Intermediate Bulk Container Industry Analysis in Western Europe

Analytical Study of Intermediate Bulk Container in Western Europe from 2023 to 2033

The adoption of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) in Western Europe is estimated to experience a modest CAGR of 5.30% through 2033. The sales of intermediate bulk containers in Western Europe are expected to reach a valuation of USD 12,233.80 million by 2033, up from USD 7,281.40 million in 2023.

Leading merchants of IBCs are integrating innovative technologies like RFID to address the issue of counterfeiting. Players are also coming up with distinct solutions to meet the sustainability goals of businesses operating in end use industries.

Furthermore, the continued demand for solutions that offer a hygienic environment, reduced chances of spillage, and extended shelf life is expected to propel the sales of IBCs over the upcoming years.

Attributes	Details
Industry size of Western Europe in 2023	USD 7,281.40 million
Expected Industry Size of Western Europe by 2033	USD 12,233.80 million
Forecast CAGR between 2023 to 2033	5.30%

Key Trends Impacting the Sales of Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) in Western Europe

• An increasing number of consumers in Western Europe are shifting toward digital technology. Taking this trend into account, manufacturers are integrating RFID codes into intermediate bulk containers. The use of RFID helps in controlling counterfeiting in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other industries. Additionally, this technology assists in keeping track of logistical storage.
• The increasing demand for bulk packaging solutions like IBCs is driven by their ability to provide an optimal hygienic environment for packaged products, extend shelf life, and reduce the chances of spillage. Since these solutions store more supplies in less space compared to other standard packaging, they are expected to be highly preferred.
• The rising deployment of IBCs across various industries for transporting significant quantities of essential commodities such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, food and beverages, is influencing the sales of IBCs in Western Europe.

Country-wise Insights

International Players Expanding their Footprint in Germany for Higher Gains

Country	Germany
Forecast CAGR % (2023 to 2033)	5.20%

The prospects for intermediate bulk containers (IBC) in Germany are lucrative. As per the latest estimates, the adoption rate of IBCs in Germany is estimated to be 5.20% through 2033. Following factors are propelling the sales of the product in the country:

• An increasing number of domestic as well as international players are vying for a higher share in Germany, thus contributing to the sales of IBC.
• Rising popularity of flexible intermediate bulk containers owing to their cost-effectiveness and lightweight is enhancing the scope of IBCs in the country.

Growth in the Industrial Sector of the United Kingdom Propels Sales of Intermediate Bulk Containers

Country	United Kingdom
Forecast CAGR % (2023 to 2033)	4.40%

The United Kingdom is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 4.40% through 2033. Given below are the leading factors that are inducing product adoption:

• Robust industrial sector in the country is propelling the demand for intermediate bulk containers. IBCs are deployed in an extensive range of industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, construction, food and beverages, etc.
• Increasing usage of IBCs, on account of its sustainability factor, by businesses who are seeking ways to lower their environmental impact is propelling product sales. IBCs are recyclable and reusable, thus making them sustainable packaging solutions.

The surging eCommerce activity in France is propelling the sales of IBCs

Country	France
Forecast CAGR % (2023 to 2033)	4.0%

The demand scope of intermediate bulk containers (IBC) in France is projected to witness CAGR of 4.0% through 2033. Following factors are strengthening the sales of IBCs:

• The rise in eCommerce activity is driving investments in IBCs, as they are increasingly used for storing and transporting large quantities of goods. This is essential for eCommerce businesses.
• Strict mandates for the use of IBCs in food and beverage products, such as the use of food-grade materials for such IBCs and proper and regular sanitization of IBCs, are dictating the composition of IBCs for the food and beverage industry.

Sustainable Packaging Awareness Drives IBC Sales in the Netherlands

Country	Netherlands
Forecast CAGR % (2023 to 2033)	3.20%

In the Netherlands, the demand for intermediate bulk containers is expected to increase at a rate of 3.20% over the forecast period. Following factors are propelling the sales of IBCs:

• Growing awareness about the importance of sustainable packaging solutions is driving the sales of IBCs, which is considered a sustainable packaging solution.
• Key providers of IBCs in France are focusing on innovation and consistently developing new products and technologies to meet their customer demands.

Growth in the Food and Beverage Industry to Boost Demand for IBCs in Italy

Country	Italy
Forecast CAGR % (2023 to 2033)	3.70%

Key industry players are investing in Italy to expand their intermediate bulk container (IBC) business. The adoption rate of IBCs in Italy is estimated to be 3.70% through 2033. The following factors are driving growth in the industry:

• The increasing focus of food and beverage companies on food safety, in order to comply with food safety regulations, is boosting the sales of IBCs, as they are designed to be hygienic and easy to clean.
• The rising use of IBCs for the storage and transportation of a wide range of agricultural products, including seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Category-wise Insights

RIBC to Acquire Maximum Share for IBCs

Leading Product Type	RIBC
Industry Share % (2023)	77.60%

Rigid intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are expected to account for a share of 77.60% in 2023. End users prefer RIBCs due to their durability, which makes them ideal for applications requiring rough handling, like manufacturing and chemical industries.

