Cubitainer Market

Global Cubitainer Market:

The global cubitainer market size reached USD 89.7 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 138.8 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.98% during 2025-2033. The increasing demand for versatile and durable flexible packaging solutions across the chemical, food and beverage (F&B), and pharmaceutical industries represents one of the primary factors propelling the market.

Cubitainer Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The rising product adoption, on account of its optimal durability and high-performance, which aids in protecting goods from damage during transportation and storage, is one of the primary drivers bolstering the overall market.
• Key Market Trends: The increasing online food delivery and the inflating usage of ready-to-eat (RTE) food items are stimulating the market. Besides this, the emerging trend of customization and personalization of packaging solutions is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor.
• Geographical Trends: Europe accounted for the largest market share, owing to advancements in manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, the implementation of stringent regulations by government bodies regarding minimizing plastic waste is positively influencing the regional market.
• Competitive Landscape: According to the cubitainer market overview, some of the prominent companies include Avantor Inc., Changzhou Sanjie Plastic Products Co. Ltd., Cole-Parmer Instrument Company LLC, Quality Environmental Containers Inc., The Cary Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, United States Plastic Corporation, Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA, and Zacros (Fujimori Kogyo co. ltd.), among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One of the main challenges hindering the global market is the rising concerns toward elevating plastic pollution levels and environmental sustainability. However, extensive investments in R&D activities by key players to develop novel materials are projected to fuel the market in the coming years.
   

Cubitainer Market Trends:

Demand for Customization Solutions

Key players across numerous industries are emphasizing on personalization solutions for branding and promotional purposes. With a wide range of customization options available, including size, shape, color, and labeling, companies can tailor cubitainers to target market preferences and align with their brand identity. For example, in May 2023, Cadence introduced Cadence capsules that are TSA-friendly containers for stashing skin care products, pills, jewelry, etc., while on the go. Moreover, unlike other toiletry travel containers, the capsules are magnetic and link together. In addition to this, they are made from eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, branded cubitainers serve as a powerful marketing tool, reinforcing brand recognition and loyalty. This represents one of the cubitainer market's recent opportunities. By investing in branding and customization, companies can create a memorable packaging experience that sets their products apart in a competitive market landscape. For instance, in May 2024, Protein Evolution developed a process that utilizes artificial intelligence to determine the correct enzymes to recycle plastic waste into fresh materials. Apart from this, the wide availability of companies, such as SKS Bottle, that can create unique custom container molds to cater to the packaging needs is acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. The in-house resources and strong connections of the company in the packaging industry allow it to draft custom plastic jars, bottles, vials, caps, etc. Additionally, continuous collaborations among key industry players present remunerative growth opportunities for the market. For example, in April 2023, Hub Plastics, one of the leading packaging and container manufacturers, acquired Midwest Container, a company based in the U.S. that specializes in the manufacturing of plastic bottles produced from clarified polypropylene, high-and-low-density polyethylene, and PET, among others. The company provides 300 different configurations of rigid plastic bottles, stereolithography models, customized bottle designs, prototype molds, etc.

