📈 Rising Paper and Cardboard Prices: Current Context, Causes, and How to Prepare

Over the past 12 to 18 months (2025–2026), the paper and cardboard market has entered a phase of constant price adjustments, driven by global volatility and increasing pressure across the entire supply chain.

Far from being an isolated or temporary issue, this trend reflects a structural transformation within the industry. The combination of rising demand, shifts in consumption models, and sustained increases in production costs has created a more competitive and demanding environment for manufacturers, distributors, and end users.

Today, understanding this context is not just relevant—it’s essential for making smarter purchasing and operational decisions.

🌍 A growing market… with increasing cost pressure

The global paper and packaging industry continues to expand, mainly driven by two key trends:

• The rapid growth of e-commerce, which requires more efficient packaging solutions

• The shift toward more sustainable materials, where paper and cardboard are replacing plastics across multiple industries

The global market is projected to surpass $436 billion USD by 2026, reflecting strong and consistent demand.

However, this growth comes with a major challenge: producing more at a higher cost.

🔍 Key factors behind rising prices

The increase in paper and cardboard prices is not driven by a single factor, but rather by multiple variables that have accumulated over recent years:

1. Higher and less stable raw material costs

Pulp, the primary raw material in paper production, has shown an upward trend since 2024, with cumulative increases across international markets.

At the same time, the availability of recycled paper—critical for corrugated cardboard—has fluctuated. Changes in consumption habits, reduced availability of recyclable waste in some regions, and evolving environmental policies have all impacted supply.

2. Energy: one of the main cost drivers

The paper industry is highly energy-intensive. Processes such as pulping, drying, and converting require large amounts of electricity and fuel.

Throughout 2025, energy costs remained elevated in several key markets, forcing many manufacturers to pass these increases on to final prices.

3. Logistics and supply chain costs

Although global logistics have partially stabilized after years of disruption, transportation costs remain above pre-pandemic levels.

Freight rates, fuel prices, and distribution costs continue to impact the total cost of products—especially in markets that rely on imports or complex supply chains.

4. Supply and production capacity adjustments

At different points, the market has experienced technical shutdowns, scheduled maintenance, or reduced output from major producers.

This creates cycles where supply temporarily tightens, leading to price increases—especially in products such as:

• Linerboard

• Corrugated cardboard

• SBS and FBB paperboard

🇲🇽 - Impact on the Mexican market

In Mexico, the impact has been gradual but consistent. While some price increases have been more moderate compared to other regions, the overall trend is clear: costs are rising.

The growth of e-commerce, along with expansion in industries such as food, retail, and logistics, has significantly increased demand for corrugated packaging.

Additionally, Mexico’s integration into global supply chains means that international factors—such as pulp and energy prices—directly influence local market conditions.

⚙️ What does this mean for your business?

This environment represents a significant shift for companies that rely on paper and cardboard as key inputs.

Some of the main impacts include:

• Higher operating costs, especially for recurring purchases

• Pressure on profit margins, particularly in price-sensitive industries

• Greater complexity in financial planning

• The need to optimize materials and internal processes

In short: costs are no longer static, and procurement has become a strategic function.

💡 Solupaper’s recommendation: anticipate and strategize

In today’s environment, the companies that succeed are not just the fastest to react—but the ones that plan ahead effectively.

At Solupaper, we recommend a strategic approach based on:

✔️ Forward purchasing

Securing volume at the right time can help protect against future price increases.

✔️ Evaluating alternatives

Exploring different grades, compositions, or materials can create efficiencies without compromising quality.

✔️ Consumption optimization

Reducing waste, improving internal processes, and adjusting specifications can lead to meaningful savings.

✔️ Smart inventory planning

Maintaining optimal inventory levels helps avoid urgent purchases at higher prices.

Final thoughts

The rise in paper and cardboard prices is not a temporary situation—it reflects a new global market reality.

For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to optimize, innovate, and strengthen their sourcing strategies.

At Solupaper, we work closely with our clients to deliver solutions that not only address current needs, but also help them stay prepared for what’s ahead.

Extracted from: -https://www.mordorintelligence.ar/industry-reports/global-paper-and-paperboard-packaging-market?utm_source=chatgpt.com -https://cgalborada.com/papel-subida-precio-abril-2025/ -https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing_es/cardboard-1939?utm_source=chatgpt.com -https://www.sunsirs.com/es/detail_news-29640.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com -https://corrugandodigital.acccsa.org/informe-especial/sostenibilidad-con-visi%C3%B3n-de-futuro-cuando-el-cart%C3%B3n-corrugado-impulsa-el-cambio?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Developed by: SOLUPAPAER LLC, Marketing Department