Intermediate Bulk Container Market Growth & Trends

The global intermediate bulk container market size is expected to surpass USD 21.1 Billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030. The factors attributed to driving the market are the rapid expansion of the industrial sector across the globe such as rising food and pharmaceutical industries, followed by manufacturing and construction industries in emerging economies such as China and India. However, the key raw materials required for the manufacturing of flexible intermediate bulk containers are HDPE and Polypropylene which varies with the price of crude oil.

IBCs are widely adopted in a large number of manufacturing companies on account of their associated benefits. As safety is a priority in the mining industry, IBCs are preferred for the movement of minerals. Similarly, in the construction industry, the movement of sand, granules, and other flowable materials is handled efficiently with the use of IBCs. The product is an ideal means of packaging sand, liquid, and conductive materials.

In Asia Pacific, per capita income in China and India is witnessing a rise. This increased spending capability is driving growth in the construction industry. The growing rate of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is a key factor contributing to the growth of the construction sector. China is known as the manufacturing hub of the world. Thus, rising purchasing power in this developing country is also leading to the significant growth of the manufacturing industry. The growth of the construction and manufacturing sectors is propelling the demand for intermediate bulk packaging.

However, the key raw materials required for the production of flexible intermediate bulk containers are polypropylene and low-density polyethylene, both of which are derived from crude oil. Therefore, on account of fluctuating crude oil prices, the profit margin for the manufacturing companies and the distributors also keeps varying. This discourages manufacturers and distributors, thereby acting as a major restraint to the growth of the global flexible intermediate bulk packaging market.

Intermediate Bulk Container Market Report Highlights

  • In terms of revenue, the plastic segment is projected to ascend at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. Plastic IBCs are ideal for transporting liquids and semi-liquid products without leakage and are highly compatible with toxic chemicals
  • The chemicals & petroleum product segment accounted for 37.4% of revenue share in 2021. IBCs are important packaging solutions for the chemicals and petroleum industry as IBCs can store toxic or flammable chemicals safely. Avoiding expensive accidents such as impacting production workers’ health, fire incidents, or environmental pollution
  • Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2021. IBC is used across the globe with significant consumption in China. Factors including the presence of the world’s largest chemical market, rapid industrialization, and increasing manufacturing activities in the Asia Pacific are also driving the market for IBCs
  • The market of IBCs is highly competitive and fragmented with a strong presence of local and global companies such as Mondi Group, Mauser, and Grief Packaging