Corrugated & Cartonboard Packaging Industry Landscape and Trends
By Published On: March 9, 2026

Corrugated & Cartonboard Packaging: Industry Landscape and Trends

Corrugated and cartonboard packaging are essential components of U.S. and global supply chains, valued for their recyclability, cost efficiency, and versatility across end markets. The sector continues to benefit from structural demand drivers such as e-commerce growth, sustainability regulation, and the ongoing shift toward fiber-based packaging as an alternative to plastics. Supported by advancements in packaging design, material efficiency, and strengthened recycling systems, the industry has maintained steady, moderate growth. Although transaction volumes have moderated from 2021 highs, large-scale strategic M&A remains a key feature of the competitive landscape, driving consolidation and expanding scale among leading producers.

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Brian Barrett, a FOCUS Managing Director, has extensive expertise is in providing strategic advice to entrepreneurs, business owners and companies to assist them in achieving their strategic ambitions and preparing for significant value events. He has over 16 years of corporate finance experience working with SME’s, large corporate and semi state bodies across Ireland. Barrett has successfully project management and complete many significant transactions across multiple sectors, including retail, technology, food & beverage, agriculture, logistics, banking, energy and leisure. Barrett joined in 2019 and is a leading and experienced corporate finance advisor, who provides a broad range of activities from debt advisory, valuations, due diligence, strategic planning, along with buy / sell side services to our clients. Barrett previously worked for IBI Corporate Finance and EY Transaction Advisory Services.