Rigid Industrial Packaging Market Size - By Product Type, Material Type, Distribution Channel, End Use, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Rigid Industrial Packaging Market Size

The global rigid Industrial packaging market was valued at USD 56.7 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% to reach USD 90.3 billion by 2034.
 

The Trump administration’s tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum had a profound effect on the market by raising the costs of raw materials, squeezing profit margins, and causing manufacturers to reevaluate their supply chains. As a result, businesses raised their prices which diminished their competitive edge internationally.
 

The emerging Asian economies, like India, Indonesia, and Brazil, are now witnessing accelerated industrial growth, which is propelling the demand for rigid industrial packaging. According to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the globalization of industry, international trade and investment patterns are influencing industrial competitiveness and economic performance across member countries. With the advanced manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure development activities in these countries, the demand for robust, economical, and durable packaging solutions increases manifold.
 

In the chemical, automotive, and food processing industries, IBCs, steel drums, and plastic barrels as rigid containers are of utmost importance for the movement of raw and finished goods. This systematic industrial development is still providing enduring beneficial growth prospects for the producers of rigid industrial packaging.
 

Petrochemical and chemical industries are interconnected with the growth of automotive, construction, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. They rely on an extreme regulated packaging system that guarantees safe transport even under severe conditions. Rigid industrial packaging, especially UN-certified drums and IBCs, provides these industries exceptional chemical resistance, durability, and reusability. With the expansion of chemical exports, the tightening of hazardous material transport regulations increases the demand for high-quality rigid packaging solutions, supporting the growth of market during the forecast period.
 

Rigid Industrial Packaging Market Trends

• Composite Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and reconditioned steel drums are examples of rigid industrial packaging that are shifting toward lightweight, reusable, and environmentally sustainable solutions. Customization in design to suit specific application needs is accompanied with greater durability to withstand the requirements of various industrial applications.
   
• The use of automation, RFID and IoT is improving operational visibility and container management. At the same time, advances in the goods transport barrier materials are enhancing these transports’ durability and resistance, thus ensuring safety of the industrial goods as well as extending their shelf life.
   
• Participants in the industry are concentrating on capacity expansion, strategic collaborations, and sustainable models. Circular economy initiatives such as container reuse services, reconditioning services, and closed-loop packaging systems receiving investment because of increased focus.
   

Rigid Industrial Packaging Market Analysis

Based on the product type, the rigid Industrial packaging market is segmented into drums, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), pails, cans, boxes & bins, and others.
 

• Drums segment accounted for USD 15.4 billion in 2023. Drums provide strong, reusable containers well suited for shipping both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. Their popularity in the chemical and oil industries stems from their safety compliance, ruggedness, and space-efficient storage and transportation capabilities.
   
• Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) segment accounted for USD 13.2 billion in 2022. The IBCs serve as economical and high volume storage for liquids and semi-solid materials in the chemical, food, and agriculture sectors. Their reusability paired with their structural strength makes them suitable for industrial logistics, and supply chain effectiveness. As a result, they are preferred for industrials purposes where automation is required on the assembly line.

Based on material type, the market is divided into plastic, metal, fiber, and wood.
 

• The plastic segment is expected to account for 35.3% of the global rigid Industrial packaging market in 2024. Due to its light weight, resistance to corrosion, and cost-effectiveness, plastic occupies the greatest share of the market. Its versatility in applications including chemicals and food adds to its attractiveness, especially with increasing advancements in recyclable and sustainable plastics.
   
• The metal segment is expected to account for 27.9% of the global rigid Industrial packaging market in 2024. Metal packaging provides the best structural integrity, long-lasting durability, and barrier protection which is ideal for flammable materials. It has extensive use in the chemical and petroleum industries where following safety standards are crucial.
   

Based on distribution channel, the rigid Industrial packaging market is segmented into direct sales, distributors, online B2B platforms, and others.
 

• The direct sales segment dominated the market accounting for USD 18.3 billion in 2024. In large-scale transactions, direct sales reign supreme as they permit manufacturers to retain control over pricing, customization, and client relations. This method is favored by primary industrial purchasers who look for dependable custom packaging and assured supply consistency.
   
• The online B2B platforms segment accounted for USD 15.7 billion in 2023. The availability and digital procurement trends are expanding small to mid-sized enterprises business to business platforms which enhances simplified, competitively priced, and multi product visibility. These platforms lower the sourcing and procurement time for small to mid-sized enterprises looking for standardized packaging.
   

Based on end-use, the rigid Industrial packaging market is segmented into chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage ingredients, agriculture, automotive, electronics, and others.
 

• The chemicals segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The chemical sector stands as the most substantial end-user, requiring strong, leak-proof containment for dangerous and corrosive materials. Compliance with regulations such as safety requirements and bulk transport needs contribute heavily to the demand for drums and IBCs.
   
• The pharmaceuticals segment will grow at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. Active pharmaceutical ingredients along with other intermediates undergo secure transport using rigid packaging by pharmaceutical companies. There is an increased need for high-integrity plastic and metal containers with sealed lids due to severe containment risks, prevention of contaminant traceability, and compliance with regulations.

