Market Research Report
Global Corrugated Packaging Market
PublishedOctober 2026
UpdatedOctober 2026
IndustryPackaging
PDF
Historical Range2020-2024
Regions Covered
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
$157.9B
2025 Market Size
$214.88B
2033 Forecast
4.5%
CAGR
200
Report Pages
Market Overview
The global corrugated packaging market is gaining significant attention as industries across retail, e-commerce, food and beverages, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and logistics increasingly seek sustainable, cost-effective, and durable packaging solutions. Corrugated packaging provides protection for a wide range of products during storage, handling, and transportation, making it an essential component of global supply chains. The market is being supported by the rapid growth of e-commerce, increasing demand for packaged food and consumer products, expansion of organized retail, and rising domestic and international trade across developed and emerging markets. The growing emphasis on recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging is also increasing demand for corrugated boxes and other paper-based packaging solutions as businesses and consumers shift away from plastic and other less sustainable alternatives.
Market Scope
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Global Corrugated Packaging Market |
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Years Considered |
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Historical Period |
2020 - 2024 |
Market Size (2025) |
USD 157.9 Billion |
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Base Year |
2025 |
Market Size (2033) |
USD 214.88 Billion |
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Forecast Period |
2026 - 2033 |
CAGR (2026 – 2033) |
4.5% |
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Segments Covered |
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By Board Type |
· Single-Wall Corrugated Board · Double-Wall Corrugated Board · Triple-Wall Corrugated Board · Single-Face Corrugated Board |
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By Flute Type |
· A-Flute · B-Flute · C-Flute · E-Flute · F-Flute · Other Flute Types |
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By Packaging Type |
· Corrugated Boxes · Corrugated Trays · Corrugated Displays · Corrugated Sheets and Pads · Corrugated Bulk Bins · Other Corrugated Packaging Products |
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By Printing Technology |
· Flexographic Printing · Lithographic Printing · Digital Printing · Other Printing Technologies |
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By End-Use Industry |
· Food and Beverages · E-commerce and Retail · Consumer Electronics and Appliances · Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals · Personal Care and Cosmetics · Automotive and Industrial Goods · Other End-Use Industries |
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Countries Catered |
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North America |
· United States · Canada · Mexico |
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Europe |
· United Kingdom · Germany · France · Spain · Italy · Rest of Europe |
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Asia Pacific |
· China · India · Japan · Australia · South Korea · Rest of Asia Pacific |
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Latin America |
· Brazil · Argentina · Rest of Latin America |
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Middle East & Africa |
· Saudi Arabia · South Africa · Rest of MEA |
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Key Companies |
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· Smurfit Westrock plc · International Paper Company · Mondi Group · Packaging Corporation of America · Georgia-Pacific LLC · Pratt Industries · Oji Holdings Corporation · Rengo Co., Ltd. · Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited · Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited · Stora Enso Oyj · Cascades Inc. · Saica Group · Klabin S.A. · Palm Group · VPK Group · Metsä Board Corporation · Orora Limited · SCG Packaging Public Company Limited · Grupo Gondi |
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Market Dynamics
DRIVERS
Impact
Level
Level
- E-commerce expansion driving demand for protective shipping solutions High impact
- Sustainability regulations favoring recyclable fiber-based packaging High impact
RESTRAINTS
Impact
Level
Level
- Raw material price volatility and containerboard overcapacity Medium impact
OPPORTUNITIES
Impact
Level
Level
- High-performance and barrier-coated board grades High impact
- Automation and digital printing enabling mass customization Medium impact
CHALLENGES
Impact
Level
Level
- Competition from reusable plastic containers and rigid alternatives Medium impact
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, Foreclaro Analysis
Drivers
Online retail continues to be the clearest growth engine for corrugated packaging, with electrical goods and personal care products leading demand increases. The shift toward direct-to-consumer fulfillment requires packaging that balances product protection with efficient shipping, and corrugated's strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for parcel networks. Void-space regulations are further accelerating investment in right-sizing systems across fulfillment operations. Regulatory pressure on packaging waste is reshaping material choices across the industry. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation introduces mandatory recyclability grading and extended producer responsibility fees, giving corrugated a significant advantage due to its high recovery rate for old corrugated containers. Brands and retailers are actively transitioning from plastic to fiber-based solutions to meet compliance requirements and consumer expectations.
Restraints
The corrugated industry faces persistent margin pressure from volatile old corrugated container prices, which swing sharply based on global recycling markets and energy costs. Simultaneously, global containerboard overcapacity limits producers' ability to pass through cost increases, with Asia representing the bulk of surplus supply. This combination creates a difficult operating environment where standard board supply offers limited routes to sustained margin improvement.
Opportunities
Higher-value products such as barrier-coated board and high-performance recycled containerboard are forecast to increase their share of the market at the expense of commodity grades. These materials enable corrugated to compete in applications previously dominated by plastics, including moisture-sensitive food packaging and products requiring extended shelf life. Investment in barrier performance is more relevant than undifferentiated capacity expansion. Advances in digital and hybrid printing technologies enable short-run, personalized packaging at economically viable costs. Automated erecting equipment processes folder-type formats significantly faster than manual lines, reducing labor costs in fulfillment centers. AI-driven box design optimization further reduces material consumption while maintaining performance.
Challenges
Retailers are expanding returnable plastic container pools for produce and meat because they reduce shrinkage and labor at store level. Reuse quotas and deposit schemes in several European countries favor durable crates over single-use corrugated, and automated wash-back networks are driving down per-trip costs for predictable fresh-food supply chains. Corrugated converters are defending share with high-barrier coatings and tamper-evident designs, but face margin squeeze in high-turnover channels.
Market Regional Analysis
The Global Corrugated Packaging Market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Demand for corrugated packaging varies across regions depending on e-commerce activity, retail expansion, manufacturing output, food and beverage consumption, logistics infrastructure, industrial production, and the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. Increasing demand for recyclable and lightweight packaging, along with the expansion of organized retail and online shopping, is creating growth opportunities for corrugated packaging manufacturers across developed and emerging markets.
Europe is also an important market, supported by its established packaging industry, developed retail and logistics networks, strong manufacturing base, and increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Growing demand for recyclable and resource-efficient packaging is encouraging businesses to adopt corrugated solutions as alternatives to less sustainable packaging materials. The expansion of e-commerce, food and beverage distribution, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and consumer goods is expected to continue supporting demand for corrugated packaging across the region.
Market Key Players
· Smurfit Westrock plc
· International Paper Company
· Mondi Group
· Packaging Corporation of America
· Georgia-Pacific LLC
· Pratt Industries
· Oji Holdings Corporation
· Rengo Co., Ltd.
· Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited
· Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited
· Stora Enso Oyj
· Cascades Inc.
· Saica Group
· Klabin S.A.
· Palm Group
· VPK Group
· Metsä Board Corporation
· Orora Limited
· SCG Packaging Public Company Limited
· Grupo Gondi
Recent Developments
In January 2026, Smurfit Westrock highlighted 15 packaging solutions recognized at the WorldStar Awards, with sustainability being a common theme. Several solutions used corrugated alternatives to replace expanded polystyrene (EPS), including packaging for industrial washing machines and solar panels. The company noted that one solution eliminated 3.3 tonnes of plastic annually, while another reduced CO₂ emissions by 33%. The announcement demonstrates the company's focus on sustainable, innovative, and high-performance corrugated packaging solutions.
In February 2026, International Paper Company introduced its Direct Print at the Customer solution, integrating digital printing directly into the packaging process. The technology supports customized graphics, rapid changeovers, serialized barcodes, QR codes, and production without conventional plates or tooling, reflecting the industry's movement toward digital and customized corrugated packaging.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 — Introduction
1.1. Report Description
1.2. Key Market Segments
1.3. Regulatory Scenario
1.4. Executive Summary
Chapter 2 — Research Methodology
2.1. Secondary Research
2.2. Primary Research
2.3. Secondary Analyst Tools and Models
Chapter 3 — Market Dynamics
3.1. Market driver analysis
3.1.1. Growing e-commerce and online retail activities are increasing demand for corrugated boxes, shipping containers, and protective packaging.
3.1.2. Rising consumption of packaged food, beverages, consumer goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals is supporting demand for corrugated packaging.
3.1.3. Increasing preference for lightweight, recyclable, and cost-effective packaging solutions is driving adoption across industries.
3.2. Market restraint analysis
3.2.1. Fluctuations in prices of recycled paper, virgin fiber, pulp, energy, and other raw materials can increase production costs.
3.2.2. High transportation and logistics costs associated with bulky corrugated packaging can affect manufacturer margins.
3.2.3. Corrugated packaging can have lower moisture and water resistance compared with certain plastic and coated packaging alternatives.
