Bulk Container Packaging Market - By Product, By Application, By End-Use – Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Report ID: GMI1127
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Published Date: February 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Bulk Container Packaging Market Size

The global bulk container packaging market was valued at USD 20.7 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2034, attributed to factors such as rising global trade & industrialization and the rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector.
 

The rise in global trade and rapid industrialization is pushing the demand for bulk packaging container, that are efficient and cost-effective transportation and storage solution. Various chemicals, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals industries are adopting the usage of IBCs and flexitanks containers, which ensure safe and efficient transportation of products while meeting international packaging standard. The increasing global trade requires cost effective and long-distance transportation, is further pushing the growth for the bulk container packaging market.
 

With the global rise in processed food and beverage consumption, the demand for bulk packaging container is increasing significantly. Manufacturers and suppliers are focusing on hygiene, product integrity, and contamination-free as these are heavily prioritized for food transportation. Bulk packaging solutions such as flexitanks, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), drums, and bulk bags are widely used to transport edible oils, dairy products, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and other liquid food products safely and efficiently.
 

This increasing demand for food & Beverages and chemicals across the globe is expected to create new opportunities for bulk container manufacturers. They can invest in development of multi-layers containers with high barrier properties. Also, integration of IoT-enabled tracking and real-time monitoring solution is expected to help them differentiate their product offerings in the competitive market.
 

Bulk Container Packaging Market Trends

  • The shift towards eco-friendly packaging is one of the major trends in the bulk container packaging industry. Manufacturers are focusing on the adoption of sustainable and bio-degradable materials for development of bulk containers packaging solutions. Moreover, with the increasing consumers demand for sustainable packaging, several firms are focusing on sustainable packaging options to reduce their carbon footprint.
     
  • The transition towards adoption of eco-friendly packaging is expected to create new opportunities for players. As they can invest in the development of advanced sustainable packaging solution and through long-term strategic partnership with product manufacturers, they can provide customized solution that meet evolving regulatory & consumer needs.
     
  • Recent trend observed in the market is shift towards collapsible and foldable bulk containers in order to save space, reduce logistic cost and improve supply chain efficiency. Various industries such as food & beverages, chemicals and automotive are adopting these bulk containers as they offer lightweight and reusable packaging solution while meeting sustainability regulation.  
     
  • Another significant trend in bulk container packaging market is increasing adoption of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs). These container offers flexibility, lightweight and ability to handle powder and granules, and are gaining rapid traction. These FIBCs are widely used across several industries such as agriculture, mining, food, etc, and offers a cost-effective solution and ensure safety during transportation.
     
  • This increasing adoption of FIBCs is expected to create new opportunities for players. They can focus on development of durable, high load bearing capacity,  FIBCs with anti-static properties and UV resistance properties. This introduction of new products will help players increase their product offerings and distinguish themselves in competitive market.
     

Bulk Container Packaging Market Analysis

Global Bulk Container Packaging Market Size, By Product, 2021-2034 (USD Billion)

The market based on product is categorized into flexitank, intermediate bulk container, and bulk container liner.
 

  • The flexitank segment reached USD 2.4 billion in 2024. The increasing global trade of food grade liquid, industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients is pushing the demand for Flexitank product. These product offers a cost-effective option when compared to traditional barrels and IBCs, which makes them a preferred choice. Furthermore, the single use advantage of these products reduces contamination risk for liquid products like oil, wines, etc and is driving growth in bulk container packaging market.
     
  • The intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is predicted to reach USD 27.7 billion by 2034. The surge in industrial and agricultural sector drives significant demand for IBC product in bulk container packaging market for various products such as grain, seed, fertilizer, etc. These IBC offers cost-effective and lightweight packaging solutions to improve handling and reduce logistics cost. Moreover, the increasing demand for food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade advanced intermediate bulk container is expected to support the market growth.
     
  • The bulk container line market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7.4% from 2025 to 2034. The increasing demand for bulk containers line is due to growing demand for dry food and beverage transportation such as sugar, flour and starch, which requires hygiene and protection from contamination. Moreover, Companies are adopting sustainable container line solutions to meet the government regulation for eco-friendly packaging.  
     
