Morocco Corrugated Board Market

Morocco Corrugated Board Market Analysis

The Morocco Corrugated Board Market size is worth USD 270.07 Million in 2025, growing at an 4.72% CAGR and is forecast to hit USD 340.12 Million by 2030.

Corrugated board, known for its versatility and cost-efficiency, is a reliable method of safeguarding, storing, and transporting a diverse array of products. Its lightweight nature, biodegradability, and recyclability have cemented its position as a cornerstone in the packaging industry. Beyond traditional boxes, corrugated boards may be molded into various shapes, increasingly supplanting flexible plastic bags due to sustainability concerns.

Corrugated board packaging is one of the popular eco-friendly packaging options. Compared to bulkier packaging solutions, this packaging format can be created in various sizes with a small footprint, making it suitable for usage in different end-user industries.

According to the Global Economy Analysis, Morocco's infrastructure is ranked fifth globally for its road network quality within Africa. A robust road network is a cornerstone for e-commerce success. It ensures swift deliveries and efficient movement of goods domestically but also extends connectivity to even the most remote villages. With its strong port access, Morocco's e-commerce logistics are primed and poised to bolster its position in the burgeoning corrugated packaging market.

The demand for convenience foods is on the rise due to the busy lifestyles of people. As corrugated board packaging keeps moisture away from the products and withstands long shipping times, it is increasingly being adopted by companies to offer better outcomes to customers, especially as a means of secondary or tertiary packaging. Processed foods, such as bread, meat products, and other perishable items, need these packaging materials to be used once, thereby driving the demand.

Moreover, the rising consumption of consumer goods, including electronics, clothing, and food products, requires substantial packaging materials. Corrugated boards are favored for their durability and versatility, meeting the packaging needs of various industries.

The easy availability of various alternatives to corrugated packaging, such as wood and plastic packaging, is likely to challenge the country's demand for corrugated boards.

Morocco Corrugated Board Market Trends

The Processed Food Segment Holds Major Market Share

• Morocco's food processing industry is a cornerstone of its economy, accounting for 6% of the nation's GDP. Bolstered by top-tier infrastructure, world-class manufacturing facilities, and strategic access to African markets, the industry thrives. With 2,100 registered companies and over 161,671 employees, the industry is a significant employer. Notably, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, 85% of these companies are small-scale, with fewer than 20 employees.
• In 2022, the sales of processed foods in Morocco hit USD 16 billion, with forecasts pointing to continued robust growth. Key sectors driving this growth include dairy, bakery, sugar, chocolate, vegetable oil, horticulture, and meat processing, alongside soft drinks. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Morocco exported 0.6 million metric tons of sugar as of 2023/2024. The country is also witnessing increased consumption of refined sugar, driving the demand for corrugated board packaging.
• In Morocco, the primary regions driving demand for corrugated packaging in the processed food industry are Grand Casablanca, Souss-Massa, and Doukala-Abda, as these regions house a significant concentration of major processed food manufacturers.
• In Morocco, food products sourced locally are commonly sold directly to retailers and distributors in the nation's wholesale markets. These wholesale hubs, predominantly situated in major urban centers, showcase a diverse array of food items.
• As Morocco expands its capabilities for international food distribution, leveraging its logistical strengths, such as trucking routes to Europe and Africa and the TangerMed Port, becomes increasingly feasible.
• This expansion is set to drive up the demand for corrugated packaging, particularly for secondary and tertiary packaging purposes, consequently boosting the sales of corrugated boards in the country.

The Fresh and Produce Food Segment to be the Fastest Growing End User

• Morocco plays a significant role as a supplier of fruits and vegetables, particularly to European markets. According to FEPEX (Federación Española de Asociaciones de Productores Exportadores de Frutas, Hortalizas, Flores y Plantas Vivas), the Spanish federation of producers and exporters, Morocco's fresh produce exports to the European Union reached EUR 1.83 billion (USD 1.98 billion) from January 2023 to September 2023, marking a 6% increase from the same period in 2022.
• In addition, the EBRD and FAO, in collaboration with the Moroccan government, are focused on boosting the export of high-value horticultural products to both established and emerging markets. Simultaneously, they are vigilant about the sustainability challenges that come with expanding Morocco's fruit and vegetable value chains. For MY 2023/24, Morocco is set to produce an estimated 950,000 metric tons of tangerines/mandarins, marking a 3% increase from MY 2022/23. Orange production is projected to rise by 5% from the prior year, reaching 820,000 MT, and lemon/lime production is anticipated to hit 40,000 MT.
• With Morocco emerging as a key player in agricultural exports, local producers increasingly turn to modern packaging solutions, notably corrugated packaging. The agricultural sector faces distinct challenges in sourcing top-tier packaging for its fresh produce. From balancing cost-effectiveness with the necessary durability for safe transportation to ensuring products reach their destinations intact, the choice of packaging is paramount.
• Corrugated packaging stands out as an ideal solution, providing a fresh, clean box for each use. This type of packaging is particularly well-suited for fresh food, offering essential features like cushioning, ventilation, strength, moisture resistance, and overall protection, which are crucial for preserving the quality of fresh produce.
• Corrugated packaging for fresh produce is engineered to safeguard product freshness and quality from farm to market. It is a linchpin in the food supply chain, especially for agricultural and produce businesses, offering robust protection during transportation. Corrugated packaging stands out as the most cost-effective and versatile choice for fruit packaging, boasting a diverse range of sizes, shapes, and designs to suit the varied needs of the industry.
• Custom corrugated designs empower growers and companies to leverage branding and marketing effectively. These designs allow boxes and cartons to showcase logos, product details, and company information, enhancing both their marketing and practical utility. Notably, incorporating logos onto corrugated packaging stands out as a cost-effective and impactful strategy. Unlike alternatives such as plastic, which are pricier and less flexible, corrugated packaging offers a budget-friendly, professional means to seamlessly integrate marketing expenses with day-to-day operations.

Morocco Corrugated Board Industry Overview

The Moroccan corrugated board market is fragmented. The significant factors governing this force are a sustainable competitive advantage through innovation, levels of market penetration, barriers to exit, power of competitive strategy, and firm concentration ratio. Some of the key players in the market include International Paper, Smurfit Kappa, Mondi PLC, DS Smith, GharbPaper, and Cardboard.

• July 2023 - Smurfit Kappa Group PLC marked its African debut with the launch of a 25,000 sq. m corrugated board plant in Rabat, Morroco, emphasizing eco-friendly packaging.

Morocco Corrugated Board Market Leaders

Morocco Corrugated Board Market News

• August 2023 - Smurfit Kappa, a leading producer of recycled paper packaging, unveiled Africa's inaugural used paper recycling facility. The plant, situated in the Ain Aouda industrial estate within Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco, would transform used paper into corrugated board. This output would be supplied to a diverse array of industries, spanning agriculture, automotive, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce, as well as niche markets like meat, fishing, and ceramics.
• May 2023 - Gharb Papier et Carton (GPC) initiated the construction of a new factory in Dakhla. With a total investment of USD 29.5 million, the project is slated for completion by 2026. Spanning 40 hectares, the facility is set to boast an annual production capacity of 35,000 tonnes, focusing on American packaging boxes and cardboard trays.