Recyclability Initiatives

The rising environmental concerns among individuals and the shifting consumer preferences are encouraging key players to develop sustainable alternatives, such as compostable or biodegradable materials for cubitainer production. Moreover, manufacturers are developing innovative recycling solutions to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics, thereby augmenting the cubitainer market growth. For example, in February 2024, Coca-Cola launched plastic bottles with attached caps to recycle the whole beverage package in Northern Ireland. In addition to this, they are easily available for purchase at convenience stores and retail points across the country. Furthermore, implementing sustainable practices throughout the packaging lifecycle, from sourcing materials to end-of-life disposal, is important for conserving resources and minimizing carbon footprint. For instance, in September 2023, Ashok Chaturvedi, the Managing Director and Chairman of UFlex Limited, released a study report on the ‘Recyclability of Multi-Layered Aseptic Packaging’ at a special roundtable organized by Plastics Packaging Research and Development Centre (PPRDC). As one of the prominent leaders in packaging, the report highlighted significant investments by the company in multi-layer mixed plastic (MLP) and industrial waste recycling facilities across global locations. Apart from this, the launch of favorable initiatives by regulatory authorities and companies to generate awareness regarding the importance of adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions, which can reduce costs and elevate production efficiency, is further strengthening the global market. For example, in August 2023, a food processing and packaging solutions company, Tetra Pak, collaborated with PETCO Producer Responsibility Organization NPC, Woodlands Dairy, and its First-Choice brand, Gayatri Paper Mills, to elevate awareness among school-goers towards the importance of recycling and the collective responsibility to protect the environment. Furthermore, in February 2024, AeroFlexx, one of the leaders in the sustainable packaging industry, announced a strategic partnership with Dynapack Asia to launch liquid packaging solutions that meet or exceed EPR legislation requirements while creating enhanced consumer experiences across the Southeast Asia. These initiatives will continue to drive the cubitainer market demand over the forecasted period.

Emergence of New Manufacturing Technologies

The introduction of numerous advancements in the production process of cubitainers that provide various features, such as ergonomic handles, better-pouring spouts, improved sealing mechanisms, increasing convenience and usability for consumers, etc., is acting as a significant growth-inducing factor. For example, ExxonMobil developed recyclable full PE laminated packaging solutions and two performance polyethylene (PE) polymers for high-quality flexible packaging at the Chinaplas 2019 show in Guangzhou. Moreover, advancements in materials science are facilitating the introduction of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, including compostable and biodegradable materials, thereby addressing concerns about environmental sustainability. For instance, in November 2022, according to the study published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, a team of scientists successfully upcycled waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into polymer electrolytes, which are essential components for safer lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). This, in turn, is stimulating the cubitainer market outlook. Additionally, cubitainers find extensive applications beyond their traditional use in liquid packaging. They are widely adopted across the pharmaceutical industry. In line with this, commonly used gel pack-based shippers expose pharma products to a high risk of temperature deviation, thereby compromising efficacy. Consequently, the introduction of novel temp-controlled pharma packaging solutions is bolstering the market. For example, in September 2023, Pluss Advanced Technologies (PLUSS) announced the development of two new temperature-controlled packaging solutions, namely the Celsure VIP Multi-Use Parcel Shipper series and the Celsure XL Pallet Shipper series, for the pharmaceuticals industry.

Global Cubitainer Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the cubitainer market forecast at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the material, capacity, and end user.

Breakup by Material:

• Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
   

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) accounts for the largest market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material. This includes low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE). According to the report, low density polyethylene (LDPE) represented the largest segment.

The market in this segmentation is driven by the excellent flexibility and durability of the material, allowing cubitainers to withstand varying pressures, temperatures, and handling, without compromising integrity. Its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and impact also enhances its suitability for storing a wide range of liquids, including industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Additionally, LDPE is lightweight, which minimizes environmental impact and transportation costs compared to heavier packaging materials. Besides this, extensive investments in R&D activities will continue to catalyze the growth in this segmentation over the forecasted period. For example, in February 2024, a group of research teams successfully replicated the intricate structure of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) via a novel process conducted at low temperatures and pressures. 

Breakup by Capacity:

• 1 Liters
• 3 Liters
• 10 Liters
• 16 Liters
• 20 Liters
   

20 liters holds the largest share of the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the capacity. This includes 1 liters, 3 liters, 10 liters, 16 liters, and 20 liters. According to the report, 20 liters represented the largest market segmentation.

The 20-liter size strikes a balance between portability and practicality, making it suitable for both consumer applications and industrial use. Numerous sectors prefer this size, owing to its cost-effectiveness in bulk transportation and storage, reducing logistical expenses compared to smaller containers. This, in turn, is inflating the cubitainer market revenue. Additionally, its standardized size facilitates compatibility with existing filling and dispensing equipment, streamlining production processes. Furthermore, consumers find the 20-liter cubitainers convenient for household use, particularly for storing water, cleaning solutions, or automotive fluids. They also assist in minimizing plastic waste, as these cubitainers have low packaging weight. For instance, Anax Impex develops polypropylene 20 L plastic water buckets for household purposes. Similarly, Wuxi Huatai, one of the manufacturers of different shapes and sizes of tin cans, tin pails, tin buckets, tin drums, and plastic buckets, offers high-quality 1-20L plastic packaging containers with plastic and metal handles.

Breakup by End User:

• Food and Beverages Industry
• Chemical Industry
• Pharmaceutical Industry
   

Food and beverages industry accounted for the largest cubitainer market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user. This includes the food and beverages industry, chemical industry, and pharmaceutical industry. According to the report, food and beverages industry represented the largest segment.

The escalating demand for cubitainers for packaging liquids, such as sauces, syrups, cooking oils, beverages, etc., is augmenting the growth of this segmentation. Cubitainers offer numerous advantages for food and beverage packaging, including optimal flexibility, excellent barrier properties, lightweight design, etc., which, in turn, aids in protecting contents from external contaminants and maintaining freshness. The versatility of cubitainers allows for easy customization of size and shape to accommodate different products and volumes, making them suitable for both retail and industrial applications within the food and beverage industry. This, in turn, is increasing the cubitainer market's recent price. For example, in August 2020, Braskem launched polypropylene (PP) grade under the INSPIRE brand that is designed to replace polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in consumer food packaging applications where higher temperature resistance is needed. 

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Europe exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe accounted for the largest market share.

The market across Europe is driven by the inflating consumption of fresh dairy products. According to the data from the OECD, the estimated consumption volume of fresh dairy products in the EU is expected to increase to about 37 million tons by 2028. Moreover, the launch of favorable sustainability initiatives by government bodies is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. For example, in April 2024, the European Parliament implemented a new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) for the collection, reuse, and recycling of packaging. Additionally, in February 2024, Ireland joined with various other European Union countries, initiating a deposit-return system (DRS) for plastic and aluminum beverage containers. Furthermore, as per the cubitainer market statistics, key players across Europe are entering into strategic partnerships for new product launches, which is expected to stimulate the regional market over the forecasted period. For instance, in March 2022, Berry Global Group partnered with Koa to introduce body cleanser and body moisturizer bottles made from 100% recycled plastic. 

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major cubitainer market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Avantor Inc.
• Changzhou Sanjie Plastic Products Co. Ltd.
• Cole-Parmer Instrument Company LLC
• Quality Environmental Containers Inc.
• The Cary Company
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• United States Plastic Corporation
• Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA
• Zacros (Fujimori Kogyo co. ltd.)
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Cubitainer Market Recent Developments:

• March 2024: Repsol introduced its lubricant containers, incorporating 60% mechanically recycled post-consumer plastic. This new compound, part of the Repsol Reciclex range of sustainable polyolefins, can be used in all 1l, 4l, and 5l lubricant containers and is available in five colors for numerous product ranges.
• February 2024: Faerch Group developed its new tumbler range of recyclable on-the-go beverage containers, which generally contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled material.
• January 2024: Hungary launched a new deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use drink container recycling. It aims to meet the EU’s single-use plastics directive and supports the implementation of extended producer responsibility. 

Cubitainer Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report

• How has the global cubitainer market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global cubitainer market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global cubitainer market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive cubitainer market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the material?
• Which is the most attractive material in the cubitainer market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on capacity?
• Which is the most attractive capacity in the cubitainer market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the end user?
• Which is the most attractive end user in the cubitainer market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global cubitainer market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global cubitainer market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the cubitainer market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global cubitainer market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the cubitainer industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.