Global Drums

Global Drums

Global demand for drums is projected to increase 3.3% annually to $13.5 billion in 2026. As fairly well-established products, drum demand will be driven by the increasing output of the manufacturing markets in which they are most commonly used - chemicals and pharmaceuticals, which accounted for 55% of global drum use in 2021, and food and beverage (21%).

Steel Drums Remain Most Used Type; Plastic & Fibre Drums Find Opportunities

Steel drums will remain the most prevalent type due to their ability to withstand structural damage that can be caused by the solvents and solvent-based substances packaged in them. However, plastic and fibre drums will continue to find usage globally:


• Plastic drums are projected to retain their market presence, in part due to expanded use of refurbishment and reconditioning services.
• Fibre drums, whose share of the global market has declined in recent decades, are expected to benefit the increased use of film liners that are designed to extend the drums' functional lives and from their lower cost.

All Drum Types Offer Some Level of Sustainability

Although not as heavily scrutinized as consumer packaging, concerns over sustainability exist for bulk packaging, and packaging types that incorporate sustainable features can encourage their use. In the case of drums, steel, plastic, and fibre types all feature characteristics associated with sustainability:

• Steel drums can be reused extensively; reconditioned examples can offer substantial cost savings and source reduction benefits.
• Plastic drums can also be reused, and therefore offer some of the same advantages as steel drums. Moreover, reusable plastic drums do not face nearly the same level of environmental scrutiny as single-use plastic packaging products.
• Fibre drums, which are made from paperboard, can be made from recycled raw materials and recycled into such raw materials.

Study Description

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $11.5 billion global drums industry. It presents historical demand data (2011, 2016 and 2021) and forecasts (2026 and 2031) by material (steel, plastic, fibre), and market (chemicals and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, agricultural products, plastic/rubber/fiber products, durable goods, other). The study also evaluates discusses leading suppliers including Armando Alvarez, Greif, Mauser Packaging Solutions, Nampak, and SCHÜTZ.