Additionally, since RIBCs can be stacked more firmly than FIBCs, businesses requiring storage and transportation of large quantities of goods opt for RIBCs for more efficiency.

Solid and Semi-solid Segment Gains a Reigning Position

Leading Content	Solid and Semi-solid
Industry Share % (2023)	93.90%

The solid and semi-solid segment is projected to acquire an industry share of 93.90% in 2023. Following factors are propelling the growth of this segment:

• The use of automated equipment like forklifts and conveyor belts for more efficient loading and unloading of solids and semi-solids from IBCs is propelling the segment's expansion.
• The cost-effectiveness associated with the transportation of solids and semi-solids, as these can be shipped in bulk, augmenting the scope of solid and semi-solid contents.

Blueprint for Success in the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Ecosystem

Key providers of intermediate bulk containers are focusing on strategic partnerships with other players. Leading merchants are enhancing their product manufacturing capabilities, diversifying their product portfolio, and extending their geographical footprint to enlarge their customer base.

These players are also offering customized IBC solutions to meet the diverse demands of multiple end use industries. Manufacturers are additionally prioritizing the production of IBCs made from recycled materials, and those designed for multiple cycles of recycling and reuse. Moreover, manufacturers can be seen persistently developing new technologies to enhance the efficiency of IBCs.

Key Developments in the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Industry in Western Europe

• In October 2020, Mauser Packaging Solutions invested over USD 879.31 million to extend its plant in Germany. The investment is made with the aim of increasing the level of vertical integration and broadening its scope in the lifecycle management of packaging as well as packaging materials. The plant produces IBCs and components for the company’s global IBC production activities.
• In June 2023, Aliaxis and Francis Ward came into a partnership to develop a unique intermediate bulk container (IBC) for a complicated client specification.
• In October 2023, CDF Corp introduced IBC liner equipment in Germany to address the expanding demand for distinct packaging solutions across Western Europe.

Key Players Providing Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) in Western Europe

• Greif
• Mauser Packaging Solutions
• Schütz Container Systems
• Schoeller Allibert
• Hoover Container Solutions
• Plastic Omnium
• IPL
• IBC Group
• Normpac
• RPC Group
• DS Smith Plastics
• Quadpack Group

Scope of the Report

Attribute	Details
Estimated Industry Size in 2023	USD 7,281.40 million
Projected Industry Size by 2033	USD 12,233.80 million
Anticipated CAGR between 2023 to 2033	5.30% CAGR
Historical Analysis of Demand for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) in Western Europe	2018 to 2022
Demand Forecast for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) in Western Europe	2023 to 2033
Report Coverage	Industry Size, Industry Trends, Analysis of Key Factors Influencing Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Adoption in Western Europe, Insights on Western Europe Players and their Industry Strategy in Western Europe, Ecosystem Analysis of Local and Regional Western Europe Providers
Key Countries Analyzed	Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands, BENELUX, Rest of Western Europe
Key Companies Profiled	Greif; Mauser Packaging Solutions; Schütz Container Systems; Schoeller Allibert; Hoover Container Solutions; Plastic Omnium; IPL; IBC Group; Normpac; RPC Group; DS Smith Plastics; Quadpack Group

Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Industry by Category

By Product:

• RIBC
  • Metal
  • Paperboard
  • Plastic
  • Composite
• FIBC
  • Flexitanks
  • Bags

By Material:

• Metal and Paperboard
• Plastic
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

By Content:

• Liquid
• Solid and Semi-Solids

By Capacity:

• RIBC
  • Up to 1,000 L
  • 1,000 - 1,500 L
  • Above 1,500 L
• FIBC
  • Up to 500 KG
  • 501 to 1,000 KG
  • 1,001 to 1,500 KG
  • Above 1,500 KG

By End Use:

• RIBC
  • Chemicals
  • Petroleum and Lubricants
  • Paints, Inks and Dyes
  • Food and Beverage
  • Cosmetic and Personal
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
  • Others
• FIBC
  • Chemicals and Fertilizers
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Building and Construction
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
  • Mining
  • Others

By Countries:

• Germany
• Italy
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• The Netherlands
• BENELUX
• Rest of Western Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Projected Growth Rate for the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Industry Western Europe?

The anticipated CAGR for IBC industry in Western Europe through 2033 is 5.30%.

How Big Will the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Industry be in Western Europe?

Demand for IBCs in Western Europe is expected to exceed USD 12,233.80 million by 2033.

What are the Key Strategies Providers in Western Europe are Adopting?

Emphasis on sustainability and product invention form the core strategies.

Which IBC Product Type is Commonly Used by End Users in Western Europe?

RIBC is a commonly used solution by players operating in end use industries.

Which Content Takes up Significant Share of the IBC Industry in Western Europe?

Solid and semi-solid segment takes a considerable share of the IBC industry.