Tertiary Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastics, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, and Wood), By Packaging Type (Boxes & Containers, Pallets, Films & Wraps, Bags & Sacks, and Others), By End-use Industry (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Agriculture, Chemicals, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The tertiary packaging market refers to the segment of the packaging industry focused on providing bulk and protective packaging solutions for transporting, handling, and storing goods. Tertiary packaging is used primarily for logistical purposes and includes materials such as boxes & containers, pallets, films & wraps, bags & sacks, and others. Tertiary packaging provides robust protection for goods during transit. It safeguards products from physical damage, environmental factors, and handling impacts.

• According to data published by the Reusable Packaging Association, the global reusable transport packaging (RTP) market reached USD 107 billion in 2023, representing 9.7% of the global packaging market.

Packaging is the largest application segment for tertiary packaging, particularly for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. There is a growing focus on sustainability within the packaging industry. This has led to eco-friendly tertiary packaging solutions, such as recyclable and reusable materials, to reduce environmental impact.

The high costs and handling complexity are the key factors restraining the growth of global tertiary packaging. The cost of materials used in tertiary packaging, such as high-strength plastics, metals, and wood, can be substantial. These costs can add significantly to the overall expense of logistics operations. Handling and managing large, bulky tertiary packaging units can be complex and may require specialized equipment and trained personnel. Tertiary packaging can be bulky, requiring significant storage space in warehouses and during transportation.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically shifted the global trade dynamics, supply, demand chains, and logistics. The supply chain disruption significantly affected the global packaging market growth. However, companies embraced new strategies to survive with new restrictions, ensure the safe and efficient distribution of essential goods, and adapt to the shifting preferences of consumers. Manufacturers planned to harness innovations and apply strategies that work to make fundamental and stable changes in the production and supply chain.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Global Tertiary Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for Global Tertiary Packaging Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Tertiary Packaging Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastics, paper & paperboard, metal, and wood.

The plastic segment dominates the market. Plastic materials are highly durable and resistant to impacts, making them ideal for protecting goods during transportation and handling. This durability reduces the risk of damage to products, ensuring they reach their destination in good condition. Plastic materials provide excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors. This makes them ideal for protecting goods that might be sensitive to such conditions, ensuring product integrity during transportation and storage. This resistance also makes plastic suitable for long-term storage without degradation, maintaining the quality and safety of products over time.

ANALYSIS BY PACKAGING TYPE

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into boxes & containers, pallets, films & wraps, bags & sacks, and others.

The boxes & containers segment emerged dominant in the global tertiary packaging market. Boxes and containers come in various sizes and shapes, making them adaptable for different products and industries. They can be custom-designed to fit specific items, providing flexibility for manufacturers and retailers. They can be easily modified to include internal dividers, cushioning, or other protective features to meet the specific needs of the goods transported. The widespread use of boxes and containers in various industries leads to economies of scale, making them a cost-effective option for tertiary packaging.

ANALYSIS BY END-USE INDUSTRY

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, agriculture, chemicals, and others.

The food & beverages segment has emerged dominant in the market. Tertiary packagings provide strong barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants. This helps preserve food and beverages' freshness, taste, and shelf life. The ability to maintain product integrity is crucial for perishable goods and drinks, which need to be kept in optimal condition from production to consumption. Food and beverage products are often sourced from and distributed to global markets. This complexity requires robust tertiary packaging for long transit times, multiple handling stages, and diverse environmental conditions.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The global tertiary packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is the dominating region of the global tertiary packaging market. The dominance is due to markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea. The booming e-commerce sector in countries such as China and India increases the need for reliable tertiary packaging to handle high volumes of shipments.

North America is the second dominating region after Asia Pacific. As a mature market, North America often sets trends and standards for packaging innovation and sustainability. The region's advanced logistics and transportation infrastructure supports efficient supply chain operations.

Europe is one of the dominating regions owing to the European Union’s regulatory frameworks, such as the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Single-Use Plastics Directive, which drive the adoption of sustainable and compliant tertiary packaging solutions.

Latin America is an emerging market for tertiary packaging, with growth driven by increasing industrial activity and consumer demand. However, infrastructure and regulatory compliance challenges may impact market growth in some countries.

The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing steady growth owing to its strategic location as a logistics hub between Asia, Europe, and Africa, enhancing its significance in the global supply chain.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as International Paper, WestRock Company, Berry Global Group Inc., Amcor Plc, Rengo Co., Ltd., Brambles Ltd., PECO Pallet, Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Mondi Group, and Novolex.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In July 2023, Smurfit Kappa inaugurated the new integrated corrugated plant in Rabat, Morocco. This marks Smurfit Kappa’s first operation in North Africa, where the plant is powered by green energy.


• In June 2023, International Paper increased investments in Morocco, supporting customer demand for sustainable corrugated packaging. The investment would expand the facility's production capacity for high-quality printed F&V trays.


• In February 2023, Peli BioThermal released a new cargo shipper, Crēdo™ Cargo bulk shippers, to simplify global logistics challenges.