Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Paperboard & Packaging Papers
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Paperboard & Packaging Papers Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Paperboard and packaging papers are made from layered paper. These products are often used as primary materials for conversion into finished packaging products. Key buyers include manufacturers across a variety of industries in addition to online retailers.
This Report Includes:
- Bleached & Unbleached Paperboard
- Boxboard
- Containerboard
- Corrugated Fiberboard
- Kraft Paper
Not in this Report:
- Tissue Paper
- Paper Towels
- Printing Paper
- Finished Packaging Products
Global Paperboard & Packaging Papers Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Paperboard & Packaging Papers market.
Warning Trends
Tariffs are driving up paper and paperboard product prices
- The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply general tariff rate increases to all imports from most nations, are set to take effect on August 7 after the national tariff rates were finalized on August 1.
- As a result, the leading paper and paperboard product import sources, Canada, the European Union, China, and Mexico, all face significantly increased tariff rates of 35.0%, 15.0%, 54.0%, and 25.0%, respectively. Together, these countries account for 77.3% of paper and paperboard imports.
- However, USMCA-originating products, meaning those produced entirely in Canada or Mexico, are exempt from the elevated tariffs.
- The United States is highly reliant on paper and paperboard imports to meet domestic demand, with imports accounting for approximately 30.5% of total US consumption in this market.
- Due to these factors, the Yale Budget Lab anticipates tariffs will increase prices in the paper and paperboard market by 5.3% in the short term.
The European Commission is proposing the European Supply Chain Act
- Early in 2022, the European Commission (EC) proposed a new law that would impact supply chains throughout the European Union (EU).
- The law consists of provisions requiring companies to identify current and potential negative impacts on human rights and the environment throughout their supply chain and to mitigate these risks.
- Businesses will have to investigate all links of their supply chain, upstream and downstream, and adjust their supply chain to ensure labor rights and environmental standards are not being violated as a result of their operations over the course of two years.
- While many countries have their own national laws similar to the one being proposed by the EC, such as Germany’s German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, this proposed law supersedes national laws and is stricter in most cases.
Neutral
Inflation climbs above 3.0% for the first time in seven months
- In January, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month inflation rate, the most commonly used measure of inflation, rose by 0.1% to 3.0%, the highest it has been since June 2024.
- This uptick in inflation follows cuts to interest rates which may have added to consumer demand, fueling higher consumer prices.
- Additionally, the threat of impending tariff hikes has driven preemptive stockpiling by importers, adding to demand and price growth across a range of industries in the United States.
- While inflation is still low relative to previous years, sustained recent increases in inflation and the potential effects of tariffs, such as the recently implemented 10.0% on all Chinese goods, mean prices are still rising at a faster-than-normal pace.
Global Paperboard & Packaging Papers Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 China | 1,660 |
| #2 Europe | 1,535 |
| #3 Oceania & Southeast Asia | 1,375 |
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2
Geography Drilldown - US, Canada & Europe
Average Cost of Paperboard & Packaging Papers
United States
2026 Market Pricing$13.25 to $XX.XX
per 1,000 square feetCanada
Europe
Average Price
Prices in the Paperboard & Packaging Papers market range from $13.25 to $XX.XX, depending on Materials, Buyer Relationship, Coating and Quantity. For example, lower prices are associated with Paperboard and packaging paper derived from lower-quality pulp, whereas higher prices are associated with Solid bleached board from bleached virgin pulp fibers.
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Paperboard & Packaging Papers Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Paperboard & Packaging Papers market, prices in the US have grown 4.0% from 2022 to 2025. and --0.5% in Europe.
United States (2022-2025)
Canada (2016-2019)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Europe (2022-2025)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
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Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Paperboard & Packaging Papers
Total cost of ownership is High in the Paperboard & Packaging Papers market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs.
Negotiated Before
Transportation
Billed During
Storage
Capital Tie-Up
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -3.2 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Price Driver Volatility. It is most negatively impacted by Availability of Substitutes. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Canada
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as High, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Wood Pulp Mills
- Industrial Machinery & Equipment Wholesalers
- Chemical Wholesalers
- Recyclable Material Wholesalers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers
- Logging Companies
- Printing, Paper, Food, Textile & Other Machinery Manufacturers
- Organic Chemical Manufacturers
- Recycling Facilities
Biggest Paperboard & Packaging Papers Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Paperboard & Packaging Papers vendors by revenue in the US are Clearwater Paper Corporation, International Paper Company and Georgia-Pacific Llc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Paper Company | Global | MEMPHIS | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Westrock Co | Global | ATLANTA, GA | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Graphic Packaging Holding Company | Global | ATLANTA | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Packaging Corp Of America | International | LAKE FOREST, IL | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Mondi PLC | Global | Addlestone, UK | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| DS Smith PLC | Global | London, UK | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Sappi Limited | Global | Johannesburg, ZA | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Greif Inc. | Global | DELAWARE | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Sonoco Products Company | Global | HARTSVILLE, SC | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Paperboard & Packaging Papers market is 5.2% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Overhead. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Market share concentration in this industry is high due to the large and expensive machinery required to make paperboard. High market share concentration detracts from buyer power by reducing the ability of buyers to leverage alternative suppliers during negotiations.
