Fastmarkets International Containerboard Conference 2026: Meeting in Chicago from 2 to 4 November 2026

From 2 to 4 November 2026, Chicago will host the Fastmarkets International Containerboard Conference, an international event focused on the containerboard market. The conference will take place at the Westin Chicago River North, bringing together producers, converters, merchants, packaging buyers and end users.

The event will run alongside the Fastmarkets Forest Products North America Conference, as part of a joint programme covering the wider forest products, paper and packaging industries. More than 300 senior delegates, over 50 speakers and representatives from more than 150 companies are expected to attend.

Containerboard Markets: Demand and Production Capacity

The sector faces a period of limited demand growth, available production capacity and changing trade dynamics. For producers and converters, understanding market developments is essential for procurement planning, margin management and investment decisions.

Supply and demand trends, production capacity decisions and industry consolidation all influence the containerboard outlook. Trade tariffs, raw material and energy costs, and geopolitical tensions add further complexity to commercial planning.

Regional Analysis and Global Market Outlook

The programme includes dedicated outlooks for the containerboard markets in North America, Europe and Asia. These regional analyses will provide insights into different market conditions and help participants assess changes in production, consumption and international trade flows.

A global containerboard panel will examine where future growth may come from. The discussion will address opportunities and challenges shaping the sector, as companies assess costs, production capacity and expansion strategies in an evolving market.

Packaging, Customers and Producer Strategies

The conference will also bring together packaging brands and companies that use fibre-based packaging. Customer requirements, consumer trends and sustainability objectives increasingly influence packaging specifications and sourcing decisions.

For containerboard producers and corrugated packaging converters, direct discussions with other industry participants offer an opportunity to assess commercial prospects and compare strategies across the supply chain. The wider programme also covers pulp markets, geopolitical developments and international trade.

A Meeting Point for Industry Professionals

Alongside expert presentations, the event provides opportunities for executives, commercial managers, procurement specialists and investors to meet. Networking sessions and individual meetings are designed to support professional relationships and encourage the exchange of market insights.

The Fastmarkets International Containerboard Conference is therefore a relevant meeting for businesses operating in the containerboard market. Its focus on pricing, demand, production capacity and international developments can help participants evaluate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The full programme and speaker list are available on the official Fastmarkets website.