Sales and consumption of intermediate bulk container (IBC) is estimated to be worth USD 27.1 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 46.3 billion by 2035. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period between 2025 and 2035. The revenue generated by intermediate bulk container (IBC) in 2024 was USD 25.7 billion.
Intermediate bulk container is growing strongly in the chemical and fertilizer industry. Chemical and fertilizer market will capture over 41.2% of market share by 2035. It requires large quantities of chemicals and raw materials for transportation, which means bulk packaging is required.
FIBCs are suitable in this respect because of their strength, durability, and heavier loading capacity. Chemicals and fertilizers are mostly sold in powdered granules or sometimes in liquid form, hence very convenient to store and carry in FIBCs.
Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Industry Forecast
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2024 | USD 25.7 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 27.1 billion |
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 46.3 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.5% |
In the content segment, over the forecast period, Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) solutions in liquids are expected to achieve a market share of more than 65.3%. The liquid segment dominates the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) market because liquids are widely used across various industries, including chemicals, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
IBCs offer a safe, durable, and efficient way to transport and store large volumes of liquid products. Their leak-proof design and stackability make them ideal for handling different types of liquids, including hazardous chemicals and food-grade liquids.
The market of intermediate bulk container (IBC) will grow with profitable prospects in the forecast period, as it is expected to offer an incremental opportunity of USD 20.6 billion and will increase 1.8 times the existing value by 2035.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2025 to 2035.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 5.4% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 5.6% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 4.4% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 6.6% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 5.4%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 5.6% 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 4.4% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 6.6% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 100 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 100 BPS.
Increasing Demand for Hazardous Material Handling Boosts the Market Growth
The need to have safe packaging for hazardous substances has made way for the existence of intermediate bulk containers. Oil and gas companies, chemical concerns, and pharma industries always use IBCs to ensure safe transportation or storage of chemical substances such as corrosive fluids, flammables, industrial chemicals, or others. Thus, IBCs are reinforced with safety characteristics such as reinforced framing, leak-tight designs and international standards.
Their ability to minimize spillage and reduce contamination risks makes them essential for handling dangerous goods. As industrial activities grow and safety concerns become more critical, the demand for specialized IBCs tailored to hazardous materials continues to rise.
Sustainability Focus and Reusability Propel Rises the Demand for Intermediate Bulk Container
Nowadays businesses and consumers have become more conscious regarding sustainability, so IBCs have become more attractive with their eco-friendly design.
Most IBCs are processable and recyclable, thus reducing packaging waste, thus helping companies comply with environmental regulations and boosting brand perception. Another advantage of using IBCs in companies is cost savings.
Businesses can clean and reuse them several times compared to one-time use of single-use packaging. These qualities align with global sustainability goals, driving their adoption across industries like food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, where reducing environmental impact is increasingly important.
High initial cost of Intermediate Bulk Container May Restrict the Market
The biggest hindrance to the use of IBCs is that it is much more expensive than a typical packaging option such as barrels or drums. This high upfront cost may not be viable for most businesses, especially smaller ones or those on tight budgets. Even though IBCs save money in the long term can be reused and are much more efficient initial cost might deter some businesses from opting for these.
In contrast, industries are known to be pretty sensitive to lowering costs; such businesses may go for cheaper packaging as a single-time affair rather than having IBCs. Also, cleaning and maintenance of reusable IBCs sometimes become an extra charge that some organizations are not willing to incur at present.
Hence, the adoption process of IBCs becomes a little tricky, though their advantages include toughness, space economy, and durability over time. Overcoming this restraint requires raising awareness of IBCs' long-term value and providing affordable options for businesses.
The global market of Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) recorded a CAGR of 3.8% during the historical period between 2020 and 2024. Market growth of Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) was positive as it reached a value of USD 25.7 billion in 2024 from USD 22.1 billion in 2020.
The market of Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) was witnessing steady growth between 2020 and 2024 due to their affordability, reusability, and lightness. Industries such as agriculture and chemicals use them for transporting bulk material. FIBCs are space-efficient, cost-effective, and versatile, which has become the preferred choice and hence has maintained steady growth and expanded the market.
In the assessment period, global demand for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) is expected to grow strongly. The drivers for this are mainly sustainability focus, Safety and Regulatory Compliance, Increasing Global Trade and industrial growth.
