Tertiary packaging is the third layer of packaging that plays a critical role in safeguarding products during transportation and bulk handling. Unlike primary or secondary packaging, tertiary packaging is not consumer-facing. It is typically used in warehousing and logistics operations to ensure products remain intact throughout the supply chain.
Examples include wooden pallets, corrugated boxes, shrink wraps, drums, and crates. This layer of packaging ensures ease of transportation, prevents product loss or damage, and improves handling efficiency. As global commerce, e-commerce, and shipping volumes grow, the tertiary packaging market is evolving rapidly.
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The global tertiary packaging market is set to grow from USD 21.4 billion in 2025 to USD 39.6 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 6.84%. This surge is driven by:
The explosion of online retail and fast-moving goods
Increasing complexity in global supply chains
The emphasis on product safety and transit protection
Rise in export-oriented manufacturing across regions
| Year | Market Size (USD Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 21.4 |
| 2028 | 28.9 |
| 2031 | 35.3 |
| 2034 | 39.6 |
Tertiary packaging materials vary depending on product type, weight, fragility, and destination. These include:
Paper & Paperboard – Corrugated boxes, cartons
Plastics – Shrink wraps, stretch films, plastic pallets
Wood – Pallets, crates
Metal – Drums, containers for industrial packaging
Bioplastics & Eco-materials – Sustainable alternatives to traditional materials
The paper and paperboard segment leads the market due to recyclability, low cost, and high availability. Companies are also experimenting with biodegradable films, molded pulp pallets, and plant-based bioplastics to align with sustainability goals.
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Tertiary packaging is essential across diverse sectors:
E-commerce and Retail Logistics – Shipment of bulk orders
Pharmaceuticals – Secure transportation of sensitive drugs and supplies
Food & Beverage – Export packaging and cold chain logistics
Automotive & Industrial – Heavy machinery and part exports
Consumer Goods – Large-scale delivery of fast-moving goods
Each industry requires customized tertiary solutions to optimize logistics, improve cost-efficiency, and reduce damages in transit.
Asia Pacific led the tertiary packaging market in 2023 and will continue to dominate due to:
A massive consumer base
Industrial and urban expansion
Booming e-commerce (especially in China, India, Vietnam)
Development of logistics hubs and export facilities
China is the world’s largest corrugated box producer and a key tertiary packaging hub. India’s growth is driven by smart cities and warehousing investments.
External Link: UNCTAD on Asia’s trade growth
North America is experiencing rapid growth due to:
Surge in containerization and palletization
E-commerce giants like Amazon and Walmart scaling operations
Focus on sustainable packaging innovations
Rising demand for warehousing and 3PL services
The U.S. leads in container shipments, while Canada’s logistics industry is integrating smarter transport solutions.
Tertiary packaging is undergoing a green transformation:
Use of recycled and recyclable materials
Adoption of plant-based bioplastics
Reduction of stretch film waste via load optimization
Integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in design
Companies aim to cut CO₂ emissions, reduce logistics costs, and meet environmental regulations.
Technologies like RFID tags, QR codes, and AI-based load testing are redefining tertiary packaging. Benefits include:
Real-time tracking
Enhanced inventory management
Automation in warehouses
Businesses are increasingly tailoring tertiary packaging based on:
Product sensitivity
Shipping method
End-user preferences
Branding needs
Packaging is being redesigned to:
Enable faster unpacking
Simplify loading/unloading
Reduce packaging bulk and weight
This not only enhances efficiency but also cuts down on costs and waste.
E-commerce explosion leading to high shipment volumes
Growth of export-driven manufacturing
Need for cost-effective and robust logistics
Adoption of advanced simulation testing for transport safety
High use of non-biodegradable plastic
Complex supply chains increase packaging cost
Need for frequent testing and compliance with transit standards
Growing demand for smart and automated packaging
Potential in emerging economies
Shift to carbon-neutral logistics
March 2022: BillerudKorsnäs completed acquisition of Verso for USD 825M, strengthening its North American paper packaging presence.
December 2023: German carton packaging machine manufacturer opened a subsidiary in Bangkok, expanding tertiary capabilities in Southeast Asia.
January 2023: CARTIER Packaging acquired Complete Packaging Systems, optimizing rail transport packaging in North America.
Top players include:
Smurfit Kappa Group
International Paper
Mondi Group
DS Smith
Billerud AB
WestRock
Georgia-Pacific
Sealed Air
These companies are focusing on:
Sustainable product lines
Acquisitions and regional expansions
Technological integration (IoT, AI, digital printing)
Tertiary packaging is the third level of packaging used to protect and transport goods in bulk. It’s not visible to consumers and includes pallets, shrink wraps, drums, and crates.
It ensures safe delivery of bulk orders, minimizes product damage, and enhances warehouse handling efficiency.
Paper and paperboard, especially corrugated boxes, lead the market due to sustainability and cost-efficiency.
High plastic usage, packaging waste, and the need for durable yet lightweight packaging materials are major concerns.
Tech like RFID tags, QR codes, and AI-based load simulation help optimize packaging, track shipments, and reduce waste.
North America, due to rising containerization and sustainable packaging innovations, is growing the fastest.
The tertiary packaging market is at a transformative juncture. As sustainability, e-commerce, and logistics tech evolve, so does the need for smarter, greener, and cost-effective packaging. Emerging economies, particularly in Asia, are driving demand, while North America sets the pace for innovation.
Manufacturers focusing on eco-friendly materials, automation, and transport simulation will gain a competitive edge. With rising investments and strategic partnerships, the tertiary packaging industry is poised for robust, long-term growth.
Source: https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/tertiary-packaging-market-sizing
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