Korea corrugated containerboard market recovery May 2026

40 Days After Fire and Accident: Korea's Corrugated Containerboard Market Recovery (May 2026)

Aseahi Paper’s Sejong plant resumed operations on April 20, while Korea Export Packaging’s Osan fire recovery drags on. A D+40 update on inventory, prices, price negotiations, and remaining risks.

May 2, 2026 · PackingMaster
Global paper packaging market outlook 2026

Global Paper Packaging Outlook 2026 to 2031: Asia Pacific Drives the USD 600 Billion Market

The global paper packaging market is projected to expand from roughly USD 480 billion in 2026 to about USD 600 billion by 2031. Asia Pacific remains the largest regional engine of growth, anchored by China, India, and Southeast Asia.

April 30, 2026 · PackingMaster
KOREA PACK ICPI WEEK 2026 KINTEX exhibition floor

KOREA PACK & ICPI WEEK 2026 Field Review: Stress-Testing Korea's Packaging Export Edge

KOREA PACK & ICPI WEEK 2026 ran from March 31 to April 3 at KINTEX with 1,500 companies from 24 countries across 5,000 booths. Sustainability, automation, and digital transformation framed the show. Here is what it means for Korean packaging exports.

April 30, 2026 · PackingMaster
International Paper acquires NORPAC containerboard mill in Longview Washington

International Paper Acquires NORPAC for $360M: North American Containerboard Consolidation and What It Means for Korea's Packaging Industry

International Paper announced on April 16, 2026, its $360 million acquisition of NORPAC (North Pacific Paper Company), a Washington State containerboard mill. The deal strengthens IP’s West Coast footprint and accelerates the shift to lightweight recycled containerboard. We analyze what this means for North American market dynamics and Korea’s paper packaging sector.

April 29, 2026 · PackingMaster
Paper packaging adhesives and waterproof grades

Paper Packaging Adhesive Guide: From PVAc to Waterproof D4

PVAc emulsion adhesive (locally known as ‘PoriZol’) is the workhorse of Korean paper packaging. But when waterproofing matters, the right choice is a cross-linked PVAc, PUR hot melt, or PUD: explained through the EN 204 grading system.

April 28, 2026 · PackingMaster
Waterproof paper angle board with coating cross-section

Waterproof Paper Angle Boards: Coating Types, Applications, and Eco Alternatives

How waterproof paper angle boards keep their strength in cold-chain logistics, ocean export, and high-humidity environments: coating chemistry, applications, and the eco-friendly alternatives now replacing PE and wax.

April 28, 2026 · PackingMaster
Pulp price surge and Korean paper industry pressure

Pulp Hits the Ceiling Again: FX, Freight, and Fines Crush Korea's Paper Industry in 2026

International pulp prices are up over 20% year-on-year. With the won at ₩1,500/USD, container freight up 30%, and a ₩338.3B antitrust fine on top, Korea’s paper industry is facing a four-front squeeze.

April 28, 2026 · PackingMaster
WEPACK 2026 Shenzhen exhibition floor

WEPACK 2026 Recap: 137,157 Visitors Make Shenzhen the Global Paper Packaging Battleground

WEPACK 2026 in Shenzhen closed with a record 137,157 visitors. Corrugated, folding cartons, labels, automation, carbon neutrality: every major current of the paper packaging industry was on display. Here is what mattered for global packaging buyers.

April 28, 2026 · PackingMaster
EU PPWR 2026 implementation

EU PPWR August 12 Countdown: What Exporters Must Do Now

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation applies in full from August 12, 2026. Packaging that fails to meet the new rules cannot enter the EU market. Here is what the regulation requires and how Korean exporters are preparing.

April 27, 2026 · PackingMaster
Korea paper cartel fine

Korea's Paper Cartel: Six Mills Hit With Record ₩338 Billion Fine

Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has imposed a record ₩338.3 billion fine on six paper manufacturers for price-fixing that drove printing paper prices up 71% over nearly four years. Here is what happened and what it means for the industry.

April 27, 2026 · PackingMaster