Industrial Packaging Market Size – By Material, By Application, and By Product Type – Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Report ID: GMI1613
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Published Date: March 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Industrial Packaging Market Share

The global industrial packaging market was valued at USD 68.7 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% to reach USD 106.7 billion by 2034. The growth of the market is attributed to factors such as the rapid expansion of the e-commerce and logistics industries along with the globalization of the supply chain.
 

Industrial Packaging Market

The rapid expansion of the e-commerce & logistics industry is a major growth driver for the industrial packaging market. For instance, according to a report published by IBEF, the E-commerce market in India was valued at USD 123 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 292.3 billion in 2028. This surge in online shopping is driven by the increasing consumers demand for convenient and fast delivery which is pushing the business to adopt secure and efficient industrial packaging solutions to ensure safe transportation while minimizing risk of damage. With the growth in bulk shipments, warehousing, and fulfillment centers, industrial packaging is instrumental in ensuring the safe movement of products, reducing damage, and optimizing supply chain efficiency. As the e-commerce platforms continue to expand, the demand for sustainable, lightweight, and sustainable industrial packaging is set to grow.
 

Industrial packaging producers need to concentrate on making strong, light, and sustainable packs geared for logistics and e-commerce. As increasing bulk shipments and fulfillment centers emerge, packaging to minimize damage, ensure safe transport, and be efficient in the supply chain will be what drives market adoption.
 

The globalization of the supply chain is another key growth driver for the industrial packaging market. As businesses expand across borders, the need for secure, durable, and cost-effective packaging solutions is increasing. Industrial packaging ensures the safe transportation of raw materials and finished goods across long distances, minimizing damage risks. With rising international trade, companies are focusing on standardized packaging solutions that comply with global regulations and sustainability goals. Additionally, advancements in logistics and warehousing are driving demand for innovative packaging materials that enhance efficiency and reduce cost.
 

Industrial packaging companies need to create standardized, robust, and affordable packaging products that meet international regulations and sustainability standards. With increased global trade and supply chain growth, packaging optimization for safe transportation and logistics efficiency will be essential to driving market growth.
 

Industrial packaging Market Trends

  • A significant trend in the industrial packaging industry is the shift towards eco-friendly materials for industrial packaging to cater the increasing consumer preference for sustainable packaging. Firms are constantly adopting recyclable plastics, biodegradable composites, and reusable metal containers for industrial packaging to meet the consumers expectations while complying with the regulatory requirements.
     
  • The development of anti-microbial coatings for industrial packaging market is another trend. Several manufacturers are emphasizing towards the development of anti-microbial packaging for food & beverage, and agricultural industries to ensure safety, hygienic, and extend shelf life properties.
     
  • The rise of lightweight packaging solutions such as advanced corrugated designs and thinner plastics are some other key trends gaining rapid popularity. Business are rapidly adopting these lightweight industrial packaging because it reduces shipping costs and carbon footprints while maintaining durability for industrial usage.
     

Industrial Packaging Market Analysis

Industrial Packaging Market, By Material, 2021-2034 (USD Billion)

The industrial packaging industry based on the material is categorized as paperboard, plastic, metal, wood, and others.
 

  • The plastic material is the largest market and was valued at USD 28.3 billion in 2024. These plastic materials offer enhanced versatility and flexibility and are widely used for rigid containers, flexible films and bulk containers to cater the demand for chemical, food & beverages, and automotive industries. Also, these plastic materials provide cost efficient solutions for production and transportation when compared to other materials. Additionally, the rapid expansion of the e-commerce along with the increasing demand for global trade is driving the demand for this material in the market.
     
  • The metal material is the fastest growing market and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. Metal packaging such as steel drums and aluminium containers offers superior strength, durability, and ability to withstand harsh conditions making it ideal for several heavy-duty applications. Moreover, this metal packaging offers enhanced recyclability and sustainability advantages to plastic materials, which is a key growth driver for these materials. The surge in demand for bulk transportation and coupled with the stringent regulations for hazardous and flammable materials is driving the adoption of metal packaging materials in oil & gas, chemical, and construction industries, where compliance is non negotiable.
     
