Bulk Container Packaging Market

Market Definition

The global Bulk Container Packaging Market was valued at USD 17.41 billion in 2021 and is predicted to reach USD 28.99 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2030. Bulk container packaging refers to the use of large, reusable containers to transport and store bulk goods. These containers are typically made of plastic, steel, or aluminum and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including drums, totes, and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

Bulk container packaging may be used to transport and store a wide range of products, including food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial materials. Bulk containers have several advantages over traditional packaging options, such as reducing packaging waste, increasing supply chain efficiency, and reducing transportation costs.

Market Dynamics and Trends

The rising utilization and awareness of bulk container packing among several industries such as pharmaceuticals and food and beverage industries due to its beneficial advantages such as high payload, low contamination risk, low weight, and eco-friendliness are projected to accelerate the growth of the market. Also, bulk container packaging helps to create lightweight packaging of any material by maintaining structural integrity and minimizing handling and transportation costs, which further increases the market's overall growth. Moreover, bulk containers are more cost-effective in the long term compared to traditional packaging options, due to their durability and reusability which in turn is expected to drive the market's growth.

However, the high weight of bulk containers and environmental concerns associated with bulk packaging are expected to restrain the market's growth. On the other hand, the innovation in the production of different bulk containers such as intermediate bulk containers that can be used for more storage of both solid and liquid materials and bulk cargo containers that are used to transport goods by ship, train, and truck is expected to create ample opportunities for the bulk container packaging market in the coming years.

Market Segmentations and Scope of the Study

The bulk container packaging market report is segmented based on type, product, materials, application, end-user, and geography. Based on type, the market is divided into drums, pails, material handling containers, rigid intermediate bulk containers, pallets, and dunnage airbags. Based on product, the market is segmented into flex tanks, flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC), and bulk container liners. Based on material, the market is divided into plastic, metals, and other materials. Based on application, the market is categorized into food & beverage, chemicals, and others. Based on end-use, the market is segmented into industrial chemicals, petroleum & lubricants, food & beverages, paints, inks & dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other end uses. Geographic breakdown and analysis of each of the aforesaid segments include regions comprising North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Row.

Geographical Analysis

North America held the lion’s share in the bulk container packaging market in 2021 and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecasted period. This is attributed to factors such as the rising demand for packaging materials from e-commerce sectors for more efficient and sustainable packaging options. Bulk containers are often reusable and have a larger capacity than traditional packaging, which can reduce the amount of packaging waste and transportation costs.

Also, rising exports of chemical and pharmaceutical goods have led to a constant demand for rigid bulk containers such as drums and pails, which is expected to boost the growth of the bulk container packaging market. According to the International Trade Administration, the US exported USD 51.6 billion worth of pharmaceutical products in 2020. Moreover, the growing consumption of alcohol is leading to an increase in the export of alcoholic beverages within the region. This, in turn, has resulted in significant growth of the market in the region.

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is witnessing steady growth in the global market due to the rising export of vegetable oils and wine from this region. Also, the continuous rise in demand for automation with the arrival of technologies such as robotics, wireless technologies, and driverless vehicles in different industries such as food and beverages, retail, general manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals has revolutionized the adoption of automated material handling containers. Thus, in turn, boosting the bulk container packaging market growth in the region.

Competitive Landscape

Various market players operating in the bulk container packaging industry are Interior Greif, Inc., Berry Global Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, DS Smith, Mondi, Amcor plc, Constantia Flexibles, Huhtamäki Oyj, Pregis LLC, Sonoco Products Company. These market players continue to adopt various market development strategies including acquisition and expansion to maintain their dominance in the global market.

For instance, in October 2022, Myers Industries launched an intermediate bulk container. This container was designed for carrying non-hazardous food & beverages, beauty care bulk handling, and bin-matched industrial shelving for use in the reusable packaging market.

Also, in September 2020, Mauser Packaging Solution acquired EroVeneta Fusti. This acquisition extended the offering of steel drum packaging and reconditioning of intermediate bulk containers. Moreover, July in 2020, SaepLast expanded its wet storage container range, named Saeplast DWS352 container, which is designed for dealing with shellfish, which includes oysters, clams, and mussels, also harvesting on the water, transporting to the factory, purging, and purification of the contents, and subsequent storage.

Key Benefits

• The bulk container packaging market report provides a quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations from 2022 to 2030. This analysis assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities to capitalize on.

• The study comprises of a detailed analysis of the bulk container packaging market including the current and future trends for depicting the prevalent investment pockets in the market.

• The information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the global market is provided in the report.

• The competitive analysis of the market players along with their market share in the market is mentioned.

• The SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces model are elaborated in the study.

• The value chain analysis in the market study provides a clear picture of the stakeholders’ roles.

Bulk Container Packaging Market Key Segments

By Type    

• Drums

• Pails

• Material Handling Containers

• Rigid Intermediate Bulk Containers

• Pallets

• Dunnage Air Bags

By Application

• Food & Beverage

• Chemicals

• Others

By Product

• Flex Tanks

• Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC)

• Bulk Container Liners

By Material

• Plastic

• Metals

• Other Materials

By Application

• Food & Beverage

• Chemicals

• Others

By End-Use

• Industrial Chemicals

• Petroleum & Lubricants

• Food & Beverages

• Paints

• Inks & Dyes

• Pharmaceutical

• Other End Uses

By Geography

• North America

  • U.S

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • UK

  • Germany

  • France

  • Spain

  • Italy

  • Netherlands    

  • Denmark    

  • Finland    

  • Norway    

  • Sweden    

  • Russia    

  • Rest of Europe

• Asia-Pacific

  • China

  • Japan

  • India

  • Australia

  • South Korea

  • Thailand    

  • Singapore    

  • Rest of Asia-Pacific

• Rest of World

  • Latin America    

  • Middle East    

  • Africa

Key Players:

• Greif, Inc.

• Berry Global Inc.

• Sealed Air Corporation

• DS Smith

• Mondi

• Amcor plc

• Constantia Flexibles

• Huhtamäki Oyj 

• Pregis LLC

• Sonoco Products Company