Reusable Transport Packaging (RTP) Market – By Packaging Type, By Material, By End Use Industry– Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Reusable Transport Packaging Market Size

The global reusable transport packaging market size was valued at USD 113.2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 5.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The rising concerns about the increasing greenhouse gas emission is leading to a shift towards the use of reusable transport packaging.
 

Businesses are now primarily focusing on cost-effective production and logistics solutions which help in optimizing operations. RTP offers lower packaging costs and reduces waste disposal expenses. Additionally, implementation of RFID and IoT tracking with RTP packaging makes it completely optimized solutions for businesses to accept.
 

Growing greenhouse emissions are leading to climate changes. Organizations are collectively working to mend ways, manufacture reusable packages and provide solutions to reduce the waste that emits Co2 in the environment. According to the Global Change Data Lab, the global Co2 emissions were estimated to be around 53.8 billion tons in the year 2023. With such intensity of emissions there are joint efforts from the government and other stakeholders in the packaging market to move towards the reusable packages to be used in the transporting of the products (goods) to reduce the climate change variations due to such emissions.
 

There is a rising requirement for the transition from the single-use plastics packages production to the reusable packaging solutions in the transport packaging sector. Consumers are now aware of the sustainable goals and commitments which are creating a demand for reusable packaging in the market. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) only 9% of the plastic waste is recycled while 22% is mismanaged leading to the accumulation of large quantities of plastic packaging in the landfill areas. Businesses are implementing the use of reusable packaging solutions in various sectors to cater the issues related to the single-use plastics.
 

The stakeholders in the reusable transport packaging market are making attempts to reduce the waste generated due to the usage of single-use packaging. For instance, in December 2024, Ocado Retail extended its packaging reuse range such as reuse non-bio liquid detergent 2.7 liters and reuse clear skies fabric conditioner 2.7 liters. The company is taking the initiative to reduce the single use of customers’ weekly shops.
 

Reusable Transport Packaging (RTP) typically refers to the range of bulk containers, pallets or crates which are designed with durable materials such as plastic, metals, glass, etc. for the purpose of multiple trips and extension of the life of the packages. Due to its high durable nature, it is widely preferred for transportation. Reusable packaging serves the purpose of reducing carbon footprint, waste generation and helps in conserving natural resources.
 

Reusable Transport Packaging Market Trends

• Businesses are embracing the change in dynamics for reusable transport packaging by making changes in the traditional packaging solutions and quickly adapting newer forms of packages that serve the purpose of reducing waste. For instance, in September 2024, ARRAY technologies [MA1] replaced traditional cardboard boxes with durable and reusable plastic casings. This new approach allows for more bulk packaging and ensures easy transportation.
   
• The packaging market is heavily regulated with the presence of regulatory bodies. The legislative compliance is leading to the adoption of reuseable transport packaging solutions among the manufacturers of the packages. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) places focus on reusable transport packaging. According to PPWR, businesses that are transporting goods to places would be required to use 100% reusable packages. For cross-border shipment the target set is 40% and will rise to 70% by 2040.
   
• Companies are forming strategic collaboration to make the logistic sector smoother and more efficient. This also aims towards aligning with sustainable commitments such as the European Green Deal by contributing to Co2 reduction through saving space while transporting the packages. For instance, in October 2024, Newwen and Parrdekopper collaborated for reusable transport packaging solution. Newwen launched reusable plastics transport boxes which are equipped with RFID and QR codes provided by Parrdekopper. The transport boxes are no easy to track and can be used up to 25 times.
   
• To improve the supply chain logistics and move towards sustainable solutions, businesses are joining hands and delivering the required reusable packaging options for the transport of the products. For instance, in October 2024, Sprouts Framer Market and IFCO made partnership to eliminate the single-use shipping packaging. The IFCO’s Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) minimize product damage during transport which leads to minimizing food waste and increasing overall efficiency.
   

Reusable Transport Packaging Market Analysis

According to packaging type, the market is divided into pallets, handheld crates, dunnage & cargo protection, unit-load sized containers, reusable plastic containers, tanks, drums & barrels and other.
 

