Wrap Around Carton Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Material Type (Paperboard, Corrugated Board, Kraft Paper, Others), Packaging Type (Full Overlap, Partial Overlap, Tray Style, Others), End User (Food & Beverage, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Homecare, Industrial Products, Others) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Wrap Around Carton Market size was valued at US$ 1,385.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 1,885.6 million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 4.5% from 2025-2031. The wrap-around carton industry means the manufacturing and application of corrugated cartons to wrap around items or sets of items in packaging and protection while in storage and transport. The cartons are widely applied across industries such as food and beverages, electronics, drugs, and consumer products because they are light, strong, and affordable. The wrap-around cartons are such that they provide great protection against outside elements such as moisture, dust, and physical damage, and hence they are the most sought after by companies on the lookout for packaging systems that are functional as well as eco-friendly.

Wrap-around carton packaging has experienced steady growth over the past few years, fuelled by the growing demand for sustainable and efficient packaging materials in different sectors. The expansion of e-commerce, especially since and after the pandemic, has further boosted the demand for advanced packaging that is more protective, streamlines shipping operations, and minimizes packaging waste. As there is an increase in consumer education regarding sustainability, there has been a trend towards utilizing recyclable material in the production of cartons, helping to further increase the market. Furthermore, increased technology in the field of printing helps businesses improve the cosmetic appearance of such cartons without compromising their usability, further expanding the market.

Facts & Figures:

• In fact, over 50% of global wrap around carton demand comes from the food and beverage sector, driven by the packaging of bottled drinks, canned foods, and dairy products.
• Corrugated board accounts for approximately 45–55% of total material usage due to its strength, recyclability, and cost efficiency.
• Asia-Pacific produces more than 35% of global wrap around cartons annually, led by China and India due to growing consumer goods and e-commerce sectors.
• In Europe, over 70% of packaging waste is recycled, with wrap around cartons contributing significantly due to their paper-based structure.
• Automated wrap around cartoning machines can pack up to 60 cartons per minute, improving operational efficiency in large-scale packaging operations.
• The average weight reduction in wrap around cartons versus traditional RSC (Regular Slotted Carton) designs is approximately 15–20%, offering material savings and improved sustainability.

Key Developments:

• In October 2024, EndFlex, an ATS Company and a leader in end-of-line packaging automation, unveiled its Boxxer Wrap Around Case Packer. This cutting-edge machine is engineered to address the evolving demands of the packaging industry, offering exceptional efficiency and flexibility. A wrap around case packer is a type of packaging equipment that consolidates products and then encloses them within a corrugated case. The process begins with a flat cardboard blank, which the machine folds around the products and secures the edges with glue, ensuring enhanced protection, stability, and security. This method guarantees that the products are securely packed and ready for shipment.

Wrap Around Carton Market Segmentation:

Based on the Material Type:

• Paperboard
• Corrugated Board
• Kraft Paper
• Others

Among the various material types, paperboard is expected to dominate the wrap around carton industry based on its light weight, excellent printability, and eco-friendly qualities. Over the last few years, industries, especially from the food and beverage industry, have been moving significantly toward green packaging solutions in line with international sustainability objectives. Paperboard, being able to be recycled and biodegradable, presents a suitable substitute for plastic-based packaging without compromising on durability and brand promotion through better graphic reproduction. Its affordability and compatibility with automated packaging lines make it even more attractive. With increasing consumer awareness and regulatory forces driving sustainable packaging, demand for paperboard cartons is likely to rule.

Based on the Packaging Type:

• Full Overlap
• Partial Overlap
• Tray Style
• Others

Among the various packaging types, full overlap wrap-around cartons are expected to dominate the market because of their higher durability and better product protection. These cartons have extended flaps which fully overlap with each other to give additional strength and resistance against compression when they are stored and transported. These are therefore most suitable for holding heavy or breakable products, especially in industries such as beverages, foodstuffs, and household items. Full overlap designs also facilitate improved stacking and reduce the risk of product damage, which is also essential in retail and logistics. Their adoption in most automated packaging lines, as well as their usage with recyclable packaging materials, also contributes to the increased demand for them in the midst of rising sustainability efforts. As manufacturers continue to focus more on protective, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions, the demand for full overlap wrap-around cartons will continue to dominate in the global market.

Based on the End User:

• Food & Beverage
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Homecare
• Industrial Products
• Others

Among the various end-user segments, the food and beverage sector are expected to dominate the wrap-around carton market, led by the growing need for sustainable, secure, and effective packaging solutions. This industry widely uses wrap-around cartons to package products like bottles, cans, and tetra packs, maintaining product safety during transportation and improving shelf appeal. The emphasis of the industry on minimizing environmental footprint has resulted in the use of recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials, supporting worldwide sustainability efforts. The increase in e-commerce and the demand for tamper-evident packaging have also driven the use of wrap-around cartons in the industry. Advances in cartooning machines, providing high-speed and accurate packaging, support the industry's need for efficiency and product integrity. Therefore, the food and beverages industry focus on sustainability, combined with operational efficacy and consumer protection, makes it the pre-eminent end-user in the wrap-around carton industry.