World
demand for corrugated boxes is forecast to increase 4.2 percent per year to 234
billion square meters in 2017, slightly outpacing real (inflation-adjusted)
gains in GDP. Factors contributing to rising box demand include growth in
industrial activities, particularly the manufacturing sector, which often
requires corrugated packaging to protect and transport goods. In addition,
ongoing developments in small flute and high-quality graphic board will allow
corrugated boxes to penetrate traditional folding carton applications,
especially in the developed world. Greater interest in corrugated packaging as
a point-of-sale display in retail applications will also boost demand for
value-added corrugated boxes.