• The market value of pallets in the reusable transport packaging market was USD 68.3 billion in 2024. There are innovations in the pallet design for fulfilling the shipment of the products under different temperature needs. For instance, in May 2024, Condor Expedite introduced a cold chain division that utilizes fully reusable cold packaging. It allows the pallets to be refrigerated for up to nine days without dry ice making it easy for transportation of the products.
   
• By 2034, the handheld crates market will reach a value of USD 25.6 billion. The handheld crates which typically include reusable totes, trays and bins. The use of reusable totes reduces the injury while overfilling non-uniform boxes. Retailers are implementing handheld crates specifically reusable totes and bins to streamline the transportation of the products and reduce packaging waste.
   
• Dunnage & cargo protection market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2024. For sustainable cargo transit dunnage bags are used to fill the voids and secure the products from getting damaged. This is in requirement for transporting delicate items in the market. In December 2023, Kite packaging launched its new dunnage bags which are designed to ensure stability and security. These bags are eco-friendly and fulfill the requirement of sustainable cargo transit.
   
• Unit-load sized containers market is estimated to grow and reach a value of USD 26.7 billion by the year 2034. These play a crucial role in reusable transport packaging which offers durability with the bulk containers and makes it widely used option across industries as it helps in space optimization and supports waste reduction.
   
• The reusable plastic containers market is predicted to grow and reach a value of USD 12.7 billion by 2034. As the demand for goods is growing, the retailers are facing an increase in the use of reusable plastic containers. The integration of sensors in the containers helps in real-time tracking of the location and conditions of the product.  It makes reusable plastic containers an easy option for retailers looking to use them several times.
   
• By 2034, tanks, drums & barrels market is projected to reach a value of USD 6.2 billion. These are widely used in pharmaceutical, chemical and food industry to transport bulk liquids and hazardous material. The reason for their rise in usage is that these provide easy stacking and return for use solution.
   
• These packaging types are gaining traction in the market due to their versatile uses in transporting the products to the desired location without getting them damaged.
   

The reusable transport packaging market when divided by material, encompasses plastic, metal and wood. The market is progressing with the introduction of reusable material containers that ensures sustainability along with enhanced efficiency in transportation.
 

• Plastic market in the reusable transport packaging held a market share of 26.4% in 2024. The growing demand for durable & lightweight solutions is leading to the introduction of reusable plastic containers for the handling and stacking of the products in the market. Industries are widely adopting High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for reusable plastic crates for transportation purposes.
   
• By 2034, the metal market in the reusable transport packaging is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 26.1 billion. In the heavy-duty application, metal packages find greater applicability as they provide robust handling of the goods and easy movement of the products.
   
• Wood market in the reusable transport packaging is anticipated to reach a market value of USD 125.2 billion by the year 2034. These remain good options for transporting goods to place because of their biodegradability and cost-effective solutions. Companies are integrating reusable wooden pallets for transporting their products. For instance, in April 2024, DGeo, the packaging division of U.S. based Labelmaster, expanded its lager-format lithium battery packaging solutions to include clippable wooden crates for easy transportation of lithium batteries.
   
• These materials are gaining popularity in the transport sectors and retailers are adopting such material-based containers based on the requirement of the products’ transportation. The manufacturers are making packages of different sizes to cater to the needs of the products in the market.
   

Based end use industry, the reusable transport packaging market is divided into food & beverages, consumer durables, automotive, healthcare, and others. Various sector of industries has different requirement of protection of goods and transportation it to the locations. As these sectors are rising the requirement of reusable transport packaging is also gaining momentum.
 

• Food & beverages market in the reusable transport packaging was valued at USD 36.4 billion in 2024. As the food & beverages consumption is rising it is becoming important for the sustainable methods for the transportation of the food & beverages items to the required places. Reusable containers are rising in the market to help protect the food and beverages from getting spoiled during transportation and adding value through its sustainable measures.
   
