Fiber-Based Beverage Multipack Carriers Market to Surge to $1.61 Billion by 2036 as Plastic Substitution Accelerates

The global market for fiber-based beverage multipack carriers is expected to grow from USD 668.3 million in 2026 to USD 1,610.0 million by 2036, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%, according to a report by Future Market Insights (FMI). The strong outlook reflects increasing adoption by beverage manufacturers seeking to replace plastic rings and shrink films with recyclable paper-based alternatives while maintaining package stability and production efficiency.

According to the report, beverage companies are accelerating investments in sustainable secondary packaging to comply with evolving environmental regulations and retailer sustainability requirements. Fiber-based beverage multipack carriers provide a practical solution by reducing plastic consumption without requiring major changes to existing filling and bottling operations.

Future Market Insights notes that sustainability regulations continue to influence purchasing decisions worldwide. The European Union Regulation 2025/40, which targets a 5% reduction in packaging waste by 2030, is encouraging beverage producers to adopt recyclable fiber-based packaging formats. At the same time, investments in paperboard production capacity and recycling infrastructure are strengthening material availability across Europe and North America.

"Fiber-based beverage carriers earn repeat orders due to dependable pack strength and line compatibility. Beverage teams examine wet performance and opening experience during technical review. Commercial acceptance improves as converters connect material reduction with tested transport performance and clear recycling instructions," said Nandini Roy Choudhury, Principal Consultant for Packaging at Future Market Insights.

According to FMI, food will account for 58.0% of end-use demand in 2026, while paper will represent 46.0% of material demand. Pouches are projected to capture 27.0% of format demand, and grease-resistant features will hold 15.0% market share. Plastic substitution remains the primary growth driver. Growing consumer awareness, retailer sustainability commitments, and corporate ESG initiatives are encouraging beverage companies to redesign multipack packaging using recyclable fiber materials while preserving product protection and branding opportunities.

Paper leads the material segment because it combines excellent printability, familiar converting processes, and compatibility with well-established recycling systems. Beverage manufacturers continue adopting die-cut paper clips and enclosed cartons that provide structural stability while reducing plastic usage. Food remains the dominant end-use segment, supported by strong demand for soft drinks, dairy beverages, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages sold in multipack formats.

However, moisture exposure remains a significant challenge. Variations in board performance can reduce handle strength and folding integrity during chilled distribution, making extensive testing essential before commercial deployment. Future opportunities are emerging through lightweight paperboard engineering. Advanced fiber technologies enable thinner yet stronger carrier structures that reduce material consumption while maintaining transport performance and consumer convenience.

Regionally, South Korea leads global growth due to increasing recycled-material regulations, followed closely by China, where expanding beverage manufacturing continues to create new opportunities for fiber-based packaging conversion. India benefits from growing plastic substitution initiatives and expanding domestic converting capacity, while the United States is supported by mature paper recycling infrastructure and advanced beverage packaging operations.

Key companies in the competitive landscape include Graphic Packaging International, Smurfit Westrock, Mondi, International Paper, Metsä Board, Stora Enso, MM Packaging, and KHS Group. Manufacturers continue differentiating themselves through fiber engineering expertise, beverage application testing, technical support, and line integration capabilities that help beverage producers transition from plastic-based multipack solutions.

Recent developments include Graphic Packaging International's introduction of two new beverage multipack systems in September 2025 designed to reduce paperboard consumption while maintaining production efficiency. In the same month, Metsä Board documented Olutmylly's recyclable V6-engine paperboard six-pack carrier for chilled beverage applications. In November 2025, Mondi expanded its food and beverage packaging portfolio by introducing additional fiber-based multipack solutions, wraparounds, trays, and PET bottle clips.

The full report is available at FMI's website.