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Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The Intermediate Bulk Container market is experiencing growth driven by the need for lighter bulk packaging and the expansion of manufacturing and construction sectors, particularly in developing regions. The market's size is influenced by increasing industrial output across various industries, including chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals, alongside supportive government initiatives that facilitate trade. Despite challenges posed by the rising popularity of reconditioned containers, the demand for new IBCs remains strong due to significant investments, especially in the chemical industry, as it recovers from pandemic-related disruptions.

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Market Size of Intermediate Bulk Container Industry

Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Size
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
CAGR 4.10 %
Fastest Growing Market Asia-Pacific
Largest Market North America
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Key Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Intermediate Bulk Container Market Analysis

The Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market is expected to register a CAGR of 4% over the forecast period (2021 - 2026). The variability of the containers' designs and sizes at a variety of price points, makes the Intermediate Bulk Containers a widely popular shipping and storage container option in a number of industries. The COVID-19 pandemic led to lowering of GDP and the level of industrial activity in most of the countries which led to a reduction in packaging demand. However, few industrial customers started stockpiling purchases of intermediate bulk containers which led to a spike in the demand of IBCs.

  • 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 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. 

By Type
Rigid IBC
Flexible IBC
By End User
Chemical Industry
Pharmaceutical Industry
Food and Beverage Industry
Other Industries (Agriculture, Transport and logistics)
By Region
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East and Africa
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Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size Summary

The Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) market is experiencing a steady growth trajectory, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and versatile packaging solutions across various industries. The market's appeal lies in the diverse designs and sizes of IBCs, which cater to different industrial needs at various price points. Despite the initial downturn in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected global industrial activity and GDP, the market saw a resurgence as some sectors began stockpiling IBCs. The ongoing expansion of manufacturing and construction sectors, particularly in developing regions, alongside the rising industrial output in industries such as chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals, is propelling the market forward. Government initiatives promoting trade and commerce further bolster the market's growth prospects.

The Asia-Pacific region is poised to lead the market's growth, with China and Japan playing significant roles due to their robust chemical and trade industries. The demand for IBCs is also supported by the increasing use of agrochemicals in North America, which relies heavily on IBCs for safe and efficient packaging. The market is characterized by its competitive and fragmented nature, with North America holding a substantial share. Innovations such as Schoeller Allibert's ChemiFlow and Greif's GCube Connect highlight the industry's focus on enhancing safety and efficiency in chemical transportation and supply chain management. As the market continues to recover and expand, it presents lucrative opportunities for key players to capitalize on the growing demand for IBCs globally.

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Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Threat of New Entrants

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/ Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Market Drivers

      1. 1.4.1 Growing Export of Intermediate Bulk Container Packed Products

      2. 1.4.2 Growing Production of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries

    5. 1.5 Market Restraints

      1. 1.5.1 Increasing Adoption Of Reconditioned And Rebottled Intermediate Bulk Containers

      2. 1.5.2 Growing Environmental Concerns over the Use of Plastic

    6. 1.6 Assessment on the impact of COVID-19

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Type

      1. 2.1.1 Rigid IBC

      2. 2.1.2 Flexible IBC

    2. 2.2 By End User

      1. 2.2.1 Chemical Industry

      2. 2.2.2 Pharmaceutical Industry

      3. 2.2.3 Food and Beverage Industry

      4. 2.2.4 Other Industries (Agriculture, Transport and logistics)

    3. 2.3 By Region

      1. 2.3.1 North America

      2. 2.3.2 Europe

      3. 2.3.3 Asia Pacific

      4. 2.3.4 Latin America

      5. 2.3.5 Middle East and Africa

Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size FAQs

The Intermediate Bulk Container Market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.10% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

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.

Intermediate Bulk Container Market Report Snapshots

Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)