Collapsible Rigid Containers Market

Collapsible Rigid Containers Market Outlook

The global collapsible rigid containers market is set to relish a market valuation of US$ 1.70 billion in 2023, and further develop at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2023 and 2033, reaching around US$ 2.74 billion by 2033.

The collapsible rigid containers market revenues are expected to fuel with the top 3 countries estimated to hold 35-40% of the global market. By material type, the plastic collapsible rigid containers segment is estimated to hold the maximum share of around 80% in 2032. This can be attributed to various benefits offered by plastic collapsible rigid containers including high strength, lightweight, durability, and maximum folding & stacking features.

The collapsible rigid containers market is poised for exponential growth. As supply chain efficiency and sustainability remain top priorities for businesses, these containers are increasingly becoming a preferred packaging solution. The growing usage of automation across different sectors is a significant market driver. Containers that can be easily handled by robots and other automated equipment are becoming more prevalent as automated material handling systems grow increasingly common. With their uniform dimensions and convenience of handling, collapsible rigid containers are a perfect fit for such applications.

Collapsible rigid containers have become vital packaging solutions to transport materials, avoid storage issues, and reduce overhead expenses. They are made from various materials including metal, plastic, and wood. These containers are usually lightweight, durable, and reusable, and help end users transport various materials without getting damaged.

After transporting goods, these containers can be easily dismantled to save space. Rising demand for bulk packaging solutions in a variety of end-use sectors is expected to boost the sales of collapsible rigid containers during the forecast period.

Many key players who are looking forward to industrial or commercial warehouses believe that storage plays a crucial role and is considered as one of the highly valuable business assets. Storage space costs money and productive use of that crucial space converts back into significant savings as well. This feature is provided by the collapsible rigid containers and is expected to drive the market globally. Moreover, storage and shipping supervisors are constantly looking for products that can boost their storage capacity and help them to elevate their supply chains. This is fulfilled by the collapsible rigid containers.

2018 to 2022 Global Collapsible Rigid Containers Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast

The global collapsible rigid containers market experienced a CAGR of 3.6% during the historic period of 2018 and 2022 and reached a valuation of around US$ 1.62 billion in 2022. However, with the rapid expansion of end-use industries and booming export business across the world, the overall demand for collapsible rigid containers is projected to increase at 4.9% CAGR between 2023 and 2033.

Collapsible rigid containers, also known as foldable containers are generally made from plastic, metal, wood, and other material types. These containers allow easy carrying and handling due to their collapsible capabilities.

The increasing need for space-saving containers is emerging as a key factor augmenting the sales of collapsible rigid containers across the globe. These containers can be kept aside when not in use which help in space utility and reduce the need for a warehouse or particular storage.

The surge in demand for easy to use & handle packaging containers among various end-use industries is likely to create a growth opportunity for the global market over the next ten years.

Similarly, innovations in collapsible rigid container materials and designs help manufacturers to expand their customer base and are likely to eventually expand the global collapsible rigid containers market size.

These factors are anticipated to support about a 1.6X increase in the collapsible rigid containers market between 2023 and 2033. The market is projected to be worth US$ 2.74 billion by the end of 2033, according to FMI analysts.

What are the Key Trends Driving the Global Collapsible Rigid Containers Market?

Rise in Intermodal Transportation Creating Growth Opportunities for Collapsible Rigid Containers Markets

Intermodal transportation involves the movement of freight from one mode of transport to another. It is gaining popularity, especially in developing countries, as ports face massive traffic issues that lead to delayed delivery of the products.

Earlier, containers used in intermodal transportation posed problems for the crew during loading and unloading, which led to delays as well as high costs. Collapsible rigid containers, on the other hand, are easy to handle, which has led to their extensive usage by freight companies. This type of transportation demands bulk containers that reduce the time & space consumed during transportation and are cost-effective. Hence, intermodal transportation is expected to represent lucrative growth opportunities for manufacturers of collapsible rigid containers.

