Market Forecast By Material (Linerboard, Medium), By Printing Ink ( Water-based, UV-curable, Hot melt-based, Solvent-based), By Printing Technology (Digital, Flexography, Lithography) And Competitive Landscape
| Product Code: ETC4600703 | Publication Date: Jul 2023 | Updated Date: Nov 2025 | Product Type: Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Sachin Kumar Rai | No. of Pages: 85 | No. of Figures: 45 | No. of Tables: 25 |
In 2024, Japan continued to rely on imports of corrugated boxes, with China, Israel, Germany, USA, and South Korea being the top exporting countries. The high Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) indicates a concentrated market, while the steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.38% from 2020 to 2024 reflects a stable industry. The impressive growth rate of 12.85% from 2023 to 2024 signals a potential uptrend in demand for corrugated boxes in Japan, highlighting opportunities for exporters in the coming years.

According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Japan Corrugated Boxes Market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% during the forecast period (2025–2031).
Below mentioned are the evaluation of year-wise growth rate along with key drivers:
| Year | Est. Annual Growth in % | Growth Drivers |
| 2020 | 1.8 | Slow domestic consumption and mature market status. |
| 2021 | 2.3 | Slight increase in e‑commerce shipments and logistics demand. |
| 2022 | 3.1 | Growth in food & beverage packaging and recyclability focus. |
| 2023 | 4.2 | Rising demand for sustainable corrugated solutions and retail packaging upgrades. |
| 2024 | 4.6 | Increased technological investment in printing and customization for packaging. |
Japan Corrugated Boxes Market report thoroughly covers the market by Material, Printing Ink, and Printing Technology. The report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers, which would help stakeholders devise and align their strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
| Report Name | Japan Corrugated Boxes Market |
| Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
| CAGR | 5% |
| Growing Sector | Packaging |
The Japan Corrugated Boxes Market is expected to have moderate but stable growth. The packaging sector is driven by demand from food & beverage, e-commerce, and electronics industries. As Japan focuses on sustainability and recycling, corrugated board solutions are increasingly preferred over alternatives. Investments in advanced printing technologies and customization for retail packaging further support market growth.
Below mentioned are some growth drivers and their impact on market dynamics:
| Drivers | Primary Segments Affected | Why It Matters |
| Growth in E‑commerce & Logistics | Material, Printing Technology | Raises packaging volume demand |
| Sustainability & Recycling Focus | Material, Printing Ink | Encourages corrugated material use |
| Premiumisation & Branding Needs | Printing Technology, Printing Ink | Drives demand for higher quality packaging |
| Technological Innovations | Printing Technology | Improves production efficiency and customization |
| Expansion of Cold‑chain & Retail Packaging | Material, Printing Ink | Enhances demand for durable and decorative boxes |
The Japan Corrugated Boxes Market is expected to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period of 2025–2031. The Japan corrugated boxes market is growing due to increased usage of eco-friendly materials and rising consumer preference towards environmentally friendly products. The market is mainly driven by the growing adaptation of e-commerce services throughout Japan, which has contributed to the growth of packaging couriers’ packs. Growing advancements in technology are improving the quality of corrugated packaging by making them more durable and organic.
Below mentioned are some major restraints and their influence on market dynamics:
| Restraints | Primary Segments Affected | What This Means |
| Mature Market Saturation | All Segments | Limits growth potential |
| High Raw Material Costs | Material | Increases manufacturing costs |
| Competition from Alternative Packaging | Material | Reduces market share for corrugated boxes |
| Skilled Labour Shortage for Advanced Printing | Printing Technology | Slows technology adoption |
| Fluctuating Paper & Linerboard Prices | Material | Affects profitability and stability |
The market faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs, particularly paper, which impacts production expenses and profitability. Limited availability of sustainable raw materials and increasing energy costs also pose difficulties for manufacturers. Moreover, competition from alternative packaging materials like plastics and rigid boxes, along with slow adoption of automation among smaller producers, restricts market efficiency. Ensuring consistent quality and meeting strict recycling standards remain ongoing challenges for Japan’s corrugated packaging industry.
Some major trends contributing to the development of the Japan Corrugated Boxes Market growth are:
Here are some investment opportunities in the Japan Corrugated Boxes industry:
Here are some top companies contributing to Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Share:
| Company Name | Rengo Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Established Year | 1909 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Rengo Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of corrugated board and packaging solutions in Japan. The company focuses on integrated paperboard and corrugated board production, ensuring superior product quality and operational efficiency. Rengo is known for its commitment to sustainability, offering eco-friendly and innovative packaging for industrial and consumer applications.
| Company Name | Oji Holdings Corporation |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Established Year | 1873 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Oji Holdings Corporation is a global leader in paper and packaging solutions, with a strong presence in corrugated board manufacturing. The company emphasizes high-strength materials, recycling systems, and sustainable production, catering to industries including electronics, food, and industrial packaging across Japan and international markets.
| Company Name | Daio Paper Corporation |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Established Year | 1943 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Daio Paper Corporation manufactures paperboard and corrugated packaging that meet Japan’s high-quality standards for retail, logistics, and export applications. The company focuses on material innovation and performance-driven packaging, supporting efficient supply chains and sustainability initiatives within the packaging sector.
| Company Name | Tomoku Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sapporo, Japan |
| Established Year | 1949 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Tomoku Co., Ltd. specializes in corrugated containers and display cartons, operating both domestic and international production facilities. The company provides customized packaging and retail display solutions for consumer goods and export industries, ensuring durability, design flexibility, and superior print quality.
| Company Name | The Pack Corporation |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Osaka, Japan |
| Established Year | 1878 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
The Pack Corporation offers corrugated boxes and comprehensive packaging solutions with a focus on cushioning materials, high-definition flexographic printing, and automation systems. The company serves both domestic and export markets, providing advanced packaging tailored for retail, industrial, and logistics sectors.
According to Japanese government data, several regulatory initiatives such as the Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics (2022) encourage the replacement of plastic packaging with paper-based alternatives. The government’s recycling mandates and material recovery targets have significantly boosted the adoption of corrugated packaging across industries. Additionally, under the “Green Growth” policies, Japan supports sustainable manufacturing practices and promotes domestic packaging capabilities, thereby strengthening the country’s corrugated boxes industry and aligning it with its circular economy goals.
The outlook for the Japan Corrugated Boxes Market remains positive yet moderate, driven by consistent growth in e-commerce, retail customization, export logistics, and sustainability regulations. The market’s future opportunities lie in premium printing technologies, automation in box manufacturing, and sustainable material innovation. While volume growth is expected to remain steady, value growth will likely accelerate due to rising demand for high-end, customized, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the following market segments and their leading categories.
According to Guneet Kaur, Senior Research Analyst at 6Wresearch, Linerboard is the fastest-growing material segment owing to its high strength, durability, and eco-friendly composition. It is extensively used for e-commerce and high-value product packaging, providing superior protection and sustainability benefits that align with Japan’s recycling standards.
Water-Based Inks are gaining strong traction due to their non-toxic, eco-friendly, and food-safe properties. These inks deliver high-quality print output, quick drying times, and compliance with sustainability goals, making them ideal for corrugated packaging in industries such as food, retail, and consumer goods.
Digital Printing continues to expand rapidly due to its flexibility, high precision, and cost-efficiency for short-run, customized packaging orders. It offers vibrant color quality, quick turnaround times, and supports on-demand design customization, which is particularly beneficial for e-commerce brands and premium product lines.
The report subsequently covers the market by following segments and sub segments:
| 1 Executive Summary |
| 2 Introduction |
| 2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
| 2.2 Report Description |
| 2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
| 2.4 Research Methodology |
| 2.5 Assumptions |
| 3 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Overview |
| 3.1 Japan Country Macro Economic Indicators |
| 3.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.3 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market - Industry Life Cycle |
| 3.4 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market - Porter's Five Forces |
| 3.5 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Material, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.6 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Printing Ink, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.7 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Printing Technology, 2021 & 2031F |
| 4 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Dynamics |
| 4.1 Impact Analysis |
| 4.2 Market Drivers |
| 4.2.1 Growing e-commerce industry in Japan leading to increased demand for packaging materials like corrugated boxes. |
| 4.2.2 Focus on sustainable packaging solutions driving the adoption of corrugated boxes due to their recyclability and eco-friendly nature. |
| 4.2.3 Increasing urbanization and industrialization in Japan boosting the need for efficient packaging solutions such as corrugated boxes. |
| 4.3 Market Restraints |
| 4.3.1 Fluctuating raw material prices impacting the production costs of corrugated boxes. |
| 4.3.2 Competition from alternative packaging materials like plastic or wood affecting the market share of corrugated boxes. |
| 4.3.3 Stringent regulations related to packaging materials and waste management posing challenges for the corrugated boxes market in Japan. |
| 5 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Trends |
| 6 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market, By Types |
| 6.1 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market, By Material |
| 6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.1.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Material, 2021-2031F |
| 6.1.3 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Linerboard, 2021-2031F |
| 6.1.4 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Medium, 2021-2031F |
| 6.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market, By Printing Ink |
| 6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.2.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Water-based, 2021-2031F |
| 6.2.3 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By UV-curable, 2021-2031F |
| 6.2.4 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Hot melt-based, 2021-2031F |
| 6.2.5 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Solvent-based, 2021-2031F |
| 6.3 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market, By Printing Technology |
| 6.3.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.3.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Digital, 2021-2031F |
| 6.3.3 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Flexography, 2021-2031F |
| 6.3.4 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenues & Volume, By Lithography, 2021-2031F |
| 7 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
| 7.1 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Export to Major Countries |
| 7.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Imports from Major Countries |
| 8 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Key Performance Indicators |
| 8.1 Percentage increase in the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions in Japan. |
| 8.2 Growth in the manufacturing sector in Japan leading to higher demand for corrugated boxes. |
| 8.3 Number of new product developments and innovations in the corrugated boxes market in Japan. |
| 9 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market - Opportunity Assessment |
| 9.1 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Opportunity Assessment, By Material, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Opportunity Assessment, By Printing Ink, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.3 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Opportunity Assessment, By Printing Technology, 2021 & 2031F |
| 10 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market - Competitive Landscape |
| 10.1 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
| 10.2 Japan Corrugated Boxes Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
| 11 Company Profiles |
| 12 Recommendations |
| 13 Disclaimer |