Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Metal, and Corrugated), By Application (Chemical & Petroleum, Food, Pharmaceutical, Construction, and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033.

Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size was estimated at USD 14.27 Billion in 2023
• The Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.76% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 24.98 Billion By 2033
• North America is Expected to Grow the fastest during the forecast period.

The Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size is expected to cross USD 24.98 Billion By 2033, Growing at a CAGR of 5.76% from 2023 to 2033. Intermediate bulk container have a significant growth opportunity due to the increase in demand for safe chemical storage and transportation. In the chemical sector, IBCs are frequently used for the storage and transportation of many kinds of chemicals.  

Market Overview  

The industry that produces, distributes, and uses large, reusable containers for the storage and transportation of bulk liquids, powders, and granules is known as the intermediate bulk container (IBC) market. Industries include chemicals, food and beverage, medicines, and logistics, frequently using these containers. To meet a range of packaging requirements, the industry offers a variety of IBCs constructed from steel, composite, and plastic. The expansion of international trade and the widespread use of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) in a variety of industries are the main factors driving the intermediate bulk container market. Growing international trade and globalization, as well as the growing need for adaptable IBCs, are the main factors driving the intermediate bulk container market. The growing need for sustainable and reusable intermediate bulk containers in sectors like food and beverage and chemicals is propelling the intermediate bulk container market

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the intermediate bulk container market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the intermediate bulk container market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the intermediate bulk container market.

Driving Factors

The growing demand for bulk storage in several industries, such as chemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, is anticipated to support the expansion of the intermediate bulk container market. The intermediate bulk containers are adaptable and extensively utilized in the manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. They are a popular option because of their capacity to lower shipping costs, cut waste, and improve product safety, which is driving intermediate bulk container market expansion. The worldwide growing requirement for bulk packing to be lighter and the growth of the building and manufacturing industries, particularly in developing nations, are some of the factors driving the intermediate bulk containers market.    

Restraining Factors

The intermediate bulk container market is restricted by several problems, such as the high initial investment costs, difficulties with regulatory compliance, a lack of recycling infrastructure, and competition from alternative packaging options, all of which restrict the sector's potential for growth. 

Market Segmentation

The intermediate bulk container market share is classified into material and application.      

• The plastic segment held the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the material, the intermediate bulk container market is divided into plastic, metal, and corrugated. Among these, the plastic segment held the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Plastic's cost, adaptability, and lightweight nature are what drive the market. The intermediate bulk container (IBCs) made of plastic are affordable, strong, and corrosion-resistant. They are perfect for usage in many different industries due to their qualities.

• The food segment held the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the application, the intermediate bulk container market is divided into chemical & petroleum, food, pharmaceutical, construction, and others. Among these, the food segment held the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. IBCs, particularly those composed of stainless steel and food-grade plastic, offer the best defense against contamination and guarantee the preservation of food quality. 

Regional Segment Analysis of the Intermediate Bulk Container Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the intermediate bulk container market over the predicted timeframe.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the intermediate bulk container market over the predicted timeframe. The market in the Asia Pacific is driven by the region's growing food and beverage industry as well as the growing need for environmentally friendly packaging options. These containers improve logistics, cut waste, and lessen their negative effects on the environment. The market's need for IBCs is being driven by this trend as well as the region's booming industrial activity. Food and beverage firms are increasingly using IBCs for effective bulk transport and storage as customer preferences shift toward eco-friendly packaging.    

North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR growth of the intermediate bulk container market during the forecast period. The chemical and petrochemical sectors in the North American region are anticipated to increase their need for IBCs. The changing packaging needs of these sectors are spurring innovation and expansion, and both are anticipated to keep pushing the market upward and expanding the market as a whole. IBCs are essential for the safe and effective transportation of chemicals, powders, and bulk liquids.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the intermediate bulk container market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Schoeller Allibert
• Greif
• Hoover CS
• Snyder Industries
• Mondi
• DS Smith PLC
• Bulk Lift International LLC
• Schafer Werke GmbH & Co KG
• Mauser Packaging Solutions
• Schuetz Container Systems Pvt. Ltd
• Thielmann - The Container Company
• Others  

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Development

• In September 2024, Greif began a new phase in its dedication to providing premium packaging solutions and boosting the local economy as it launched a new factory in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. For a variety of sectors, including food, chemicals, lubricants, flavors, and fragrances, the factory produces intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). 

• In March 2024, A modified GCUBE IBC Flex, created in partnership with Greif and CDF Corporation, is intended to carry delicate liquids in a sterile environment. This creative collaboration provides a state-of-the-art method for the safe and hygienic transportation of fragile products.  

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the intermediate bulk container market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market, By Material

• Plastic
• Metal
• Corrugated

Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market, By Application

• Chemical & Petroleum
• Food
• Pharmaceutical
• Construction
• Others

Global Intermediate Bulk Container Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa