Industrial Packaging Global Market Report 2026

Industrial packaging refers to the packaging designed to protect, ship, and store sensitive items that rely heavily on stability. It is commonly used by manufacturers of machinery, especially delicate equipment, technology, and other products that must be safeguarded against factors such as moisture and vibrations.

The primary product types in industrial packaging include drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), sacks, pails, and crates/totes. Drums are cylindrical containers typically made of metal or fiberboard that are used for storing and transporting a variety of materials and substances. Industrial packaging materials are made from a range of materials such as paperboard, plastic, metal, wood, and fiber. These packaging types are used across various industries including chemical and pharmaceutical, building and construction, food and beverage, oil and lubricant, agriculture and horticulture, among others. Each type of packaging is designed to meet specific requirements for the safe and efficient storage and transportation of goods in industrial settings.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the industrial packaging market by increasing the cost of imported plastics, steel drums, paperboard, and engineered wood used in industrial containers and protective packaging. Chemical, construction, and machinery manufacturers in North America and Europe are most affected due to dependence on imported raw materials, while Asia-Pacific exporters face pricing pressure. These tariffs are raising packaging costs and compressing margins. However, they are also encouraging local material sourcing, adoption of recyclable packaging formats, and innovation in cost-efficient and sustainable industrial packaging solutions.

The industrial packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides industrial packaging market statistics, including industrial packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an industrial packaging market share, detailed industrial packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the industrial packaging industry. This industrial packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The industrial packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $83.04 billion in 2025 to $88.87 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of industrial manufacturing, expansion of global trade, demand for equipment protection, reliance on traditional packaging materials, rise of bulk material handling.

The industrial packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $116.68 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to e-commerce driven industrial shipments, sustainability regulations, demand for reusable packaging, automation in packaging operations, growth of heavy machinery exports. Major trends in the forecast period include shift toward sustainable packaging materials, growing demand for protective packaging solutions, adoption of custom and heavy-duty packaging, integration of smart tracking features, expansion of global industrial logistics.

The growing chemical industry is expected to drive the growth of the industrial packaging market going forward. The chemical industry involves large-scale production and processing of chemicals, covering the manufacturing of a variety of industrial and consumer goods. Industrial packaging is employed to ensure the safe and secure containment, transport, and storage of chemical products, preventing contamination and ensuring regulatory compliance. For example, in June 2024, according to the American Chemistry Council Inc., a US-based organization advocating for the chemical manufacturing industry, chemical production grew by 1.3% in 2023 and is projected to reach 2.2% in 2024. Hence, the expanding chemical industry is supporting the growth of the industrial packaging market.

Major companies in the industrial packaging market are focusing on creating sustainable packaging solutions to gain a competitive edge and address increasing environmental concerns. Sustainable packaging solutions include eco-friendly materials, design practices, and processes that reduce environmental impact throughout the product packaging lifecycle. For instance, in September 2024, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, a Germany-based manufacturer of printing and packaging presses, and Solenis, a US-based specialty chemicals company, jointly introduced a cost-effective process to integrate eco-friendly barrier coatings directly into the flexographic printing process for fiber-based (paper) packaging. This method allows packaging producers to apply water-based barrier coatings during printing, eliminating the need for conventional plastic-based lamination or paraffin wax coatings. The coatings provide resistance against water, water vapor, oils, fats, and liquids (hot or cold), making them suitable for food, beverage, e-commerce corrugated packaging, flexible packaging, cupstock, and other industrial packaging applications. The inline application on Heidelberg's Boardmaster flexographic web press makes the process scalable and cost-efficient, reducing material use and simplifying recycling, thereby supporting circular-economy goals and lowering dependence on plastics.

In July 2023, Macfarlane Group, a packaging design and distribution company based in Scotland, acquired Polyformes Limited for a maximum cash consideration of $14.38 million (£11.5 million). This acquisition aims to strengthen Macfarlane's protective packaging business by incorporating Polyformes' expertise in designing and converting foam for specialized applications. Polyformes is a UK-based company that specializes in foam packaging for various industries.

Major companies operating in the industrial packaging market are Westrock Company, International Paper Company, Amcor Limited, DS Smith plc, Packaging Corporation of America, Mondi plc, Grief Inc., KEENER Corporation, Nefab Group, Myers Industries Inc., Schoeler Allibert AB, Menasha Corporation, Rohrer Corporation, UFP Technologies Inc., Rehrig Pacific Company, Ckdpack, PolyFlex Products Inc., GWP Group, Brown Machine LLC, Dunnage Engineering, Thermoflex LLC, Amatech Inc., MJSolpac Ltd., Package Design & Manufacturing Inc., Interior Packaging Design LLC, JIDA Industrial Solutions, Sohner Plastics LLC, Great River Plastics LLC, Electro-General Plastics Corp., Artisanz Fabrication and Machine LLC, Dordan Manufacturing Company, Salco Engineering and Manufacturing Co. Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Ball Corporation

North America was the largest region in the industrial packaging market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the industrial packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the industrial packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The industrial packaging market consists of sales of flexible and rigid packaging, boxes, envelopes, tapes, handles, cushioning, bags, reusable containers, drums. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Industrial Packaging Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses industrial packaging market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for industrial packaging ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The industrial packaging market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Product: Drums; Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs); Sacks; Pails; Crates Or Totes
• 2) By Material: Paperboard; Plastic; Metal; Wood; Fiber
• 3) By Application: Chemical And Pharmaceutical; Building And Construction; Food And Beverage; Oil And Lubricant; Agriculture And Horticulture; Other Applications
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Drums: Steel Drums; Plastic Drums; Fiber Drums
• 2) By Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): Rigid IBCs; Flexible IBCs
• 3) By Sacks: Woven Polypropylene Sacks; Paper Sacks; Plastic Sacks
• 4) By Pails: Metal Pails; Plastic Pails
• 5) By Crates Or Totes: Plastic Crates Or Totes; Metal Crates Or Totes; Collapsible Crates
• Companies Mentioned: Westrock Company; International Paper Company; Amcor Limited; DS Smith plc; Packaging Corporation of America; Mondi plc; Grief Inc.; KEENER Corporation; Nefab Group; Myers Industries Inc.; Schoeler Allibert AB; Menasha Corporation; Rohrer Corporation; UFP Technologies Inc.; Rehrig Pacific Company; Ckdpack; PolyFlex Products Inc.; GWP Group; Brown Machine LLC; Dunnage Engineering; Thermoflex LLC; Amatech Inc.; MJSolpac Ltd.; Package Design & Manufacturing Inc.; Interior Packaging Design LLC; JIDA Industrial Solutions; Sohner Plastics LLC; Great River Plastics LLC; Electro-General Plastics Corp.; Artisanz Fabrication and Machine LLC; Dordan Manufacturing Company; Salco Engineering and Manufacturing Co. Inc.; Sonoco Products Company; Ball Corporation
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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