Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Forecast 2035
According to the report, the global intermediate bulk container market is likely to grow from USD 12.8 Billion in 2025 to USD 22.4 Billion in 2035 at a highest CAGR of 5.2% during the time period. Global intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is undergoing a remarkable development owing to the growing need of cost effective, safe and sustainable packaging solutions in various industries. The modern development of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries is also one of the key causes of expansion because IBCs are chosen to transport the hazardous and non-hazardous liquids as they are more durable and leak-resistant and meet the global safety standards. Adoption is further accelerated by the increased international trading of bulk liquids in the form of foodstuffs, beverages, and petroleum derivatives since IBCs have lowered the risk of spillage and enhanced handling efficiency. Moreover, sustainability is becoming a trend in industries requiring use of reusable and recyclable containers, which will result in less waste and lower transportation expenses. As an example, the food and beverage industry is moving more to the use of IBCs to store edible oils and syrups in order to reduce losses. Together with increased e-commerce logistics and the need to have flexibility in supply chains, the factors are greatly contributing to market growth across the world
“Key Driver, Restraint, and Growth Opportunity Shaping the Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market
The factors that have been spurring the global intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is the rising automation of logistics and warehousing. The IBCs completely fit in automatized handlers like forklifts and pallet conveyors, which mean that they can be loaded and unloaded more quickly, and that they do not depend on labor as much as on supply chain efficiency in the industry of chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals.
The limitation is the oscillating price of raw materials, especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and steel that are used in the manufacture of IBC. Unstable prices of crude oil directly hit the cost of polymer; therefore, prices are volatile and producers and purchasers may find it difficult to predict long-term procurement budgets.
The opportunities are the development of renewable energy and biofuel business, where it is necessary to have safe and efficient transportation of large volumes of liquid. IBCs provide a perfect solution to bulk storage and transport of bioethanol and bio-diesel and other green fuels, creating new opportunities to advance as the move toward global sustainability gains steam.
Expansion of Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market
“Expansion of the Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Driven by Industrialization, Cross-Border Trade, and Sustainability Trends”
- The global intermediate bulk container (IBC) market is growing at an impressive rate are the fast industrialization and urbanization, especially in the emerging economies. Paints and other construction materials, to which industries place more preference in the use of IBCs, are characterized by high storage capacity and the capability to simplify bulk handling. As an example, in the thriving construction industry in Asia, where a large storing requirements are being put on IBCs, the storing of adhesives, sealants and raw materials is growing by the double digits, improving on the overall market penetration.
- Increase in the cross-border trade of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food-grade liquids where efficiency and safety is at the forefront. IBCs offer superior use of cube in shipping and a lower cost of transport per liter than drums. This has propelled multinational players such as Mauser Packaging and Schutz GmbH to increase global footprints and invest in supply chain alliances that will allow them to be adopted in more regions.
- The IBC market is also growing through sustainability and cyclic economy projects. The growing number of regulations concerning single-use plastics are driving industries toward reusable and recyclable packaging. Firms are implementing reconditioning on the IBCs, which increase the life of the IBC and minimizes waste and cost. An example is that reconditioned IBCs are becoming popular in Europe as the environmental policies there strongly support the use of reusable industrial packaging solutions.
Regional Analysis of Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market
- North America has the biggest demand of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) because the region is home to the largest chemical, pharmaceutical and food processing plants requiring safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant bulk packaging solutions. The U.S. itself makes up more than 15 percent of the worldwide chemical output and this generates a large customer base in the storage and transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids using IBCs. Also, the OSHA and EPA rules on the safe usage of chemicals and liquids strain manufacturers to use high quality, certified IBCs, giving market demand an additional push. Schutz USA and Mauser Packaging are the leading companies that control the market with their durable and reusable containers aligned to the North American safety standards.
- Asia Pacific is expected to experience the greatest expansion in the IBC market because of the fast industrialization, urbanization, and growth in manufacturing industries in China, India, and Southeast Asia. The increase in the production in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries is leading to the uptake of IBCs in bulk transportation and storage. An example is that the export of chemicals in India is expected to exceed USD 35 billion by 2025, which would necessitate the need to develop effective packaging systems. Combined with the incentives provided by the government to adopt sustainable packaging and invest in modern logistic infrastructure, these have made Asia Pacific the fastest growing region in the market of IBCs.
Prominent players operating in the global intermediate bulk container market are Bramlage GmbH, CESA S.p.A., Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, Crosado Packaging GmbH, Emton Packaging Solutions, FIBCs Inc., Greif, Inc., Henshaw Tank & Equipment Co., Hoover Ferguson Group, Hoover Ferguson U.S.A., Inc., Infinite Solutions UK Ltd, Korsini Group, Mauser Germany GmbH, Mauser Packaging Solutions, Nefab AB, Peerless Packaging International, ReFood Technologies GmbH, SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA, W&P Group, Wefco Packaging, Inc., and Other Key Players.
The global intermediate bulk container market has been segmented as follows:
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by Material Type
- Plastic
- Metal
- Stainless Steel
- Carbon Steel
- Others
- Composite (Plastic + Metal Frames)
- Fiberboard / Paperboard
- Others
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by Product Type
- Rigid IBCs
- Flexible IBCs (FIBCs or Bulk Bags)
- Foldable/Collapsible IBCs
- Others
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by Capacity
- Up to 500 Liters
- 501 to 1,000 Liters
- 1,001 to 1,500 Liters
- Above 1,500 Liters
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by Design
- Caged IBCs
- Bottled IBCs
- Baffled IBCs
- Valve-Fitted IBCs
- Open Top/Closed Top
- Others
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by Content Type
- Liquids
- Semi-Solids
- Solids (Granules, Powders)
- Others
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by End Use Industry
- Automotive
- Aerospace & Defense
- Industrial Machinery
- Construction
- Electronics
- Consumer Goods
- Healthcare & Medical Devices
- Others
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by Distribution Channel
- Direct Sales (OEMs and Integrators)
- Distributors & Dealers
- E-commerce Channels
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis, by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East
- Africa
- South America
About Us
MarketGenics is a global market research and management consulting company empowering decision makers from startups, Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, universities and government institutions. Our main goal is to assist and partner organizations to make lasting strategic improvements and realize growth targets. Our industry research reports are designed to provide granular quantitative information, combined with key industry insights, aimed at assisting sustainable organizational development.
We serve clients on every aspect of strategy, including product development, application modeling, exploring new markets and tapping into niche growth opportunities.
Contact Us
USA Address:
800 N King Street Suite 304 #4208 Wilmington, DE 19801 United States.
+1(302)303-2617
info@marketgenics.co
India Address:
3rd floor, Indeco Equinox, Baner Road, Baner, Pune, Maharashtra 411045 India.
sales@marketgenics.co