• Beverages companies are forming strategic partnerships to make their logistic support sustainable. For instance, in May 2024, Red Bull and Cabka came into partnership to drive circular economy solutions in logistics as Red Bull is using reusable pallet solution, BigBag S5 pallets made by Cabka.
   
• The consumer durable market for the reusable transport packaging is growing and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% in the forecast period. The consumer durable goods are rising which is leading to a more demand for efficient and sustainable logistics handling of these goods such as electronics, home appliances and furniture. As the industries are shifting to sustainable methods of transporting goods, the reusable HDPE containers are used along with dunnage and cargo protection to keep goods in safe conditions.
   
• The automotive market in reusable transport packaging is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 42.9 billion by 2034. The manufactures in the automotive industries are raising demand for high-strength reusable pallets to transport parts such as body panels, engines, etc. There are increasing ways to support the vision of sustainable transportation of these automotive parts by implementing the reusable containers.
   
• By 2034, Healthcare market in reusable transport packaging is predicted to grow and reach a value of USD 21.4 billion. The transportation of healthcare products which involves delicate medical devices and medical products is very crucial and the increasing pharmaceutical companies and their third-party logistics partners are opting for more sustainable ways of transporting their products. The aim encircles around the movement of these healthcare companies from single-use plastics to reusable containers.
   
• The end use industry is forming the basis for growth of reusable transport packaging due to the increasing focus on sustainability and the stakeholders are relentlessly working in developing the reusable plastic containers and ensuring that the cost is reduced and adding environmental benefits.
   

The North America reusable transport packaging market is projected to grow significantly at a CAGR of 6.4% in the forecast period. In this region there is gain in momentum towards the adoption of reusable packaging solutions for transporting the products without any hinderance and this is leading to the demand for sustainable options in packaging market. Major beverages company are bringing the vision to support the reusability of the packages which leads to adoption of reusable transport packages to reduce the cost. The region is witnessing the change in dynamics towards transport of goods and is investing in providing reusable solutions for bulk packages which are transported to other areas.
 

• The U.S reusable transport packaging market is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 38.5 billion by the year 2034. With the rise in exports of products within the country, there is a shifting culture towards the adoption of reusable containers for bulk shipments. For instance, in October 2024, Fresh Del Monte, which is headquartered in Florida, United States announced the implementation of reusable plastic boxes for the shipment of bananas.
   
• Canada reusable transport packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% in the forecast period. Due to the country’s extreme climatic conditions manufacturers rely on the durability of the packaging for safeguarding the products which is leading to the innovation of pallets or crates for preserving products such as medicine while transportation. Also, the country is actively seeking initiatives to address single-use plastic concerns. For instance, in January 2024, Circular Innovation Council launched a reuse initiative to tackle the single-use plastic waste generation and has made collaboration with major Canadian grocery retailers Metro, Sobeys, and Walmart Canada.
   

The reusable transport packaging market in Europe is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 55.2 billion by 2034. The region has strong regulatory bodies which works with the ambition to reduce the packaging waste and give more preferences to reduce, reuse and recycling of the packaging items. In April 2024, European Union (EU) mentioned its target of reducing packaging wastes (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040). With these initiatives the demand for reusable packaging is certainly gaining tractions within the EU countries. This ambitions aim can be achieved through actively developing the reusable transport packaging solutions so that less plastics are used and serves for the multiple time use in the transporting of the product.
 

• The UK reusable transport packaging market is projected to grow and reach a value of USD 6.9 billion by the year 2034. The country is taking active participation in the reduction of plastic waste as well as the companies are focusing on making durable boxes of different sizes for easy transit packaging. For instance, in November 2024, GWP Correx launched their new rapitainer corrugated container to replace the single trip cardboard boxes. These returnable boxes result in cost saving when compared to single use cardboard boxes.
   
• Germany market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% in the forecast period. The country’s relentless efforts to reduce the Co2 emissions include the adoption of innovative solutions of reusable transport packaging and companies are strategically forming partnership for the usage of reusable transport packages. For instance, in June 2024, Interzero made partnership for the utilization of reusable packages with German startup, hey circle for the return and shipment of smartphones, tablets and hard drives. The collaboration aimed at the reduction of waste and reducing down Co2 emissions in packaging shipping.
   