Industrial Packaging Market Share, By Application, 2024

The industrial packaging market based on the application is bifurcated into chemicals & pharmaceuticals, construction, food & beverages, automotive, agriculture, oil & gas, and others.
 

  • The food & beverage industry is the fastest growing market and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. The food and beverage sector is under strict regulatory standards for packaging safety, contamination avoidance, and material compliance. Industrial packaging products like aseptic containers, bulk bags, and food-grade IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) are made to preserve product integrity, prolong shelf life, and avoid contamination during storage and transportation. Government policies and global food safety regulations, like FDA (USA), FSSAI (India), and EFSA (Europe), are promoting the need for specialized industrial packaging solutions that maintain food safety and regulatory compliance.
     
  • The chemicals & pharmaceuticals is the largest market and was valued at USD 15.5 billion in 2024. The rapid expansion of chemicals industry such as agrochemicals, industrial chemicals, and specialty chemicals, requires safe and reliable packaging for the transportation of hazardous and flammable substances. Additionally, the growth of healthcare industries coupled with the increasing demand for generic drugs, vaccines and biologics is pushing the demand for industrial packaging solutions, which helps to maintain product integrity and efficacy.
     

The industrial packaging market based on the product type is divided into drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), sacks, pails, crates, corrugated boxes, and others.
 

  • The corrugated boxes product type was valued at USD 14.2 billion in 2024. The growth of this product is driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and global supply chain. These boxes are primarily made from biodegradable & recyclable materials and are widely used across several industries such as automobile, food & beverages, and agriculture, as it can be tailored to different sizes, strengths, and designs. Additionally, these boxes offer a cost-effective solution when compared to alternatives like metal drums & plastic IBCs, which is pushing the adoption of these boxes in cost effective and bulk packaging industries.
     
  • The intermediate bulk containers product type is the fastest growing market and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 6%. The surge in demand for bulk transportation of liquid (juices, oils, and syrups) and semi liquid in the food & beverage industry is a major growth driver. Many IBCs made from metals and rigid plastics offer reusability and cost-efficient solutions, making it ideal for bulk transportation. Furthermore, the increasing global trade for bulk commodities such as chemicals, oils, and agricultural products are further propelling the growth of intermediate bulk containers in the market.
     
U.S. Industrial Packaging Market, 2021-2034 (USD Billion)

The North America region accounted for 27.4% of the global industrial packaging market share in the year 2024.  The surge in demand for e-commerce logistics and the rapid adoption across various industries are some major drivers in this region. In addition, the increasing demand for lightweight & durable packaging alongside the adoption of automation in packaging is encouraging the region’s consumption of industrial packaging containers.
 

  • The U.S. dominated the global industrial packaging industry, accounting for USD 16.7 billion in the year 2024. The surge in demand for high performance packaging in the automobile and electronic industry along with the rise of advanced manufacturing is driving the growth of the market in the region. For instance, according to Statista, the revenue generated by the electronics industry in the U.S. accounted for USD 99.25 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 4.1% to reach USD 116.6 billion by 2029.  This growth pushes the demand for corrugated box and pallets while meeting safety regulations. Additionally, the strict regulations by government for food and chemicals packaging is driving the adoption of compliant packaging, further contributing to the market growth in the region.
     
  • The Canada industrial packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 2.8% during the forecast period. The increasing export of agricultural goods such as grains and timbers, is expected to push the adoption of wooden crates and sacks to reduce environmental impact while ensuring bulk transportation is expected to support the market growth. Additionally, the shift towards bulk packaging solutions to ensure efficient handling of large volume products is contributing to the market growth in the region.
     

The Europe region held 23.1% of the global industrial packaging market share in the year 2024. The growth of Europe’s market is attributed to the surge in demand for sustainable packaging coupled with the shift towards sustainable and recyclable industrial packaging for agricultural and industrial transportation.
 

  • The Germany industrial packaging market was accounted for USD 4.6 billion in the year 2024. Germany has a strong presence of chemical, automotive and food industry, which fuels the demand for advanced protection packaging solution in the region. Furthermore, the country has strict regulations towards the use of eco-friendly material and recyclable packaging which is in line with the EU regulations driving constant demand for the biodegradable and recyclable industrial packaging solutions. 
     
  • The UK industrial packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4.2% during the forecast period. The increasing demand from pharmaceutical industry for ecofriendly packaging coupled with the expansion of e-commerce sector are the main contributors to growth within the region. Additionally, Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and circularity in primary pharmaceutical packaging accelerators (CAPA) are compelling businesses to implement the use of smart corrugated boxes and reusable IBCs packaging which helps in market growth in the region.
     
  • The industrial packaging market in France is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2034. The industrial packaging industry in France is heavily influenced by the rapid expansion of the wine and olive oil industry, which requires high quality and safe industrial packaging. Additionally, the increasing export from automotive and electrical industries requires cost effective and recyclable packaging, which propels the growth of the market in the region.
     
  • The Italy industrial packaging market accounted for USD 2 billion in 2024. The growth of the market in Italy is driven by the country’s focus on complying with EU regulations to minimize plastic waste while ensuring sustainable packaging.  Furthermore, the increasing demand for innovative packaging solutions for food and pharmaceutical industries is pushing the demand for sustainable industrial packaging, which is expected to drive market growth in the region.
     
  • The Spain industrial packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 3% during the forecast period. The Spain industry is growing due to the rapid expansion of the logistics and warehousing sectors which require hygienic and disposable packaging, especially for industrial goods. Additionally, the strict government regulations towards sustainable packaging are pushing the brands to adopt ecofriendly and biodegradable materials, which supports the growth of the market in the region.
     

The Asia Pacific region held 36.4% of the global industrial packaging market share in the year 2024. The Asia Pacific region, headed by China, Japan, and South Korea due to their robust manufacturing and export industry, is the largest market for industrial packaging. The growth is supported by the rapid expansion of the industrial sector and the increasing need for efficient and durable packaging solutions to support logistics and global trade.
 

  • The industrial packaging market in China is projected to reach USD 16.9 billion by the year 2034. The rapid expansion of electronics and consumer goods industry rely on advanced packaging solutions to maintain product integrity during transportation. Moreover, the adoption of smart packaging technologies in supply chain management such as IoT enabled tracking is driving significant demand for the industrial packaging that can monitor shipment and products in real time.
     
  • The Japan market accounted for USD 3.7 billion in 2024. The growth in demand for the industrial packaging market is supported by the country’s emphasis on quality and high-performance packaging, which pushes the demand for recyclable and biodegradable packaging material. Additionally, there is growing demand for packaging in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry to ensure regulatory requirements and safety standards, which further pushes the growth of the market in the region.
     
  • The India industrial packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period. The growth of this region is driven by the increasing government initiatives for rural industrialization coupled with the expansion of chemicals, fertilizers, and construction industry pushing the growth of the industry. Additionally, the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Jiomart has increased the demand for cost effective yet secure packaging, which aids the growth for the market in the region.
     

The Latin America region held 5% of the industrial packaging market share in the year 2024. The growth of the agriculture sector along with the increasing export of raw materials such as coffee, sugar, and foods, which require secure & durable packaging for long distance transportation is driving the Latin American market.
 

The MEA region held 7.8% of the global industrial packaging industry share in 2024. The market in the Middle East and Africa region is increasing primarily because of the growth in tourism and hospitality which needs environmentally friendly packaging for dates, spices, and other high-end products. In addition, the growing infrastructure coupled with the development of industries such as renewable energy and technology in the region also elevates the demand for market.
 

