Green Markets Box Report





Green Markets Corrugated Box Cost Index

A Transparent, Rules-Based View Into Corrugated Box Production Costs

Overview   Key Benefits   What the Index Includes   Methodology   Index Data

A New Way to Index Corrugated Box Supply Contracts

Chart showing the Corrugated Box Cost Index trend over time

Contact Lisa Robel at +1.603.357.8181 or lrobel2@bloomberg.net to see if you qualify for fee-waived trial access to the Bloomberg Corrugated Box Cost Index

The Bloomberg Corrugated Box Cost Index is a monthly benchmark that tracks the underlying input costs of corrugated box production. It delivers cost transparency across key input components – fiber, energy, transport, and labor – to support mills, box manufacturers, and end-users in contract negotiations, budgeting, and margin protection.

The Index provides a clear, monthly benchmark for understanding real-world input pricing changes within the corrugated packaging supply chain.

This data-driven view enables pricing transparency, reduces confusion in supply contracts, and ensures all market participants operate from a shared understanding of costs.

Key Benefits

Transparent Pricing SignalResearch & Analysis Icon

Enable smarter cost decisions and informed negotiations with quantified cost changes based on direct inputs.

Benchmark for ContractsTerminal Icon

Utilize a neutral reference index to support transparent buyer-seller unit pricing agreements.

Real-Time Market MovementCustomization Icon

No waiting for retroactive cost changes with monthly updates that reflect timely shifts in cost drivers.

Supports Margin PlanningGlobe Icon

Gain a solid foundation for budgeting, expense forecasting, and operational alignment.

What the Index Measures

The index is composed of eight key cost inputs critical to corrugated box production:

  • Recycled Fiber
  • On-Highway Diesel Fuel
  • Average Trucking Rates
  • Caustic Soda
  • Natural Gas
  • Corn Starch
  • Repair and Maintenance
  • Average Hourly Earnings

Each index component is appropriately weighted based on industry standards of production. The components and their respective weighting best reflect the influences on corrugated box production costs over time.

Methodology

Published monthly using a fixed-weight geometric average methodology, the Corrugated Box Cost Index is reconstituted annually to ensure proper weighting. It is governed by Bloomberg Index Services Limited (BISL) and aligned with established global benchmark standards.

Index Data

This month Bloomberg Corrugated Box Cost Index moved slightly, down 1.8 basis points to a new value of 124.15 representing a 1.43% decline from June.

The Index now is down 3.33% YTD and down 7.46% year over year.

In July, the Index subcomponents saw the following adjustments:

  • Recycled Fiber: flat versus June, -25% Y/Y
  • On-Highway Diesel Fuel: +1.6% versus June, +10% Y/Y
  • Average Trucking Rates: -6% versus June, flat Y/Y
  • Caustic Soda: +8% versus June, +25% Y/Y
  • Natural Gas: -14% versus June, -40% since March
  • Corn Starch: -8% versus June, -20% since the April peak YTD
  • Repair and Maintenance: flat in June, +5% Y/Y
  • Average Hourly Earnings: +.3% versus June, +3.4% Y/Y

Last Updated: August 6, 2025

Contact Lisa Robel at +1.603.357.8181 or lrobel2@bloomberg.net to see if you qualify for fee-waived trial access to the Bloomberg Corrugated Box Cost Index