• In 2024, the U.S. rigid Industrial packaging market accounted for USD 15.2 billion. The chemical and pharmaceuticals industries have a strong market demand which fuels the growth of the U.S. market. In addition, there is an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging. Infrastructure reconditioning along with highly sophisticated shipping systems aid in the adoption of rigid reusable packaging on a wide scale.
   
• The Germany rigid Industrial packaging market is expected to reach USD 4.3 billion by 2034. Germany's market is characterized by strict environmental policies and highly developed industrial sectors. German engineering and efforts toward the circular economy bolster demand for high-performance, rigid, and chemically recyclable packaging in the chemicals and automotive sectors.
   
• The China rigid Industrial packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. China's industrial expansion and export-oriented manufacturing are greatly increasing the demand for rigid packaging. Growth in e-commerce as well as in construction chemicals, combined with increased safety standards, is aiding the development of the market across major industrial provinces.
   
• Japan is expected to account for a share of 12.9% of the rigid Industrial packaging market in Asia Pacific in 2024. Japan's industrial rigid packaging industry leveraging sophisticated automation and precision technology along with high standards of compliance. Further investments into multifunctional sustainable materials and tight environmental goal alignment are improving industrial packaging solutions for high value goods with tailored closed-loop systems.
   
• South Korea rigid Industrial packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. The export-driven economy of South Korea, combined with the rapidly developing industrial sectors, is increasing the demand for durable and compliant rigid packaging. The focus on sustainable packaging innovations, along with smart packaging technologies, is particularly prominent in the chemical sector as well as the electronics industry.
   

Rigid Industrial Packaging Market Share

The rigid Industrial packaging industry is competitive and highly fragmented with the presence of established global players as well as local players and startups. The top 3 companies in the market are Mauser Packaging Solutions, SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA, and Greif, Inc., collectively accounting for a share of 25%. The reliable industrial packaging sector is intensely contested, with primary industry actors concentrating on innovation, modification, and eco-friendly practices. Key companies around the world also maintain their edge in the market by spending heavily on cutting-edge manufacturing processes, acquiring other firms, and controlling a greater share of the world’s markets.
 

Sustainable rivals are focusing on the creation of reusable and recyclable packaging systems. Their growth also includes partnerships with major sectors like chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, automation and smart technologies enhance system-wide supply chain optimization.
 

New market entrants are taking advantage of specific segments by providing innovative, environmentally-conscientious packaging solutions. These companies focus on disruptive IoT technologies like smart packaging to differentiate themselves and gain a larger market share.
 

Rigid Industrial Packaging Market Companies

Top 3 companies operating in the rigid Industrial packaging industry are:

• Mauser Packaging Solutions
• SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA
• Greif, Inc.
   
• Mauser Packaging Solutions highlights the closed-loop business strategy which involves offering reconditioned and reusable rigid packaging. The firm takes advantage of global frameworks, sustainable business practices, and innovation to serve the growing demands of chemical, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.
   
• SCHÜTZ is focusing on IBCs and drums integrated manufacturing along with global standardization. The company’s focus on innovation extends to automation, environmentally responsible production, and reconditioning services, ensuring consistent and homogeneous industrial packaging of the best quality across world markets.
   
• Greif, Inc. is implementing a value-based strategy focusing on operational resourcefulness, innovation, and sustainable practices. The company has a diverse portfolio of rigid containers and capitalized on acquisitions to effectively service the chemicals, food, and agriculture industries globally.
   

Rigid Industrial Packaging Industry News

• In March 2025, Avantium and Amcor Rigid Packaging partnered to develop sustainable packaging using Avantium’s plant-based polymer, Releaf. This collaboration aims to incorporate Releaf in rigid containers for various industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Releaf offers superior barrier properties, enhanced strength, and recyclability in existing PET streams, supporting Amcor's net-zero goals by 2050 while advancing sustainable rigid industrial packaging solutions.
   
• In March 2025, LyondellBasell launched Pro-fax EP649U, a polypropylene impact copolymer designed for thin-walled injection molding in the rigid packaging market. Ideal for food packaging, it offers high flow properties, fast crystallization, and superior stack strength. Available in CirculenRenew and CirculenRevive portfolios, it supports sustainability goals with recycled and renewable content, meeting food contact compliance and reducing environmental impact.
   
• In July 2024, Versalis and Forever Plast partnered to launch REFENCE, a range of recycled polymers designed for food contact packaging. This innovation aims to provide a sustainable solution for the rigid industrial packaging market, utilizing recycled materials to meet food safety standards while reducing environmental impact. The launch highlights the shift towards eco-friendly packaging solutions in the industry.
   

This rigid Industrial packaging market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Drums
• Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
• Pails
• Cans
• Boxes & bins
• Others

Market, By Material Type

• Plastic
• Metal
• Fiber
• Wood

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Distributors
• Online B2B platforms
• Others

Market, By End Use

• Chemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food & beverage ingredients
• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Electronics
• Others

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa