Global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market, By Capacity (Drums and IBCs), Content (Liquid, Solid, and Semi-Solid), End-Use (Chemicals, Petroleum and Lubricants, Paints, Inks and Dyes, Food and Beverages, Building and Construction, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, and Others) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Analysis and Size

Innovative applications and methodologies have emerged in the dynamic landscape of the steel drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) market. Advancements in materials, design, and manufacturing processes are enhancing durability, sustainability, and efficiency, revolutionizing storage and transport solutions for diverse industries.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market size was valued at USD 15.34 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 21.74 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.45% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. 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.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation

Market Definition

Steel drums are cylindrical containers made of steel, commonly used for storing and transporting liquids and other materials. Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are large, reusable industrial containers with capacities ranging from 200 to 1,000 liters, designed to efficiently handle and store liquids, powders, or granular substances.

Global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Demand for Food and Beverage Packaging

Steel drums and IBCs are increasingly favored for packaging in the food and beverage sector due to their durability, hygiene, and capacity to maintain product quality during storage and transportation. Their robust construction ensures product integrity, meeting industry standards while addressing the need for reliable and sanitary packaging solutions in a growing market.

• Shift Towards Flexible Packaging

Despite the trend towards flexible packaging, steel drums and IBCs retain market dominance due to their durability, security, and suitability for specific products. Industries reliant on robust containment solutions, such as chemicals and hazardous materials, continue to rely on steel drums and IBCs, maintaining their relevance amidst evolving packaging preferences, which is driving the market growth.

Opportunities

• Global Trade and Logistics

The demand for efficient packaging solutions rises to ensure secure transportation over long distances, as global trade expands. Steel drums and IBCs offer reliable options for safeguarding goods during transit, meeting the stringent requirements of modern logistics. Their durability and robustness make them essential assets in the global supply chain is expected to create an opportunity for market growth.

• Expansion of Chemical and Petrochemical Industries

The growing chemical and petrochemical sectors, especially in developing nations, propel the need for steel drums and IBCs. These robust containers are vital for safely transporting and storing various chemicals and petrochemical products. Their reliability meets the escalating demands of expanding industrial activities in emerging economies are expected to provide opportunities for market growth.

 Restraints/Challenges

• Volatility in Steel Prices

Fluctuations in steel prices, driven by global economic factors, trade policies, and supply-demand imbalances, pose a significant challenge for steel drum and IBC manufacturers. These volatile costs can impact manufacturing expenses and profit margins, requiring proactive strategies to mitigate risks and maintain competitiveness in the market.

• Shift Towards Bulk Shipping

Certain industries increasingly favor bulk shipping methods, diminishing the demand for individual containers such as steel drums and IBCs. This shift can stem from efficiency considerations and cost savings associated with handling larger quantities of materials in bulk, posing a challenge to the traditional market for smaller-scale industrial containers.

This global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, 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 global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions. Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Development

• In January 2022, Greif, Inc., a leading global supplier of industrial packaging solutions, sold its Flexible Packaging joint venture to Gulf Refined Packaging for USD 123 million. This move aims to bolster Greif's position in the steel drums and IBC market, enhancing its focus on core offerings while addressing debt obligations
• In January 2022, Greif Inc. diversified 50% of its shares through a joint venture with Gulf Refined Packaging (GRP), strategically positioning itself in the steel drums and IBC market. This move is expected to strengthen Greif's financial position and enhance its ability to serve customers while managing debt
• In April 2021, Hoover Ferguson Group inaugurated a purpose-built facility in Odessa, Texas, providing top-tier ISO tank and trailer cleaning services. With plans to integrate an IBC wash line, the facility reinforces Hoover Ferguson's presence in the steel drums and IBC market. This expansion aligns with the company's commitment to industry-leading solutions
• In November 2020, Hoover Ferguson Group launched a state-of-the-art chemical tank and tanker truck servicing facility. This development underscores Hoover Ferguson's commitment to excellence in the steel drums and IBC market, offering innovative solutions to meet evolving industry needs and standards

Global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Scope

The global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is segmented on the basis of capacity, content, and end-use. 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.

Capacity

• Drums
  • 200 Litre
  • More than 200 Litre
• IBCs
  • Up to 500 Litre
  • 501-1,000 Litre
  • 1,001-1,500 Litre
  • Above 1,500 Litre

 Content

• Liquid
• Solid
• Semi-Solid

 End-Use

• Chemicals
• Petroleum and Lubricants
• Paints
• Inks and Dyes
• Food and Beverages
• Building and Construction
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by capacity, content, and end-use as referenced above.

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

Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market, leading in both market share and revenue. This dominance is set to flourish further, driven by rising demand for industrial packaging solutions and increased chemical and steel production in advancing regional economies.

North America is estimated to show lucrative growth in the market. This is attributed to the region's diverse industries and high consumption of packaged goods. With a robust demand outlook, the market is poised for expansion, driven by industrial needs and consumer preferences.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points like down-stream and upstream 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, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Share Analysis

The global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. 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 companies' focus related to the global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market.

Some of the major players operating in the global steel drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) market are:

• Greif (U.S.)
• TPL Plastech Ltd. (India)
• Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd (India)
• Time Technoplast Ltd (India)
• Sicagen (India)
• BWAY Corporation (U.S.)
• Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA. (Germany)
• Eagle Manufacturing Company (U.S.)
• 3M (U.S)
• Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd (Australia)
• Chicago Steel Container Corporation (U.S.)
• U.S. COEXCELL Inc (U.S.)
• North Coast Container (U.S.)
• Rahway Steel Drum Company (U.S.)
• General Steel Drum LLC (U.S)