Intermediate Bulk Container Global Market Report 2024

The intermediate bulk container market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.24 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising need for efficient logistics, increasing focus on sustainability, expansion in chemical and petrochemical industries, growing global trade, shift in consumer preferences. Major trends in the forecast period include global supply chain dynamics, regulatory compliance and safety standards, demand for flexible packaging solutions, rise in circular economy initiatives, shift in material choices.

The intermediate bulk container market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.24 billion in 2023 to $3.57 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including demand from emerging economies, market consolidation and competition, advancements in material science, logistics optimization, and expansion in the chemical industry. These elements have played significant roles in driving growth across various sectors during that period.

The intermediate bulk container market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.24 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rising demand for efficient logistics, a growing focus on sustainability, expansion in the chemical and petrochemical industries, the increasing volume of global trade, and a shift in consumer preferences. Major trends expected in this period include the dynamics of global supply chains, compliance with regulatory and safety standards, a growing demand for flexible packaging solutions, an increase in circular economy initiatives, and changes in material preferences.

The increasing global wine trade is anticipated to fuel the growth of the intermediate bulk container (IBC) market. With a growing demand for wine, especially during celebrations, there is a rising need for efficient transportation solutions such as plastic IBCs. These containers offer a cost-effective and safe way to transport liquids, including wine and fuel. Forbes reported a 21% increase in the international wine trade's value in the first half of 2021 compared to the previous year, highlighting the significant growth in this market.

The projected expansion of the chemical industry is poised to drive the growth of the intermediate bulk container (IBC) market in the foreseeable future. The chemical industry encompasses the large-scale production and processing of various chemicals, contributing to the manufacturing of industrial and consumer goods. Within this sector, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) play a crucial role in the safe and efficient storage and transportation of liquid and granular substances, ensuring secure handling while minimizing environmental risks. For example, as per the American Chemistry Council (ACC) in November 2023, the Global Chemical Production Regional Index (Global CPRI) indicated a 0.6% increase in September, following a revised 0.6% gain in August. Notably, chemical production exhibited growth across all regions, with South America registering the most significant increase. These indices are calculated based on a three-month moving average (3MMA) to mitigate short-term fluctuations. Consequently, the burgeoning chemical industry stands as a key driver propelling the growth of the intermediate bulk container market.

Major players in the intermediate bulk container market are strategically investing in production facilities to address the increasing need for efficient and eco-friendly bulk packaging solutions. A production facility serves as a hub equipped with machinery, resources, and skilled personnel for large-scale manufacturing or service provision. For example, in September 2023, Greif Inc., a prominent US-based industrial packaging company, inaugurated a new manufacturing facility specifically for intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) in Dilovasi, Turkey. This move showcases the company's commitment to expanding global operations and enhancing service capabilities to better serve customers in Turkey and its neighboring regions.

Leading companies in the intermediate bulk container (IBC) market are increasingly turning to strategic partnerships to deliver comprehensive and innovative packaging solutions. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. For example, in June 2023, BASF, a Germany-based chemical company, and THIELMANN, a Germany-based manufacturer of stainless steel containers, partnered with NXTGN Solutions GmbH, a Germany-based full-service partner for digital transformation. Through this collaboration, the three companies aim to advance and market IBC trackers that utilize patented technology integrating acoustic signal assessment and IoT-connected sensors. This innovative solution enables precise measurement of IBC metrics such as location, fill level, shock load, temperature, and contamination. The processed data is accessible through a web-based dashboard, providing logistics sector users with reliable insights for informed decision-making on fleet management savings and optimization measures.

In April 2023, Greif Inc., a US-based industrial packaging company, completed the acquisition of Centurion Container LLC for $145 million. This strategic acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Greif's presence in North America by leveraging Centurion's skilled management team, known for effectively expanding a comprehensive reconditioning network. The acquisition will also strengthen Centurion's portfolio of reusable and sustainable packaging solutions. As a result of the acquisition, Greif's ownership stake in Centurion Container LLC will increase from 9% to 80%. Centurion Container LLC, based in the US, is recognized for its expertise in manufacturing intermediary bulk containers.

Major companies operating in the intermediate bulk container market report are Berry Global Group Inc., DS Smith PLC, Mondi PLC, Greif Flexible Products and Services, Brambles Limited, MAUSER Corporate GmbH, Myers Industries Inc., Time Technoplast Ltd., BWAY Corporation, LC Packaging International BV, Bulk Lift International LLC, Nefab Group, Hoover Ferguson Group, Inc., Brown Machine LLC, Schuetz Container System Inc., Snyder Industries Inc., Plymouth Industries LLC, CorrPak Bulk Packaging systems LLC, Global-Pak LLC, System Schafer Werke GmbH, Thermoflex LLC, Arlington Packaging Limited, Environmental Packaging Technologies Inc., Qingdao LAF Packaging Co. Ltd., Büscherhoff Spezialverpackung GmbH & Co. KG, RDA Bulk Packaging Ltd., Gaoqing Anthente Container Package Company Limited, Ven Pack, Heritage B B.V., Schoeller Arca Systems Holding B.V. North America was the largest region in the intermediate bulk container market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the intermediate bulk container market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The primary types of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are rigid IBCs and flexible IBCs. Rigid IBCs (RIBCs) are composed of plastic, metal cages, and a spout for easy material dumping. They are used across various industries such as disaster relief, construction, and food delivery to transport liquids with minimal loss and reusable properties. RIBCs come in different grades including type A, type B, type C, type D, and food grade, and are made of materials such as plastic and metal. They are utilized by sectors such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, among others.

The intermediate bulk container market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.24 billion in 2023 to $3.57 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to demand from emerging economies, market consolidation and competition, advancements in material science, logistics optimization, expansion in chemical industry.

The countries covered in the intermediate bulk container market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The intermediate bulk container (IBC) market consists of sales of wooden pallet IBC, composite pallet IBC, and steel pallet IBC. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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