Europe Fiber Drum Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Industry Analysis: By Closure (Metal Closure, Plastic Closure, and Fiber/Cardboard Closure), By Capacity (Up to 25 Gallons, 26–50 Gallons, 51–75 Gallons, and Above 75 Gallons), By End User (Chemical Industry, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Building & Construction, and Others), and Country Forecast 2020-2031

Europe Fiber Drum Market size was valued at US$ 182.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 257.6 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025-2031. The market refers to the global sector encompassing the production, distribution, and use of fiber drums, cylindrical containers made primarily from fiberboard or kraft paper, for the storage and transportation of a broad range of products.

The market is witnessing consistent growth, driven by strong demand from pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food industries that require safe, compliant, and eco-friendly bulk packaging solutions. Fiber drums, made largely from recycled paperboard, offer biodegradability, a low carbon footprint, and alignment with Europe’s circular economy goals, especially under sustainability regulations. A major trend influencing the market is the shift toward hybrid fiber drums, combining fiberboard with plastic or metal linings to enhance performance without sacrificing sustainability. This is accompanied by other notable trends such as supply chain localization and growing automation compatibility, which support operational efficiency and reduced dependency on imports.

The most promising opportunity lies in the development of fiber drums with bio-based, compostable liners and coatings, such as PLA or starch-based barriers, enabling safe storage of semi-liquids while adhering to EU packaging regulations. However, market growth faces limitations due to fiber drums’ unsuitability for hazardous or highly reactive liquid materials. While modified versions with internal liners exist, they can raise production costs and may not consistently meet stringent EU standards for dangerous goods, causing industries to consider alternatives like plastic or steel. Despite these challenges, the market remains well-positioned for innovation and growth as Europe deepens its commitment to sustainable industrial packaging.

Facts & Figures

• Strong Push for Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Europe's regulatory environment and consumer expectations are increasingly aligned with eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging. For instance, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive mandates a reduction in single-use plastics, pushing industries to shift toward fiber-based alternatives. Fiber drums' biodegradability and low environmental footprint make them preferred for compliance across sectors like food, chemicals, and pharma.
• Rising Demand from the Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries: These industries require cost-effective, compliant, and customizable packaging for APIs, intermediates, powders, and semi-solids. Fiber drums are lightweight, customizable, and suitable for regulated substances. For instance, in 2023-2024, Abzac expanded into Germany and Spain to serve high-demand pharmaceutical hubs, citing increasing orders for fiber drums in excipient and API storage.
• Regulatory Pressure to Reduce Plastic Waste and Carbon Emissions: European climate policies are pushing industries to adopt low-emission packaging alternatives. Fiber drums emit significantly less CO? during manufacturing and disposal compared to steel or plastic drums. For instance, the European Green Deal and climate-neutrality targets by 2050 are encouraging industrial users to replace plastic drums. The fiber drum’s compatibility with these policies gives it a competitive edge, especially as carbon taxes rise.
• Technological Advancements in Coatings and Liners: The development of bio-based, compostable, and moisture-resistant coatings is enabling fiber drums to safely store semi-liquid and sensitive materials, expanding their industrial use. For instance, recent R&D in PLA and starch-blend coatings by packaging innovators now allows fiber drums to meet stricter containment needs while staying fully biodegradable, making them suitable even in semi-moist food and chemical use cases.

Key Developments

• In June 2025, Berlin Packaging acquired Italy-based Sarom Packaging and Romania’s Romgallia to reinforce its position in Southern and Eastern Europe. While primarily known for glass and rigid containers, both companies had growing fiber packaging divisions.
• In January 2025, Abzac merged its North American operations with Nagel Paper. This merger provided access to three key production hubs in Michigan, Georgia, and Kentucky, allowing Abzac to expand its export capacity and tap into U.S. demand for eco-friendly fiber drums, especially in pharmaceuticals and logistics.
• In August 2024, Schütz, a leader in industrial packaging, took a strategic equity stake in U.S.-based Fibre Drum Sales. The move was driven by a desire to diversify into sustainable packaging formats and meet rising global demand for eco-responsible storage solutions. It also offers Schütz a platform for expanding fiber drum technologies within its global container portfolio.

Europe Fiber Drum Market Segmentation

Based on the closure

• Metal Closure
• Plastic Closure
• Fiber/Cardboard Closure

The metal closure segment holds the largest market share in the European fiber drum market, with 57.7% of the total revenue in 2024. It is due to its superior strength, tamper resistance, and sealing capabilities, critical for transporting chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and hazardous materials. Metal closures provide high durability and secure fastening, making them ideal for industrial applications that require spill-proof and pressure-resistant packaging. Their compatibility with UN-certified drums further supports their widespread use in regulated sectors. In contrast, fiber/cardboard closures, while more sustainable, offer lower strength and moisture resistance, limiting their adoption to light-duty applications or dry goods, thereby accounting for a smaller share in the market despite their environmental advantages.

Based on the capacity

• Up to 25 Gallons
• 26–50 Gallons
• 51–75 Gallons
• Above 75 Gallons

Based on capacity, the 51-75 Gallons capacity segment emerged as the leading contributor to revenue, accounting for 42.9% of the market share in the year 2024. This segment's growth is primarily driven by the demand for bulk packaging solutions in industries such as chemicals, food ingredients, industrial oils, and construction materials, where durability, cost-effectiveness, and volume efficiency are essential. The up to 25 gallons segment holds the smallest market share as it is primarily suited for lightweight or specialized applications with limited volume needs. Most industrial users prefer larger drums to optimize bulk transport and reduce per-unit packaging costs. Additionally, smaller drums are less economical for high-volume operations in chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Based on the end user

• Chemical Industry
• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Building & Construction
• Others

In terms of end-use industries, the pharmaceutical sector held the largest market share at 45.3% in 2024. The pharmaceutical industry extensively uses fiber drums for the transportation of non-sterile raw materials and excipients, with a rising preference for recyclable packaging solutions that align with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. These drums offer a sustainable and compliant option for bulk handling within tightly regulated environments. In contrast, the building & construction sector holds the smallest market share because it relies more on rigid, heavy-duty packaging like metal or plastic drums for bulk materials such as adhesives or sealants. Fiber drums are less preferred here due to lower durability under rough handling and exposure to moisture.