The Folding IBC market size is estimated to be worth USD 814.2 million in 2025 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 1,228.60 million by 2035. Sales is projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period between 2025 and 2035. The revenue generated by Folding IBC in 2024 was USD 770.2 million.
The chemical industry extensively uses folding IBCs and is projected to account for over 34.6% of the Folding IBC market by 2035. It demands safe, efficient, and sustainable packaging solutions, with the versatility of chemicals across various applications driving the preference for IBCs. Advancements in technology, such as real-time tracking and improved designs, further increase their adoption within the industry.
Folding IBC Industry Forecast
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2024 | USD 770.2 million |
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 814.2 million |
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 1,228.60 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.4% |
In the capacity segment, Folding IBC solutions with a capacity of 251 to 750 ml are likely to account for over 43% of the market share over the forecast period. The most widely used in the Folding IBC market, the capacity range 251 to 750 ml can be utilized for an array of products, from beverages to sauces, etc. It balances optimal size, cost-effectiveness, and consumer demand, thereby making it appropriate for both premium and mass-market items.
The Folding IBC market will grow with profitable prospects in the forecast period, as it is expected to offer an incremental opportunity of USD 4.8 million and will increase 1.4 times the existing value by 2035.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global Folding IBC market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2025 to 2035.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 5.3% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 5.5% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 5.0% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 5.8% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 5.3%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 5.5% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 5.0% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 5.8% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 30 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 30 BPS.
Technological Advancement Boost the Demand for IBCs
The adoption of RFID and barcoding technology is a significant contributor to the increase of the intermediate bulk containers in the manufacture and use of chemicals in verified industries in terms of more improvement in track and trace through the uses supply chain.
The technology would achieve more accuracy in inventory management and traceability, allowing live monitoring of IBC locations and their status. Increased visibility would reduce losses, and efficiency improvements, and possibly make operations much easier, thus improving IBCs' attractiveness among companies' eyes for supply chain management.
Food Industry Accelerate the Growth of Market
Now, for most industries, including food, folding IBCs are very much preferred because their uses can be contrasted by efficient safe and sustainable packaging solutions. As food production and distribution continue to broaden its dimensions, limitations imposed on the spaces taken up by containers that can be stacked and that reduce transportation costs and optimize the supply chain become necessary.
Further, the need for adherence to hygiene and safety constraints for the industry would not spare it from the need to install IBCs that can store or transport different types of food products, including liquid, as well as bulk ingredients.
The main advantage of folding is the opportunity to save space on return logistics through the undesirable already collapsed containers. Not only does it affect shipping costs but also, in an indirect way, it significantly lowers the carbon footprint due to the mode of transportation
Lack of Awareness of Using IBCs Restrain the Market
Lesser awareness regarding the merits of folding Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) is likely to act as the deciding factor against the increased growth of their market. Many of such potential customers may not even know the benefits of using folding IBCs, such as space-saving arrangement, reduced cost during transporting, and easy handling, when empty.
This absence of knowledge creates hesitation in the adoption of such solutions, as for most businesses, inherited packaging remains the preferred option compared to new types and designs for packaging. Much effective marketing and educational activities to ensure that the unique features and advantages of folding IBCs do not lose potential customers to traditional containers would not last for long.
Hence, the market for folding IBCs would possibly remain ill-developed because of limited penetration into diverse industries. Marketers should concentrate on investing in campaigns, providing educational content and demonstrating the folding IBC clear value propositions to try to overcome this hurdle
The global Folding IBC market recorded a CAGR of 4.2% during the historical period between 2020 and 2024. Market growth of Folding IBC was positive as it reached a value of USD 770.2 million in 2024 from USD 616.3 million in 2020.
The Folding IBC market was witnessing steady growth between 2020 and 2024 due to the continuously increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging. Sustainability attributes such as recyclable content it also provides safe, effective packaging so attract the consumers easily.
In the assessment period, global demand for Folding IBC is expected to grow strongly. The drivers for this are mainly sustainability regulations, technological advancement and boost the demand for various industries like chemical.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders with significant market share in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio.
These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include Schoeller Allibert Group B.V., Greif, TranPak Inc among others.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge.
These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Ac Buckhorn LLC, Finncont Oy, A. R. Arena Products Inc,TPS Rental Systems Ltd, RPP Containers.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
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The section below covers the future forecast for the Folding IBC market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided.
Canada is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America, with a CAGR of 3.8% through 2035. In Europe, Spain is projected to witness a CAGR 3.5% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.4% |
| Germany | 3.7% |
| China | 5.1% |
| UK | 3.1% |
| Spain | 3.5% |
| India | 5.9% |
| Canada | 3.8% |
The country is anticipated to record a CAGR of 3.4% during the evaluation period.
