The global paper-based can carriers market is projected to reach USD 1,005.5 million by 2036, up from USD 501.7 million in 2026, expanding at a 7.2% CAGR during the forecast period, according to Future Market Insights.
The market is gaining attention as beverage companies reassess plastic multipacks and review the cost and recyclability implications of secondary packaging. However, conversion is not driven by material substitution alone. Beverage manufacturers must demonstrate that paper-based carriers can maintain can retention, withstand condensation, and operate at commercial line speeds on existing equipment.
Packaging rules are adding another factor to annual material reviews. PackUK published its Recyclability Assessment Methodology version 1.1 in April 2025, connecting packaging design and recyclability ratings with future fee modulation. At the European level, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation entered into force in February 2025.
These developments are encouraging beverage companies to examine carrier materials alongside compliance costs, recovery pathways and production requirements.
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Wrap Carriers Lead Product Demand
Wrap carriers are projected to account for 32.0% of product type demand in 2026, making them the leading product category. Their broad coverage across common can grids provides secure retention while offering a large printable surface for brand communication.
The material landscape is led by recycled paperboard, with a 52.0% share in 2026. Established recovery and converting routes support its adoption, although beverage plants still need to confirm stiffness, die-cut accuracy and retention performance through commercial production and refrigerated distribution.
The 6-pack format leads pack sizes with a 40.0% share in 2026. Its familiar retail handling characteristics and repeatable application geometry make it suitable for standard beverage programs.
By application, beer and cider account for 40.0% in 2026. These programs place particular emphasis on chilled handling, moisture resistance and carrier stability.
Qualification Remains Critical
Paper-based carriers need to perform under conditions that can challenge fiber structures. Condensation can affect paperboard strength during refrigerated distribution, making wet retention a key approval requirement.
Beverage manufacturers also compare applicator changeover requirements, board yield and line speed before moving from trials to recurring production.
Nandini Roy Chaudhary, Principal Consultant at Future Market Insights, notes:
“Paper-based can carriers earn repeat programs once filling-line performance is proven and shelf advantages become secondary to operating fit. Packaging teams should compare wet retention, board yield and applicator changeover time against the total cost of each saleable multipack.”
Multi-format carrier systems provide another opportunity. Beverage companies operating several can sizes can benefit from carrier designs that reduce the need for separate engineering programs for every pack configuration.
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Regional Growth
The United Kingdom is projected to record the fastest growth among the profiled markets, at a 7.6% CAGR through 2036. Germany and Brazil are each forecast at 6.8%, followed by the USA at 6.6% and Japan at 5.7%.
Regional adoption patterns differ because producer-responsibility rules, recovery systems and packaging qualification requirements vary by market.
In the USA, plant-level qualification and state-level implementation differences can lengthen conversion programs. Japan’s defined paper-container collection planning supports a recovery pathway, while chilled retail conditions maintain a high performance bar.
Competitive Landscape
The paper-based can carriers market includes integrated paperboard groups and specialist carrier companies.
Key companies profiled by Future Market Insights include Graphic Packaging International, Smurfit Westrock, Atlantic Packaging, Promac, Inc., Martec Packaging Inc., International Paper, MM Packaging, and Metsä Board Corporation.
Recent developments also point to continued commercial testing. In July 2026, Smurfit Westrock launched paper-based World Cup packaging with Coca-Cola China, including an eight-can gift pack and other can formats. Atlantic Packaging reported broader retail presence for its Fishbone paperboard beverage carriers in December 2025. In September 2025, Metsä Board and Olutmylly launched a six-can paperboard tasting pack following co-development and testing at the Äänekoski Excellence Centre.
As beverage brands continue to review secondary packaging, the commercial opportunity will depend on more than replacing plastic. Carrier suppliers that can demonstrate retention, moisture resistance, application compatibility and reliable board supply are better positioned to convert trials into repeat programs.
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Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified, ISO 9001:2015 market research and consulting organization trusted by Fortune 500 companies. With a global presence across the U.S., UK, India, and Dubai, FMI delivers data-driven insights across 30+ industries and 1200 markets worldwide.
