Global Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030

Global Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market, By Product (RIBCs (Rigid Intermediate Bulk Containers), FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), Grade (Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Food Grade), Material (Plastic, Metal), End-User (Food and Beverage, Agriculture, Chemicals, Oil and Gas, Paints, Inks and Dyes, Pharmaceuticals, Textile, Building and Construction, Others) – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Analysis and Size

The intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is propelled by a confluence of factors driving efficiency, sustainability, and compliance. As industries increasingly globalize their supply chains, the standardized design and cost-effectiveness of IBCs position them as preferred solutions for transporting and storing bulk liquids and powders. Emphasis on environmental sustainability favors the reusable and recyclable nature of IBCs, aligning with industries green initiatives. Regulatory compliance, particularly in the transportation of hazardous materials and food products, further amplifies the demand for IBCs that meet stringent safety and hygiene standards.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market which was USD 22.08 billion in 2022, will reach USD 32.87 billion by 2030, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period. “RIBCs” dominates the product segment of the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market as IBCs are a very cost effective way to safely move a variety of products from point A to point B. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Scope and Segmentation

Market Definition

Intermediate bulk containers are industrial-grade containers with closed shipping vessels with a liquid capacity from 119 to 793 gallons. They are projected for transporting and storing liquids defined in the U.S. and code of federal regulations recommendations on the transport of hazardous goods, which include flammable and combustible liquids. IBCs can be manufactured by plastic, metal or a composite of materials. Composite IBCs are normally a combination of blow-moulded plastic containers in a plastic cage or a metal cage in a corrugated box.

Global Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Demand in Industrial Packaging and Storage Market

The rising storage and industrial packaging storage market due to a growth in international trade and the rising demand for lucrative bulk packaging has raised the demand for IBC (intermediate bulk containers) market globally. The factors such as the production and financial benefits expanded from renting IBCs include capital savings and rental tax with improved inventory management are expected to enhancing the growth of the IBC (intermediate bulk containers) market.

•  High Demand in Food Industry

Intermediate bulk container is mostly used in the food industry to store powdered ingredients, such as flour or dispense liquids, such as syrups or beverages. The large number of food-grade IBCs are made up of stainless steel, because it is easily clean and normally meets with food safety standards due to this increase the demand of Intermediate bulk container which are expected to drive the market growth rate.

Opportunities

• Rising Demand in Various Industries

The surge in demand for safe chemical storage and transportation provides a substantial growth opportunity for IBCs. IBCs are widely used in the chemical industry for storing and transporting various types of chemicals. Their robust construction and compatibility with a range of chemical substances make them a preferred choice. In the food and beverage sector, IBCs are utilized for the storage and transportation of liquid and bulk products such as juices, syrups, edible oils, and more. The food-grade materials used in IBC construction ensure product safety.

• Advancements in Material Technology

Ongoing development of innovative materials, such as lightweight and durable composites, can significantly improve the performance and longevity of IBCs. Traditional IBCs have often been made of HDPE due to its durability and chemical resistance. Advancements in HDPE technology have further improved its strength, impact resistance, and resistance to UV degradation. This ensures a longer lifespan and better performance in challenging environments.

Restraints/Challenges

• High Initial Investment

The upfront cost of acquiring IBCs may be a barrier, particularly for smaller enterprises, and requires careful consideration. High-quality materials such as advanced polymers, stainless steel, or composite materials contribute to the durability and performance of IBCs. These materials are often more expensive than standard options but offer better resistance to chemicals, impacts, and environmental conditions. Advanced manufacturing processes, such as blow molding, rotational molding, or specialized welding techniques for stainless steel IBCs, can increase production costs. Precision and quality control measures during manufacturing contribute to the overall cost of producing reliable and safe IBCs.

• Global Economic Uncertainties

Economic fluctuations and uncertainties can impact the demand for IBCs, particularly in industries sensitive to economic conditions, necessitating adaptive strategies.Adhering to manufacturer guidelines and working with experienced HVAC professionals can provide valuable insights and ensure proper maintenance practices are followed. Also, the lack of favorable reimbursement scenarios and technology penetration in the developing economies, heavy custom duty imposed on medical devices, and lack of suitable infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries are projected to challenge the market in the forecast period of 2023 to 2030.

This intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, the impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you make an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, Mauser Packaging Solutions announced the receiving of UN certification for the composite intermediate bulk container manufactured from post-consumer resin
• In July 2021, SCHÄFER Container Systems initiated a partnership with promitec for serving customers in the Czech Republic andSlovakia and they will be pooling the efforts towards process development and optimization of the agitating task

Global Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Scope

The intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market is segmented on the basis of product, grade, material, and end-user. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Product

• RIBCs (Rigid Intermediate Bulk Containers)
• FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers)

Grade

• Type A
• Type B
• Type C
• Type D
• Food Grade

Material

• Plastic
• Metal

 End-User

• Food and Beverage
• Agriculture
• Chemicals
• Oil and Gas
• Paints
• Inks and Dyes
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textile
• Building and Construction
• Others

Global Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The global Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market is analyzed and market size insights and trends are provided by product, grade, material, and end-user as referenced above.

The countries covered in the Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa

Europe dominates the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market this is due to the rising demand for intermediate bulk containers (IBC) in this region.

North America is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030 due to rise in the industrial packaging market and an increase the investments in the chemical industry in this region.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and up-stream value chain analysis, technical trends, and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, the impact of domestic tariffs, and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Market Share Analysis

The intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market competitive landscape provides details by competitors. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width, and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the company's focus related to the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market.

Some of the major players operating in the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) market are:

• Amcor Plc (Switzerland)
• LC Packaging (Ireland)
• ILC Dover LP (U.S.)
• Brambles Ltd (Australia)
• Arena Products Inc, (U.S.)
• Qingdao LAF Packaging Co., Ltd. (China)
• CDF Corporation (U.S.)
• Nittel (Germany)
• Qbig Packaging (Netherlands)
• Zasfa Composite Containers Pvt Ltd (India)
• Peak Liquid Packaging (U.S.)
•  TPS Rental Systems Ltd IBC Containers (U.K.)
•  HOYER GmbH (Germany)
• Arlington Packaging (Rental) Limited (U.K.)
•  CHEP (Australiaa)
•  Berry Global Inc. (U.S.)
•  Bulk Lift International, LLC (U.S.)
•  Conitex Sonoco (U.S.)
• Greif (U.S.)
• Mondi (U.K.)
• BWAY Corporation (U.S.)