Rigid Bulk Packaging Market Analysis Europe - Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Southern Europe - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Europe Rigid Bulk Packaging Market Size 2024-2028 

The Europe rigid bulk packaging market size is forecast to increase by USD 729.6 million, at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2023 and 2028. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable and recycling packaging solutions in various industries. The construction activity sector is a major consumer of rigid bulk packaging, particularly in the transport of fuel commodities and chemical products. However, logistics costs and packaging wastage remain key challenges for market growth. IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) are popular rigid bulk packaging solutions in the European market, with the chemical and petrochemical sectors being major consumers.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamic and Customer Landscape

Product safety is a crucial factor driving the adoption of rigid bulk packaging in the food industry, automotive sector, and medical equipment manufacturing. The European Union's focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting reusability and returnable bulk packaging is also expected to boost market growth. The market is concentrated with key players including ExxonMobil, BASF SE, and LyondellBasell Industries. The European market's growth is influenced by factors such as the region's GDP, crude oil reserves, and exports, as outlined in the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports. The market for rigid bulk packaging in Europe is expected to continue its upward trend, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions in various industries.

Key Market Driver

Growing wine production and consumption in Europe is notably driving market growth. The market encompasses various types of packaging solutions, including steel pails, drums, and boxes. These packaging solutions cater to diverse industries such as food and beverages, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Steel pails, known for their durability and resistance to corrosion, are widely used in the storage and transportation of chemicals and other industrial products. Drums, available in various sizes and materials, are commonly used for storing and transporting liquids in industries like food and beverages and chemicals.

Further, boxes, made of materials like wood, plastic, or corrugated cardboard, offer flexibility in size and shape and are used for packaging a wide range of products. The demand for these packaging solutions is driven by factors such as increasing industrial production and the need for safe and efficient transportation and storage solutions. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Key Market Trends

Rising number of free trade agreements in Europe is the key trend in the market. The European Rigid Bulk Packaging Market is primarily driven by the demand for steel pails, drums, and boxes in various industries such as chemicals, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Steel pails and drums are widely used due to their durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions during transportation and storage. These packaging solutions offer advantages such as ease of handling, stackability, and protection against external factors.

Additionally, rigid boxes are gaining popularity for their high-end appeal and ability to ensure product safety during transit. The market is expected to grow steadily due to the increasing demand for secure and efficient packaging solutions across various end-use sectors. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

Fluctuating raw material prices is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. The market encompasses various types of packaging solutions, including steel pails, drums, and boxes. Steel pails are widely used due to their durability and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for storing and transporting chemicals and other heavy-duty products. Drums, another popular choice, offer a large capacity and are commonly used in the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.

Boxes, on the other hand, provide flexibility in terms of size and shape and are utilized for a wide range of applications, from food and beverages to industrial goods. Overall, rigid bulk packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety, security, and efficiency in the European market. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

• Albea Services SAS: The company offers rigid bulk packaging application such as skin care products, which includes NGRT green, ella bottle, novaprint and many more.

The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Amcor Plc
• Berry Global Inc.
• Brambles Ltd.
• Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH
• Coveris Management GmbH
• Crown Holdings Inc.
• DS Smith Plc
• Greiner AG
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• KP Holding GmbH and Co. KG
• Nefab AB
• Plastipak Holdings Inc.
• Quadpack Industries SA
• Saccheria Piave Srl
• Sealed Air Corp.
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Sonoco Products Co.
• Stora Enso Oyj

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Market Segmentation

By Material 

The plastic segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. In Europe, the rigid bulk packaging market encompasses a substantial segment of plastic materials. This type of packaging refers to large containers used for the transportation and storage of commodities in bulk. Plastic, with its high strength, adaptability, and affordability, is a preferred choice for rigid bulk packaging applications. Its superior protection characteristics, high load-bearing capacity, and resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and moisture make it an ideal option for various industries. Key sectors, such as the chemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive, and construction industries, are the primary consumers of rigid plastic bulk packaging in Europe.

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The plastic segment accounted for USD 951.00 million in 2018. The chemical industry relies on this packaging for the safe transportation and storage of hazardous materials. In the food and beverage sector, rigid bulk packaging is used for perishable and sensitive products to ensure their safety and longevity during transportation and storage. Pharmaceutical products, which require stringent conditions to maintain their efficacy and prevent contamination and leakage, are also transported and stored using rigid plastic bulk packaging. Urbanization, developing economies, manufacturing, trade agreements, imports, exports, an aging population, new medical products, and growing populations in emerging economies have led to increased spending on access to medicinal products and prepared foods, driving the demand for rigid bulk packaging in Europe. Materials like high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, plastic, metal, wood, and other materials are used to manufacture these packaging solutions.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million " for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Material Outlook
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Others

• Product Outlook
  • Pails
  • Drums
  • Others

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Market Analyst Overview

The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable and recycling packaging solutions in various sectors. Construction activity, food and beverage, chemicals, petrochemicals, oil, lubricants, fuel commodities, and export industries are the major contributors to this market. The use of rigid bulk packaging transport materials in these industries helps reduce logistics costs and optimize supply chain management. The European Union's focus on reducing packaging wastage and promoting reusability is driving the demand for returnable bulk containers, particularly in the chemical sector. IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) are popular choices for transporting both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids due to their cost-effectiveness and corrosion-resistant properties. The market is concentrated with key players like Amcor Limited focusing on partnership strategies, value proposition, and catering to the needs of shareholders, customers, and employees. The market growth is influenced by the GDP, EUR exchange rates, and crude oil reserves. The EIA reports indicate a positive outlook for the market, with the automotive sector, manufacturing industries, medical equipment, and petroleum products being significant end-users.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across Europe
• Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies