Returnable Packaging Global Market Report 2024

The global returnable packaging market has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $120.34 billion in 2023 to $128.33 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. During the historic period, growth can be attributed to several factors, including the implementation of sustainability initiatives, endeavors to diminish packaging waste, cost savings achieved within the supply chain, the optimization of product transportation efficiency, increased adoption within automotive and manufacturing sectors, and a concentrated effort on promoting reusability.

The global returnable packaging market is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $168.46 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. Anticipated growth in the forecast period is expected to stem from increased adoption within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, heightened consumer awareness, a pronounced emphasis on hygiene and safety standards, economic factors, a growing demand for premium and high-value products, as well as the expansion of rental models in the packaging industry. Major trends projected for the forecast period encompass the expansion of closed-loop supply chains, collaborative initiatives within packaging consortia, advancements in the design of returnable packaging solutions, integration of RFID and tracking technologies, and a notable consumer-driven demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

The growth of the returnable packaging market is anticipated to be propelled by the increased demand for sustainable and durable packaging products. Sustainable packaging involves the creation and use of packaging materials that contribute to environmental sustainability. Returnable packaging, characterized by its sustainability and durability, facilitates reusing the packaging, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The demand for such eco-friendly packaging solutions is on the rise, as indicated by the 2021 Global Buying Green Report by Trivium Packaging, a Netherlands-based metal packaging provider. The report revealed that 83% of consumers in Europe, North America, and South America from younger generations expressed a willingness to pay more for sustainable packaging in 2021, compared to 70% in the previous year. This shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable and durable packaging products is a significant driver fueling the growth of the returnable packaging market.

The expanding e-commerce industry is expected to contribute to the growth of the returnable packaging market. The e-commerce industry involves the online buying and selling of goods and services, and its global impact has transformed business operations and consumer shopping behaviors. According to Optimonister, a US-based marketing software provider, there were 268 million internet shoppers in the US in 2022, and this figure is projected to reach close to 285 million by 2025. The growing number of online purchasers is a key factor expected to drive the demand for returnable packaging solutions, as these packages are well-suited for the logistics and transportation needs of the e-commerce sector.

Advanced technologies are emerging as a notable trend in the returnable packaging market. Major players in the market are incorporating advanced technologies to maintain a competitive edge. For example, in March 2022, Oakland International, a UK-based logistics and packaging company, introduced OakRA - a sustainable, fully reusable, temperature-controlled packaging unit for home and business direct delivery. This innovative packaging solution utilizes Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to track the boxes and ensure their reuse. OakRA aims to replace traditional packing materials with a more durable, secure, and endlessly reusable shipping method. The unique features of OakRA include sturdiness, lightweight design, excellent thermal insulation, and significant impact resistance, making it suitable for the transportation of chilled, frozen, or ambient goods. This integration of advanced technologies reflects the commitment of industry players to sustainability and innovation in the returnable packaging market.

Product launches stand out as a significant trend gaining traction in the returnable packaging market, with major players introducing new products to reinforce their position. One notable example is the launch of Loop, an online collaboration tool developed by Microsoft, in Carrefour hypermarkets in June 2021. Loop serves as a reusable packaging system designed to promote the use of returnable packaging among consumers as an alternative to single-use packaging. This system involves consumers paying a small deposit for a package specifically designed for 100 or more use-cycles. The primary objective of this launch is to enhance accessibility to returnable packaging for consumers and encourage its widespread adoption.

In March 2022, IFCO Japan, a supplier of reusable packaging, made a strategic move by acquiring the RPC pooling services business of SANKO LEASE CO. LTD. Through this acquisition, IFCO Japan aims to advance its sustainability and circular economy-based business strategy, positioning itself as Japan's leading supplier of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh grocery products. SANKO LEASE CO. Ltd., the company from which the RPC pooling services business was acquired, is engaged in reusable packaging containers pooling services in Japan. This acquisition reflects a commitment to strengthening IFCO Japan's presence in the returnable packaging market, particularly in the context of fresh grocery products.

Major companies operating in the returnable packaging market report are Nefab AB, Amatech Inc., Brambles Ltd., Celina Industries LLC, CHEP Inc., DS Smith PLC, IPL Plastic Inc., Menasha Corporation, ORBIS Corporation, PPS Midlands Limited, Rehrig Pacific Company Inc., Schoeller Allibert Group BV, Schütz GmbH & Co KGaA, Tri-Pack Packaging Systems Limited, Vetropack Holding SA, Loadhog Limited, Celina Projects Private Limited, Myers Industries Inc., RPR Inc., UBEECO Packaging Solutions, Atlas Box & Crating Co., Buckhorn Inc., Craemer Holding GmbH, Econovus Packaging Pvt. Ltd., LEAP India Pvt. Ltd., Linpac Group Ltd., Loadhog Limited, Monoflo International Inc., Plastic Packaging Solutions Midlands & East Ltd., Polymer Logistics Inc., Reusable Transport Packaging, Schaefer Systems International Pvt. Ltd., SSI Schaefer Limited, Tri-pack Packaging Systems Ltd.

Europe was the largest region in the returnable packaging market in 2023. The regions covered in the returnable packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the returnable packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary types of returnable packaging products encompass pallets, crates, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), drums and barrels, dunnage, and other related items. Pallets, serving as portable platforms for the movement or storage of goods in warehouses, are crafted from materials such as plastic, metal, and wood. These products cater to various end-user sectors including food and beverage, automotive, consumer durables, healthcare, and other industries.

This report provides returnable packaging products market statistics, including returnable packaging products industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a returnable packaging products market share, detailed returnable packaging products market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the returnable packaging products industry. This returnable packaging products 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 returnable packaging market consists of sales of bottles and other products that are made of glass, and foam materials. 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.


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