3.3. Market Opportunity
3.3.1. Rapid expansion of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer delivery is creating opportunities for innovative shipping and protective corrugated packaging.
3.3.2. Increasing adoption of recyclable and biodegradable packaging solutions is supporting the development of sustainable corrugated products.
3.3.3. Digital printing and advanced converting technologies are enabling customized, short-run, and visually attractive packaging for brands and retailers.
3.4. Market Challenges
3.4.1. Maintaining consistent raw material availability and managing volatility in paper and energy prices remain key challenges for manufacturers.
3.4.2. Increasing sustainability expectations require companies to improve recyclability, resource efficiency, and responsible sourcing throughout the packaging value chain.
Chapter 4 — Market Variables and Outlook
4.1. SWOT Analysis
4.1.1. Strengths
4.1.2. Weaknesses
4.1.3. Opportunities
4.1.4. Threats
4.2. PESTEL Analysis
4.2.1. Political Landscape
4.2.2. Economic Landscape
4.2.3. Social Landscape
4.2.4. Technological Landscape
4.2.5. Environmental Landscape
4.2.6. Legal Landscape
4.3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.3.3. Threat of Substitute
4.3.4. Threat of New Entrant
4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry
4.4. Value Chain Analysis
Chapter 5 — Global Corrugated Packaging Market: Board Type Estimates & T...
5.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market value share and forecast, (2020 to 2033)
5.2. Incremental Growth Analysis and Infographic Presentation
5.3. Single-Wall Corrugated Board
5.4. Double-Wall Corrugated Board
5.5. Triple-Wall Corrugated Board
5.6. Single-Face Corrugated Board
Chapter 6 — Global Corrugated Packaging Market: Flute Type Estimates & T...
6.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market value share and forecast, (2020 to 2033)
6.2. Incremental Growth Analysis and Infographic Presentation
6.3. A-Flute
6.4. B-Flute
6.5. C-Flute
6.6. E-Flute
6.7. F-Flute
6.8. Other Flute Types
Chapter 7 — Global Corrugated Packaging Market: Packaging Type Estimates...
7.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market value share and forecast, (2020 to 2033)
7.2. Incremental Growth Analysis and Infographic Presentation
7.3. Corrugated Boxes
7.4. Corrugated Trays
7.5. Corrugated Displays
7.6. Corrugated Sheets and Pads
7.7. Corrugated Bulk Bins
7.8. Other Corrugated Packaging Products
Chapter 8 — Global Corrugated Packaging Market: Printing Technology Esti...
8.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market value share and forecast, (2020 to 2033)
8.2. Incremental Growth Analysis and Infographic Presentation
8.3. Flexographic Printing
8.4. Lithographic Printing
8.5. Digital Printing
8.6. Other Printing Technologies
Chapter 9 — Global Corrugated Packaging Market: End-Use Industry Estimat...
9.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market value share and forecast, (2020 to 2033)
9.2. Incremental Growth Analysis and Infographic Presentation
9.3. Food and Beverages
9.4. E-commerce and Retail
9.5. Consumer Electronics and Appliances
9.6. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
9.7. Personal Care and Cosmetics
9.8. Automotive and Industrial Goods
9.9. Other End-Use Industries
Chapter 10 — Global Corrugated Packaging Market: Regional Estimates & Tre...
10.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market value share and forecast, (2020 to 2033)
10.2. Incremental Growth Analysis and Infographic Presentation
10.3. North America
10.4. Europe
10.5. Asia Pacific
10.6. Latin America
10.7. MEA
Chapter 11 — Global Corrugated Packaging Market: Country Estimates & Tren...
