From the goods we ship to the food we eat, containers are essential to U.S. manufacturing and economy. Whether it’s corrugated boxes, steel cargo bins, plastic drums, or specialized bioprocessing containers, these products enable safe transport, storage, and delivery across nearly every sector of industry. As global supply chains evolve and sustainability becomes a business priority, container manufacturers are adapting to meet the demand for durable, efficient, and eco-conscious solutions.
According to data compiled by MNI, there are over 700 container manufacturers and suppliers in the United States, employing nearly 100,000 workers nationwide. The industry is characterized by its diversity, spanning flexible packaging, rigid plastics, corrugated paper, and heavy-duty metal fabrication.
Key Facts on the U.S. Container Industry
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustryNet, surveyed the nation’s more than 700 container companies, directly collecting key data points on this essential industry.
• There are currently 739 container suppliers in the U.S.
• 98,082 workers are employed in the sector nationwide.
• Average reported sales for America’s container suppliers stands at $47 billion
• 30% of U.S. container companies distribute internationally, while 12% import raw materials.
• 22% of U.S. container suppliers are publicly-owned.
• The largest share of container companies are situated in the U.S. South, at 34%, followed by the Midwest with 33%.
Key Trends in the U.S. Container Industry
The container sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by changes in logistics, materials, and sustainability.
1. Sustainable and Reusable Packaging
Manufacturers are shifting toward recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable materials as companies across the supply chain aim to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Demand for aluminum, recycled plastics, and fiber-based packaging has surged—particularly from food, consumer goods, and e-commerce sectors.
2. Domestic Reshoring and Supply Chain Resilience
After years of dependence on imported packaging materials, many U.S. companies are investing in domestic manufacturing capacity. This shift helps reduce shipping costs, improve quality control, and insulate operations from overseas disruptions.
3. Smart and Connected Containers
Industrial and logistics companies are increasingly adopting containers embedded with RFID tags, IoT sensors, and GPS systems for real-time tracking. These technologies enable improved fleet visibility, predictive maintenance, and more efficient inventory management.
4. Diversification of Materials and Applications
Beyond traditional paper and plastic, container manufacturers are developing hybrid materials and advanced composites. Corrugated containers continue to dominate the packaging market, while aluminum and steel containers are expanding their role in heavy industry, energy, and offshore applications.
5. Growth in E-Commerce and Fulfillment Packaging
The rise of e-commerce continues to fuel strong demand for corrugated containers and specialty packaging that can withstand long-distance shipping while reducing weight and material costs.
What the Container Industry Includes
The container industry encompasses a wide range of products designed for protection, transport, and storage. These include:
• Industrial Containers: Steel and aluminum tanks, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), drums, and offshore cargo units.
• Packaging Containers: Corrugated boxes, fiberboard cartons, and composite packaging used in retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
• Plastic Containers: Injection- and blow-molded bottles, tubs, and bins used in food, chemical, and industrial applications.
• Specialized Containers: Hazardous material containers, insulated and refrigerated storage units, and bio-process containers for pharmaceutical use.
Together, these sectors serve industries as diverse as logistics, construction, food production, and biomanufacturing, providing the infrastructure for a global economy built on movement and efficiency.
Largest Container Manufacturers in the U.S.
The U.S. container industry is anchored by several major manufacturers known for their scale, material expertise, and innovation. These companies operate across plastics, paper, metal, and advanced composites, supplying key sectors from pharmaceuticals to logistics. Here are the top 10 manufacturers by number of employees.
| Company | City | State | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | Lebanon | TN | 28,000 |
| International Paper Co. | Memphis | TN | 2,430 |
| Amcor Flexible Products, LLC | Evansville | IN | 2,000 |
| Airlite Plastics Co. | Omaha | NE | 1,050 |
| Dart Container Corp. Of Leola | Leola | PA | 1,000 |
| Dart Container Corp. Of Texas | Waxahachie | TX | 1,000 |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC | Winchester | VA | 1,000 |
| Newell Brands | Mogadore | OH | 925 |
| Handi-Foil Corp. | Wheeling | IL | 800 |
| Amcor Flexibles, LLC | Lawrence | KS | 770 |
About the Largest Container Manufacturers
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Lebanon, TN) – With 28,000 employees, Thermo Fisher is a leader in bioprocessing containers, producing single-use flexible film systems and assemblies used throughout the biopharmaceutical supply chain.
International Paper Co. (Memphis, TN) – One of the world’s largest paper and packaging manufacturers, International Paper produces corrugated and fiber-based containers that support e-commerce, retail, and industrial clients across the globe.
Amcor Flexible Products, LLC (Evansville, IN) – A major global producer of plastic containers and packaging, Amcor provides lightweight, recyclable solutions for food, beverage, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Airlite Plastics Co. (Omaha, NE) – Specializing in printed and in-mold labeled plastic containers, Airlite also manufactures insulated concrete forms and cold chain packaging under brands such as Fox Blocks and Arctic Fox.
Dart Container Corp. (Leola, PA & Waxahachie, TX) – Known for its disposable foam and plastic food containers, Dart serves the foodservice and retail markets with a broad range of cups, plates, and lids.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (Winchester, VA) – A division of Newell Brands, Rubbermaid produces durable plastic waste, recycling, and storage containers for industrial and commercial use.
