The 52nd Annual Meeting and Exhibition of the Federation of Corrugated Box Manufacturers (FCBM) was inaugurated in the city, marking a significant milestone for India’s rapidly growing corrugated packaging industry. With a market size of approximately ₹50,000 crore annually and a growth rate of 10-12%, the corrugated box manufacturing sector is poised to continue its upward trajectory for the next 5 to 10 years.
India is home to more than 600 automated plants and approximately 7,000 semi-automatic plants in the corrugated box manufacturing space. The industry employs over half a million people and processes about 2 million tons of Kraft paper annually into corrugated boxes. This vibrant sector has become crucial for improving product safety, particularly in the food and beverage industry, while also catering to the booming e-commerce market.
“The corrugated box industry in India is witnessing unparalleled growth, driven by strong demand in key sectors and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The global corrugated packaging Industry is estimated to be at $300 billion and is growing at a CAGR of 4.3% fueled by expansion of e-commerce consumer preference for biodegradable packaging and innovations in lightweight materials. The Indian packaging industry is estimated to grow at 22 to 25% annually and the corrugated packaging Industry is expected to grow at 10-12%. As we look ahead, we anticipate significant shifts toward larger automatic plants and advanced machinery, which will not only enhance productivity but also meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses alike.” said Dharmendra V. Pandya, President of FCBM.
Factors Driving Growth
Some of the key factors fueling the growth of the industry include the increasing demand for packaging solutions in the food and beverage industry, the rapid rise of e-commerce, and favorable government initiatives aimed at boosting manufacturing capabilities and sustainability. The ongoing shift towards automation, particularly with the deployment of Inline Automatic Board and Box Making Plants, is expected to streamline production and eliminate existing bottlenecks in the semi-automatic processes.
Trends
Other anticipated trends include a rise in the use of Folder Gluers and Rotary Diecutters, advancements in multicolor flexo printing, and an increased focus on display and promotional packaging. Flexo printing, in particular, is expected to revolutionize in-house printing operations, reducing reliance on screen printing and offset presses.