Global Bulk Container Packaging Market Share, By End-Use, 2024

The market based on end use is bifurcated into food & beverage, chemicals, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, paints, ink & dyes and others.
 

  • The food and beverage industry held 18.9% share of the market in 2024. The growing demand for safe, hygienic and cost-effective bulk transportation are some of the major drivers driving growth of bulk container packaging market. Various packaging such as flexitank, IBC, and container liner are widely used for transportation of grain, sugar, flour, dairy products, etc which further fuels the growth in the market. Additionally, the increasing demand for sustainable and food-grade packaging has led to innovation in reusable and biodegradable bulk container packaging solution, further contributing to the market growth  
     
  • The chemical industry is predicted to reach USD 11.1 billion by 2034. The increase in production and export of various industrial chemicals, resins and polymer demands secure and durable bulk containers packaging solutions. These containers offer efficient storage and transportation while complying with regulatory requirements for hazardous chemicals.
     
  • The oil & gas industry held 21% of total market share in 2024, attributed to the increasing demand for safe and efficient transportation of crude oil, petroleum-based products, and lubricants.  Companies are adopting flexitanks and large drums for cost-efficient and transportation, which further pushes the growth for bulk container packaging market.  
     
  • The pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2025 to 2034. Strict government regulations for transportation and storage of medicines, ingredients and medical liquid are the key growth drivers. Compliance with WHO and FDA regulations, demands sterile and tamper-proof bulk packaging solutions. Furthermore, the growing demand for pharmaceutical exports and expansion of global healthcare infrastructure is fuelling market growth.
     
  • The paints, ink & dyes industry held 10.8% revenue share in 2024. The rapid expansion of automotive industry and infrastructure development demands safe and efficient transportation of paints, ink and dye.  Moreover, the shift towards water based and eco-friendly paints require containers which prevent leakage and contamination is pushing adoption of advanced container such as FIBCs and containers, which propels the demand for bulk container packaging solutions.  
     

The market based on the material is categorized into plastics, metals, and others.
 

  • The plastic material market is projected to reach USD 13.5 billion by 2034, attributed to due plastic materials properties such as lightweight, cost-effective and high durability. Various industries such as food & beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical and agriculture often rely on this material, as it offers resistance to corrosion and ease of handling. Additionally, advancement towards biodegradable and recyclable plastics to handle environmental concern is further pushing the adoption of plastic material for bulk container packaging.
     
  • The metal material market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% till 2034. The market growth is attributed to wide applicability if metal bulk container packaging in oil & gas, paints ink & dye, and chemical industry, where high-durability and product protection is required. Also, metal container offers recyclability and reusability features, which makes them a preferred choice for companies aiming to adopt sustainable solutions.
     
U.S. Bulk Container Packaging Market Size, 2021-2034 (USD Billion)

The North America region held 28.2% share of the bulk container packaging market in 2024. Agricultural and chemical exports are some of the main drivers of business growth. Governmental regulation on recyclable and bio-degradable packaging is promoting the growth of sustainable bulk container packaging in the region.
 

  • The U.S. market for bulk container packaging was crossed USD 5 billion in 2024. The increasing production and export of chemicals and food industry is driving significant growth. For instance, according to article published by ITA, U.S. chemical export accounted for USD 494 billion in 2022. Manufacturers are constantly looking for cost-effective bulk transportation which further drives the demand for bulk sustainable packaging market.  
     
  • The Canada bulk container packaging industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% up to 2034. Because of its agricultural exports, especially grains, dairy, and pulses that demands flexible bulk packaging such as FIBCs and container liners, for cost-efficient shipping.
     

The Europe region held 23.8% share of the bulk container packaging industry in 2024, due to increasing demand for global trade and adoption of these containers across several industries for secure storage and transportation.
 

  • The Germany bulk container packaging market was at USD 1.5 billion in 2024. The market growth is attributed to presence of well-established automotive and food & beverage players that are looking for advanced bulk packaging solution that aid in efficient storage & transportation.
     
