The Japan folding IBC market size is anticipated to reach as high as up to USD 21.4 million by the year 2025 and will reach USD 38.0 million for the market by the year 2035. The sales will be growing at a CAGR of 5.9% in the forecast period from the year 2025 to the year 2035. Folding IBC revenue in Japan was up to USD 20.5 million in the year 2024.
The petrochemical industry of Japan is ranked second for folding IBC applications because it needs strong, recyclable containers for the transportation of bulk liquids, such as oils, lubricants, and chemicals. Japan's developed manufacturing structure, stringent safety regulations, and emphasis on cheap logistics make folding IBCs the best for this industry.
Considering these perfect applications of folding IBCs for petrochemicals, the market share of the petrochemical industry will be at the top and will hold 28% during the evaluation period.
Japan Folding IBC Industry Forecast
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2024 | USD 20.5 million |
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 21.4 million |
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 38.0 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.9% |
In Japan, plastic folding IBCs are preferred since it strictly follows country’s waste management and recycling policy. Japan's little storage space along with a denser urban logistics requirement gives an advantage of collapsible plastic containers. In the case of humidity-prone places, industries of food and beverage prefer plastic, as they tend to save the cost while showing resistance against corrosion. Thus, the market of plastic folding IBCs would be far above 62% in the forecast period over metal folding IBCs.
The folding IBC market in Japan is estimated to grow in the forecast period with profitability and carry a certain level of traction. At the same time, it will produce an incremental opportunity value of USD 17.5 million as well as increase by 1.9 times the base year value for 2035.
Exclusive Offer: 30% Off on Regional Reports
Get a free sample report and customize your regions for a 30% discount on your regional report!
Strict Safety and Quality Standards in Japan Drives Demand for Hygienic Packaging Solutions
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries are strictly regulated regarding safety, hygiene, and integrity of the products. Japan's Chemical Substances Control Law and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act require proper handling and transport of hazardous materials, meaning high-quality solutions for packaging are required, such as folding IBCs that meet these regulations by providing easy cleaning to ensure contamination-free transport.
They are made of strong, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure the safe passage of sensitive chemicals and pharmaceuticals. They are also used because of traceability and safety protocols in these industries. With respect to these aspects, the packaging must be traceable easily and sanitized. Folding IBCs are HACCP compliant. This makes it reliable for the sensitive product industries where integrity must be preserved.
Demand for Folding IBCs for Space Optimization & Efficiency in Supply Chain & Logistics in Japan
The demand for folding IBCs in Japan is based on the optimization of space and reduction of logistical costs. Efficient storage is essential for Japan due to its densely populated urban areas and limited warehouse space. Folding IBCs are designed to fold up compactly when empty, thus saving warehousing costs and maximizing available space in congested locations like Tokyo and Osaka.
The folding IBCs also have the advantage of collapsing during empty returns, which helps reduce transport costs. The folding IBCs space-saving and cost-reducing features further promote Japan's emphasis on minimizing logistics costs and improving efficiency in supply chains. In chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals industries, such solution is very important since such packaging requires flexibility for cost-effectiveness.
Competition from Local Packaging Solutions in Japan May Limit Adoption of Folding IBCs
In Japan, the competition with local packaging solutions is a great challenge to adopting folding IBCs. Packaging companies in Japan offer very specialized and customized solutions tailored to the domestic industries, particularly pharmaceuticals and food. Alternatives are mostly smaller, lighter, and less expensive, and more suitable for businesses in the retail sector where space is of concern and costs of operations are a major consideration.
In addition, other traditional packaging alternatives like plastic totes or drums are very popular in the Japanese market, and companies are reluctant to switch to new solutions that they are not familiar with. This is what slows down the adoption of folding IBCs in general.
The Japan folding IBC market recorded a CAGR of 4.2% during the historical period between 2020 and 2024. Market growth of folding IBC in Japan was positive as it reached a value of USD 20.5 million in 2024 from USD 17.3 million in 2020.
Folding IBC sales in Japan increased steadily during the historic period due to increased environmental awareness and a need for space-saving logistics solutions. Companies that were conscious of sustainability started using collapsible IBCs to minimize waste and maximize storage. Given Japan's emphasis on eco-friendly packaging, this period witnessed high adoption in chemicals and food processing industries.
The demand for folding IBCs is likely to increase in the coming years due to the increase in Japan's manufacturing sector automation. Folding IBCs will, thereby, find integration with Industry 4.0 technologies as the industries implement smart solutions for their supply chains. Furthermore, the ongoing efforts of Japan regarding carbon emission reductions will integrate reusable, efficient packaging across the majority of the pharmaceutical, automotive, and chemicals sectors.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing 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, Grief 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 Loscam, TREERING and Qingdao Huading Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd.
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.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of capacity, 501 to 1000 L folding IBCs are estimated to account for a share over 44% by 2035. By material, plastic folding IBCs are projected to dominate by holding a share of 62.1% by the end 2035.
| Capacity | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| 501 to 1000 L | 44% |
Folding IBCs with capacities between 501 and 1000 L are preferred in Japan because they provide the best balance between size, efficiency, and transportability. This capacity range serves industries such as food and beverage, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, where bulk handling is required but space and logistics constraints limit the use of larger containers.
The provided IBCs have sufficient bulk storage capacity yet are compact in size and relatively easy to manage in transportation, thereby decreasing the logistical cost. For instance, folding IBCs in this size category are frequently applied in the food processing industry in Japan for the liquid ingredients' delivery, like syrups or oils, making the supply chain operations cost-efficient and effective.
| Material | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| Plastic Folding IBC | 62.1% |
In Japan, plastic folding IBCs are more in demand than metal ones. This is because Japan is more concerned with operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Japanese manufacturers want lightweight, corrosion-resistant solutions that can cope with their highly automated and precision-driven supply chains. Plastic IBCs are more adaptable to Japan's strict hygiene standards, especially in food and pharmaceutical sectors.
In addition, plastic IBCs are more resilient to the Japanese humid climate. It does not rust and will not get destroyed during storage and transportation. As an example, in the beverage industry in Japan, folding plastic IBCs are common for transporting fruit juice liquids as it does not rust and is very easy to clean according to the hygiene standard set.
Check Free Sample Report & Save 40%!
Select your niche segments and personalize your insights for smart savings. Cut costs now!
Key players of Japan folding 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.
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 and 1001 to 1,500 L.
The Folding IBC market includes chemicals, petrochemical products, paints, inks, & dyes, food & beverages, automotive & mechanical parts, cosmetics & toiletries and others.
Packaging content of folding IBC include liquid, solid and semisolid.
Key sub-regions such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Chubu, Kanto, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kinki/Kansai and Kyushu.
The Japan folding IBC industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.9% between 2025 and 2035.
The Japan folding IBC industry stood at USD 20.5 million in 2024.
Japan folding IBC industry is anticipated to reach USD 38.0 million by 2035 end.
Kanto is set to record a CAGR of 6.1% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the Japan folding IBC industry are include Schoeller Allibert , Grief Inc. among others.
Explore Packaging Formats Insights
View Reports
Japan Folding IBC Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
