Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Analysis Report 2025: Market to Grow by a CAGR of XX to 2033, Driven by Government Incentives, Popularity of Virtual Assistants, and Strategic Partnerships

Key Insights

The global Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and the rising e-commerce sector. The market, estimated at $50 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated $80 billion by 2033. Key drivers include the escalating demand for recyclable materials across various industries, stringent government regulations promoting waste reduction and recycling, and the increasing adoption of sustainable business practices. The Food & Beverage sector remains a dominant application segment, followed by the rapidly expanding E-commerce and logistics industries, which are major contributors to OCC generation. Significant regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding the largest market shares due to established recycling infrastructure and high levels of awareness regarding environmental sustainability. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, fueled by rapid industrialization and urbanization. The OCC market is segmented by type (OCC 11, OCC 12, and Others) and application (Food & Beverage, Personal Care, Logistics & Transportation, Electrical & Electronics, Healthcare, Chemical, and Others). Competitive dynamics are shaped by a mix of large multinational corporations and regional players, leading to ongoing consolidation and innovation within the industry. Challenges include fluctuations in raw material prices, logistical complexities in waste collection and processing, and the need for continuous improvements in recycling technologies.

The future of the OCC market hinges on advancements in recycling technologies, increased investment in waste management infrastructure, particularly in developing economies, and the growing awareness of circular economy principles. The ongoing development of innovative OCC-based products, such as bio-based materials and composite products, is expected to further stimulate market growth. The market will likely see increased adoption of digital technologies for optimizing waste management processes, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs. Furthermore, collaborations between industry stakeholders, including packaging producers, recyclers, and government agencies, will be crucial for driving sustainable practices and ensuring a smooth transition towards a more circular economy for OCC. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, underpinned by the growing global commitment to environmental sustainability.

Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Trends

The global Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) market exhibited robust growth throughout the historical period (2019-2024), driven primarily by the escalating demand for sustainable packaging solutions and a surge in e-commerce activities. The market volume reached an estimated 250 million units in 2025, signifying a notable increase from previous years. This upward trajectory is projected to continue throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), with predictions of substantial market expansion driven by various factors including the increasing focus on recycling and circular economy initiatives, coupled with the ever-growing consumption of packaged goods across diverse sectors. Key market insights reveal a strong preference for OCC grades like OCC 11 and OCC 12, owing to their superior quality and recyclability. The logistics and transportation sector remains a major driver of OCC demand, followed closely by the food and beverage industry. However, fluctuations in raw material prices and potential disruptions in the global supply chain present challenges to sustained growth. The estimated year (2025) serves as a crucial benchmark, highlighting the market's maturity and the potential for future expansion within specific geographic regions and application segments. Competitive dynamics are characterized by the presence of both large multinational corporations and smaller regional players, leading to a varied market landscape. The study period (2019-2033) provides a comprehensive overview of the market’s evolution, highlighting both its historical performance and future growth prospects. The base year (2025) offers a snapshot of the current market dynamics, including market size, key players, and dominant segments.

Driving Forces: What's Propelling the Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Market?

Several factors are propelling the growth of the Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) market. The increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness is a key driver, leading to greater demand for recycled materials and reduced reliance on virgin fiber. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations regarding waste management and promoting recycling initiatives, further boosting the demand for OCC. The burgeoning e-commerce sector is a significant contributor, as it necessitates vast quantities of packaging materials, a substantial portion of which is OCC. The rising disposable income in developing economies also fuels demand for packaged goods, consequently increasing OCC generation. Furthermore, advancements in recycling technologies are improving the quality and usability of recycled OCC, making it a more attractive and cost-effective alternative to virgin fiber for various applications. Finally, the rising awareness among businesses about the economic benefits of recycling, including cost savings and improved brand image, is further accelerating the adoption of OCC. These combined factors are expected to maintain the robust growth trajectory of the OCC market in the coming years.

Challenges and Restraints in Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Market

Despite its promising growth prospects, the Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) market faces certain challenges and restraints. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly recycled fiber, can impact the profitability of OCC recycling operations. The quality of collected OCC can vary significantly depending on various factors, including contamination levels and the efficiency of collection processes. Inconsistent supply of high-quality OCC can hamper the production of recycled paper and cardboard, potentially leading to supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, competition from alternative packaging materials, such as plastics and other sustainable alternatives, poses a threat to OCC's market share. The lack of advanced recycling infrastructure in some regions hinders efficient collection and processing of OCC, limiting its potential. Moreover, stringent regulations concerning waste disposal and transportation can increase operational costs for OCC processors. Lastly, variations in the global economic climate and potential recessions can negatively impact the demand for packaged goods and consequently, OCC. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, governments, and consumers to ensure the sustainable growth of the OCC market.