Ismail Sutaria

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Collapsible Rigid Containers Market Goes Global: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Market by Country

What is the Position of the Collapsible Rigid Containers Market in the United States?

Growing Adoption of Collapsible Rigid Containers in Thriving Chemical Industry Pushing Demand

The United States is estimated to hold almost 82% of North America collapsible rigid containers market due to the high demand for secure and safe industrial containers in the chemical industry.

The expanding chemical industry in the United States is projected to create a growth opportunity for the collapsible rigid containers industry. According to the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), around 12% of global chemical sales are captured by the United States chemical industry.

Similarly, the strong presence of leading packaging giants, continuous new product launches, and rise in the export business are expected to foster the growth of the collapsible rigid containers market in the country during the forecast period.

How are Collapsible Storage Containers Meeting Sustainable Packaging Needs in the United Kingdom?

Collapsible Containers are Supporting the Transition of the United Kingdom to a Circular Economy

The United Kingdom collapsible rigid containers market presents a prodigious opportunity for distinctive revelations. The confluence of various factors such as the increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient transportation, rising emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, and burgeoning need for space optimization have stimulated the growth of this market.

In this respect, it is important to mention that the market in the United Kingdom has had notable growth owing to its distinctive qualities, including ease of handling, storage, and transportation. The demand for these containers has also been boosted by the growing use of cutting-edge technologies and innovative materials in their production.

The market in the United Kingdom has also grown tremendously as a result of the existence of key market players with strong distribution networks and a wide range of product offerings. These businesses have been crucial in helping many end-users, including food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceutical, and retail industries, among others, to meet their changing demands.

Given the country's government's emphasis on encouraging sustainable packaging, the market is projected to grow dramatically. Promoting the recycling of packaging waste is a priority for the European Commission. In accordance with European Directive 94/62/EC for Packaging & Packaging Waste, goods with the EU composability certificate EN13432 are classified as compostable packaging products. These regulations have resulted in an upsurge in the demand for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging solutions, which bodes well for the collapsible storage containers market.

How are Collapsible Rigid Containers Supporting China’s Growing E-commerce Industry?

Folding Containers Redefining Material Handling in China’s Logistics and Warehousing Practices

China collapsible rigid containers market has recently experienced a surge in demand and expansion. China, being the world’s top populous nation and a significant global economic powerhouse, has provided a fertile ground for the growth of this market. The increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions across various industries has stimulated the growth of the market in China.

China has a huge collapsible shipping containers market which is rising significantly owing to the proliferating e-commerce industry. The requirement for efficient and reliable packaging solutions has become paramount with the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry. Collapsible rigid containers offer a space-saving solution for the storage and transportation of goods, making them an ideal choice for the e-commerce industry.

The government is stimulating the market in China by promoting environmentally friendly packaging solutions. In recent years, China has paid increasing attention to environmental protection and industrial sustainability. Many laws and regulations have laid forth the essential ideas and overall plans for the country. The government intends to set an example for the plastic and packaging industry in terms of environmental protection, sustainability, and recyclable materials. The government's ban on single-use plastics and the implementation of regulations to reduce packaging waste are expected to hasten industry growth.

How does India Fuel the Demand for Collapsible Rigid Containers?

Rapid Growth of the Packaging Industry and the Increasing Popularity of Plastic Containers are Estimated to Drive Sales

As per FMI, India collapsible rigid containers market is projected to expand 1.5X the current market value during 2023–2033 due to the easy availability of raw materials such as plastic in India along with high demand for bulk packaging solutions in various end-use industries.

