A Shift from Space-intensive Cylindrical Drums
Over the years, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) have been deployed across multiple industrial domains for an array of applications. Market players operating in the packaging industry are in the process of developing cost-effective and sustainable packaging solutions for shipping a range of goods. Further, IBCs have gained recognition as an excellent solution to safer packaging and transportation, for several key industries, including chemical, cosmetics, food & beverages, healthcare, and cosmetics among others.
The numerous advantages that IBCs offer over other alternatives, such as cylindrical drums, account for their global demand growth registered in recent years. As environmental concerns continue to aggravate, and particularly revolve around the growing need for recycling and safe disposal of packaging containers, it is highly likely that IBCs will witness steady growth in demand over the years to come, receiving a strong impetus from increase in R&D activities that target enhanced material capabilities.
IBCs Market – Key Research Findings
- The global IBCs market size in 2018 is ~ US$ 19 Bn.
- The IBCs market is projected to grow at ~ 6% during the next ten years.
- The chemical segment remains highly attractive regarding the market share of the global IBCs Market during the forecast period. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals segment create an incremental revenue opportunity of ~ US$ 0.2 Bn.
- Emergence of IBCs as a cost-efficient bulk packaging solution over drums fueling the global IBCs market growth.
- IBCs account for lower cost of storage and transportation of fluids as compared to drums. The round shape of the drums results into huge unutilized space, while IBCs ensure maximum space utilization. As pallets are mounted to the bottom of the IBCs, the handling is relatively easier compared to drums. Besides, IBCs are capable of draining completely, which is not possible in case of drums. All these factors result into ~ 75% savings in the cost of storage and transportation of fluids with the use of IBCs over drums.
- The European region is expected to remain at forefront regarding the market share in the global market during the forecast period. The region is expected to get a significant boost from growing chemical, food & agriculture, and other end-use industries. Also, increasing trade activities across the European region is likely to propel the demand for the IBCs in the coming years.
- Germany is likely to remain a heavy-weight regarding chemical production, and growing industrial output in the region is expected to create substantial demand for IBCs in the coming years.
- Value chain participants in the IBCs market are focusing on adopting their business prototypes and growth strategies in line, with the increasing adoption of IBCs for packaging and transportation of various products. It is expected that the market will continue to witness several mergers & acquisitions as companies rush to enhance their manufacturing capabilities and broaden their global footprints.
Key Factors Shaping the Global IBCs Market
Rapidly Evolving Cross Border Trade Boosting the Demand for IBCs
Emerging economies are witnessing spectacular growth in the trade volume. Governments of economic capitals such as China and India have numerous ongoing projects, which aim to principally double the volume of the current trade in the next five years, which, in turn, is probable to boost the demand for IBCs. Also, North America has been witnessing a vertical rise in demand for chemical and food applications. One-third of the agricultural land in the U.S. is meant mainly for exports, which drive the necessity for bulk packaging. IBCs offer several advantages such as reusability, leading to their wide applications across various end users. Another factor is their minimum contamination issue since they are manufactured with utmost care and periodic reconditions. Hence, IBCs are likely to gain significant traction during the forecast period.
Increase in Bulk Container Prices Due to Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
Volatility in raw material prices and other input costs have led to an increase in prices of the bulk containers. This fact is exemplified by increase in prices of the IBCs by Greif, Inc. The lack of import is limiting the supply of raw materials. When combined with delayed deliveries, this factor is further escalating the raw material prices and consecutively, limiting the profitability of the bulk container manufacturers.
Improved Material Capabilities for Effective Functional Performance
Gaining from the rebounded performance of the chemicals sector, which is a key end buyer of the bulk industrial containers, manufacturers of IBCs are leveraging their in-house research and development capabilities to innovate products that suits specific requirements. The global IBCs market is reflecting the customized standardization trend, where manufacturers develop products to meet the specific requirements of the end users.
Lucrative Growth Opportunities for the IBCs Market in Emerging Countries
The South & East Asia IBCs market together will account for a momentous share of the global IBCs market. India in South Asia while China in East Asia are projected to register a remarkable growth driven by continuous expansion of the end-use industries and rising trade volume. As manufacturers of IBCs focus on expanding its market presence, they are most likely to eye on developing countries to capitalize on the lucrative growth opportunities. Thus, South & East Asia are foreseen to remain lucrative for the growth of the IBCs market.
IBCs Market Structure Analysis
- The global IBCs market is characterized by the presence of fewer organized players, which significantly influence the global market.
