Brick Carton Packaging Market Report Scope & Overview:

The Brick Carton Packaging Market Size was valued at USD 11.54 Billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 17.60 Billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 4.81% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

Brick carton packaging is now a crucial option for companies in the liquid goods field, particularly in the drink sector, because of its many benefits. These boxes have become increasingly popular due to their eco-friendly characteristics. Constructed mainly from sustainable materials like paperboard, they help decrease carbon footprints and support worldwide environmental objectives. Furthermore, the structure of brick cartons guarantees elevated safety measures, safeguarding the items from bacterial contamination. This makes them a perfect option for items such as milk, fruit juices, and other perishable drinks. Manufacturers are more and more utilizing packaging machines that combine packaging and distribution solutions, providing sustainable options. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that packaging waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution, and sustainable packaging such as brick cartons can help address this problem. Governments worldwide are also promoting sustainable packaging by implementing regulations such as the European Union's "Single-Use Plastics Directive," which supports the adoption of renewable materials. Moreover, the attractive design of brick cartons is now a crucial aspect of marketing strategy, enabling companies to utilize the packaging as a promotional tool, enhancing consumer interaction. The sector has been revolutionized even more with the advancement of digital printing technologies, which provide increased customization options for brand promotion. The way businesses view packaging in marketing is being transformed by modern advertising tactics and digitization.

The brick carton packaging market has experienced steady growth due to consumer preferences for sustainable packaging and businesses' increased emphasis on minimizing environmental impacts. March 2023 saw Sainsbury’s debut cardboard packaging for its detergent line as a move towards more environmentally friendly packaging options. The latest cartons have a weight that is 35% less than the original packaging, cutting carbon emissions by half, and can be found at all Sainsbury's locations as well as online. This packaging, created from completely recyclable materials, showcases the shift towards sustainable and renewable practices, endorsing environmentally friendly packaging choices. Brands are displaying their renewable portfolios through diverse product options, which is boosting the need for packaging that appeals to eco-minded consumers. Government efforts to decrease plastic waste and promote sustainable packaging are key contributors to this trend. As an example, the European Union's "European Green Deal" strives for achieving climate neutrality by 2050 through promoting circular economy principles and eco-friendly packaging designs. Likewise, the EPA in the United States has observed a trend towards using paper-based packaging like brick cartons made from sustainable paperboard, aiming to decrease reliance on plastics. These rules promote the use of eco-friendly packaging by companies, which helps in boosting market expansion. Although there are positive developments, obstacles continue to exist. Consumers are more and more interested in ready-to-eat and convenience food products; however, packaging manufacturers have the challenge of making sure that perishable items such as dairy and juices can have a longer shelf life. This problem is impeding market expansion because packaging has to be composed of multiple layers of materials that demand sophisticated recycling methods. Technology like aseptic packaging, which sterilizes both the product and container before sealing, is aiding in overcoming the market slowdown caused by technical complexities. This advancement extends the shelf life of liquid products such as dairy and juice without requiring preservatives.

Brick Carton Packaging Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Advantages Driving the Acceptance of Intelligent Brick Carton Packaging.

The implementation of intelligent brick carton packaging is picking up pace, fueled by numerous practical and economic advantages. One major benefit is the decrease in transportation and product costs, as the lightweight cartons are easier and more affordable to transport. In the present competitive market, it is crucial to cut costs in every aspect, especially in distribution. The decreased weight of paperboard brick cartons leads to significant fuel and storage savings, making it a primary factor in their widespread use. Consequently, brick cartons currently make up almost 25% of the market's total worth.A further benefit of intelligent brick carton packaging is its ability to be stacked and its compact design, enabling quicker shelf restocking, less waste management, and more effective utilization of retail shelf space. Retailers can enhance store operations and increase product turnover by arranging and stocking more items on their shelves. This functional layout also facilitates the effective organization of products in warehouses, as the boxes' ability to be stacked allows for improved use of the space that is accessible. Increasing the capability to stack additional containers in storage facilities or warehouses decreases logistical complications and boosts operational effectiveness. The growing popularity of smart brick cartons is expected to result in a 230 basis points (BPS) increase, as consumers increasingly prefer this sustainable and efficient packaging option.

Restraints

• Challenges in the growth of brick carton packaging market are complexities of recycling and material composition.

Although the brick carton packaging market is becoming more popular, it still encounters various limitations, particularly regarding recycling challenges and the composition of materials. Brick cartons are commonly constructed using a combination of paperboard, polyethylene, and aluminum layers to protect the product and prolong its shelf life. Although these materials provide advantages in terms of functionality, they also present difficulties when it comes to recycling. Specialized machinery and advanced recycling techniques are necessary to separate these layers, but they are not readily accessible in all areas. This hinders the capacity to recycle brick cartons completely, particularly in nations with underdeveloped recycling systems. Furthermore, the expensive initial investment required to establish these high-tech recycling plants may discourage their adoption in smaller regions. Moreover, the increasing need from consumers for sustainable packaging options has resulted in an increase in alternative options such as biodegradable plastics and glass, which are simpler to recycle and seen as more environmentally friendly. Manufacturers are facing increased pressure from regulations to create products that are more recyclable in order to reduce waste and promote circular economies. These difficulties, coupled with the expensive nature of developing recycling technologies, present major obstacles to the brick carton packaging market's sustained expansion.