Plastics are broadly used in the packaging sector for having magnificent properties such as lightweight, durability, cost-effectiveness, and strength. Manufacturers of packaging solutions are increasingly using plastic for making products like crates and pallet boxes. Thus, the growing popularity of plastic collapsible rigid containers across various industries is expected to continue to fuel market growth in India

With this high growth rate, India is becoming a preferred hub for the plastic packaging industry. Currently, plastic packaging is the 5th leading industry in the Indian economy, according to the Packaging Industry Association of India (PIAI). The plastic packaging industry has recorded stable growth in the last several years and shows inherent growth, particularly in the export market. Thus, the above-mentioned factors are projected to fuel the demand for collapsible rigid containers in India.

What Makes Collapsible Containers the Go-to-storage Solution for Businesses in Japan?

Japan’s Growing Emphasis on Supply Chain Efficiency Drives the Adoption of Collapsible Containers

Japan collapsible rigid containers market has recently emerged as a burgeoning industry that is poised to offer an array of unique opportunities to savvy investors and discerning consumers alike. Japan has turned into a true hub for cutting-edge developments in collapsible rigid containers because of its unwavering dedication to quality and innovation. This renders it a prime destination for those looking to navigate the dynamic landscape of this niche industry.

The expansion of e-commerce and home delivery services is another significant driver of the collapsible bulk container market. The demand for sturdy and space-saving packaging has increased dramatically as a result of the pandemic-induced shift toward online shopping. The burgeoning popularity of just-in-time logistics has also shaped the market in Japan. These factors coupled with the rising demand for robust and durable containers that can withstand the rigors of transportation and storage are fueling the demand for these containers in Japan.

One of the highly notable trends in the market in Japan is the proliferation of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Consumers have become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact and are drawn to products that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Japan government has also implemented several programs to promote environmentally friendly packaging, notably the Plastic Resources Recycling Promotion Act, which aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, manufacturers have responded by incorporating recyclable materials and renewable energy sources into their production process. This has bolstered their appeal to eco-conscious consumers, leading to market growth.

Collapsible Rigid Containers Market: Unveiling Market Dynamics through Segment-wise Analysis

Which Material Type is Widely Used for Making Collapsible Rigid Containers?

Plastic to Remain the Commonly Used Material for Making Collapsible Rigid Containers

As per FMI, the plastic segment is anticipated to continue to dominate the global collapsible rigid containers market during the forecast period, accounting for around 4/5 portion of the market by the end of 2033. This can be attributed to the rising adoption of plastic collapsible rigid containers across various end-use industries.

Plastic is the perfect material for making foldable rigid containers because of its adaptability. Plastic is light and compatible as compared to other materials. Plastic is a durable material that resists deterioration from moisture, heat, and sunshine. Plastic is also easy to mold and shape, enabling manufacturers to develop containers with exact measurements and features. As a result, it is being increasingly used by manufacturers to produce collapsible rigid containers.

Given their collapsible nature, plastic containers are typically appealing for usage in sectors like logistics and storage where space is at a premium. Furthermore, Plastic is comparatively affordable than other material types which makes it a cost-effective option for both producers and end-use consumers.

The metal segment of the market is also anticipated to witness steady growth owing to the durability and strength offered by metal containers. This makes these containers suitable for heavy-duty applications. Moreover, metal containers are reusable, which makes them cost-effective and sustainable compared to single-use containers.

Demand for metal containers in the food and beverage industry is growing for the storage and transportation of perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the growth of the food delivery and takeout industry is expected to contribute to the growth of the collapsible food containers market. With the rising prevalence of food delivery and takeout, there is a growing demand for efficient and convenient packaging solutions that can keep food fresh and safe during transportation.

Which is the Highly Sought-After Product Type in the Global Collapsible Rigid Containers Market?

Demand to Remain High for Crates in Collapsible Rigid Containers Market

Based on product type, the crates segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing usage of crates across industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and logistics.

The collapsible rigid container industry is a vibrant and highly competitive sector with a wide variety of products. In spite of this wide selection, the crate stands out as the highly popular product type. This is due to its extraordinary adaptability and toughness which make it perfect for a wide range of applications.