Vendor financial risk is moderate due to the significant investments in machinery necessary to operate in the market. Moderate vendor risk has a neutral impact on buyer power.
The high level of supply chain risk hurts buyers because product availability and prices could be impacted by supply chain events. Supply chain risk stems primarily from wood pulp, which is the most important input used in production of paperboard and packaging papers.
The United States is a net exporter of paperboard and packaging papers, which means it exports more than it imports. Buyers may benefit from domestic production as this may curb shipping costs and lead times.
Supplier Information
International Paper Company
International Paper Co. /NEW/ is a global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products. It organizes its business into two segments: Industrial Packaging, which manufactures linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled medium, and saturating kraft; and Global Cellulose Fibers, which includes a Subscribe to learn more
Cascades Inc.
Cascades Inc. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paper towels and paperboard & packaging papers. Founded in 1957, the company is currently headquartered in Kingsey Falls, Canada with an estimated employee count of over 10,000. Subscribe to learn more
Clearwater Paper Corporation
Clearwater Paper Corporation is a public company operating internationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paperboard & packaging papers and envelopes. Founded in 2008, the company is currently headquartered in SPOKANE, Washington, United States of America with an estimated 3000... Subscribe to learn more
DS Smith PLC
DS Smith PLC is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing and professional, scientific & technical services sectors. The company's offerings include paperboard & packaging papers, slip sheets, cushioning supplies and total waste management & recycling. Founded in 1940, the company is currently... Subscribe to learn more
Georgia-Pacific Llc
Georgia-Pacific Llc is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include wood pulp, plywood, particleboard, medium density fiberboard, engineered wood products. Founded in 1927, the company is currently headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more
Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Graphic Packaging Holding Company is a global consumer packaging company. It offers paperboard packaging solutions, including unbleached, bleached, and recycled paperboard, for food, beverage, restaurants, food service providers, air filter frames, and healthcare and beauty aids end markets. It operates various... Subscribe to learn more
Greif Inc.
Greif, Inc. is a global producer of industrial packaging products and services. It produces and sells containerboard, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers, and other corrugated products, coated recycled paperboard and uncoated recycled paperboard, recycled fiber, adhesives, and services, including container... Subscribe to learn more
Mondi PLC
Mondi PLC is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paperboard & packaging papers, newsprint & offset papers, paper bags, flexible packaging, envelopes. Founded in 2007, the company is currently headquartered in Addlestone, United Kingdom with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more
Newman & Co. Inc.
Newman & Co. Inc. is a private company operating regionally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include paperboard & packaging papers and envelopes. Founded in 1919, the company is currently headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America with an estimated 134 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Paperboard & Packaging Papers Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Defect Density and On-Time Delivery (OTD). Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Accuracy and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defect Density |
|
Defect density Error rate |
Defective products hurt buyers because they cannot be used, potentially forcing the buyer to postpone operations. A supplier with a high defect density has poor quality control mechanisms and such a supplier may need to be replaced. Defective products should be replaced by the supplier at no cost to the buyer. |
| On-Time Delivery (OTD) |
|
On-time delivery rate Delivery on-time rate in full |
Ensuring a steady supply of paperboard is imperative for buyers that will be in constant production and, therefore, in constant need of packaging materials. Buyers should ensure that their supplier has a high on-time delivery rate. |
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Supply Chain Risk
From where do you source your primary raw materials, including wood pulp, recovered paper and chemicals?
Have you ever experienced supply chain disruptions resulting in insufficient paperboard supplies or higher list prices?
Experience and Expertise
How do you track customer satisfaction, and do you have client references I can review?
What is your past experience in working with a company of my size and operation specialty?
Shipping
Is your production process halted by paperboard types? If so, how does that affect the availability of products in stock and your delivery schedule?
What is your delivery schedule, and can buyers in supply agreements develop custom delivery schedules?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
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Paperboard & Packaging Papers RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should give a brief overview of their organization, including any relevant history.
Buyers should indicate the size their organization, including operational scope and production volumes.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should detail the range of different products they are looking to procure, including specific paper grades.
Buyers must indicate the specific dimensions of each different type of product desired, including weight capacity and color.
Project Budget
Buyers should state the range of their budget for paperboard products and related goods.
Buyers should explain the length of the contract they are looking to make.
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- Opportunity assessment
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- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
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