11.1. Global Corrugated Packaging Market value share and forecast, (2020 to 2033)
11.2. Incremental Growth Analysis and Infographic Presentation
11.3. United States
11.4. Canada
11.5. Mexico
11.6. United Kingdom
11.7. France
11.8. Germany
11.9. Italy
11.10. Spain
11.11. China
11.12. India
11.13. Japan
11.14. South Korea
11.15. Australia
11.16. Brazil
11.17. Argentina
11.18. Saudi Arabia
11.19. South Africa
Chapter 12 — Competitive Landscape
12.1. Company Market Share Analysis
12.2. Vendor Landscape
12.3. Competition Dashboard
Chapter 13 — Company Profiles
13.1.1. Company Overview
13.1.2. Financial Details
13.1.3. Product Analysis
13.1.4. Recent Developments
13.2. International Paper Company
13.2.1. Company Overview
13.2.2. Financial Details
13.2.3. Product Analysis
13.2.4. Recent Developments
13.3. Mondi Group
13.3.1. Company Overview
13.3.2. Financial Details
13.3.3. Product Analysis
13.3.4. Recent Developments
13.4. Packaging Corporation of America
13.4.1. Company Overview
13.4.2. Financial Details
13.4.3. Product Analysis
13.4.4. Recent Developments
13.5. Georgia-Pacific LLC
13.5.1. Company Overview
13.5.2. Financial Details
13.5.3. Product Analysis
13.5.4. Recent Developments
13.6. Pratt Industries
13.6.1. Company Overview
13.6.2. Financial Details
13.6.3. Product Analysis
13.6.4. Recent Developments
13.7. Oji Holdings Corporation
13.7.1. Company Overview
13.7.2. Financial Details
13.7.3. Product Analysis
13.7.4. Recent Developments
13.8. Rengo Co., Ltd.
13.8.1. Company Overview
13.8.2. Financial Details
13.8.3. Product Analysis
13.8.4. Recent Developments
13.9. Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited
13.9.1. Company Overview
13.9.2. Financial Details
13.9.3. Product Analysis
13.9.4. Recent Developments
13.10. Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited
13.10.1. Company Overview
13.10.2. Financial Details
13.10.3. Product Analysis
13.10.4. Recent Developments
13.11. Stora Enso Oyj
13.11.1. Company Overview
13.11.2. Financial Details
13.11.3. Product Analysis
13.11.4. Recent Developments
13.12. Cascades Inc.
13.12.1. Company Overview
13.12.2. Financial Details
13.12.3. Product Analysis
13.12.4. Recent Developments
13.13. Saica Group
13.13.1. Company Overview
13.13.2. Financial Details
13.13.3. Product Analysis
13.13.4. Recent Developments
13.14. Klabin S.A.
13.14.1. Company Overview
13.14.2. Financial Details
13.14.3. Product Analysis
13.14.4. Recent Developments
13.15. Palm Group
13.15.1. Company Overview
13.15.2. Financial Details
13.15.3. Product Analysis
13.15.4. Recent Developments
13.16. VPK Group
13.16.1. Company Overview
13.16.2. Financial Details
13.16.3. Product Analysis
13.16.4. Recent Developments
13.17. Metsä Board Corporation
13.17.1. Company Overview
13.17.2. Financial Details
13.17.3. Product Analysis
13.17.4. Recent Developments
13.18. Orora Limited
13.18.1. Company Overview
13.18.2. Financial Details
13.18.3. Product Analysis
13.18.4. Recent Developments
13.19. SCG Packaging Public Company Limited
13.19.1. Company Overview
13.19.2. Financial Details
13.19.3. Product Analysis
13.19.4. Recent Developments
13.20. Grupo Gondi
13.20.1. Company Overview
13.20.2. Financial Details
13.20.3. Product Analysis
13.20.4. Recent Developments
Market Segment Analysis
Global Corrugated Packaging Market Segment Analysis
The Global Corrugated Packaging Market is segmented by Board Type, Flute Type, Packaging Type, Printing Technology and End-Use Industry.
By Board Type Single-Wall Corrugated Board is expected to account for a significant share of the global corrugated packaging market due to its lightweight structure, cost-effectiveness, ease of handling, and suitability for a broad range of packaging applications. Single-wall boards are widely used for shipping boxes, retail packaging, food and beverage products, consumer goods, and e-commerce shipments. Their relatively low material consumption and recyclability also support demand as companies seek to reduce packaging costs and environmental impact.
By Flute Type C-Flute is expected to maintain a prominent position due to its balance of cushioning, stacking strength, printability, and material efficiency. It is extensively used in shipping and transportation boxes across food and beverages, consumer goods, e-commerce, and retail applications. B-Flute is widely used for retail packaging, die-cut boxes, displays, and applications requiring good crush resistance and a relatively smooth printing surface. Its lower profile compared with larger flute structures makes it suitable for applications where space efficiency and appearance are important.
By Packaging Type Corrugated Boxes are expected to dominate the market due to their extensive use across shipping, transportation, storage, retail, and e-commerce applications. The rapid expansion of online shopping and home delivery is generating substantial demand for corrugated shipping boxes. Their low weight, recyclability, customization potential, and cost-effectiveness further strengthen their position.