Crates are a common option in sectors including agriculture, food & beverage, and retail owing to their tough design which allows them to handle large weights and severe handling. They are an affordable and space-saving alternative owing to their foldable shape which also makes storage and transportation easy. Hence, crates are the go-to option for organizations looking for dependable and effective storage and transportation solutions.

Crates are being extensively used to store and carry a wide range of products including vegetables, fruits, processed foods, etc. Thus, the growing demand for packaged foods and door-to door delivery across the world is expected to continue to trigger the growth of the crates segment during the assessment period.

Demand for pallet boxes is also growing in the industrial and logistics sectors for storage, transportation, and shipping of goods. These boxes are designed to be stackable which makes them easy to storable when not in use. The pallet boxes segment is expected to grow in the coming years owing to increasing demand from industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and retail.

What Sales Channel Reigns Supreme in the Collapsible Rigid Containers Market?

Indirect Sales Channels Hold the Crown in the Collapsible Rigid Containers Industry

Several factors have led to the indirect sales channels taking over the collapsible rigid containers market. The ability to expand the reach of manufacturers and reach a large customer base is one of the primary benefits that indirect channels provide. This is crucial for products like collapsible stiff containers that are utilized in different sectors and applications.

Cost saving is yet another benefit of using indirect sales channels. Manufacturers can save costs involved with establishing and maintaining their own distribution networks by outsourcing distribution and logistics functions to third-party partners. Small firms which often lack the capacity to build such networks on their own can notably benefit from this.

The indirect sales channel dominates the market, direct sales channels are also growing in importance. E-commerce and online sales are on the rise, which has made it easy for manufacturers to reach customers directly. By eliminating middlemen, manufacturers can reduce costs and have control over the customer experience, from marketing to delivery and after-sales support.

Which Industry Rules the Collapsible Rigid Containers Market as the Dominating End-use?

Chemical Industry Takes the Lead as Dominant End-use Industry in the Market

The demand for collapsible rigid containers has significantly increased and the chemical industry has emerged as the primary end-use industry for this product. Additionally, these containers are ideal solutions for the chemical industry since they offer the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and ease of handling. The chemical industry deals with hazardous and flammable materials which necessitate the use of specialized packaging solutions that can survive the rigors of transportation and storage. Therefore, the future of the collapsible rigid market is closely linked to the expansion and advancement of the chemical industry.

The food & beverage industry is also becoming an important end-use industry of collapsible rigid containers. The focus on sustainability and reducing plastic waste is expected to drive demand for reusable and collapsible food containers. The collapsible water containers market is also expected to witness significant growth owing to the increasing demand for portable and space-saving water storage solutions. The growing popularity of outdoor activities such as camping, picnic, and hiking has led to a need for convenient and lightweight water containers that can be easily carried.

Race of Dominance: Competitive Landscape Analysis of Collapsible Rigid Containers Market

Key players operating in the collapsible rigid containers market focus on increasing their sales by expanding their capabilities. They are adopting strategies such as new product launches, facility expansions, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Certain Recent Key Developments by the Leading Players are as follows -

• In May 2022, Myers Industries Inc. expanded its production capacity by acquiring the Decatur-based rotational molding manufacturing assets of Step2 Co, LLC in Georgia.
• In April 2022, Schoeller Allibert Services B.V. introduced the giant and recent version of their Magnum Optimum® 1210 series, a foldable large container to cater to the demand for ease-to-use bulk containers.

There are several startup businesses that are active in the market. To spread throughout the industry and get a competitive advantage, they seek to create distinct product offers from top firms.

Cargo Ease: It is a startup based in California that manufactures different collapsible shipping containers for several industries, including construction, mining, and agriculture.

BoxLock: This startup is based in Georgia and produces collapsible and lockable containers for package deliveries.

CHEP, Supreme Industries, and SSI SCHAEFER: Companies Offering Highly Efficient Packaging Solutions to Elevate Supply Chain

CHEP (Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool) is a corporation that provides pallet and container pooling services to customers in a variety of industrial and retail supply chains. It is a division of Brambles that provides IBC containers, small display pallets, wooden and plastic pallets, crates, and another packaging to numerous end-use industries. These goods are often identifiable by their blue hue and CHEP emblem.

