and changing lifestyle have resulted in the increased demand for packaged and ready-to-eat food products. An increase in per capita disposable income has led to increased spending on dietary food supplements, nutraceuticals and other premium healthcare and food products by the citizens of the developed countries. Additionally, the growing internet penetration has led to the growth of e-commerce, which is expected to fuel the growth of the online ordering of food and beverages, globally. The increasing population, growth in demand for dairy products, and rising health consciousness have led to the increased consumption of packaged food products, which is expected to lead to the market growth. According to FoodDrinkEurope, in 2018, the turnovers of food and drinks in Europe were valued at USD 1.24 trillion and USD 260 billion, respectively, which makes them the largest manufacturing industries in the EU. Additionally, the food industry in the developing countries is growing at a rapid rate. For instance, the Indian fast-moving consumer goods industry has generated USD 49 billion revenue in 2016, the growth being primarily driven by the liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) policies, strong macro-economic indicators, and economic and industrial reforms, resulting in the development of the food production and processing industries.
A majority of the share of the FMCG sector is comprised primarily of food and beverage products, such as processed food including breakfast cereal, packaged beverages, coffee, tea, sugar, and beans. The increasing demand for packaging to carry articles from various end-use industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, & retail sectors for catering convenience for several enterprises, adds to the adoption of paper bags for packaging, leading to the market growth.
The growth of food & beverage and retail in both developed and developing regions is stable. However, the growth is limited in underdeveloped regions, which lowers the demand of paper bag packaging to an extent. The increasing environmental awareness regarding the use of plastic bags and increasing inclination toward processed food, primarily of the middle-class population and is expected to drive the demand for paper bags packaging in such regions.
The global market for paper bags packaging is expected to see increased investment into the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities and the recycling of paper. The market players are focusing on the use of recycled paper, facilitating the expansion of the paper industry. Moreover, according to The Paper Bag, France, the European Federation of multiwall paper sack manufacturers represents over 75% of European paper sack manufacturers operating in 20 countries. They produce more than 5 billion paper sacks every year, converting 650,000 tonnes of paper in 60 plants.
Furthermore, there is been an excessive dependence on imports across various industries due to the lack of manufacturing base in the major countries in the Middle East such as GCC counties, which is expected to lead to the adoption of recycled paper and other sustainable alternatives for manufacturing paper sacks. Such factors are expected to drive investments into recycling of paper. Thus, the global market is estimated to witness foreign investments and partnerships. Thus, investments in recycled paper use is expected to create opportunities for the global paper bags packaging market players during the forecast period.
The irregularity in availability and prices of wood pulp hinders the market growth globally. The dependence of paper manufacturing companies on imports from other countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Indonesia create issues in terms of supply of wood pulp and fluctuating international prices. For instance, regions such as GCC, which is primarily very arid, lacks the two essential ingredients for making paper, i.e., fibre and water. Water is in short supply and expensive while wood pulp is imported. Dependence on imported wood pulp challenges the power of the manufacturers, creating sustainability issues. This has resulted lowering the production of paper which ultimately hinders the adoption of paper bags packing in the region. The following chart shows the difference between the exported and imported values of wood pulp across the globe.
Thus, the impact of fluctuating supply and raw material prices on the global paper bags packaging market is expected to remain moderate during the forecast period.
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Profiles of 106 companies operating in the Paper Bag Packaging Market market, including revenue, employee count, and market positioning where available.
Showing 106 of 106 companies
WELTON BIBBY & BARON LTD.
Company Headquarters: UK Founded: 1858 Workforce: ~500 Company Working: Welton Bibby & Baron Ltd (Welton Bibby & Baron) is a leading paper and packaging company that is engaged in offering paper carrier bags with handles, block bottom SOS paper bags, flat and side gusset paper bags, printed reels and rolls, reusable products, and polythene and polypropylene bags. Its product portfolio includes gift boxes, jute and cotton carrier bags, paper sheets and wraps, trayliners, waxed paper, can-end paper bags, paper counter bags, potato bags, fast-food paper bags, cat litter paper bags, rope handle paper carrier bags, and others. It also offers account management and logistics services. The company offers its products for applications in fashion, fast food, luxury, flour, ingredients, sugar, and pet care markets.