Brick Carton Packaging Market Segment Analysis

By Material

In 2023, paper-based materials dominated the brick carton packaging market, capturing the largest revenue share of 45.56%. This trend is largely driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Paper is favored for its biodegradability and recyclability, making it an attractive choice for manufacturers and consumers alike. Several companies are capitalizing on this shift by launching innovative paper-based products. For instance, SIG Combibloc, a leader in aseptic carton packaging, introduced the SIGNATURE 100—a fully recyclable paper-based carton designed with minimal plastic content and focused on reducing carbon emissions. Similarly, Tetra Pak expanded its renewable portfolio by launching cartons made entirely from FSC-certified paperboard, which supports forest management and reduces environmental impact. These developments reflect the industry's commitment to addressing the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious packaging options, while also adhering to stricter environmental regulations. Additionally, paper-based brick cartons are increasingly preferred due to their lightweight nature, which reduces transportation costs and enhances logistical efficiency. As more companies innovate with paper as the primary material, the brick carton packaging market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, further solidifying paper’s dominant position in the sector.

By Opening Type

In 2023, the straw hole opening type emerged as the leading segment in the brick carton packaging market, capturing a revenue share of 40.56%. This popularity can be attributed to the convenience and consumer preference for easy-to-use packaging solutions, particularly in the beverage sector. Straw hole designs are especially favored for products like juice, milk, and flavored drinks, allowing for quick consumption while maintaining product freshness.

Companies are responding to this demand with innovative product launches. For example, Tetra Pak introduced its Tetra Prisma Aseptic carton featuring an advanced straw hole design that enhances user experience by minimizing spills and improving accessibility for consumers of all ages. This innovation is part of Tetra Pak's broader strategy to promote sustainable packaging by utilizing renewable materials and reducing environmental impact.in emerging markets like India, where the demand for packaged beverages is rapidly increasing, companies are leveraging straw hole designs to tap into the growing consumer base. Indian beverage brands, such as Dabur and Parle Agro, have adopted straw hole brick cartons for their juice and flavored drink lines, capitalizing on the trend of convenient and ready-to-drink products. The focus on convenience, coupled with sustainable practices, positions the straw hole opening type for continued growth in the brick carton packaging market, particularly in regions experiencing rising beverage consumption.

Brick Carton Packaging Market Regional Analysis

The brick carton packaging market was mainly controlled by the Asia-Pacific region in 2023, holding a substantial revenue share of 34.44%. The region's growing food and beverage industry, especially in countries such as China, India, and Japan, is driving this dominance, as there is an increasing need for convenient and environmentally-friendly packaging options. Key stakeholders in the area are reacting to this pattern by introducing new products and expanding their operations. Tetra Pak recently launched the Tetra Prisma Aseptic carton in India to meet the rising need for dairy and juice products, providing improved convenience and longer shelf life. Furthermore, SIG Combibloc introduced its SIG Combibloc Eco packaging in China, focusing on sustainability through the use of renewable resources and minimized carbon emissions. The Chinese market has additionally witnessed the launch of Nongfu Spring's new flavored water line in brick packaging, targeting the growing health-conscious consumer base. Furthermore, there is a rising trend among local producers to invest in cutting-edge manufacturing techniques in order to satisfy the increasing need for environmentally-friendly packaging options, which is driving the market expansion in the area. The Asia-Pacific region is poised to maintain its leadership in the brick carton packaging market due to a mix of consumer focus on sustainability and convenience plus strong product advancements.

North America became the quickest-growing region in the brick carton packaging market in 2023 due to rising consumer interest in eco-friendly packaging and the swift growth of the food and beverage industry. Businesses in the area are concentrating on creating new products that prioritize both environmental sustainability and ease of use. An instance is when Tetra Pak introduced its Tetra Prisma Aseptic carton aimed at ready-to-drink drinks, boasting a fully recyclable design that attracts environmentally mindful customers. This release is in line with the increasing movement towards sustainable product options in the U.S. and Canada, as regulations push for less plastic usage.

Furthermore, SIG Combibloc launched its Combibloc Eco packaging in the United States, highlighting a decreased carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials and creative manufacturing methods. This trend indicates a move in the market towards sustainability, with consumers looking for brands that show environmental accountability. Additionally, the efforts of the Canadian government to decrease plastic waste and encourage circular economy concepts have motivated businesses to consider brick carton options, leading to an increase in product introductions in the area. Due to innovations and regulatory support favoring sustainable packaging alternatives, the North American brick carton packaging market is projected to sustain its strong growth momentum.

Key Players

Some of the Major key Players in the brick carton packaging market along with their notable products:

• Tetra Pak International S.A. (Tetra Prisma Aseptic, Tetra Brik)

• Shanghai Skylong Aseptic Package Material Co., Ltd. (Aseptic cartons for juice and dairy)

• International Paper (Foodservice packaging solutions, paper-based cartons)

• Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. (Aseptic paper containers)

• Elopak AS (Pure-Pak® carton)

• Reynolds Group Holdings (Chill-Pak® cartons)

• Sealed Air (Cryovac® cartons for fresh food)

• Saxon Packaging Limited (Custom paperboard packaging solutions)

• SIG Combibloc (Combibloc Eco, Combipak)

• Mondi Group (BarrierPack, paper-based packaging solutions)

• Pak Group (Aseptic cartons for beverages)

• Stora Enso (Bio-based cartons and sustainable packaging solutions)

• Georgia-Pacific LLC (Paper-based food and beverage packaging)

• Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (Aseptic packaging solutions for dairy and juices)

• WestRock Company (Liquid packaging solutions, brick-style cartons)

• Others

Recent Development

• April 2024: Johnson’s Baby has launched new refill cartons for three of its products namely bedtime bath soap, baby shampoo, and head to toe wash and shampoo. These cartons are paper based and use material like nylon, PE, and EVOH. These cartons are certified by Forest Stewardship Council and are recyclable.

• November 2023: Tetra Pak, in collaboration with Lactogal, has launched Tetra Brik 200 Slim Leaf aseptic beverage carton, which is made of 80% by paperboard, thus increasing the recyclability of the carton to 90%. These packs are designed to support its use in ambient conditions.