Handi-Foil Corp. (Wheeling, IL) – A family-owned manufacturer of aluminum foil cooking containers, Handi-Foil’s Eco-Foil® line emphasizes recyclable, consumer-safe packaging for food preparation and storage.
Amcor Flexibles, LLC (Lawrence, KS) – Producing plastic containers, lids, and film products for industrial packaging applications, Amcor Flexibles is known for its ISO-certified production and innovative lightweighting technologies.
IndustryNet’s Top Container Suppliers
Beyond the large manufacturers, hundreds of specialized U.S. companies supply containers to sectors ranging from food and agriculture to automotive, aerospace, and waste management. IndustryNet’s verified suppliers represent this diverse field—spanning corrugated, metal, and plastic solutions.
Powell Systems, Inc. (Fowler, IN) – Operating since 1920, Powell Systems designs and builds corrugated steel containers, skids, and pallets for the automotive and foundry industries.
Commercial-Wagner, Inc. (Baltimore, MD) – A supplier of corrugated containers, displays, and contract packaging solutions, supporting retail and promotional packaging needs.
Smurfit Westrock (Adams, WI) – Part of one of the world’s leading paper packaging groups, Smurfit Westrock provides corrugated boxes and display systems for consumer goods and industrial customers.
Green Bay Packaging, Inc. (Wausau, WI) – A family-owned packaging leader known for corrugated containers, retail displays, and sustainable packaging solutions.
Liberty Packaging, Inc. (Haltom City, TX) – Produces corrugated and foam packaging materials tailored for shipping, storage, and industrial protection.
Precision Concepts International (Miami, FL) – Manufactures high-quality plastic containers and packaging products for diverse markets, emphasizing precision molding and custom design.
A-1 Mobile Storage Service, LLC (Delhi, IA) – Provides metal storage containers and prefabricated mobile offices, offering both rental and custom fabrication options.
Apex Plastics (Brookfield, MO) – A blow molding specialist producing plastic containers, bottles, and canisters from 2 to 128 ounces for food, beverage, and industrial applications.
CKS Packaging, Inc. (Haw River, NC) – A nationwide manufacturer of plastic containers, offering design, molding, and logistics services across multiple industries.
Midland Mfg. Co., Inc. (Monroe, IA) – Produces blow-molded plastic containers and packaging components for industrial use.
Minnesota Corrugated Box, Inc. (Albert Lea, MN) – Supplies corrugated packaging, boxes, and point-of-purchase displays for consumer and industrial markets.
Packaging Corporation of America (Salt Lake City, UT) – One of North America’s largest producers of corrugated containers and packaging solutions.
Parker Plastics, Inc. (Sand Springs, OK) – Specializes in custom blow-molded containers and packaging solutions for food, healthcare, and industrial applications.
The Royal Group (Cicero, IL) – A major U.S. producer of retail display and packaging products, serving clients in food, beverage, and consumer goods.
Chemical Distributors, Inc. (Portland, OR)--Portland-based Chemical Distributors, Inc. supplies containers and packaging geared for chemical handling and storage, alongside related distribution services. The company supports industrial and commercial customers that require compliant, durable packaging for liquids and bulk materials.
P & W Industries, L.L.C. (Mandeville, LA)--P & W Industries buys scrap metal and sells used and surplus steel, pipe, bollards, and covers, with on-site concrete recycling and crushing for road-base material. The company serves contractors and industrial clients seeking cost-effective materials, recycling services, and site-ready aggregates.
Par Kan Co., LLC (Lincoln, NE)--Par Kan distributes metal and poly containers for storage and material handling applications. Their offering spans durable bins and carts suited to manufacturing, warehousing, and facility operations.
Seafood Packaging, Inc. (New Orleans, LA)--Seafood Packaging provides complete packaging products for the Gulf Coast seafood sector, from containers and liners to shipping supplies. The company focuses on cold-chain-ready, food-safe solutions that help processors and distributors protect product quality in transit.
Conclusion
From corrugated packaging to precision-molded plastics and steel bulk containers, the U.S. container industry is fundamental to manufacturing, logistics, and trade. As companies embrace smarter technologies and sustainable materials, domestic suppliers continue to expand capabilities and production capacity to meet growing global demand.
For those sourcing containers or packaging solutions, IndustryNet offers a verified directory of thousands of U.S. container manufacturers and distributors—making it easier than ever to find reliable partners that meet your exact specifications.
See all 730+ container suppliers here.
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About This Data
MNI collects detailed information firsthand, making direct contact with each industrial company in the U.S to verify multiple data points about their business. While this data is used to power a variety of industrial solutions, it also yields key insights and statistics as a natural outcome of our hand-verified collection process.
This data forms the informational engine behind IndustrySelect, which offers real-time access to detailed company and executive profiles for sales, marketing, recruiting, and research. MNI data also powers IndustryNet, an industrial sourcing platform that connects buyers with industrial suppliers across thousands of product categories. Both platforms are designed to help professionals find accurate, up-to-date information for sales and business development, prospecting, and procurement.
