Demand for corrugated and paperboard boxes is projected to exceed $39 billion in 2018. Gains will improve from the performance of the 2008-2013 period as manufacturing output continues to recover from low levels following the 2007-2009 recession. A rebound in the production of nondurable goods such as food, beverages, cosmetics and toiletries, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products will fuel heightened requirements for related shipping and other boxes. Other factors supporting increases will include accelerated output of durable goods, improved consumer spending growth, a rebound in construction spending, and further rapid growth for online shopping. Value increases will also be helped by the growing presence of value added box types, such as display-ready boxes and boxes with high quality graphics.
Economic recovery to drive most product segments
Corrugated and solid fiber box opportunities will be driven by a recovery in the manufacturing sector coupled with their position as the shipping container of choice for a broad array of durable and nondurable goods. Volume advances will reflect expanded use of lighter weight, high performance paperboard grades that can provide compression strength similar to that of corrugated boxes made from traditional heavier weight paperboard. Folding carton demand will improve from the performance of the 2008-2013 period and will be supported by a rebound in nondurable goods output and expanded opportunities in carryout food applications. However, advances will be restrained by competition from other packaging formats -- particularly flexible packaging. Set-up boxes will remain a specialty niche in the box industry, with imports comprising an increasing share of demand. Nonetheless, prospects will be helped by an improved outlook for discretionary spending and boxes' entrenched position as upscale packaging for fragrances, premium confectionery products, and gift sets.