Packaging Reel Market

Global Packaging Reel Market Overview

The Packaging Reel Market was valued at USD 45.67 Billion in 2024. The Packaging Reel Market industry is projected to grow from USD 47.97 Billion in 2025 to USD 65.41 Billion by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during the forecast period (2025-2035).

The growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and expansion of e-commerce and logistics sector are driving the growth of the Packaging Reel Market.

As per the Analyst at MRFR, the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions is a significant driver in the packaging reels market, fueled by heightened environmental awareness and stringent regulations on plastic waste. Consumers and businesses are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly packaging, leading to a surge in the use of biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials for reels. For instance, companies like Smurfit Kappa have introduced paper-based reels that are 100% recyclable, catering to industries such as food and beverages, where sustainability is a key focus. 

Governments worldwide are enforcing regulations like the European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive, pushing manufacturers to innovate sustainable alternatives. Additionally, brands are leveraging sustainable reels to enhance their corporate social responsibility initiatives and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. For example, Unilever uses reels made of recycled paper for its product packaging to align with its commitment to reduce virgin plastic usage by 50% by 2025. The logistics and shipping sectors also contribute significantly to this trend, adopting sustainable reels to minimize carbon footprints while ensuring product safety during transit.

FIGURE 1: PACKAGING REEL MARKET VALUE (2019-2035) USD BILLION

 Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Packaging Reel Market Opportunity

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN REEL MANUFACTURING

Technological advancements in reel manufacturing present significant opportunities for the growth of the global packaging reels market. The increasing demand for higher efficiency, durability, and functionality in packaging solutions has driven innovations in reel design and production. These advancements focus on improving reel strength, reducing material waste, and introducing smart capabilities to meet the evolving needs of industries like logistics, consumer goods, and food packaging. One key technological innovation is the development of lightweight and durable packaging reels, which are designed to reduce transportation costs and improve operational efficiency. 

Materials such as recycled plastics, composite materials, and biodegradable alternatives are increasingly being used in reel production to enhance sustainability. For example, Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has introduced eco-friendly reels made from recyclable materials, which cater to industries seeking sustainable packaging solutions. These reels not only provide a strong and lightweight alternative to traditional materials but also contribute to reducing overall environmental impact. Another notable innovation is the integration of smart technologies like RFID-enabled reels. 

These reels are equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, allowing companies to track the movement of packaging reels in real-time. This offers better inventory management, reduces the risk of loss, and streamlines the supply chain. Companies like Smurfit Kappa have embraced this technology to optimize logistics and improve traceability in packaging operations.

Packaging Reel Market Segment Insights

Packaging Reel by Application Insights

Based on Application, this segment includes Electrical & Electronics, Paper & Printing, Packaging Material, Others. The Packaging Material segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Electrical & Electronics segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Flexible packaging materials like plastic films, aluminum foils, paper, and composite materials are often wound onto packaging reels to make them easier to store, handle, and feed into production lines. 

The packaging reels help streamline operations, reducing manual handling, improving efficiency, and ensuring the protection of sensitive packaging materials. Materials like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET) are commonly wound onto reels for easy handling and processing in packaging applications. For instance, food packaging films, including those used for snacks, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals, are often supplied on reels.

FIGURE 2: PACKAGING REEL MARKET SHARE BY APPLICATION 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Packaging Reel by Material Insights

Based on Material, this segment includes Wood, Plastic, Metal, Paper & Paperboard. The Plastic segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Paper & Paperboard segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Plastic based cylindrical reels are made from various types of plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. 

These reels are primarily used to hold and store products like wires, cables, films, tapes, textiles, and other materials that require protection during transportation, storage, or manufacturing processes. The durability and strength of plastic reels make them an ideal choice for industries requiring more robust mechanical protection compared to paper-based reels. They are moisture resistant, making them suitable for applications where exposure to water or humidity could damage the product, such as in the cable and wire, film, foil, and textile industries.

Packaging Reel Regional Insights

Based on the Region, the Global Packaging Reel is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America. The Asia-Pacific dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Major demand factors driving the Asia-Pacific market are the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and expansion of e-commerce and logistics sectors. Asia Pacific packaging reel market consists of countries including China, Japan, India, ASEAN, Australia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. 

The Asia Pacific packaging reels market is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The booming e-commerce industry in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia has significantly increased the demand for packaging reels, as platforms like Alibaba and Flipkart rely on stretch films and shrink wraps for efficient logistics. The region’s strong manufacturing sector, particularly in electronics, automotive, and consumer goods, also contributes to the demand for reels used in handling flexible packaging materials.

FIGURE 3: PACKAGING REEL MARKET VALUE BY REGION 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Further, the countries considered in the scope of the Application Tracking System Market are the US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina and others.

Global Packaging Reel Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Packaging Reel Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.

The major competitors in the market are Sonoco Products Company, Carris Reels, Inc., L-S Industries, Inc., Service Wire Company, Walki Group Oy, Illinois Tool Works Inc., Vandor Corporation, Foster International Packaging, Pentre Group Ltd, Sinho Electronic Co. are among others. The Packaging Reel Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.

Key Companies in the Packaging Reel Market include

• Sonoco Products Company
• Carris Reels, Inc.
• L-S Industries, Inc.
• Service Wire Company
• Walki Group Oy
• Illinois Tool Works Inc
• Vandor Corporation
• Foster International Packaging
• Pentre Group Ltd
• Sinho Electronic Co.

Packaging Reel Market Industry Developments

January 2021: Walki announced that it has developed a 100% wood-based reel wrapping paper, where the protective polymer barrier is made with tall oil.

October 2021: Walki Group announced that it has acquired 100 % of the shares of French producer of biobased packaging solutions, Rollpack SAS. The company specializes in the production of industrial packaging products based on renewable and recycled materials.

Packaging Reel Market Segmentation

Packaging Reel by Application Outlook

• Electrical & Electronics
• Paper & Printing
• Packaging Material
• Others

Packaging Reel by Material Outlook

• Wood
• Plastic
• Metal
• Paper & Paperboard

Packaging Reel Regional Outlook

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Finland
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • ASEAN
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America