Key Region or Country & Segment to Dominate the Market

The Logistics & Transportation segment is projected to dominate the Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) market throughout the forecast period. This segment’s significant contribution stems from the substantial increase in e-commerce and global trade, which drives an enormous demand for packaging solutions like boxes, and protective layers for goods.

• North America and Europe are expected to lead the global market due to established recycling infrastructure, stringent environmental regulations, and high consumer awareness regarding sustainable practices. Their developed economies also foster a higher demand for packaged goods.

• Asia-Pacific will experience significant growth, fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, a burgeoning middle class, and increasing urbanization, driving greater packaging needs. However, challenges in infrastructure and waste management may hinder its rate of growth compared to established regions.

• OCC 11 and OCC 12 will continue to dominate the market due to their high quality and suitability for various recycling processes. These grades often command premium prices due to their superior fiber characteristics.

• The Food & Beverage industry also presents a key application segment, constantly requiring packaging for storage, transport, and retail display.

The sheer volume of packaging used in logistics and transportation combined with the relatively high recyclability and consistent demand for OCC 11 and OCC 12 grades makes this segment the undeniable market leader. While other regions and application segments show potential for growth, the established infrastructure and immense demand within the North American and European logistics & transportation sectors, coupled with the superior quality of OCC 11 and OCC 12, ensure their continued dominance in the OCC market.

Growth Catalysts in Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Industry

The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, coupled with stringent government regulations promoting recycling and reduced reliance on virgin fiber, are major growth catalysts. Increased e-commerce and the associated demand for packaging materials are significantly boosting market growth. Technological advancements in recycling processes are enhancing the quality and usability of recycled OCC, driving further adoption. The rising awareness of the economic benefits of recycling, such as cost reduction and improved brand image, among businesses also fuels market growth.

Leading Players in the Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Market

• DS Smith Plc
• RecycleMax
• Allan Company
• Kruger Inc.
• International Paper
• WestRock Company
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Sonoco Products Company
• Cleanaway Waste Management Limited
• Royal Oak Recycling
• Miller Recycling Corporation
• Gabriel Container Co.
• Green Recycling Ltd.
• Berg Mill Supply Co.
• Continental Paper Grading Limited
• ALSECO S.r.l

Significant Developments in Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Sector

• 2020: Several major OCC processors invested heavily in upgrading their recycling facilities to improve processing efficiency and output quality.
• 2021: New regulations regarding waste management and recycling were introduced in several European countries, further boosting the demand for OCC.
• 2022: Several partnerships were formed between OCC processors and e-commerce companies to optimize the collection and recycling of OCC generated from online deliveries.
• 2023: Several technological advancements were seen in the recycling sector, resulting in the improvement of OCC quality.
• 2024: Investment in new, high-capacity OCC processing plants were made in several countries.

Comprehensive Coverage Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) market, encompassing historical data, current market trends, and future growth projections. It details key market drivers, challenges, and growth catalysts influencing the industry's trajectory. The report also profiles leading players and examines significant developments shaping the market. This insightful overview is essential for businesses operating within the OCC sector and those seeking a deep understanding of this dynamic and expanding market.

Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Segmentation

• 1. Type
  • 1.1. OCC 11
  • 1.2. OCC 12
  • 1.3. Others
• 2. Application
  • 2.1. Food & Beverage
  • 2.2. Personal Care
  • 2.3. Logistics & Transportation
  • 2.4. Electrical & Electronics
  • 2.5. Healthcare
  • 2.6. Chemical
  • 2.7. Others

Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) Segmentation By Geography

• 1. North America
  • 1.1. United States
  • 1.2. Canada
  • 1.3. Mexico
• 2. South America
  • 2.1. Brazil
  • 2.2. Argentina
  • 2.3. Rest of South America
• 3. Europe
  • 3.1. United Kingdom
  • 3.2. Germany
  • 3.3. France
  • 3.4. Italy
  • 3.5. Spain
  • 3.6. Russia
  • 3.7. Benelux
  • 3.8. Nordics
  • 3.9. Rest of Europe
• 4. Middle East & Africa
  • 4.1. Turkey
  • 4.2. Israel
  • 4.3. GCC
  • 4.4. North Africa
  • 4.5. South Africa
  • 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
• 5. Asia Pacific
  • 5.1. China
  • 5.2. India
  • 5.3. Japan
  • 5.4. South Korea
  • 5.5. ASEAN
  • 5.6. Oceania
  • 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific