| Corrugated & Paperboard Boxes to 2014 | | | | linerboard grades that can support high-quality |
| | | | | printing and graphics. |
| US box demand to reach $37.8 billion in 2014 | | | | |
| Demand for corrugated and paperboard boxes | | | | Folding boxes face competition from other |
| is projected to increase 2.3 percent annually | | | | packaging |
| through 2014 to $37.5 billion, with gains driven by | | | | Demand for folding paperboard boxes will rise |
| an expansion in manufacturing output after the | | | | 1.5 percent per annum through 2014 to $10.5 |
| declines registered during the 2004-2009 period. In | | | | billion, slower than the corrugated box pace as |
| particular, an acceleration in shipments of | | | | folding cartons face stiff competition from |
| nondurable goods such as food and beverages will | | | | alternative packaging (e.g., pouches, blister packs |
| support demand for related boxes. Additionally, | | | | and clamshells) in many markets. Source reduction |
| box demand will benefit from the increasing | | | | efforts, many of which involve the elimination or |
| importance of higher-value boxes that can | | | | downsizing of cartons, will also slow demand. |
| support improved printing and graphics as | | | | However, gains will be supported by advances in |
| producers continue to look for ways to heighten | | | | printing and graphics capabilities and a more |
| the visual appeal of boxes in order to offset | | | | favorable environmental profile than plastic |
| competition from alternative packaging formats. | | | | packaging. Set-up box demand will be supported |
| Although boxes with superior graphics capabilities | | | | by their widespread use in high-end confectionery, |
| are more prevalent in the folding carton segment, | | | | silverware and jewelry applications. |
| the continued popularity of mass retailers and | | | | |
| warehouse club stores has compelled many | | | | Food, beverages to remain largest box market |
| boxmakers to develop corrugated boxes that can | | | | Food and beverages will remain the largest box |
| also serve as appealing product billboards. Box | | | | market, accounting for more than 40 percent of |
| demand will also be supported by trends favoring | | | | demand in 2014. Good prospects for boxes are |
| Internet-based shopping. ( ) | | | | expected in markets such as frozen foods, dairy |
| | | | | products, and meat, poultry and seafood |
| Corrugated, solid fiber boxes to remain dominant | | | | products. Other nondurable goods markets |
| Sales of corrugated and solid fiber boxes, which | | | | offering favorable opportunities for boxes include |
| accounted for nearly 70 percent of demand in | | | | cosmetics and toiletries, and rubber and plastic |
| 2009, will increase 2.7 percent annually through | | | | products. In the durable goods sector, box |
| 2014 to $26.6 billion. Advances will be aided by | | | | demand will post healthy gains in machinery and |
| their well entrenched position as the shipping | | | | equipment, and other products such as motor |
| container of choice in nearly all manufacturing | | | | vehicle parts and instruments markets as both |
| sectors. Demand will also benefit from the | | | | the industrial machinery and automobile markets |
| favorable environmental profile of corrugated | | | | recover from sharp declines in the 2004-2009 |
| boxes, which will become increasingly important as | | | | period. In nonmanufacturing markets such as retail |
| producers continue to seek ways to adopt | | | | shipping and carry-out foodservice, box demand |
| sustainable | | | | will be supported by consumer preferences for |
| packaging practices. Moreover, value gains will be | | | | online shopping and food prepared or eaten away |
| bolstered by heightened demand for more costly | | | | from home. |