• By 2034, France reusable transport packaging market is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 6 billion. The country is fostering the need to curb down plastic bags and focus on the reusable trends in transporting the products. For instance, Pandobac provides reusable packaging solutions to the B2B chain clients by providing them with reusable crates to replace the disposable cardboard and polystyrene packaging in the transport of fresh products.
   
• Italy reusable transport packaging market is anticipated to reach a value of USD 4.7 billion by 2034. The country witnesses the shift in preferences for sustainable options in transporting products which leads to the growing conditions for the reusable transport packages such as containers of metals, plastics etc. which are used multiple times for logistics for the transport activities within the country.
   
• Netherland reusable transport packaging is predicted to grow and reach a value of USD 2.8 billion by the year 2034. The country is gaining momentum for the establishment of reusable transport packaging solutions to tackle the growing pressure from the government for reducing the waste generated from single-use packaging.
   
• Spain market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% in the forecast period. In this country the reusable packaging market is embracing the increasing regulatory initiatives and catering to the demands related to sustainable solutions for reusable transport packaging.
   

The Asia Pacific reusable transport packaging market is experiencing growth and is expected to rise and reach a value of USD 65 billion by 2034. The region is experiencing significant traction in the reusable packages due to the rise in environmental awareness among the consumers in this region. The region is influenced by strong regulation and acts that proposes for the reduction of carbon emissions and adoption of sustainable measures.
 

• China reusable transport packaging market was valued at USD 14.2 billion by 2024. The country aims towards reaching carbon neutrality and thus adopting eco-friendly reusable transport packaging methods. For instance, Chinese retailer JD.com launched eco-friendly program where the packages will be delivered in reusable boxes to the customers and after receiving the customers would need to return the boxes to the deliver personnel.
   
• India reusable transport packaging market is growing at a CAGR of 6.3% in the forecast period. This country is focusing on reducing plastic consumption and giving more preferences to the reusable transport packaging. The focus is to implement reusable transport packaging which will lead to significant cost saving as well as a reduction in carbon footprint. India’s Plastics Pact targets to reach packaging with 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by the year 2030. This includes the use of crate solutions in transportation of the products rather than the cardboard boxes which are for single use only.
   
• Japan reusable transport packaging market is expected to rise and reach a value of USD 4.8 billion by 2034. Initiatives in this country are taking place to reduce the use of single-use plastic which is creating demand for the reusable packaging solutions which can be used in transport facilities. To boost the efficiency in transport sector Japan, South Krean and China agreed to share reusable shipping pallets.
   
• By 2034, South Korea reusable transport packaging market is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 1.6 billion. South Korea has been focusing on zero waste packaging initiatives for which the country is taking steps and adopting the reusability of crates and containers for transporting the products.
   
• Australia industry is predicted to grow and reach a value of USD 2.3 billion by the year 2034. There is a strong push to adopt the reusable transport packaging with reusable pallets and bulk containers serving the purpose of reducing the cost incurred due to single use of cardboard boxes.
   

The reusable transport packaging market in Latin America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% in the forecast period. The region visualizes the growing sustainable solutions and promotes the adoption of reusable containers and packaging in Latin America.
 

• Brazil reusable transport packaging market is projected to grow and reach a value of USD 6.1 billion by 2034. With the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation (EPR) in several South American countries, Brazil is witnessing growth in the adoption of reusable packaging solutions for transport. Governmental bodies implement significant regulations to track waste generation, which leads to the country being imposed with stricter actions against waste generation. This creates opportunities in the Brazilian market for reusable transport packages and provide support to the reduction of waste generation.
   
• Mexico reusable transport packaging is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% in the forecast period. The country is experiencing growth with the private and international companies aiming to enhance the supply chain efficiency and sustainability.
   
• By 2034, Argentina reusable transport packaging market is expected to rise and reach a value of USD 6.4 billion. The country is focusing on adopting sustainable packaging solutions in the transportation of the product items with the aim of helping protect the damage of the products. This provides opportunities in this country for the growth of the reuse transport packaging market.
   

