By Global Cardboard Recycling Market on Track to Hit $80.41 Billion by 2030
A new industry report projects steady, policy-driven growth for cardboard recycling through the end of the decade, fueled by e-commerce packaging waste and tighter recycled-content rules.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The global cardboard recycling market is set for steady expansion, primarily driven by increased focus by businesses and governments on waste reduction technologies and sustainable packaging techniques, said a new report published in openPR. The market is projected to reach $80.41 billion by 2030, growing at a 7.7% CAGR during the forecast period.
What Readers Should Know
- The market reached $59.71 billion in 2026, up from $55.31 billion in 2025 — an 8% increase.
- It is forecast to grow to $80.41 billion by 2030 at a 7.7% CAGR.
- Growth is tied to rising retail and e-commerce packaging waste and expanding municipal recycling programs.
- The report was published via openPR.
Why the Market Is Growing
According to the report, the market grew from $55.31 billion in 2025 to $59.71 billion in 2026, representing a steady growth of 8%. The healthy growth in the recycling market was mainly driven by rising volumes of packaging waste from retail and e-commerce as well as stronger municipal recycling programs.
What's Driving Investment
The industry is likely to benefit from wider adoption of circular economy policies. Recycled content regulations by various governments have led to increased investment in recycling collection and processing facilities.
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How Technology Is Improving Recycling Quality
The sector growth will see a huge boost with the use of advanced technologies such as automated sorting and improved de-inking processes leading to production of high-quality recycled fibers. The use of modern technologies will also reduce contamination and increase the processing capacities of facilities.
Who the Major Players Are
The competitive landscape includes major paper, packaging and recycling companies such as Oji Holdings, Stora Enso, Mondi, Georgia-Pacific Recycling, Nippon Paper Industries, Sonoco Products, Klabin and Cascades, the report said.
What Happens Next
The report projects the market's current trajectory will continue through 2030, reaching $80.41 billion under a 7.7% CAGR, as recycling technology upgrades, regulatory pressure, and rising packaging waste volumes continue to shape the sector.
People Also Ask
How big is the global cardboard recycling market expected to be by 2030?
The report projects it will reach $80.41 billion by 2030.
What is the market's forecast growth rate?
The market is forecast to grow at a 7.7% CAGR during the forecast period.
How much did the market grow between 2025 and 2026?
It grew from $55.31 billion in 2025 to $59.71 billion in 2026, an increase of about 8%.
What is driving growth in cardboard recycling?
Rising packaging waste from retail and e-commerce, stronger municipal recycling programs, circular economy policies, and recycled-content regulations.
Which companies are named as major players in the market?
Oji Holdings, Stora Enso, Mondi, Georgia-Pacific Recycling, Nippon Paper Industries, Sonoco Products, Klabin, and Cascades.