Industrial Packaging Market Share

The industrial packaging industry is highly competitive and fragmented with the presence of established global players as well as local players and startups. The top 7 companies in the global market are Greif Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions (BWAY Corporation), Schutz GmbH & Co. KGaA, Mondi plc., Schoeller Allibert and Time Technoplast Ltd., collectively accounting for a 28% market share. Leading companies in the market are investing in sustainable material, bio–based coatings, and high-performance packaging solutions to meet with the government regulations and growing consumer preference towards sustainable packaging options. The next-generation industrial packaging focuses towards the lightweight, recyclable and durable designs to offer corrosion resistance, stack ability, and bulk handling features to several industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and construction.
 

The adoption of smart manufacturing and automation is fuelling the production of the advanced industrial packaging solutions, ensuring maximum efficiency, wastage reduction and improved cost management. Additionally, Government’s initiative such as EPR programs and Europe green deal are further pushing investment towards sustainable industrial packaging solutions.
 

Industrial Packaging Market Companies

The industrial packaging industry features several prominent players, including:

  • Greif Inc.
  • Mauser Packaging Solutions (BWAY Corporation)
  • Schutz GmbH & Co. KGaA
  • Mondi plc.
  • Schoeller Allibert
  • Time Technoplast Ltd.
     

Greif Inc, a global leader in industrial packaging market and is known for wide range of its products such as plastic, steel, fibre drums, and IBCs. Grief inc focuses on sustainable packaging solutions to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Grief has also heavily invested in vertical integration to enhance cost competitiveness and emphasizes on customer satisfaction.
 

Mauser Packaging Solutions, a close competitor operating in the same vertical was formed as a result of merger between BWAY, Mauser Corp, National container group (NCG), and Industrial container services (ICS) to expand their reach. This firm offers metals, plastic, fiber and hybrid packaging solutions and aims to reduce carbon footprint. The firms continue to grow through acquisition and investment in new technologies.
 

Industrial Packaging Industry News

  • In July 2023, UltraTech Cement Limited made progress towards fostering sustainability in the circular economy by innovatively developing new cement packaging solutions. The company is now using cement bags made of 50% recycled polypropylene (rPP), which decreases the use of virgin plastic by 43% per bag.
     
  • In September 2024, Greif opened a new intermediate bulk container (IBC) manufacturing facility in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia, bolstering its industrial packaging operations. The facility, featuring advanced blow moulding and cage line technologies, aims to meet the growing demand for IBCs in sectors like food, chemicals, and fragrances.
     
  • In December 2024, Greif, Inc. unveiled its ModCan modular packaging solution at the Pack-Expo conference in Chicago. The innovative design enables efficient and safe shipping of dissimilar materials by fitting into a 55-gallon drum, reducing shipments and enhancing safety. ModCan is aimed at industries such as specialty manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
     

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

Material

  • Paperboard
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Others

Product Type

  • Drums
  • Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
  • Sacks
  • Pails
  • Crates
  • Corrugated Boxes
  • Others

Application

  • Chemical and Pharmaceuticals
  • Construction
  • Food and Beverages
  • Automotive
  • Agriculture
  • Oil & Gas
  • Others

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

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

 

Authors: Suraj Gujar, Kanhaiya Kathoke
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
How big is the industrial packaging market?
The market size for industrial packaging was valued at USD 68.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 106.7 billion by 2034, growing at 4.6% CAGR through 2034.
What is the size of plastic material segment in the industrial packaging industry?
How much industrial packaging market share captured by North America in 2024?
Who are the key players in industrial packaging industry?
Industrial Packaging Market Scope
  • Industrial Packaging Market Size
  • Industrial Packaging Market Trends
  • Industrial Packaging Market Analysis
  • Industrial Packaging Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 20

    Tables & Figures: 516

    Countries covered: 19

    Pages: 180

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