The IBCs are greatly influenced in the United States by the chemistry industry because they require safe, effective, and sustainable packaging. With increasing production levels, tougher safety regulations escalate the need for strong IBCs that could sustain hazardous materials and work efficiently. Usage of IBCs would be further encouraged by the ability to store and transport much larger volumes of liquids, especially chemicals, while enabling compliance with safety standards.
Furthermore, their versatility in usage for several chemical products leads them to increased preference for IBCs in the chemical sector due to advancements in technology like real-time tracking and improved design. As companies strain to make supply chains tighter while lowering costs, the inevitable demands of IBCs will be realized in the extent to which they play critical roles in the efficient handling of chemical products.
The country is anticipated to record a CAGR of 5.1% during the evaluation period.
China's pace of Industrialization and its booming making sector generate demand for efficient bulk transport solutions, including the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) packaging. The burgeoning prospects in Chinese industries today are pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food and there would soon be a pressing requisition of IBCs that would require heavy-duty, reliable packaging solutions.
The production and export promotion initiatives of the government then thrust to bother the increased growth trend in IBC demand as the rise of e-commerce further drives companies to seek effective facilities that help store and transport brimming quantities.
As a result of all these reasons, coupled with the pressure of sustainability and global compliance, developments in designs and materials have occurred, putting China at the forefront of the annual international global IBC packaging market.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of capacity, 251-750 ml capacity is estimated to account for a share of 43.2% by 2035. By packaging formats, bottles are projected to dominate by holding a share of 73.6% by the end 2035.
| Capacity | 501 to 1000 litres |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2035) | 47.1% |
Among multiple capacity ranges, 501 to 1000 liters is expected to lead the capacity segment in the Folding IBC market and attain a market share of 47.1% during the forecast period.
Industries increasingly adopt Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) with capacities ranging from 501 to 1000 liters due to their optimal size for bulk storage and transportation.
These containers provide sufficient capacity to store and transport significant volumes of liquids or granulated materials while remaining easy to handle and transport. Businesses prioritize these IBCs to achieve efficient logistics without the additional weight or volume of larger containers.
Industries such as Chemicals, Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, and Agriculture utilize this capacity range to meet their need for precise quantities in producing final products. Companies streamline their supply chains by incorporating these IBCs, simplifying loading and unloading processes, and minimizing the frequency of refills or shipments.
| Material Format | Plastic Folding IBCs |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2035) | 74.8% |
Plastic Folding IBCs among other packaging formats are estimated to lead the Folding IBC market share of 74.8% till 2035.
The market increasingly favors bottles over jars in the Folding IBC segment due to their superior functionality and ability to accommodate a broader range of products, especially beverages. Industries adopt folding plastic IBCs for their space-saving design, as these containers fold flat when empty, optimizing storage.
Businesses value their lightweight, durable, and easy-to-handle features, making them suitable for transporting liquids across various sectors. Companies utilize their stackable design to maximize shipment capacity and significantly lower shipping costs.
Manufacturers construct plastic folding IBCs using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which provides excellent chemical resistance and ensures safe storage for products ranging from food to pharmaceuticals. Businesses prioritize these IBCs for their reusability and recyclability, which align with sustainability goals and reduce ecological footprints.
Industries with strict hygiene requirements benefit from their easy-to-clean and sterilize design. By offering cost-effectiveness, versatility, and eco-friendly advantages, plastic folding IBCs support modern logistics and supply chain management effectively.
Key players of Folding IBCs packaging industry are developing and launching new products in the market. They are integrating with different firms and extending their geographical presence. Few of them are also collaborating with local brands and start-up companies for new product development.
Key Developments in Folding IBC Market
In terms of material, the Folding IBC market is divided into plastic folding IBCs and metal folding IBCs
In terms of capacity, the Folding IBC market is segmented into Up to 500 L, 501 to 1000 L, 1,001 to 1,500 L
The Folding IBC market includes chemicals, Petrochemical Products, Paints, Inks, & Dye, Food & Beverage, Automotive & Mechanical Parts, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Others
Packaging content of folding IBC include Liquid, Solid & Semisolid
Key countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa are covered.
The Folding IBC industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.4% between 2025 and 2035.
The global Folding IBC industry stood at USD 770.2 million in 2024.
Global Folding IBC industry is anticipated to reach USD 1,228.60 million by 2035 end.
South Asia & Pacific is set to record a CAGR of 6.7% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the Folding IBC industry are Schoeller Allibert Group B.V., Greif, TranPak Inc among others.
| Market Size in 2024 | USD 25.5 billion |
|---|---|
| Market Value in 2034 | USD 43.8 billion |
| Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.5% |
| Market Value for 2024 | USD 20.2 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Value for 2034 | USD 29.3 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.80% |
| Market Size, 2023 | USD 5.9 billion |
|---|---|
| Market Size, 2033 | USD 9.5 billion |
| Value-based CAGR from 2023 to 2033 | 4.9% |
| Market Size Value (2023) | USD 891 million |
|---|---|
| Market Size Value (2033) | USD 1,403.6 million |
| Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.6% |
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Folding IBC Market
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