HUHTAMAKI GROUP
Company Headquarters: Finland Founded: 1920 Workforce: ~17,714 Company Working: Huhtamaki Group (Huhtamaki) is a global manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging for food and beverages. It operates through three segments, namely, foodservice packaging, flexible packaging, and fiber packaging. The foodservice packaging segment supplies paper and plastic disposable tableware to foodservice operators, fast food restaurants, and coffee shops. The flexible packaging segment produces flexible packaging materials, pouches, and labels for food, pet food, household, hygiene, and pharmaceutical products. The fiber packaging segment uses recycled fiber to produce egg cartons, fruit trays, bottle dividers, and cup carriers. The company offers standardized products, customized designs, and complete packaging systems and solutions. Food and beverage companies, quick service and fast-food restaurants, foodservice operators, and fresh produce packers and retailers are some of its major customers. Huhtamaki has 77 manufacturing units and 24 sales offices in 34 countries across the globe.
INTERNATIONAL PAPER
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1898 Workforce: ~56,000 Company Working: International Paper is a global producer of paper bag packaging products. It manufactures packaging products to protect and promote goods for businesses worldwide. The company operates through three business segments, which are industrial packaging, global cellulose fibers, and printing papers. It is a leading manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging. Paper bags products are offered under its corrugated packaging segment. It offers packaging products for applications in various sectors and industries, such as beverage, fruit & vegetable, protein, processed foods, consumer goods, industrial goods, shipping & distribution, and e-commerce. It operates in more than 150 countries and serves more than 25,000 customers globally. TempleInLand, International Paper S.A., Hammermill, and Orsa International Paper Embalagens S.A., are some of the subsidiaries of the company
LANGSTON BAG
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1946 Workforce: ~500 Company Working: Langston Companies, Inc., (Langston) is a leading provider of bags and packaging-related products and services. It provides a varied range of packaging and bag products, including multiwall paper sacks, cotton bale packaging, flexible intermediate bulk containers (bulk bags) and woven polypropylene bags. Along with printing and converting paper and woven textiles into sacks, bags, wrappings, containers, and covers, the company also provides solutions for all packaging needs. Langston offers its products for applications in AG, building, chemical, cotton, food, and pharma. It has six manufacturing facilities in the US and one in Mexico
BEE DEE BAGS
Company Headquarters: Australia Founded: 1974 Workforce: ~200 Company Working: Bee Dee Bags is a leading manufacturer & distributor paper bags and retail packaging. The company offers a diversified range of stock products of paper and reusable bags. Its product portfolio includes paper bags, plastic bags, reusable bags, garment bags, postal satchels, boxes, tissue paper, wrapping paper, ribbon, stickers, member cards, swing tags, receipt cards. It also provides services such as digital printing and graphic designing to create designs and artwork layouts. The company has a large customer base of over 17,000, including retail chain stores, stand-alone stores, online businesses, and wholesalers.
PRIMEPAC INDUSTRIAL LIMITED
Company Headquarters: New Zealand Founded: 1996 Workforce: ~200 Company Working: Primepac Industrial Limited is a leading manufacturer and distributor of industrial supplies and packaging products. It offers a diverse range of products, including paper bags, packaging tapes, plastic packaging, strapping, site supplies, marking sprays, safety equipment, and cafeteria & hygiene supplies. Paper bags are manufactured under its segment cartons, papers & protectives. Twisted handle, striped, block bottom, and white and brown paper bags are made using recyclable kraft paper. The company also manufactures specialty packaging products, including thermogard gel-ice packs, custom printed tapes, labels and tags, plastic corner protectors for strapping, stress grading inks for the timber industry, and drigard container desiccant. Primepac Industrial Limited imports and supplies its products through a vast supply chain and freight-free delivery to its customers
12 interactive charts drawn from the Paper Bag Packaging Market dataset — market size, regional splits and each segment breakdown. Open one to read its full data table and download it.
Global Paper Bag Packaging Market Argentina, Brazil and Rest Of South America
Global Paper Bag Packaging Market Germany, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Italy and Rest Of Europe By Country
Global Paper Bag Packaging Market Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Rest Of Asia Pacific By Country
Global Paper Bag Packaging Market United States, Canada and Mexico Of North America By Country
Global Paper Bag Packaging Market South Africa, Rest Of Middle East And Africa, Saudi Arabia and UAE Of Middle East And Africa
Global Paper Bag Packaging Market By Region
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