Global Returnable Packaging Market Outlook, 2027

Returnable packaging (also known as reuse packaging) is durable packaging meant for multiple uses in a closed loop system. A closed loop system refers to a system in which materials are recycled and reused rather than discarded. Returnable packaging includes; reusable pallets, crates, Intermediate bulk containers, dunnage and cargo Protection, hand-held containers and racks that move product efficiently and safely throughout the supply chain. Reusable packaging is typically used by manufacturers and their suppliers in a well-organized supply chain, with very tightly managed shipping loops. The global packaging market demand for returnable packaging is changes based on a wide variety of external factors. There are several key macro factors are there which are expected to have the greatest influence over the market for returnable products and services are, government regulation, automation and public concern for the environment.

According to the report title, “Global Returnable Packaging Market Outlook, 2027”, publish by Bonafide research, the market was value at around USD 104 Billion in 2021 and it is anticipated to grow with the CAGR of 6.13%from 2022 to 2027.



Returnable packaging is constructed of durable materials such as plastic, metal and wood and is designed to withstand the rough handling of a typical logistics system. According to the report, based on material type, market is segmented into plastic, metal, wood and other materials. The plastic segment is leading the market with more than 65% of value market share. Plastic materials can be custom-made and tailored to fit all types of end-uses and transport modes. Plastic solutions have low weight which makes them effective for airfreight and also suitable for returnable packaging solutions. Metal packaging is the most durable option for the returnable packaging. Metal packaging mainly consist of metal containers (such as steel containers or aluminum bins) tend to be reserved for use in the heaviest of applications. The market of metal packaging segment is likely to grow with the higher CAGR in forecast periods.

Returnable Packaging is a practice of reusing packaging materials, without disfigurement of its protective function, to move products expeditiously and cautiously throughout the supply chain. Returnable packaging can be used by any industrial sector looking to cut packaging costs. According to the report, based on by end-use, market is segmented into food and beverages, automotive, consumer durables, healthcare and other segments. The food and beverages segment is leading the market with more than 35% of value market share. Returnable packaging has long been intrinsic to the food and beverage end use sector and will continue to be as the latter industry makes its way to a digitized, automated, and more sustainable future. Automotive manufacturing industry is widely recognized as one of the earliest applications of returnable packaging. Today’s automotive sector makes use of a diversity of reusable such as intermediate bulk containers, plastic pallet and lid systems, stackable crates, tanks, drums, and barrels, protective inner dunnage and shipping racks. Tier suppliers are often located close to assembly-line production, allowing for quick delivery of parts and assemblies and the succeeding return of empty packaging. These factors of automotive industry are likely to drive the market of automotive segment with the higher CAGR in forecast years. According to the report, based on product type, market is segmented into pallets, crates, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), tanks, drums, and barrels, and others segments. The pallets segment is leading the market with more than 60% of value market share, followed by the crates segment.

According to the report, based on region, the Returnable packaging market is segmented into five major regions i.e. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa. The Asia-pacific region is dominating the market with more than 37% value market share. Based on country, china is leading the returnable packaging market with more than 16% market share. There are many prominent companies in the returnable packaging market which are driving the market. The companies are Brambles Limited, Menasha Corporation, Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA., Orbis Corporation, Schoeller Allibert AB.

The COVID 19 pandemic has affected the growth of the returnable packaging industry owing to the lockdown measure across the major Asia-pacific, European, and North American countries and delay in production and manufacturing of returnable packaging which are widely used in various industries of packaging. In 2020, the returnable packaging market was impacted to a very low extent by the COVID-19 pandemic situation with a nominal decline in growth rate. The returnable packaging market has been hinder owing to reduced raw material production, supply chain disruptions, and hampered trade movements during 2020. The end-use industries, such as food and beverage, automotive and consumer durables, healthcare, industrial were affected by the pandemic.

Major Companies present in the market:
Brambles Limited, Menasha Corporation, Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA.,Orbis Corporation, SchoellerAllibert AB, Nefab Group, Rehrig Pacific Company, Myers Industries, Inc., Ubeeco Packaging Solutions, Returnable Packaging Resource, Inc.

Considered in this report
• Geography: Global
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report
• Global Returnable Packaging market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise returnable packaging market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions covered in the report
• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

Types of Material in the report:
• Plastic
• Metal
• Wood
• Others

By End-Use in the report:
• Food and Beverages
• Automotive
• Consumer Durables
• Healthcare
• Others

Types of Product in the report:
• Pallets
• Crates
• Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
• Tanks, Drums, and Barrels
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to returnable packaging industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

Make this report your own

Have queries/questions regarding a report?

Take advantage of intelligence tailored to your business objective

Ask an Expert

Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Don’t pay for what you don’t need. Save 30%

Customise your report by selecting specific countries or regions

Specify Scope Now