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 Greif, Inc, Mauser Packaging Solutions, SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA, DS Smith
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 Denios AG, O’Bryan Barrel Co., Inc., Time Techno Plast Ltd, OMCE di Rocchetti Amleto S.p.A
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 Intermediate Bulk Container (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 4.8% through 2035. In Europe, France is projected to witness a CAGR 4.2% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.4% |
| India | 6.8% |
| Germany | 4.3% |
| China | 5.9% |
| France | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | 3.8% |
| Canada | 4.8% |
With growing chemical and pharmaceutical industries in India, the need for IBCs also rises. Such industries have a broad range of chemicals and medicines that must be transported and stored safely.
The IBCs are the best because they are strong, durable, and meet safety requirements. As chemical and pharmaceutical industries grow, demand for IBCs also rises because large amounts of such products need efficient handling.
IBCs save business space and prevent waste since they can be used multiple times. The rise in these sectors in India and safe and efficient packaging are significant reasons for this growth in the IBC industry. The coming few years will also witness this trend for further growth in these sectors for the country.
Brazil's expanding export business in the agricultural and natural resources sectors creates a huge demand for intermediate bulk containers. Brazil is an exporter of substantial volumes of agricultural products-that is, soybeans, coffee, and sugar-and minerals and chemicals.
The industries processing bulk commodities for export throughout the world require efficient, safe, and cost-effective packaging solutions. IBCs are ideal for this because they can store large quantities of materials securely and are designed for easy transport over long distances.
With Brazil's continued expansion in global trade, the market for reliable and efficient packing like IBCs continues to expand. The fact that IBCs help reduce shipping costs, increase handling efficiency, and keep products safe during transportation is a significant factor that drives up demand for IBCs in Brazil.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of product type, FIBC is estimated to account for a share of 85.4% by 2035. By material type, plastic is projected to dominate by holding a share of 68.6% by the end 2035.
| Product Type | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| FIBC | 85.4% |
An Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) is a large, sturdy bag to store and carry bulk materials, such as grains, powders, or chemicals. FIBCs are manufactured from flexible fabric, usually polypropylene.
They are highly in demand since they are light in weight and easy to carry. These containers can carry heavy loads, making them ideal for those industries that have to move big quantities of material. FIBCs are also very flexible, allowing them to fold up when empty to save space and usually be cheaper than rigid containers.
Many of the FIBCs used in companies can be reused, thus helping the company cut down on cost and reduce waste. Many of these industries include agriculture, construction, and chemicals, because FIBCs are cheap, easy to use, and hold anything. As such, FIBCs are applied in many businesses as a real working solution for moving dry bulk across industries.
| Material | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| Plastic | 68.6% |
Plastic IBCs are chosen for durability, flexibility, and affordability. They can tolerate a broad spectrum of chemicals and environmental conditions that would make them suitable for transporting most liquids, powders, and semi-solids. They are also light, stackable, and reusable, providing tremendous cost savings in the long run.
The rising demand from industries like chemicals, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals along with sustainable reusable packaging increases the dominance of plastic IBCs in the market. The reasons it holds a strong share of the overall market are due to these practical advantages.
Key players of intermediate bulk container (IBC) 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 and partnering with local brands and start-up companies for new product development.
Key Developments in Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market
In terms of material, the intermediate bulk container (IBC) industry is divided into plastic, metal, paper & paperboard and composite
In terms of product type, the intermediate bulk container (IBC) industry is segmented into RIBC and FIBC. RIBC further divided into metal, paperboard, plastic and composite. FIBC include flexi tank and bags.
In terms of capacity, RIBC contain up to 1,000 L, 1,000 to 1,500 L and above 1,500 L. FIBC contain up to 500 kg, 500 to 1,000 kg, 1,000 to 1,500 kg and above 1,500 kg.
In terms of content, intermediate bulk container (IBC) industry divided into liquid, solid & semi-solids.
In terms of end use, RIBC contain chemical, petroleum & lubricants, paints, inks & dyes, food & beverages, cosmetics & personal care, healthcare & pharmaceuticals and others. FIBC contain Chemicals & Fertilizers, Food & Agriculture, Building & Construction, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Mining and Others.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa are covered.
The Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.5% between 2025 and 2035.
The global Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) industry stood at USD 25.7 billion in 2024.
Global Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) industry is anticipated to reach USD 46.3 billion by 2035 end.
South Asia & Pacific is set to record a CAGR of 6.8% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) industry are Greif, Inc, Mauser Packaging Solutions, SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA, DS Smith.
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 1,057.4 million |
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 1,722.4 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.0% |
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 115.6 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 181.2 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.6% |
| Estimated Market Value (2024) | USD 19,531 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Revenue (2034) | USD 33,974 million |
| Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.7% |
| Market Size (2023) | USD 7.5 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Size (2033) | USD 12.6 billion |
| Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 5.4% |
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Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market
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