Multi-pack Carriers Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

Revenue, 2025

USD 1.92 Bn

Forecast Year, 2035

USD 1.92 Bn

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

4.85%

Report Coverage

Global

What is the Multi-pack Carriers Market Size?

The global multi-pack carriers market size was calculated at USD 1.92 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 2.01 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 3.08 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.85% from 2026 to 2035.The market is driven by growing demand for convenient beverage packaging and lightweight, sustainable carrier solutions.

Market Highlights

• North America accounted for the biggest market share in 2025.
• The Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By material type, the paperboard segment held a dominant share of the market in 2025.
• By material type, the metal segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market between 2026 and 2035.
• By product type, the basket carriers segment accounted for a considerable share of the market in 2025.
• By product type, the handle carriers segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years.
• By application, the beverages segment led the global market in 2025.
• By application, the personal care segment is expected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years.
• By end-user, the food service segment registered its dominance in the market in 2025.
• By end-user, the retail segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market over the forecast period.

Market Overview

The multi-pack carriers market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising consumer demand for convenience, practicality, and bulk purchasing. The trend is more evident in the food & beverage industry, where carriers for bottles, cans, and packaged products enable safe and efficient transportation of multiple items. Rapid urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the growth of on-the-go consumption are further increasing demand for user-friendly, portable, and reusable packaging solutions. Additionally, the growing focus on ease of use, efficiency, and environmentally friendly packaging is fueling innovation in materials, designs, and functionality, making multi-pack carriers a vital component across retail, food service, and consumer goods applications.

How is AI Integration Impacting the Multi-Pack Carriers Market?

Artificial intelligence(AI) is significantly impacting the market for multi-pack carriers by improving packaging design, production efficiency, and optimizing the supply chain. Packaging performance data is analyzed using machine learning models that assist a manufacturer in designing a carrier that is lighter in weight but with more strength, hence minimizing the material used without affecting durability. AI detects defects by computer vision and reduces wastage, enhancing consistency on fast packaging lines. The predictive maintenance algorithms are used to monitor the packaging equipment to minimize unplanned downtime and to increase the life of the machines to facilitate the operation of the beverage manufacturers continuously. AI also promotes customization by maximizing the printing layouts and batch size depending on brand-specific designs.

Multi-Pack Carriers Market Trends

• The growing preference for recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly packaging is driving demand for paper-based and molded fiber multi-pack carriers, supported by sustainability regulations and shifting consumer preferences away from plastic.
• Manufacturers are increasingly adopting lightweight carrier designs to reduce raw material usage, transportation costs, and carbon emissions while maintaining structural strength and safe handling of bottled and canned beverages.
  Rising consumption of ready-to-drink beverages, craft beer, and functional drinks is boosting demand for customized multi-pack carriers that support varied can sizes, strong branding, and enhanced shelf appeal.
• Advances in automated packaging technologies are improving production speed, accuracy, and flexibility, enabling high-volume beverage producers to efficiently integrate multi-pack carriers into fast bottling and canning lines.
  The expansion of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer beverage distribution is increasing the need for durable, shock-absorbing multi-pack carriers that ensure product protection while meeting sustainability and cost-efficiency requirements.

Market Scope

Segment Insights

Material Type Insights

Why Did the Paperboard Segment Lead the Multi-Pack Carriers Market?

The paperboard segment led the market with a major revenue share in 2025 due to its widespread use in the food and beverage, consumer goods, and packaging industries. Paperboard is favored for its lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits, aligning well with the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Its versatility allows manufacturers to design durable, protective, and visually appealing carriers without significantly increasing production costs. The segment's dominance is also reinforced by the well-established supply chains, advanced paperboard manufacturing technologies, and its wide range of applications.

The metal segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market between 2026 and 2035, driven by its superior strength, durability, and reusability. Metal multi-pack carriers are increasingly preferred for high-value and heavy products, particularly in the industrial, beverage, and specialty goods sectors. Innovations in lightweight alloys and advanced anti-corrosion treatments are enhancing their practicality and cost efficiency. Additionally, metal's high recyclability and premium aesthetic appeal align with sustainability goals, making it attractive to environmentally conscious brands and consumers.

Product Type Insights

What Made Basket Carriers the Dominant Segment in the Multi-Pack Carriers Market?

The basket carriers segment dominated the global market in 2025 because of their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to carry numerous products, such as beverages, packaged foods, and household goods. Manufacturers and retailers prefer use basket carriers due to their convenience, durability, and capability of supporting the structure of the product. Ongoing design improvements focused on ease of handling, stackability, and ergonomics have further strengthened their appeal. Additionally, well-established supply chains and widespread adoption across both developed and emerging markets continue to reinforce the segment's market leadership.

The handle carriers segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. This is mainly due to the increasing popularity of handle carriers for their portability and convenience. They are designed in such a way as to be easier to carry around and minimize the damage to products during handling. Their growing adoption in beverages, personal care, and packaged goods industries is fueled by demand for both single-use and reusable carrier solutions. Additionally, the use of lightweight plastics, biodegradable composites, and flexible paperboard materials is enhancing their functionality, sustainability, and overall market appeal.

Application Insights

Why Did the Beverages Segment Lead the Multi-pack Carriers Market?

The beverages segment registered dominance in the market by capturing a significant share in 2025. This is mainly due to the increased need for durable and safe packaging solutions for bottled drinks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products. Beverage packaging requires carriers that ensure stability, prevent spillage, and protect products during transportation, making multi-pack solutions essential across the supply chain. High consumption rates, frequent repeat purchases, and expanding convenience store and retail presence further support this dominance. Additionally, rising demand for sustainable packaging and reusable carriers has reinforced the segment's leadership in the market.