The leading firms in the world, including those in the consumer goods, fresh produce, beverage, and automotive industries, rely on CHEP as a global leader in managed, returnable, and reusable packaging solutions. The products and services provided by CHEP reduce operational risk and product damage while improving client efficiency.

In June 2021, in addition to announcing the successful conclusion of its five-year sustainability programme, Brambles also announced the beginning of an even more ambitious initiative to set the standard for regenerative supply chains. This new initiative includes a science-based carbon emissions target for its supply chain and a commitment to a 1.5°C climate future in line with the Paris Agreement.

Another key manufacturer and supplier of collapsible containers is Supreme Industries. Founded in 1942, Supreme Industries Limited is a Mumbai-based plastics manufacturer that has become the perfect choice for businesses looking to get bulk handling packaging solutions like collapsible containers. Each year, it processes more than 320,000 tonnes of polymers. The business produces moulded furniture, shatranj mats, disposable EPS containers, multi-layer sheets, multi-layer films, packaging films, expanded polyethylene foam, industrial and engineering moulded furniture items, and storage and material handling crates.

Supreme Industries Limited is India's top plastic processing corporation, with seven business divisions. The business has dabbled in various plastic processing techniques, including extrusion, rotational moulding (ROTO), compression moulding, blow moulding, and injection moulding.

Supreme Industries Limited provides a large selection of plastic products with various uses in Moulded Furniture, Storage & Material Handling Products, XF Films & Products, Performance Films, Industrial Moulded Products, Protective Packaging Products, Composite Plastic Products, Plastic Piping System, and Petrochemicals.

Another leader in collapsible rigid containers space that provides businesses with innovative packaging solutions to optimize storage space and reduce costs is The Schaefer Group. The company comprises three different multinational businesses that began operations in Salchendorf in the German state of North Rhine-Siegen-Wittgenstein Westphalia. SSI SCHAEFER is a market leader in developing and putting static and dynamic integrated storage solutions into practice. The business has provided design, consultancy, development, and installation services for every conceivable sector and demand for over 75 years.

SSI Schafer is continuously launching new packaging and material handling solutions to enable businesses to elevate their supply chain. For instance, in September 2019, Schaefer Systems International, Inc., introduced foldaway, space-saving collapsible dunnage material that works smoothly with SSI Schaefer collapsible CF handheld tote series. The new combination is an ideal feature for industries looking to ship parts and return collapsed containers without having to remove dunnage.

Key Companies Operating in the Collapsible Rigid Containers Market

• Brambles Limited
• Supreme Industries Limited
• Schoeller Allibert Services B.V.
• DS Smith plc
• SSI Schäfer AG
• Palettes Gestion Services
• ORBIS Corporation
• Myers Industries, Inc.
• Time Technoplast Ltd.
• Finncont Oy
• TranPak, Inc
• RPP Containers
• Ac Buckhorn LLC
• Ravensbourne Limited
• Rehrig Pacific Company, Inc
• Bulk Handling Australia Group Pty Ltd
• Dynawest Limited
• R. Arena Products Inc
• Dalian CIMC Logistics Equipment Co., Ltd.
• TPS Rental Systems Ltd

Collapsible Rigid Containers Market by Category

By Material Type:

• Plastic
• Metal
• Others (Wood, etc.)

By Product Type:

• Crates
• Foldable IBCs
• Pallets Boxes
• Jerry Cans

By Sales Channel:

• Direct
• Indirect

By End Use:

• Automobile
• Pharmaceutical
• Chemical
• Agriculture
• Food & Beverage
• Shipping & Logistics
• Other Manufacturing (Apparel & Textile, etc.)

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia
• East Asia
• The Middle East & Africa
• Oceania