Global Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market is Segmented By End-User (Food & Beverages, Industrial Chemicals, Agrochemicals, Petroleum & Lubricants, Construction, Others), By Product (Rigid IBC, Flexible IBC), By Material (Plastic, Metal & Paperboard), By Capacity (Up To 1000 liters, 1,00o to 1500 liters, 1500-2000 liters, Above 2000 liters), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Overview
The Global Intermediate Bulk Containers Market is expected to reach at a high CAGR during the forecast period (2023-2030).
A pallet-mounted, industrial-grade reusable intermediate bulk container (IBC) transports bulk liquids and powders. Solvents, chemicals, medications, liquids, food ingredients, cereals, and other materials are transported and stored in IBCs. End-users are also focusing on IBC's because of the potential benefits of more efficient space utilization, lower labor costs, lower freight and storage expenses, and no disposal. The use of intermediate bulk containers for storage in many industries, such as pharmaceutical and chemical industries, continues to be a significant strength for intermediate Bulk Containers' growth. The aftermarket can look forward to product developments thanks to investments in producing sustainable and environmentally friendly IBCs.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Summary
Metrics |
Details |
Market CAGR |
High |
Segments Covered |
By End-User, By Product, By Material, By Capacity, and By Region |
Report Insights Covered |
Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, and Other key insights. |
Fastest Growing Region |
Asia Pacific |
Largest Market Share |
North America |
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Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Dynamics and Trends
The global intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) market is growing moderately to fast, thanks to strong demand from end-use sectors such as chemicals, food & drinks, cosmetics, and healthcare. The global intermediate bulk containers market is also expected to drive growing global trade and demand for cost-effective transportation solutions.
The emergence of IBCs as a more cost-effective bulk packaging alternative than drums has fueled the global rise of IBCs
Compared to drums, IBCs have a cheaper cost of storage and transportation of fluids. The spherical design of the drums results in a lot of wasted area, whereas IBCs make the most of the available space. When compared to drums, IBCs are easier to handle because pallets are attached to the bottom.
Furthermore, IBCs can drain fully, which is not achievable with drums. The variables add up to a 75% reduction in the cost of storing and transporting fluids when IBCs are used instead of drums.
Cross-border trade is rapidly evolving, which is driving up demand for IBCs
The volume of commerce in emerging economies is increasing dramatically. Governments in economic capitals like China and India are working on many projects to double the volume of current commerce in the next five years, which will likely increase demand for IBCs. In addition, demand for chemical and food applications has been increasing vertically in North America.
IBCs have multiple advantages, such as reusability, which leads to their widespread use by various end-users. Another consideration is that they have a low risk of contamination because they are constructed with great care and undergo frequent reconditioning. As a result, IBCs are expected to gain much traction during the predicted period.
The growth of IBCs may be hampered by raw material price volatility
Bulk container prices have risen due to increased volatility in raw material pricing and other input expenses. A lack of imports is hampering the scarcity of raw materials. When paired with delayed delivery, this aspect is driving up raw material prices and, as a result, reducing the profitability of bulk container makers.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market
While the growth estimates appear to be favorable, the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to usher in a short-term recession that will persist until 2022. Several end-use sectors suffered huge setbacks as governments globally enacted statewide lockdowns, resulting in considerable reductions in production cycles.
As a result, the packing business was also affected, with product shipments being severely hampered. It resulted in a shift in intermediate bulk container expansion to the south. Fortunately, as infection curves flatten, countries globally are loosening restrictions to restore their economies to pre-pandemic levels.
After the pandemic, the governments still impose various restrictions, such as working with half the workforce and fewer operating hours hindering the production cycle of the market. The downfall in global trade and the closing of ports for a long time have directly impacted the growth of the intermediate bulk containers. However, the market is expected to recover after the pandemic, with sectors aiming to work with higher production rates to recover from the incorporated losses.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Segmentation Analysis
The intermediate bulk containers market is broadly classified by end-user as food & beverages, industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, petroleum & lubricants, construction, etc.
Strict regulations in chemical transportation are expected to make industrial chemicals the dominant segment
The chemical sector's positive outlook is expected to support IBC packaging significantly. China, the world's most abundant chemical market, is expected to drive demand. The use of rigid IBCs to transport hazardous and valuable chemicals across long stretches of land and water without leakage is growing. These IBCs are also quickly reinforced, preventing fumes from escaping.
The United Nations (UN) has declared strict globally effective regulations when transporting hazardous chemicals. When it comes to dangerous chemicals, IBCs are frequently put under pressure. That is why, when working with chemicals, it is critical to use safe and long-lasting packaging. As a result, demand for single-use IBC rises.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Geographical Share
The strong industrial base and increasing production of food and agricultural commodities in Asia-Pacific drives the market growth
When it comes to industrial development and infrastructure growth, China will maintain a firm grip. According to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, industrial production in China will increase by 8.8 per cent between 2020 and 2021, increasing demand for FIBC during this period. China is also one of Asia's largest markets for food, chemicals and personal care products, making it a highly profitable market for intermediate bulk container manufacturers.
According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the packaged food market in India is expected to more than double by 2025, reaching nearly US$ 70 million. It will have a significant impact on the growth of the FIBC segment of the intermediate bulk container market. Furthermore, the policy change of 51% FDI investment in multi-brand retail will entice investors to enter Indian markets. It will have a significant impact on the food and agricultural services industries. India has evolved as a leading exporter of packaged food and supply to almost every part of the world due to large-scale production.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Companies and Competitive Landscape
The intermediate bulk containers market is highly competitive with the local player's presence, followed by the global companies, contributing to the major share in the market growth. In addition, some of the key players contributing to the market's growth are Grief Packaging, LLC, Mondi Group, Mauser U.S.A. LLC, Time Technoplast Ltd., Schuetz Container Systems, Synder Industries, Inc., Bulk Lift Global, LLC., Berry Plastics Corporation., Hoover Container Solutions, Inc., DS Smith Plc. and others.
The major players are adopting various new strategies to dominate the market, such as product launches, expansions, acquisitions and collaborations, contributing to the growth of the Graphene battery market globally.
Grief Packaging, LLC
Overview: Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging goods and services, intending to be the world's best customer service company in the industry. The company manufactures intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, flexible products, containerboard, uncoated and coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores and speciality goods. Greif also has wood properties in the Southeast that he manages. To serve global and regional consumers, the organization maintains key sites in over 40 countries.
Product Portfolio: It manufactures packaging intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, flexible products, containerboard, uncoated and coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores, as well as a variety of speciality goods and other services for a wide range of industries.
Key Developments: Greif, Inc. finalized its previously announced transfer of the Consumer Packaging Group to Graphic Packaging Holding Company for $85 million in cash in 2020. The transaction enabled them to de-lever their bank sheet, optimize their capital allocation strategies and refocus their operations on their core industrial franchise and strategic growth targets in intermediate bulk container manufacture, reconditioning and containerboard integration.
Why Purchase the Report?
- Visualize the intermediate bulk containers market segmentation by end-user, product, material, capacity and region, highlighting the key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities in intermediate bulk containers by analyzing trends and co-development deals.
- Excel data sheet with thousands of intermediate bulk containers market-level 4/5 segmentation data points.
- PDF report with the most relevant analysis cogently put together after exhaustive qualitative interviews and in-depth market study.
- Product mapping in excel for the key product of all major market players.
The global intermediate bulk containers market report would provide approximately 69 market data tables, 64 figures and 180 pages.
Target Audience
- Service Providers/ Buyers
- Raw Material Providers
- Transportation and Packaging Industry
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Education & Research Institutes
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
- Bulk Container Manufacturers