Old Corrugated Container (OCC) Market Outlook

The Old Corrugated Container (OCC) market was valued at $9.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $14.3 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2025-2033. The OCC market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and the rising awareness about environmental conservation. The recycling of OCC is a critical component in the circular economy, providing raw materials for the production of new paper products. The market is driven by the growing packaging industry, which is increasingly adopting recycled materials to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Additionally, government regulations promoting recycling and waste reduction are further propelling the market growth.

Report Scope

Key Highlights Old Corrugated Container (OCC) Market

• The OCC market is experiencing a shift towards more efficient recycling technologies, enhancing the quality and yield of recycled fibers.
• Asia-Pacific is the largest market for OCC, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India.
• North America and Europe are mature markets with high recycling rates, focusing on technological advancements in sorting and processing OCC.
• Increasing e-commerce activities are boosting the demand for corrugated packaging, indirectly driving the OCC market.
• Innovations in OCC recycling processes are reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
• Government initiatives and policies supporting recycling and sustainable practices are positively impacting the market.
• The market is witnessing consolidation with major players acquiring smaller firms to enhance their market presence.
• There is a growing trend towards the use of OCC in non-traditional applications such as furniture and construction materials.
• Environmental concerns and consumer preferences for sustainable products are driving the demand for recycled OCC.

Competitive Intelligence

The Old Corrugated Container (OCC) market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on expanding their market share through strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. International Paper Company, one of the leading players, has a significant market share due to its extensive network and advanced recycling technologies. Smurfit Kappa Group is another major player, known for its innovative packaging solutions and strong presence in Europe and the Americas. WestRock Company is gaining ground with its focus on sustainable packaging and efficient recycling processes. DS Smith Plc is expanding its geographic reach through strategic acquisitions, enhancing its market position. Mondi Group is leveraging its strong R&D capabilities to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions, while Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited is focusing on increasing its production capacity to meet the growing demand in Asia. Other notable players include Pratt Industries, Cascades Inc., and Stora Enso Oyj, each with unique strengths and strategies that contribute to their competitive positioning in the market.

Regional Market Intelligence of Old Corrugated Container (OCC)

In North America, the OCC market is valued at approximately $2.5 billion, with a forecasted growth driven by the high recycling rates and strong demand from the packaging industry. Europe follows closely, with a market size of $2.2 billion, where stringent environmental regulations and consumer awareness are key growth drivers. The Asia-Pacific region, the largest market, is valued at $3.8 billion, propelled by rapid industrialization and urbanization, particularly in China and India. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, though smaller markets, are experiencing growth due to increasing investments in recycling infrastructure and rising environmental consciousness. Each region exhibits unique market dynamics, with North America and Europe focusing on technological advancements, while Asia-Pacific is driven by volume growth and capacity expansion.

Top Countries Insights in Old Corrugated Container (OCC)

China leads the OCC market with a current market size of $2.1 billion and a CAGR of 6%, driven by its massive manufacturing sector and government policies promoting recycling. The United States follows with a market size of $1.8 billion and a CAGR of 4%, supported by high recycling rates and demand from the packaging industry. Germany, with a market size of $1.2 billion and a CAGR of 3%, benefits from stringent environmental regulations and a strong recycling infrastructure. India, experiencing rapid growth with a market size of $0.9 billion and a CAGR of 7%, is driven by urbanization and increasing environmental awareness. Brazil, with a market size of $0.5 billion and a CAGR of 5%, is seeing growth due to rising investments in recycling and sustainable practices.

Old Corrugated Container (OCC) Market Segments Insights

Type Analysis

The Old Corrugated Container (OCC) market is segmented by type into baled and loose OCC. Baled OCC is the dominant segment due to its ease of handling, transportation, and storage. The baling process compresses the OCC, reducing its volume and making it more cost-effective to transport. This segment is driven by the demand from large-scale recycling facilities and paper mills that require bulk quantities of OCC. Loose OCC, while less prevalent, is used by smaller recycling operations and facilities with limited processing capabilities. The market for loose OCC is driven by local recycling initiatives and smaller packaging companies that prioritize flexibility and lower upfront costs.

Application Analysis

The application segment of the OCC market includes recycling, packaging, and others. Recycling is the largest application segment, as OCC is a primary raw material for producing recycled paper products. The demand for recycled paper is increasing due to environmental concerns and the push for sustainable packaging solutions. The packaging segment is also significant, with OCC being used to produce corrugated boxes and other packaging materials. This segment is driven by the growth of e-commerce and the need for durable, eco-friendly packaging solutions. Other applications include the use of OCC in non-traditional areas such as construction materials and furniture, where its strength and sustainability are valued.

End-User Analysis

The end-user segment of the OCC market comprises paper mills, packaging companies, and others. Paper mills are the largest end-users, utilizing OCC as a key raw material for producing recycled paper products. The demand from paper mills is driven by the increasing need for sustainable paper solutions and the cost-effectiveness of using recycled materials. Packaging companies are also significant end-users, using OCC to produce corrugated packaging solutions. This segment is driven by the growth of the packaging industry and the shift towards eco-friendly materials. Other end-users include industries that use OCC for innovative applications such as construction and furniture.

Region Analysis

The regional analysis of the OCC market highlights the differences in market dynamics across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe are mature markets with high recycling rates and advanced recycling technologies. These regions focus on innovation and efficiency in OCC processing. Asia-Pacific, the largest market, is characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization, driving demand for OCC. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, with growth driven by increasing investments in recycling infrastructure and rising environmental awareness. Each region presents unique opportunities and challenges for market players.

The market share distribution in the Old Corrugated Container (OCC) market is characterized by the dominance of a few key players, with International Paper Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, and WestRock Company leading the market. These companies have established strong positions through extensive networks, advanced recycling technologies, and strategic acquisitions. Smaller players are gaining market share by focusing on niche applications and regional markets. The competitive landscape is influenced by factors such as pricing strategies, innovation in recycling processes, and partnerships with key stakeholders. The market share distribution affects pricing dynamics, with larger players able to leverage economies of scale to offer competitive pricing. Innovation is a key differentiator, with companies investing in R&D to develop more efficient and sustainable recycling processes. Partnerships and collaborations are also crucial, enabling companies to expand their market reach and enhance their service offerings.

Old Corrugated Container (OCC) Market Segments

The Old Corrugated Container (OCC) market has been segmented on the basis of

Type

• Baled
• Loose

Application

• Recycling
• Packaging
• Others

End-User

• Paper Mills
• Packaging Companies
• Others

Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa