North America Returnable Transport Packaging Industry Outlook for 2023 and 2033

Sales of returnable transport packaging in North America are expected to be valued at USD 28.53 billion in 2023 and USD 42.11 billion by 2033. Over the forecast period, demand for returnable transport packaging in North America is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 4.0%. The North America returnable transport packaging business was valued at USD 27.69 billion at the end of 2022. It is set to exhibit a y-o-y growth of 2.9% in 2023.

Pallets, with their versatile applications in the retail and the food & beverage sectors, are expected to lead North America. On the other hand, drums and IBCs are poised to secure significant value share during the assessment period.

The United States is poised to garner a substantial value share, generating 87%. This can be attributed to its outstanding GDP, rapid growth of several end-use industries such as food & beverage, support for trade, and strong regulatory measures. Canada is also anticipated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Attributes Key Insights
Based Value (2022) USD 27.69 billion
Estimated North America RTP Sales Value (2023F) USD 28.53 billion
Projected North America Returnable Transport Packaging Revenue (2033E) USD 42.11 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 4.0%

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Overview of Returnable Transport Packaging Business in North America

Returnable transport packaging (RTP) is gaining immense popularity across sectors such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical. This is because it can be used multiple times, thereby reducing overall cost and plastic waste.

Key features of RTP include robust construction, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and standardized dimensions for compatibility with automated handling systems. This enables companies to transport goods efficiently, streamline operations, and reduce packaging-related costs.

Returnable transport packaging encompasses durable and reusable packaging solutions such as plastic pallets, drums, containers, crates, and pails. The growing adoption of returnable transport packaging in North America due to its sustainable and cost-effective advantages is expected to boost growth.

Key Returnable Packaging Trends Boosting Growth in North America

  • Rise in import and export business is expected to boost sales growth of transport packaging in North America
  • Growing adoption of returnable shipping containers in North America to foster growth
  • Robust expansion of food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical businesses will likely drive demand for RTP solutions in North America
  • Surging preference for sustainable packaging is set to create new opportunities for the manufacturers of returnable plastic crates, IBCs, and drums.
Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

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Historical Insights of North America Returnable Transport Packaging Business

North America witnessed a CAGR of 2.0% during the historical period, with overall returnable transport packaging revenue totaling USD 27.69 billion in 2022. From 2023 to 2033, sales of returnable transport packaging are likely to surge at a 4.0% CAGR.

Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 2.0%
Forecast CAGR (2023 to 2033) 4.0%

Returnable transport packaging solutions such as pallets, crates, drums, and pails are becoming a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable packaging. Demand for returnable transport packaging in North America is expected to be driven by several factors. These include the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions and reduced environmental impact & cost savings of RTP.

Thanks to the economic and environmental benefits of returnable transport packaging, it is widely used across sectors such as petrochemicals, chemical, automotive, and food & beverage. The growing adoption across these sectors will likely fuel sales and boost the total revenue.

The emergence of advanced materials and innovative designs has allowed RTP to cater to a wide range of products, from food & beverages and automotive components to perishable goods. Manufacturers are also inclined toward providing customized packaging solutions to expand their customer base.

Rising awareness about the benefits of sustainable packaging and regulations promoting the circular economy will also create opportunities for returnable transport packaging manufacturers. Hence, a steady growth projection has been predicted for the target business.

Semi-annual Update

Particular Value CAGR
H1 2.2% (2022 to 2032)
H2 2.0% (2022 to 2032)
H1 4.1% (2023 to 2033)
H2 3.9% (2023 to 2033)

Key Dynamics

EV Business’s Expansion in North America to Elevate RTP Demand

The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in North America is prompting car manufacturers to emphasize their social and environmental responsibilities. This includes the adoption of reusable packaging, such as RTP solutions for transporting large battery supplies.

Despite an 8% decline in new vehicle sales in 2022, EV sales surged by 65%, as reported by Kelley Blue Book. To sustain this momentum, projections suggest that around 25% of all new car sales in the United States could be electric by the end of 2025.

To adapt to this ongoing shift, automotive companies are prioritizing sustainability, with a focus on incorporating reusable containers in EV battery manufacturing. Reusable packaging not only reduces waste but also promotes responsible and eco-friendly practices, safeguarding the durability of machinery and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components.

EV components, such as lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, and sensitive electronics, require specialized and secure packaging during transportation to prevent damage or contamination. Consequently, returnable transport packaging (RTP) is gaining traction among electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers due to its inherent reusability.

RTP offers a durable and customizable solution that not only ensures the safe transit of electric vehicle components but also minimizes waste and contributes to a circular economy. As a result, their demand is expected to rise significantly across North America during the forecast period.

Rising Chemical Demand Fueling Sales of RTP in North America

Returnable transport packaging (RTP) products are witnessing a rising demand from the chemical business in North America. This is primarily due to their practicality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. The chemical sector deals with a wide array of hazardous materials and consequently requires packaging solutions such as RTP products since they offer the durability and strength necessary to contain chemicals of several types.

North America’s chemical sector is poised to witness lucrative growth in the estimated period. For instance, according to the American Chemistry Council, chemical production in the United States is expected to increase by around 1.5% in 2024, while investments are anticipated to expand by about 5% through 2026.

Chemical exports from Canada are predicted to rise by around 8% in 2024. This increasing production and export of chemicals in North America is expected to propel RTP demand during the forecast period.

The chemical sector is becoming increasingly conscious of environmental concerns and regulatory requirements pertaining to storage and transportation. RTP products often align with these concerns as they are reusable and contribute to sustainability by minimizing single-use packaging waste.

RTPs are designed to meet different safety regulations related to the transportation of hazardous materials. They have become an integral part of the chemical supply chain in North America, fostering not only the efficient and safe transportation of chemical products but also the business’s sustainability goals.

Adoption of Smart Technology Revolutionizing RTP Tracking

Returnable transport packaging manufacturers in North America are increasingly implementing smart technologies such as RFID in their products. This trend has been driven by several factors, including reduced costs and a growing need to improve tracking efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

Smart technologies help manufacturers track their products throughout the supply chain, which leads to the improvement of delivery times and reduces product issues. Several manufacturers have been integrating smart technology and establishing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to develop innovative tracking solutions.

For instance, in April 2023, Thielmann announced a partnership with NXTGN and BASF for the development of Tracingo, a solution for the tracking, level measurement, and location analysis of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC). Such developments are expected to bode well for the target business.

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Country-wise Insights

The section provides highlights of the returnable transport packaging business across prominent countries in North America. Out of all the countries profiled, the United States will likely dominate North America, thriving at a 3.7% CAGR through 2033. Canada is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 6.0% during the assessment period.

Countries Value (CAGR)
United States 3.7%
Canada 6.0%

Expanding Packaging Business Driving RTP Demand in the United States

The United returnable transport packaging business is projected to generate an additional opportunity of USD 9,791 million in 2023. Over the forecast period, demand for returnable transport packaging in the United States is set to thrive at a CAGR of 3.7%.

Several factors are expected to spur sales growth in the United States. These include the booming packaging sector, growing demand for sustainable packaging, and robust growth of pharmaceutical and food & beverage businesses.

The United States, a well-developed packaging giant, observes a state-wide variation in customer behavioral patterns and packaging developments. The United States-based packaging businesses are primarily concerned with improving the end-user experience. This is putting returnable transport packaging into the spotlight.

Both consumers and businesses across the United States are becoming aware of the drawbacks of using disposable packaging. As a result, they are shifting their preference toward eco-friendly packaging, such as returnable transport packaging. This will likely boost sales of returnable transport packaging solutions in the United States.