By Printing Technology Flexographic Printing is expected to remain a major printing technology in the corrugated packaging industry because of its high production speed, cost efficiency, and suitability for printing directly on corrugated materials. It is extensively used for shipping boxes, retail packaging, food packaging, and high-volume applications. Lithographic Printing provides high-quality graphics and is particularly suitable for premium packaging and applications where detailed branding and visual appeal are important. It is commonly used in consumer products, retail packaging, displays, and branded packaging.
By End-Use Industry Food and Beverages represents one of the largest end-use industries for corrugated packaging. Corrugated materials are widely used for secondary and tertiary packaging of food, beverages, fresh produce, processed foods, and packaged consumer products. Growth in packaged food consumption, organized retail, food delivery, and global food distribution is expected to support market demand.
Segmentation
- Board Type
- Flute Type
- Packaging Type
- Printing Technology
- End-Use Industry
- Regional
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Board Type
Single-Wall Corrugated Board
Double-Wall Corrugated Board
Triple-Wall Corrugated Board
Single-Face Corrugated Board
Flute Type
A-Flute
B-Flute
C-Flute
E-Flute
F-Flute
Other Flute Types
Packaging Type
Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated Trays
Corrugated Displays
Corrugated Sheets and Pads
Corrugated Bulk Bins
Other Corrugated Packaging Products
Printing Technology
Flexographic Printing
Lithographic Printing
Digital Printing
Other Printing Technologies
End-Use Industry
Food and Beverages
E-commerce and Retail
Consumer Electronics and Appliances
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Automotive and Industrial Goods
Other End-Use Industries
Regional
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
Methodology
Review our research methodology and quality standards for details about source selection, validation, forecasting, and review.
Primary interviews may be conducted during report customization or final validation, depending on the agreed study scope.
At Foreclaro Global Research, our research methodology is built to deliver clear, data-backed intelligence that supports confident decision-making. By combining rigorous secondary research, primary validations, and advanced forecasting models, we produce insights that are not only reliable but also strategically relevant for our clients.
1. Defining the Research Framework
Every study begins with a clear understanding of our client’s goals. We establish the market scope, define critical variables, and build a research framework tailored to the specific project. This upfront clarity ensures that our findings are sharply aligned with the strategic questions being addressed.
2. Robust Data Collection
Our analysts extract high-integrity data from a broad mix of credible sources including government databases, annual reports, regulatory filings, trade publications, scientific journals, and trusted industry portals. This secondary research is then supported with targeted primary inputs through interviews with key industry stakeholders—such as executives, subject matter experts, and channel partners—to capture real-world insights and contextual depth.
3. Advanced Forecasting and Modeling
To estimate market size and growth, we employ a hybrid of top-down and bottom-up modeling techniques. Our analysts apply proven forecasting models using historical data trends, economic indicators, technology adoption rates, and demand patterns. Sensitivity analysis and scenario modeling (base, optimistic, conservative) are incorporated to account for market volatility and uncertainty.
4. Data Triangulation and Validation
Accuracy is non-negotiable. We cross-validate every data point by triangulating it across three dimensions: source credibility, numerical consistency, and contextual alignment. This ensures our insights are not just statistically correct but strategically dependable. Discrepancies are resolved using subject expertise and multi-perspective reviews to deliver a balanced, unbiased analysis.
5. Quality Assurance and Final Review
Before delivery, each report undergoes a stringent quality assurance process. Our research output is reviewed for structure, clarity, consistency, and compliance with global standards. The final deliverable is tailored for decision-makers, whether it's a comprehensive industry report, data dashboard, or strategic presentation.
Why Our Methodology Works
What sets us apart is our adaptive data architecture and our commitment to analytical clarity. Every study is built with flexibility to accommodate dynamic markets, while our team blends quantitative rigor with domain-specific expertise. This allows us to deliver research that goes beyond information, we deliver intelligence that leads to action.
Support Questions
What is the current market size of the global corrugated packaging market?
The current size of the global corrugated packaging market is valued at USD 157.9 billion as of 2025.
What is the expected growth rate for the corrugated packaging market from 2026 to 2033?
What are the key drivers of growth for the corrugated packaging market?
What are the main types of corrugated boards in the market?
Which flute type is expected to dominate the corrugated packaging market?
How does the regional demand for corrugated packaging vary?
Who are the key players in the global corrugated packaging market?
What printing technologies are utilized in corrugated packaging?
What are the primary end-use industries for corrugated packaging?
What are the main challenges faced by the corrugated packaging industry?
What changes are being seen in sustainable corrugated packaging solutions?
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