The Austrian corrugated board industry held its own in a difficult economic environment in 2024. Although industry turnover fell by 6.8 percent to 506 million euros, sales volumes remained almost stable at 720 million square metres (-0.7 percent). This is according to the latest figures from Forum Wellpappe Austria.
The food and beverage industry remained the main consumer of packaging with a share of 45 per cent, followed by industries such as mechanical engineering, furniture, electronics and automotive (23 per cent). Shipping packaging accounted for around 9 per cent of the total volume.
Cost pressure slows growth
The industry is facing massive cost pressure. „In the last three years alone, wage costs have risen by 21% - a clear locational disadvantage compared to neighbouring countries,“ explains Stephan Kaar, Spokesman of the Forum. Added to this are volatile raw material prices and high energy prices. The sharp rise in base paper prices in March 2025 in particular poses challenges for companies. The industry expects stable development for the current year, but according to Kaar, slight growth is not realistic until 2026 at the earliest.
EU packaging regulation strengthens recycled packaging
When the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) comes into force in February 2025, recyclable packaging solutions will become more of a focus. Binding recycling rates of 70 per cent will apply from 2026. The corrugated board industry believes it is well positioned here: „Corrugated board is fully recyclable and over 90 per cent of it is already recycled in Austria - supported by the efficient waste paper collection system,“ says Kaar. Paper fibres made from corrugated cardboard can be reused up to 25 times. The PPWR requirement to reduce the volume of empty packaging is also viewed positively by the industry: customised packaging solutions should make transport more efficient and conserve resources.
Sustainable packaging for the retail sector
Product protection plays a decisive role in food packaging in order to effectively prevent food waste. „Packaging should not only offer optimum protection, but should also be easily recyclable and - where possible - be made from renewable raw materials,“ says Andreas Streit, Head of Sustainability at REWE Group.
Industry focusses on training and innovation
Despite challenging conditions, the corrugated board industry remains a stable employer with around 1,600 employees. The forum particularly emphasises the increase in the number of apprentices, especially in the field of packaging technology. The industry recognises innovative packaging solutions with the annual Corrugated Board Austria Award - with international success: national winners were also represented at the WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2024.
Source: Forum Corrugated Board Austria