Key manufacturers across the United States are looking to expand their businesses, which they operate domestically. They are focusing on using rigid and flexible packaging. This is expected to create new opportunities for returnable transport packaging companies.

It is estimated that the total plastic resin production in the United States was around 40 to 45 million tons in 2021. The rising production of plastic resins across the United States is mainly driven by the consistent demand for manufacturing a wide range of flexible and rigid plastic packaging solutions.

Growing Preference for Sustainable Packaging Bolstering Sales in Canada

As per the latest analysis, Canada is set to register robust growth during the forecast period. Sales of returnable transport packaging in Canada are projected to rise at a CAGR of 6.0% through 2033. This is attributable to the on rising demand for sustainable packaging.

Returnable transport packaging can be used multiple times, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced packaging waste. As a result, RTP solutions are becoming ideal alternatives to disposable packaging in countries such as Canada.

The government in Canada is also enforcing several regulations to reduce packaging waste. This is expected to create a high demand for returnable transport packaging solutions during the forecast period and boost Canada’s returnable transport packaging business growth.

Category-wise Insights

The section below shows the pallets segment witnessing a healthy CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. Based on end-use, the food and beverage segment is expected to hold a prominent value share, thriving at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2023 and 2033.

Demand to Remain High for Pallets due to their Versatility and Adaptability

Product Type Value CAGR
Pallets 4.2%
IBC 3.0%
Pails 4.2%
Jerry Cans 4.1%

Pallets are the most sought-after returnable transport packaging (RTP) in North America due to their versatility, widespread use, and adaptability to multiple sectors. They have become the preferred choice for transporting goods efficiently and securely.

As per the latest report, the pallet segment dominates North America, representing more than 65% of the total share. It is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 4.2%, expanding 1.5 times the current value during the forecast period.

The growing popularity of wooden pallets is another key factor expected to boost the target segment. These sustainable packaging solutions play a pivotal role in facilitating the efficient transportation of goods across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture.

Food and Beverages to Generate Significant Revenue for RTP Companies

End-use Value CAGR
Petrochemicals & Lubricants 5.8%
Industrial Chemicals 5.0%
Paints, Inks & Dyes 2.5%
Automotive 4.1%
Food & Beverage 3.2%
Pharmaceuticals 2.9%

As per the analysis of the North America returnable transport packaging business, the food & beverages segment is projected to hold 21.9% of the share in the estimated year. The segment will likely thrive at a CAGR of 3.2%, creating an additional opportunity of USD 53 million during the forecast period. This is attributable to the rising demand for sustainable packaging from the food & beverage sector.

Returnable transport packaging solutions such as crates, IBCs, and pallets have become ideal for transporting food and beverage products. This is due to their multiple benefits.

For instance, intermediate bulk containers are known for their sturdiness, hygiene, and ability to handle pressure during transportation through long distances. As a result, they are being increasingly used in the food & beverage business for transporting a wide variety of products.

Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers of returnable transport packaging solutions in North America are focusing on introducing novel sustainable packaging solutions. They are also adopting strategies such as acquisitions, mergers, partnerships, alliances, and collaborations to expand their footprint.

Recent Developments in North America Returnable Transport Packaging Business-

  • In December 2022, Greif Inc. acquired Lee Containers Corporation Inc. in the United States, which enhanced the jerry cans portfolio of the company.
  • In November 2022, Brambles Limited announced that it had entered into an agreement to combine the pallet and automotive pooling operations of CHEP China with Loscam Holdings Limited. The combined entity will be 20% owned by Brambles and 80% by Loscam (Greater China) Co., Limited, which is the Greater China arm of Loscam Group.

Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Estimated Value (2023) USD 28.53 billion
Projected Value (2033) USD 42.11 billion
Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 4.0% CAGR
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Revenue in Value USD billion, Volume in 000’ Units, and CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered Product Type, Capacity, End-use, Country
Key Companies Profiled Greif, Inc.; Mauser Packaging Solutions; Brambles Limited; SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA; DS Smith plc; Schoeller Allibert; THIELMANN; Snyder Industries LLC; M & M Industries, Inc; GELG USA; Time Technoplast Ltd; Skolnik Industries, Inc; ILC Dover, LP; PolyPail, Inc.; Specialty Crate Factory

North America Returnable Transport Packaging Industry Analysis by Category

By Product Type:

  • Drums
    • Plastic Drums
    • Metal Drums
  • Rigid IBCs
    • New IBCs
    • Reconditioned IBCs
      • Rebottled IBCs
      • Washed IBCs
  • Crates
    • Plastic Crates
      • Foldable
      • Stackable
      • Nestable
    • Wooden Crates
    • Metal Crates
  • Pails
    • Plastic Pails
    • Metal Pails
  • Jerry Cans
    • Plastic Jerry Cans
    • Metal Jerry Cans
  • Pallet Boxes
    • Wooden Pallet Box
    • Plastic Pallet Box
    • Metal Pallet Box
  • Pallet
    • Wooden Pallet
    • Plastic Pallet
    • Metal Pallet
  • Dunnage Bags
    • Poly-woven DAB
    • Kraft Paper DAB
    • Vinyl DAB
  • Dollies
    • Metal Dollies
    • Composite Dollies

By Capacity:

  • Drums
    • PE Drums
      • Below 55 gallons (210 liters)
      • Above 55 gallons
    • Steel Drums
      • Below 55 gallons (210 liters)
      • Above 55 gallons
  • Rigid IBCs
    • Standard
      • 1,040 liters (275 US gal)
      • 1,250 liters
    • Customized Capabilities
  • Crates
    • 18" x 18" x 12"
    • 24" x 24" x 18"
    • 36" x 36" x 24"
  • Pails
    • Up to 10 Liters
    • 10-30 Liters
    • Above 30 Liters
  • Jerry Cans
    • Up to 10 Liters
    • 10 to 30 Liters
    • Above 30 Liters
  • Pallet Boxes
    • Up to 100 Kgs
    • Above 100 Kgs
  • Pallet
    • 48" X 40"
    • 42” X 42”
    • 48” X 48”
  • Crates
    • 48" X 40"
    • 42” X 42”
    • 48” X 48”
  • Dollies
    • Small Sized Dollies
    • Medium-sized Dollies
    • Large-sized Dollies
  • Dunnage Bags
    • 2 ply
    • 4 ply
    • 6 ply
    • 8 ply

By End-use:

  • Petrochemicals & Lubricants
  • Industrial Chemicals
  • Paints, Inks & Dyes
  • Agricultural Chemicals
  • Automotive
  • Building & Construction
  • Food & Beverage
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Others

By Country:

  • United States
  • Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the returnable transport packaging business in North America?

Total revenue is set to reach USD 28.53 billion in 2023.

What is the sales forecast for returnable transport packaging?

Sales in North America are expected to total USD 42.11 billion in 2033.

What value CAGR did North America RTP business exhibit from 2018 to 2022?

The target business exhibited a 2.0% CAGR from 2018 to 2022.

What is the demand outlook for returnable transport packaging?

Returnable transport packaging demand is set to rise at 4.0% through 2033.

What is an example of returnable transport packaging?

Drums, rigid IBCs, crates, and pails are a handful of examples.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Business Overview
	3. Key Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. PESTLE & Porter 5 Forces Analysis
	6. Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	7. Demand (in Value or Size in USD billion) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Business Background
	9. Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	10. Pricing Analysis
	11. Demand (in Value or Size in US$ billion) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	12. Industry Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type
		12.1. Drums
			12.1.1. Plastic Drums
			12.1.2. Metal Drums
		12.2. Rigid IBCs
			12.2.1. New IBCs
			12.2.2. Reconditioned IBCs
				12.2.2.1. Rebottled IBCs
				12.2.2.2. Washed IBCs
		12.3. Crates
			12.3.1. Plastic Crates
				12.3.1.1. Foldable
				12.3.1.2. Stackable
				12.3.1.3. Nestable
			12.3.2. Wooden Crates
			12.3.3. Metal Crates
		12.4. Pails
			12.4.1. Plastic Pails
			12.4.2. Metal Pails
		12.5. Jerry Cans
			12.5.1. Plastic Jerry Cans
			12.5.2. Metal Jerry Cans
		12.6. Pallet Boxes
			12.6.1. Wooden Pallet Box
			12.6.2. Plastic Pallet Box
			12.6.3. Metal Pallet Box
		12.7. Pallets
			12.7.1. Wooden Pallet
			12.7.2. Plastic Pallet
			12.7.3. Metal Pallet
		12.8. Dunnage Bags
			12.8.1. Poly-woven DAB
			12.8.2. Kraft Paper DAB
			12.8.3. Vinyl DAB
		12.9. Dollies
			12.9.1. Metal Dollies
			12.9.2. Composite Dollies
	13. Industry Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Capacity
		13.1. Drums
			13.1.1. PE Drums
				13.1.1.1. Below 55 gallons (210 liters)
				13.1.1.2. Above 55 gallons
			13.1.2. Steel Drums
				13.1.2.1. Below 55 gallons (210 liters)
				13.1.2.2. Above 55 gallons
		13.2. Rigid IBCs
			13.2.1. Standard
				13.2.1.1. 1,040 liters (275 US gal)
				13.2.1.2. 1,250 liters
			13.2.2. Customized Capabilities
		13.3. Crates
			13.3.1. 18” x 18” x 12”
			13.3.2. 24” x 24” x 18”
			13.3.3. 36” x 36” x 24”
		13.4. Pails
			13.4.1. Up to 10 Liters
			13.4.2. 10–30 Liters
			13.4.3. Above 30 Liters
		13.5. Jerry Cans
			13.5.1. Up to 10 liters
			13.5.2. 10 to 30 Liters
			13.5.3. Above 30 Liters
		13.6. Pallet Boxes
			13.6.1. Up to 100 Kgs
			13.6.2. Above 100 Kgs
		13.7. Pallets
			13.7.1. 48” x 40”
			13.7.2. 42” x 42”
			13.7.3. 48” x 48”
		13.8. Crates
			13.8.1. 48” x 40”
			13.8.2. 42” x 42”
			13.8.3. 48” x 48”
		13.9. Dollies
			13.9.1. Small Sized Dollies
			13.9.2. Medium-sized Dollies
			13.9.3. Large-sized Dollies
		13.10. Dunnage Bags
			13.10.1. 2 ply
			13.10.2. 4 ply
			13.10.3. 6 ply
			13.10.4. 8 ply
	14. Industry Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-use
		14.1. Petrochemicals & Lubricants
		14.2. Industrial Chemicals
		14.3. Paints, Inks & Dyes
		14.4. Agricultural Chemicals
		14.5. Automotive
		14.6. Building & Construction
		14.7. Food & Beverage
		14.8. Pharmaceuticals
		14.9. Others
	15. Industry Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Country
		15.1. United States
		15.2. Canada
	16. Structure Analysis
	17. Cross Section Analysis of Business
	18. Competition Analysis
		18.1. Grief Inc.
		18.2. Mauser Packaging Solutions
		18.3. Brambles Limited
		18.4. SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA
		18.5. DS Smith Plc
		18.6. Schoeller Allibert
		18.7. THIELMANN
		18.8. Snyder Industries LLC
		18.9. M&M Industries
		18.10. GELG USA
		18.11. Time Technoplast Ltd
		18.12. Skolnik Industries, Inc
		18.13. ILC Dover, LP
		18.14. PolyPail, Inc
		18.15. Specialty Crate Factory
	19. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	20. Research Methodology
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