The MEA reusable transport packaging market is experiencing growth and is expected to rise and reach a value of USD 11.3 billion by 2034. The region is advancing with the trend towards adoption of sustainable measures in transportation of goods. This is creating demand in the MEA countries for the reusable transport packages which includes pallets and crates and other containers for providing the durability during the transportation of the products.
 

• South Africa reusable transport packaging industry is projected to grow and reach a value of USD 1 billion by 2034. The country is witnessing the requirement of reusable crates which can be easily used for transportation of products around the market. For instance, CHEP’s foldable reusable plastic containers enable the fresh suppliers of fresh produce to pack and ship their products in these crates all around South Africa.
   
• By 2034, Saudi Arabia reusable transport packaging market is expected to rise and reach a value of USD 1.2 billion. The country has a wider vision for adopting eco-friendly options in transporting the products with the integration of reusable transport packaging.
   
• UAE reusable transport packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4% in the forecast period. The aim of reaching zero waste needs the implementation of the reusable transport packaging in this country to reduce the waste generated due to single-use plastics in the transporting of the products.
   

Reusable Transport Packaging Market Share

The market is competitive, and the nature of market is fragmented. Top 5 players in the market that provide reusable transport packaging are Borealis AG, DS Smith, Greif Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions, and IFCO SYSTEMS and they collectively hold a market share in the range of 15-20%. These companies stive for brining sustainable solutions in the reusable transport packaging market. Companies are making investments by forming new facilities for the manufacturing of the bulk containers. For instance, in September 2024, the Grief Inc. opened a new facility in Malaysia to produce Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) which are used by various industries such as food, chemicals and fragrances.
 

Organizations are making strategic acquisition in the market to gain advantage of increasing presence in the market of reusable containers. For instance, in February 2024, Mauser Packaging Solutions acquired the Consolidated Container Company, LLC. These strategies are leading to gain upper edge in the reusable transport packaging as the companies that posse’s expertise in making containers for the industrial and other related purposes are able to provide the sustainable means of solutions.
 

With the rising competition in the market, the companies are establishing their presence through strong strategic movements in the current dynamics of the market. Grief Inc. is expanding its industrial packaging portfolio through partnerships. Recently it made its collaboration with CDF Corporation for the introduction of redesign of its GCUBE Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) flex. Grief Inc. has a vast portfolio consisting of container for industrial packaging solutions.
 

Companies are also leveraging the technology to improve the reusability in the transportation of the packaged goods. For instance, in September 2023, lamination technology from DS Smith Tecnicarton made attempt to strengthen the resistance of corrugated cardboard and enable the reusable and recyclable transport packaging.
 

Reusable Transport Packaging Market Companies

List of prominent players operating in the reusable transport packaging industry include:

• Greif Inc.
• Borealis AG
• DS Smith
• Mauser Packaging Solutions
• IFCO SYSTEMS
   

Reusable Transport Packaging Industry News

• In November 2024, pricon, announced that it will utilize the reusable shipping packaging from hey circle to cut the waste and reduce the impact of Co2 emissions using shipping bags in two sizes which covers approximately 90% of all shipments.
   
• In April 2023, Brambles Limited announced the merger of the pallet and automotive pooling operation of CHEP China with Loscam Holding Limited. The merger is aimed at strengthening the logistic sector and helping in the transportation of the goods more securely and efficiently.
   
• In June 2024, IFCO, which is a provider of reusable packaging containers (RPCs), Launched a smart reusable fish crate, Marina. The containers have track- and-trace Bluetooth low energy tags and QR codes which help with efficient management of cold supply chain.
   

The reusable transport packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Packaging Type

• Pallets
• Handheld crates
• Dunnage & cargo protection
• Unit-load sized containers
• Reusable plastic containers
• Tanks, drums, & barrels
• Others

Market, By Material

• Plastic
• Metal
• Wood

Market, By End Use Industry

• Food & beverages
• Consumer durables
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• 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