  • The UK bulk container packaging market is set to grow at a CAGR of over 5.5% through 2034. There has been surge in demand for global trade for the UK, which has increased the demand for economical bulk packaging solutions to cater the transportation and logistics of a large amount of industrial goods. Furthermore, increasing exports of whisky, dairy, and frozen foods products is resulting in high demand for hygienic bulk packaging solutions that ensures safety & meets international quality standards.
     
  • The France bulk container packaging market is projected to reach USD 1.6 billion by 2034. The wine and beverage industry in France is experiencing significant growth which is pushing the demand for bulk packaging container market in France. The rapid adoption of flexitanks and bulk liners increases, as manufactures are focusing on exporting liquid products over a wide range.
     
  • The Italy market accounted for USD 712.1 million in 2024, supported by increasing exports from the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors that demands high quality packaging for cost-effective bulk packaging containers. Moreover, the expansion of olive oil and wine industries is pushing the demand flexitanks, which offers the cost-effective shipment, is contributing to market growth.
     
  • The Spain bulk container packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.2% through 2034, due to surge in export within agriculture, which demands reliable and cost-effective bulk packaging solution coupled with the rise in petro-chemical industry towards sustainable packaging is pushing the brands to adopt recyclable and reusable materials. Moreover, the government regulations for ban on the single usage plastic is further pushing the demand for sustainable bulk containers packaging market in the region.
     

Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a strong pace at a CAGR of 6.8% by 2034. The Asia Pacific region, headed by China, Japan, and South Korea due to their robust manufacturing capabilities, is the largest market for bulk container packaging. Rapid regional growth is being supported by rapid expansion of manufacturing industry and increasing demand for global export.
 

  • The Japan bulk container packaging market accounted for USD 1.1 billion in 2024. The growing industry of chemicals and pharmaceuticals in Japan demands secure and reliable bulk packaging container solution for controlled shipping and transportation. Also, the increasing exports in food industry such as seafood, soybeans, and processed food have surged the demand for bulk packaging containers, which prevents contamination and ensure to meet international hygienic standards.
     
  • The China bulk container packaging market is projected to reach USD 6.6 billion by 2034. Stringent government regulations for sustainable bulk packaging container and plastic waste reduction are the key growth driver in the country. Moreover, the growing demand for chemical export requires advanced bulk container packaging solution such as Flexitanks and container liners for secure and reliable transportation, which pushes the demand for the bulk container packaging.
     
  • The India bulk container packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.9% through 2034. The increasing agricultural export for grains, dairy and species demand reliable bulk container packaging solutions for secure and contamination free transportation. Additionally, the surge in demand for petrochemical products such as plastic, polymer, etc further pushes the need for bulk container packaging.
     
  • The ANZ bulk container packaging market accounted for USD 453.4 million in 2024. Strict regulations on sustainable packaging and ban on single use plastic and, recycling efforts from the government are increasing the demand for sustainable bulk container packaging in the region.
     

The Latin America region held 5.7% of the global beverage container market share in 2024, fueled by increasing agricultural exports coupled with development of infrastructure, which demand paint, coating and construction material.
 

  • The Brazil market for bulk container packaging is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.1% between 2025 to 2034. The growing demand for agricultural exports and the increasing government’s investment in sustainable packaging solutions is pushing the market growth of the bulk container packaging.
     
  • The Mexico bulk container packaging market is projected to reach USD 625.7 million by 2034. The growing demand for mineral and industrial exports are major growth driver for bulk container packaging solutions specifically FBICS and flexitanks in the region. Additionally, government regulation towards plastic wastage reduction further pushes the demand for bulk containers packaging market.
     

The MEA region held 5.2% of the market share in 2024, due to rapid industrial growth and infrastructure expansion coupled with government regulation for wastage reduction.
 

  • The South Africa bulk container packaging market accounted for USD 200.9 million in 2024. The market growth is attributed to government ban on single-use plastics which is resulting in shift towards the adoption of more sustainable bulk packaging solutions. Additionally, the growing demand for agriculture exports pushes the demand for IBCs and bulk containers in the region.
     
  • The UAE market is predicted to reach USD 484.4 million by 2034. The growth in the region is attributed to factors such as growing demand for bulk liquid transportation in various industries such as chemicals, food and beverages, which is pushing the demand for reliable and robust bulk container packaging solution.
     
  • The Saudi Arabia bulk container packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.4% from 2025 to 2034. The increasing demand for transportation of oil and lubricants industry is pushing the demand for bulk container packaging solutions. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving investment for the sustainable bulk container packaging solutions.
     

Bulk Container Packaging Market Share

The bulk container packaging industry is highly competitive and fragmented with the presence of well-established global players as well as local players and startups. The top 5 companies are Greif Inc, Hoover CS, Mauser Packaging Solution, Myers Industries inc, and Schutz GmbH & Co. KGaA, collectively accounted for 22% market share. Major players in the market are investing in sustainable bulk packaging materials, including biodegradable flexitanks, reusable IBCs, and recyclable FIBCs, to meet the government regulations and the shift in consumer preference towards sustainable packaging options. The next-generation bulk containers are focusing on lightweight, durable, and recyclable materials to meet the demand for sustainable bulk transport and storage solutions.

The adoption of smart manufacturing and sustainable packaging is driving demand for advanced bulk container solutions which can optimize the process ensuring maximum efficiency and enhanced waste management.
 

Bulk Container Packaging Market Companies

The bulk container packaging industry features several prominent players, including:

  • Greif Inc.
  • Hoover CS
  • Mauser Packaging Solutions
  • Myers Industries Inc.
  • Schutz GmbH & Co. KGaA
  • Qingdao LAF Packaging
  • Shandong Anthente New Materials Technology
  • SIA Flexitanks
  • Trust Flexitanks
     

Greif Inc., a global leader in bulk container packaging industry offers wide range of products, specializing in metal, plastic, fiber drum and FIBCs. The company has a wide global presence and ensures high-quality bulk packaging solutions. The company also offers tailored packaging solution for chemical and oil & gas industry while complying with international packaging standard.
 

Hoover CS, a close competitor operating in the same market focuses on sustainable and reusable bulk packaging container, specifically for liquids, and focuses on reducing carbon footprint through recyclable and reusable packaging.
 

Bulk Container Packaging Market News

  • In February 2024, Mauser packaging solution, a prominent global vendor of packaging products bought Consolidated Container Company, a recycling service provider, to address the increasing need for sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions.
     
  • In March 2024, Greif entered a new strategic partnership with CDF, to introduce their new IBC bulk container. These containers are designed to offer the utmost safety and security in the transportation of highly sensitive and liquid products.
     

The bulk container packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Market, By Product

  • Flexitanks
  • Intermediate Bulk Container
    • Rigid
    • Flexible
  • Bulk Container Liners

Market, By End Use

  • Chemicals
  • Oil & Gas
  • Food and Beverages
  • Paints, Inks, and Dyes
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Others
    • Agriculture
    • Textiles

Market, By Material

  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Others
    • Wood
    • Fiber

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America 
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe 
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Netherlands
  • Asia Pacifi 
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
  • Latin America 
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa 
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • UAE

 

Authors: Suraj Gujar, Sandeep Ugale
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the key players in bulk container packaging market?
Some of the major players in the bulk container packaging industry include Greif Inc., Hoover CS, Mauser Packaging Solutions, Myers Industries Inc., Schutz GmbH & Co. KGaA, Qingdao LAF Packaging, Shandong Anthente New Materials Technology, SIA Flexitanks, Trust Flexitanks.
How much bulk container packaging market share captured by North America in 2024?
How big is the bulk container packaging market?
What is the size of flexitank segment in the bulk container packaging industry?
Bulk Container Packaging Market Scope
  • Bulk Container Packaging Market Size
  • Bulk Container Packaging Market Trends
  • Bulk Container Packaging Market Analysis
  • Bulk Container Packaging Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 23

    Tables & Figures: 380

    Countries covered: 22

    Pages: 200

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