The personal care segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the rising consumer demand for high-quality, convenient, and more attractive packaging in personal care products like shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics. Multi-pack carriers help brands bundle products efficiently for retail, gift sets, or subscription boxes, enhancing consumer convenience and purchase appeal. Rising awareness of hygiene, the popularity of self-care routines, and e-commerce growth are further driving the adoption of durable, reusable, and visually appealing carriers in this segment. Additionally, sustainable and recyclable carrier materials are becoming a key factor, attracting environmentally conscious consumers and boosting market growth.

End-User Insights

Why Did the Food Service Segment Lead the Multi-Pack Carriers Market?

The food service segment led the global market in 2025. This is mainly due to the widespread adoption of multi-pack carriers by restaurants, cafes, and catering services, who are seeking efficient solutions for safely transporting beverages, meal kits, and other food items. Innovations such as lightweight, insulated, and reusable carriers enhance portability and maintain product temperature, meeting evolving consumer expectations. The segment's growth is further supported by the expansion of online food delivery services, the increasing number of quick-service restaurant chains, and rising urbanization, all of which are driving demand for convenient, reliable, and sustainable multi-pack packaging solutions.

The retail segment is expected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years because of the increasing demand for convenient, ready-to-carry packaging for groceries, beverages, and packaged goods. Retailers are adopting multi-pack carriers to enhance the customer shopping experience, improve product handling, and reduce damage during transport. The growth of modern retail formats, e-commerce grocery platforms, and rising consumer preference for sustainable and reusable packaging solutions are further fueling the adoption of multi-pack carriers in the retail sector.

Region Insights

What Made North America the Dominant Region in the Multi-Pack Carriers Market?

North America dominated the market by capturing the largest share in 2025. The dominance of the region is driven by a high consumption of canned and bottled beverages and the introduction of sustainable secondary packaging solutions. U.S. and Canadian major brands of beverages are moving more toward paper-based and fiber-based carriers than plastic rings to comply with regulations and corporate sustainability goals. The region also benefits from strong awareness of sustainable packaging, strict environmental regulations, and innovation in lightweight, reusable, and recyclable carrier designs. Additionally, rapid urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the growing demand for convenience in on-the-go consumption have further reinforced North America's position as the leading market for multi-pack carriers.

U.S Multi-pack Carriers Market Analysis

The U.S. leads the North American market due to its large beverage production and consumption base. Beverage companies are increasingly shifting to recyclable cardboard and molded fiber carriers to meet evolving environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging. High levels of automation in bottling and canning plants facilitate the use of advanced carrier application systems, boosting efficiency and throughput. Additionally, the rise of craft breweries, functional beverages, and premium soft drinks is driving demand for customized, visually appealing, and brand-differentiated multi-pack carrier designs.

Why is Asia Pacific Considered the Fastest-Growing Market?

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing market for multi-pack carriers in the coming years due to rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing consumption of packaged beverages. Countries with high demand for carbonated drinks, bottled water, and ready-to-drink teas and coffees are driving the need for efficient multi-pack packaging solutions. Government regulations restricting single-use plastics are pushing beverage manufacturers toward paper-based and reusable carriers. Additionally, the growth of modern retail formats and e-commerce platforms is further boosting the sales of multi-pack beverage carriers across the region.

China Multi-Pack Carriers Market Analysis

The market in China is growing due to an increase in the consumption of packaged beverages and favorable policies surrounding sustainable packaging. The popularity of ready-to-drink beverages, soft drinks, and bottled water is driving the demand for convenient, safe, and durable multi-pack packaging solutions. Stricter government regulations on single-use plastics are encouraging manufacturers to adopt paper-based, molded fiber, and reusable carriers. Additionally, the growth of modern retail chains, online grocery platforms, and e-commerce is further accelerating the adoption of multi-pack carriers in China.

How is the Opportunistic Rise of Europe in the Multi-Pack Carriers Market?

Europe is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in the upcoming period, driven largely by the European Union's stringent policies on reducing plastic use, which are encouraging the replacement of plastic carriers with recyclable paper and fiber alternatives. Beverage brands are actively repackaging products to make them more sustainable while reducing material usage, aligning with eco-friendly consumer preferences. Advanced packaging technologies in the region allow manufacturers to easily integrate new carrier formats into existing production lines, supporting efficiency and scalability. Additionally, the rising demand for premium beverages, such as craft beers, functional drinks, and specialty soft drinks, is boosting the need for visually appealing and high-quality carrier solutions.

UK Multi-Pack Carriers Market Analysis

The UK multi-pack carriers market is being driven by strong sustainability initiatives and evolving retail practices. A key trend is the move toward plastic-free beverage packaging, with retailers and brands increasingly adopting paper-based and biodegradable carrier solutions. Packaging suppliers are focusing on creating lightweight yet sturdy designs that reduce material costs while ensuring safe transport and product stability. At the same time, the emphasis on branding and shelf differentiation is boosting demand for high-quality printed carriers that enhance product visibility and appeal.

Who are the Major Players in the Global Multi-pack Carriers Market?

The major players in the multi-pack carriers market include WestRock Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, Mondi Group, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Sonoco Products Company, Amcor Limited, DS Smith Plc, Huhtamaki Oyj, Stora Enso Oyj, International Paper Company, Berry Global, Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Cascades Inc., Reynolds Group Holdings Limited, Crown Holdings, Inc., Bemis Company, Inc., Coveris Holdings S.A., Uflex Ltd., AR Packaging Group AB, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Material Type

• Plastic
• Paperboard
• Metal
• Others

By Product Type

• Basket Carriers
• Handle Carriers
• Wrap Carriers
• Others

By Application

• Beverages
• Food
• Personal Care
• Others

By End-User

• Retail
• Food Service
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa