Future Market Insights’ updated report predicts global sales of intermediate bulk containers to total USD 25.5 billion in 2024. A CAGR of 5.5% is on the cards for the global intermediate bulk container (IBC) market, with total valuation touching a staggering USD 43.8 billion by 2034.
Rigid intermediate bulk containers (RIBCs) remain highly sought-after products, with demand set to rise at 5.6% CAGR through 2034. This can be attributed to rising adoption of these industrial packaging solutions for storing and transporting chemicals, food & beverage products, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants.
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Base Market Value in 2023 | USD 24.4 billion |
| Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market Size in 2024 | USD 25.5 billion |
| Market Value in 2034 | USD 43.8 billion |
| Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.5% |
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Global intermediate bulk container sales recorded a CAGR of 2.4% during the historical period, with market revenue totaling USD 24.4 billion in 2023. In the next ten years, the global IBC market is poised to grow at 5.5% CAGR.
The escalating demand for IBCs from chemical and food & beverage sectors is propelling growth of the intermediate bulk container market. These packaging solutions are widely used for transporting and storing liquid, semi-solid, and solid products, which can be either hazardous or non-hazardous.
IBCs, also known as IBC totes, are built according to the rules and regulations mandated by federal and NSF/ANSI, which is a primary requirement for the food and chemical sectors. Growing cross-border trade is set to fuel sales of intermediate bulk containers through 2034.
Increasing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging is prompting manufacturers to develop sustainable products to reduce carbon footprints and minimize wastage. Modern IBCs with enhanced durability, large storage capacities, and eco-friendly features are gaining immense traction.
Development of new designs and features in IBCs is positively impacting the market performance. Similarly, growing trade activities with a focus on sustainability will create growth opportunities for intermediate bulk container manufacturers.
Rising Demand for IBCs Due to Increasing Trade Activities
The majority of nations have steadily recovered from the pandemic's recent recession, and trade activity is predicted to rise during the projection period. This is anticipated to uplift demand for intermediate bulk containers.
Even though the IBC market is probably focused on Asia, other regions like Europe and the Middle East are also projected to aid significantly in the global demand. This is due to rising industrial activities and increasing trade in these regions.
Booming Paint and Chemical Industries to Propel IBC Demand
With industries such as paints and chemicals witnessing rapid growth, demand for IBCs is set to rise steadily. These packaging solutions are widely used for storing and transporting paints and chemicals.
Stainless steel IBC containers are the most popular types of containers for carrying and storing paints, varnishes, and dyes. These storage and transportation containers are resistant to a range of chemicals and can efficiently deliver the product without sacrificing its quality.
The IBC tank market is predicted to grow steadily due to the necessity for safe transportation of hazardous materials in the paint, coating, and dyes sectors. Their ability to easily store and transport paints, coatings, and dyes will continue to fuel their demand.
The table below shows the estimated growth projection of the top nations. India and China are set to emerge as lucrative markets for IBC manufacturers, recording CAGRs of 8.3% and 7.1%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries | Value (CAGR) |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.5% |
| Canada | 4.2% |
| Brazil | 4.8% |
| Mexico | 4.0% |
| Germany | 2.1% |
| France | 3.3% |
| United Kingdom | 2.0% |
| China | 7.1% |
| India | 8.3% |
| Japan | 4.9% |
| GCC countries | 5.5% |
| Egypt | 6.4% |
The United States intermediate bulk container market is set to grow at 3.5% CAGR between 2024 and 2034. This can be attributed to increasing exports of food, chemical, and pharmaceutical products and escalating demand for safe and convenient bulk packaging solutions.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics stated that the freight transportation index (TSI) rose by 0.9% in 2022. Increasing freight transportation, in turn, is predicted to elevate demand for packaging solutions like IBCs.
The large volume capacity of IBCs allows them to store quantities in bulk and transport them safely and efficiently. Thus, they help in reducing shipping costs and optimizing supply chain logistics.
The versatility of IBCs is encouraging their adoption across industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and others. Thus, growth of these industries in the United States will result in higher IBC sales.
Strict regulatory compliance and safety concerns are prompting industries to use IBCs for storing and transporting hazardous goods, further fueling their demand. The reusability feature of IBCs helps end users achieve cost-saving and sustainability goals.
Backed by flourishing chemical and petrochemical industries, India is emerging as a highly remunerative market for intermediate bulk container manufacturers. As per the latest analysis, sales of intermediate bulk containers in India are set to soar at a robust CAGR of 8.3%.
The petrochemical and chemical industry in India was valued at USD 215 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 18.1% to reach USD 300 billion by 2025. This is creating high demand for efficient packaging solutions like IBCs.
The production of organic chemicals increased at a rate of 4.52% compared to the previous year, as per Invest India. These chemicals could be hazardous, requiring a proper storage system. Intermediate bulk containers are the solution to these challenges and are built in that particular way to safely carry these chemicals.
With the growing chemical production, demand for efficient and safe packaging solutions will grow rapidly. This will positively impact intermediate bulk container sales in India during the assessment period.
The section below sheds some light on leading segments along with their projected growth rates. Companies can use this information to invest in popular products to solidify their positions in the global intermediate bulk container industry.
Based on material, the metals segment holds a prominent market share and is set to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% through 2034. By product, the RIBC segment is forecast to record a higher CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034.
| Material | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Paper & Paperboard | 7.5% |
| Metal | 6.1% |
IBC manufacturers mostly use metals like steel for making intermediate bulk containers. This can be attributed to their durability, high strength, and other properties. Similarly, growing end-user preference for metal IBCs is providing impetus for segment growth.
As per the latest analysis, metal IBCs are envisioned to grow 1.8 times compared to the current market value. Further, the target segment is poised to witness a CAGR of 6.1% between 2024 and 2034.
Metals possess properties such as high versatility, strength, and durability. This is improving their popularity and usability not only in industrial packaging but also in other industries, eventually boosting segment growth.
Metals such as stainless steel can be easily recycled to meet the sustainability goals of manufacturers. Metal IBCs have a long life span, which avoids replacement for longer periods. Growing popularity of stainless steel IBCs due to their multiple advantages will further boost segment growth.
| Product | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| RIBC | 5.6% |
| FIBC | 5.2% |
RIBC dominates the IBC industry with a market share of around 78%. In the next ten years, Sales of rigid intermediate bulk containers are set to surge at a higher CAGR of 5.6%. This is attributable to rising usage of RIBCs across diverse industries due to their improved durability, stackability, and tamper resistance.
The properties of RIBC, such as inherent sturdiness and durability, offer robust protection for a wide range of materials during storage and transportation. As a result, their usage and demand are growing significantly.
RIBCs can be utilized multiple times and this reusability factor of RIBC contributes to cost-effectiveness and sustainability goals. These industrial-grade packaging solutions are designed for storing and transporting bulk liquids, solids, and semi-solids.
Rigid intermediate bulk containers are more cost-effective for transporting larger volumes than alternatives like drums. Similarly, surging popularity of collapsible rigid containers will boost segment growth.
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Leading manufacturing of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are focusing on strengthening their portfolios through new product launches with enhanced features. They are shifting their focus toward using sustainable and eco-friendly materials for making IBCS that could be reused, or recycled.
Several IBC companies are incorporating advanced technologies like sensors and RFID tags in IBCs to enhance their functionalities. Similarly, they employ strategies like distribution agreements, mergers, collaborations, partnerships, and mergers to gain a competitive edge in the market.
Recent Developments in the Intermediate Bulk Container Market
The global market is set to be valued at USD 25.5 billion in 2024.
Global intermediate bulk container demand is forecast to rise at 5.5% CAGR through 2034.
In 2034, the intermediate bulk container market size is anticipated to reach USD 43.8 billion.
Growing need for efficient and safe packaging solutions globally.
Greif, Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions, and SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA.
IBCs are industrial grade reusable containers used for storing and transporting bulk materials.
A standard IBC can hold around 500 to 100 kg.
Intermediate bulk containers come in different sizes.
Flexitanks.
| 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% |
| Market Size (2023) | USD 950.33 million |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2033) | USD 1,463.07 million |
| Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.9% |
| Market Estimated Size (2023) | USD 108.3 billion |
|---|---|
| Market Forecasted Size (2033) | USD 171.6 billion |
| Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.7% |
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Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market
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