Enjoy complimentary customisation on priority with our Enterprise License!
The intermediate bulk container (IBC) market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.69% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 3.90 billion. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including the high demand for intermediate bulk containers from the construction industry, the growing manufacturing industry, and the rise in containerization.
The report includes a comprehensive outlook on the Intermediate Bulk Container Market, offering forecasts for the industry segmented by End-user, which comprises chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and others. Additionally, it categorizes Type into plastic, metal, and corrugated, and covers Geography, including APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report provides market size, historical data spanning from 2018 to 2022, and future projections, all presented in terms of value in USD billion for each of the mentioned segments.
To learn more about this report, Request Free Sample in PDF
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year and the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The rise in containerization is notably driving the market growth. Containerization is a system of intermodal freight transport using intermodal containers. The rise of container throughput is attributed to various factors, including the growth in international trade and the adoption of containerization for maritime shipping and inland transportation. The rise in port traffic is expected to be the major driver of containerization. For instance, in August 2020, the National Highways Authority of India set the timeline for 23 new highways, including a network of expressways and economic corridors, which will be ready by March 2025.
Furthermore, the rapid rise in the demand for intermodal freight transport fuels the need for containerization. Intermodal freight transport refers to the method of transporting freight in intermodal containers using multiple modes of transportation without the need for handling the freight when changing the transport mode. Intermodal freight transport requires standard containers, as they provide a high level of efficiency and can carry more containers per day or voyage. Therefore, the growing demand for intermodal freight transport will increase the need for containerization, which, in turn, will drive the global IBC market during the forecast period.
The revival in demand for material handling containers is an emerging trend in the market. The growth in the manufacturing of equipment parts, components, and other durable metal products used in the heavy machinery and automobile industry is driving the need for innovative packaging in warehouses and distribution centers for handling, storing, and distribution purposes.
Moreover, material-handling containers are used by various end-user industries for a wide variety of products. Heavy-duty and rigid containers, attached lid containers, and intermediate bulk containers are just a few examples. As automated warehouse maintenance becomes more complex, there will be growth opportunities for the global intermediate bulk containers market during the forecast period.
The volatility of raw material prices is a challenge that affects market growth. Intermediate bulk containers are available in different categories, such as rigid Intermediate bulk containers, flexible intermediate bulk containers, and folding intermediate bulk containers. These are made from different raw materials, such as metal (stainless steel), plastics, wood, and corrugated fiberboard. The prices of these raw materials fluctuate due to the disequilibrium in their demand and supply.
Furthermore, polypropylene is a major raw material used in manufacturing intermediate bulk containers. It requires crude oil and natural gas as feedstock. Fluctuations in global crude oil prices alter the prices of polymer resins, which are used to produce plastic intermediate bulk containers and intermediate bulk container liners. These price variations cause volatility in the intermediate bulk container (IBC) market increase the cost of manufacturing and decrease the margin of the market players. Therefore, raw material price variations will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The chemical segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Chemicals are used as raw materials or intermediate products by different industries to produce end products such as chemical fertilizers, plastics, and synthetic rubber. Furthermore, the global sales of chemicals in Asia accounted for more than 65% of worldwide chemical sales in 2021, owing to the strong contribution by China and South Korea. Apart from the US and Asian markets, the markets in other countries, such as Russia and South Africa, are also growing in terms of chemical shipments.
Get a glance at the market contribution of various segments View the PDF Sample
The chemical segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 4.33 billion in 2018. The growth of the chemical industry is expected to increase the requirements of intermediate bulk containers across the globe as the intermediate bulk containers are flexible and efficiently utilize the space in warehouses and trucks. Hence, the abovementioned factors are expected to fuel the growth of the chemical segment and will propel the growth of the global intermediate bulk container market during the forecast period.
Plastic intermediate bulk containers are used for shipping and storing powder, granular, liquid, and bulk solids in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The plastic containers are used for storage at room temperature or below and offer excellent temperature regulation with a 20-degree C-30-degree C range. They include virtually all types of plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and HDPE-glycol homopolymer. Advanced polymer allows for the structural strength and durability of plastic, along with an anti-oxidation formula that helps to slow the oxidation process. The material has superior strength, does not crack under extreme temperatures, is resistant to corrosion, and will not shatter or crack at high temperatures. Hence, such factors are expected to fuel the growth of the plastic segment in the intermediate bulk container market during the forecast period.
For more insights on the market share of various regions Download PDF Sample now!
APAC is estimated to contribute 50% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. China is one of the leading consumers of intermediate bulk containers and contributes a considerable share of the intermediate bulk container market in APAC. Most of the demand for intermediate bulk containers is expected to arise from the food industry. Various countries in APAC, especially India and China, are witnessing a rise in population and an increase in urbanization. This is resulting in increased consumption of various products, such as food products, personal care products, and consumer goods.
Moreover, many food and beverage and personal care product manufacturers operate in the region. APAC is the largest producer of agricultural foods such as cereals, oilseeds, roots, tubers, nuts, pulses, fruits, and vegetables. The abovementioned factors encourage packaging vendors to invest heavily in this region, which will drive the intermediate bulk container market in the region during the forecast period.
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
Berry Global Inc.: The company offers intermediate bulk container such as DriBulk Container Liners which provides an easy, economical, and efficient solution for storing, shipping, and transporting dry bulk goods for a variety of industries, including agriculture, minerals, chemicals, food, and more.
The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:
Bulk Lift International LLC, BWAY Corp., DS Smith Plc, FlexiTuff Ventures International Ltd., Global Pak Inc., Greif Inc., Hawman Container Services, Hoover Circular Solutions, HOYER GmbH, Intertape Polymer Group Inc., Material Logistics Handling Pty. Ltd. , Mondi Plc, OBAL CENTRUM s.r.o., Schafer Werke Gmbh, SIA Flexitanks, Snyder Industries Inc., SYSPAL Ltd., Thielmann Portinox Spain SA, LC Packaging International BV, and SCHUTZ GmbH and Co. KGaA
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market research report encompasses the entire market adoption cycle, ranging from the initial innovator phase to the subsequent laggard stage. It emphasizes adoption rates across various regions, determined by penetration levels. Additionally, the report outlines essential purchasing factors and factors influencing price sensitivity. This aids companies in assessing and formulating effective growth strategies.
Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Customer Landscape
The intermediate bulk container market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and analyzes the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2018 to 2028.
Intermediate Bulk Container Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
170 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.69% |
Market Growth 2024-2028 |
USD 3.90 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
4.18 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 50% |
Key countries |
US, China, Japan, India, and Germany |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Berry Global Inc., Bulk Lift International LLC, BWAY Corp., DS Smith Plc, FlexiTuff Ventures International Ltd., Global Pak Inc., Greif Inc., Hawman Container Services, Hoover Circular Solutions, HOYER GmbH, Intertape Polymer Group Inc., Material Logistics Handling Pty. Ltd. , Mondi Plc, OBAL CENTRUM s.r.o., Schafer Werke Gmbh, SIA Flexitanks, Snyder Industries Inc., SYSPAL Ltd., Thielmann Portinox Spain SA, LC Packaging International BV, and SCHUTZ GmbH and Co. KGaA |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements.
Get lifetime access to our
Technavio Insights
Cookie Policy
The Site uses cookies to record users' preferences in relation to the functionality of accessibility. We, our Affiliates, and our Vendors may store and access cookies on a device, and process personal data including unique identifiers sent by a device, to personalise content, tailor, and report on advertising and to analyse our traffic. By clicking “I’m fine with this”, you are allowing the use of these cookies. Please refer to the help guide of your browser for further information on cookies, including how to disable them. Review our Privacy & Cookie Notice.