| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| CAGR | 4.10 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis
The Intermediate Bulk Container Market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.10% during the forecast period.
- The rise in the need for the reduction of the weight of bulk packaging across the globe and expansion of manufacturing and construction sectors, especially in the developing regions, are some of the factors driving the intermediate bulk container market.
- The increasing industrial output by Chemical Industry, Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Others, and other industries is driving the growth of the FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) in across the globe. Moreover, increasing government initiatives that promote easier trade and transaction of goods affects the market positively.
- However, the increasing popularity of reconditioned and rebottled intermediate bulk containers poses a challenge to the demand of newly manufactured IBCs.
- Growing investments in various industries, but predominantly the chemical industry, prove to be a major factor, which is increasing the demand for IBCs. For instance, according to an analysis by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the US chemical industry's main trade association, the chemical industry in the US is experiencing a recovery post an unusually deep but short recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intermediate Bulk Container Market Trends
The Growth Of Chemical Industry Is Expected to Boost IBC Market
- The positive outlook of the chemical sector is expected to provide significant support to the IBC packaging. The demand is estimated to be driven by China, which is the most abundant chemical market.
- Moreover, the aggressive growth of the food industry in North America has directly affected the increased use of safe agrochemicals for the production and growth of crops. This has driven the ancillary demand for agrochemical packaging by large industrial producers who are largely dependent on Intermediate Bulk Containers.
- The use of rigid IBCs is increasing to carry hazardous and precious chemicals across long stretches of land and water without leakage. These IBCs can also be easily reinforced, which prevents fumes from escaping.
- While transporting hazardous chemicals, strict regulations declared by the United Nations (UN) are effective globally. In the case of hazardous chemicals, IBCs are often put under a lot of pressure. That is why it is important to use safe and durable packaging when handling chemicals. This leads to an increase in demand for single-use IBC.
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Asia Pacific Is Expected To Experience Fastest Growth
- Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest growth rate among the other regions during the forecasted period. Therefore, the intermediate bulk container market in APAC is expected to garner significant business opportunities for the vendors.
- China was the world's leading chemical exporting country in 2019, with exports amounting to a value of USD 74 billion in 2019. According to Fuchs Petrolub, China's lubricants market amounted to some 7.3 million tons, making it the world's largest lubricant-demanding country in 2019.
- Moreover, Japan is the world's 4th largest importer & exporter of goods, and foreign trade accounts for 36.8% of the country's GDP. The country mainly exports motor vehicles (13.9%), auto parts and accessories (4.6%), electronic integrated circuits and microassemblies (3.9%), ships and boats (1.9%), and petroleum oils (1.6%). The country's main partners are China, the US, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. The growth of such industries and booming trade have driven the demand for IBC's.
- The governments of China and India imposed strict lockdowns during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. This eliminated production for nearly 3 months and created a significant backlog of orders. However, with conditions improving, the economy is under-recovery, and production has increased in most APAC countries. This has provided a market opportunity for the IBC players to provide on-demand IBCs.
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Intermediate Bulk Container Industry Overview
The market for intermediate bulk containers is competitive and fragmented with North America occupying a major share in the global market. Moreover, the market players are anticipating lucrative growth opportunities in the future with the rising demand for the intermediate bulk container in the global market.
- November 2020- Schoeller Allibert, a European player in the production of recyclable, reusable and returnable plastic packaging solutions, launch of ChemiFlow, a UN approved Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) designed to safely transport hazardous and highly corrosive chemicals. This has affirmed the company's commitment to the chemical manufacturing and distribution market.
- September 2020- Greif launched real time tracking technology, GCube Connect, for composite Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) in its drive to help customers increase performance, reduce costs and improve their carbon footprint. GCUBE Connect helps improve visibility across the entire supply chain with the help of Internet of Things and allows customers to receive live data about their product allowing them to increase sales, reduce freight costs, optimize production planning and automate procurement and sales processes
Intermediate Bulk Container Market Leaders
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Greif Inc.
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Berry Global Group Inc.
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Bulk Lift International LLC
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DS Smith Plc
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Global-Pak LLC
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Intermediate Bulk Container Market News
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Intermediate Bulk Container Industry Segmentation
The Intermediate Bulk Container Market typically comprises of rigit and flexible bulk containers typically made up of polymers, plastic composits or metals. These are used mainly for storage and transport of materials or finished goods in various industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, among others.
The Report Includes Global Intermediate Bulk Container Suppliers and the Market is segmented by Type (Rigid and Flexible), End User(Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverage, Others) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD ) for all the above segments.
| By Type | Rigid IBC |
| Flexible IBC | |
| By End User | Chemical Industry |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | |
| Food and Beverage Industry | |
| Other Industries (Agriculture, Transport and logistics) | |
| By Geography*** | North America |
| Europe | |
| Asia | |
| Australia and New Zealand | |
| Latin America | |
| Middle East and Africa |
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Intermediate Bulk Container Market Research Faqs
What is the current Intermediate Bulk Container Market size?
The Intermediate Bulk Container Market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.10% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Intermediate Bulk Container Market?
Greif Inc., Berry Global Group Inc., Bulk Lift International LLC, DS Smith Plc and Global-Pak LLC are the major companies operating in the Intermediate Bulk Container Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Intermediate Bulk Container Market?
Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Intermediate Bulk Container Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Intermediate Bulk Container Market.
What years does this Intermediate Bulk Container Market cover?
The report covers the Intermediate Bulk Container Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Intermediate Bulk Container Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