- Tier 1 players in the IBCs market have wide product portfolio. Tier 1 companies contribute significantly to the growth of the IBCs Market.
- Tier 1 players in the IBCs market are foreseen to increase the global footmark either via mergers and acquisitions or collaborations with the regional manufacturers.
- Tier 2 players are characterized by the decent presence overseas, and a good portfolio of IBCs, and tier 3 players include most of the unorganized sectors.
Chemical Industry - Heading Towards Safer and Efficient Logistics with IBCs
For the market players operating in the chemical industry, transportation and storage of dangerous chemical compounds is a complex task. Thus, to solve these problems, intermediate bulk containers have made their presence felt in the chemical and the petrochemical sector. Further, with advancements in technology and additional research, state-of-the-art IBCs are used for safe transportation within the chemical industry. In addition, the surge in transportation activities for chemicals, hazardous materials, fuels, and liquids among others has boosted the demand for IBCs in recent years.
The growing adoption of IBCs in the petrochemical sector has accelerated transportation especially for small-volume shipments. Owing to its robustness, versatility, and reusable properties, stainless steel IBCs have gained attention and acceptance in the chemical industry. Further, stainless steel IBCs are available in an array of sizes ranging from 119 gallons to 793 gallons. Besides, IBCs can also be customized based on the requirement. In addition, stainless steel IBCs also solve cross-contamination challenges as they are easy to clean and can be reused to store and transport different chemicals. Other factors that contribute towards the growing demand for IBCs from the chemical sector include its long-term value and cost-effectiveness.
Opportunities Galore in Europe and North America
In the current scenario, Europe and North America are the front runners in the global IBC market owing to significant advances in the field in the last couple of decades. Further, stringent policies governing the safe disposal and reuse of IBCs in the aforementioned regions have set a strong foundation for market growth in the region. The growing adoption of bag-in-box IBCs in Europe especially within the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry have boosted the demand for flexible IBCs in the region. In addition, the surge in demand for reliable and robust IBCs from the chemical, food and the agriculture sectors in North America and Europe has propelled market growth in these regions. Established market players in the region are focusing on product innovation and R&D to gain a firm foothold in the market.
Food Industry - Solutions to Overcome One-trip Packaging
The narrowing profits within the food industry has compelled industry players to seek feasible and cost-effective solutions to increase profitability in packaging materials. Efforts are in pipeline to reduce one-trip packaging and re-usage of IBCs could potentially help food manufacturers overcome that challenge. However, re-usage of IBCs in the food sector is likely to be feasible only when hygiene standards are maintained. Further, IBCs in the food industry have to comply with the hygiene standards and pose no threat to human health. Thus, reconditioned flexible IBCs have gradually gained significant amount of popularity in the food industry worldwide. However, the applications of IBCs in the food industry will primarily rely on impact on human health and hygiene among others.
RIBC sales likely to see healthy growth
FIBC sales slated for stable rise through 2029
Plastics account for a majority of shares
Robust growth in preference for metal & paperboard
Chemicals industry to remain leading consumer of IBCs
Robust demand expected from F&B and agriculture industries
How Growth will Unfold
Environmental concerns over recycling and safe disposal of plastic containers will play a vital role in influencing market growth in the coming years. Further, the noteworthy growth of the chemical industry in Europe and North America is further expected to open new avenues for the IBC market in the region. Efficient and cost-effective rectangular IBCs have gained tremendous popularity over cylindrical drums owing to factors including optimum utilization of space and more.
The surge in demand for chemicals, paints, dyes, inks, and more in North America are expected to increase the demand for IBCs in the region. Further, market players in the industry are leveraging the benefits of IBCs to streamline the transportation of hazardous chemicals, solvents, etc. Apart from huge opportunities in the chemical sector, recent trends suggest that the demand for IBCs from the food and the e-commerce sector is expected to grow in the coming years.
In the current scenario, major market players in the IBC market are concentrating on developing cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable packaging solutions. Further, to penetrate the market in the emerging countries, inorganic strategies such as mergers and acquisitions are likely to grow in the coming years.
* This data is only a representation. Actual data may vary and will be available in report.
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Overview
The IBCs Market Analysis 2019-2029
A recent market study published by FMI on the IBCs market considers the global industry analysis 2014-2018 & forecast 2019-2029, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the most important market dynamics. After conducting thorough research on the historical as well as current growth parameters of the IBCs market, the growth prospects of the market are obtained with maximum precision.
IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) Market Taxonomy
The global IBCs market is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present complete market intelligence to the reader.
By Material Type
- Metal & Paperboard
- Plastics
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
By Product Type
- RIBC
- Metal
- Paperboard
- Plastic
- Composite
- FIBC
- Flexitanks
- Bags
By Content Type
- Liquid
- Solid & Semi-Solids
By Capacity Type
- RIBC
- Up to 1,000 L
- 1,001 to 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 & Lubricants
- Paints, Inks & Dyes
- Food & Beverages
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Others
- FIBC
- Chemicals & Fertilizers
- Food & Agriculture
- Building & Construction
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Mining
- Others
By Region
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- South Asia
- East Asia
- Oceania
- MEA
What's Included
The report commences with an executive summary of the IBCs market, which includes a summary of the key findings and statistics of the market. It also includes prominent segments in the global IBCs market, along with key facts about IBCs. It also includes graphical representation of the segments according to market size and growth rate.
Readers can find detailed taxonomy and definition of the IBCs market in this chapter, which will help them understand the basic information about IBCs that are present in the market. This section also highlights the inclusions and exclusions, which help the reader understand the scope of the IBCs market report.
The report provides key market trends that are expected to impact the market growth significantly in the coming years. Detailed industry trends are provided in this section, along with key market developments or product innovations, which are likely to have a significant impact on the IBCs market.
This section includes a comparative analysis of IBCs, along with the product adoption analysis and promotional strategies being used by tier 1 manufacturers and features, which set IBCs apart.
This section explains the global market value & volume analysis and forecast for the IBCs market between the forecast period of 2019-2029. It includes the detailed analysis of the historical IBCs market, along with an opportunity analysis of the future. Readers can also find the absolute opportunity for the current year (2019-2020), and an incremental opportunity for the forecast period (2019 – 2029).
This section highlights the average pricing analysis of various types of IBCs, in different regions across the globe. The weighted average pricing at the manufacturer-level is analyzed in this section.
This chapter explains the key macro-economic factors that are expected to influence the growth of the IBCs market over the forecast period. Along with macroeconomic factors, it also highlights the opportunity analysis for the IBCs market. This chapter also provides the key market dynamics of the IBCs market, which include the drivers and restraints that will help readers understand the key trends followed by the leading manufacturers in the IBCs market. This section also covers Porter’s analysis as well as the PESTLE analysis for the global IBCs market.
Based on material type, the IBCs market is segmented into plastic and metal & paperboard. Further, the plastic is sub-segmented into polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In this chapter, readers can find information about the key attractive segments during the forecast period.
Based on product type, the IBCs market is mainly segmented into rigid IBCs & flexible IBCs. Further, the rigid IBCs are sub-segmented into metal, paperboard, plastic, and composite as well as the flexible IBCs into bags & flexitanks. In this chapter, readers can find information about the key attractive segments during the forecast period.
Based on content type, the IBCs market is mainly segmented into solid & semi-solid and liquid. In this chapter, key attractive segments during the forecast period are provided.
This chapter provides details about the IBCs market on the basis of capacity, and this segment has been classified into capacity of RIBC & FIBC. The capacity of RIBCs are classified into up to 1,000 litre, 1,001 to 1,500 litre, and above 1,500 litre. The capacity of FIBCs are classified into up to 500 kg, 501 to 1,000 kg, 1,001 to 1,500 kg, and above 1,500 kg. In this chapter, readers can find information about key segments during the forecast period.
This chapter provides details about the IBCs market on the basis of end use, and this segment has been classified into end use of RIBC & FIBC. The end use of RIBCs are classified into chemicals, petroleum & lubricants, paints, inks & dyes, food & beverages, cosmetics & personal care, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, and others. The end use of FIBCs are classified into chemicals & fertilizers, food & agriculture, building & construction, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, mining, and others. In this chapter, readers can find information about key segments during the forecast period.
This chapter explains how the IBCs market is expected to grow across various geographical regions, such as North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and Middle East & Africa (MEA).
This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the North American IBCs market, along with a country-wise assessment that includes the U.S. and Canada. Readers will also find some key points on the basis of estimated market size and consumption of IBCs.
There is detailed information about several factors in the report, such as the pricing analysis and regional trends, which are impacting the growth of the Latin America IBCs market. This chapter also includes the growth prospects of the IBCs market in leading LATAM countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and the Rest of Latin America.
Important growth prospects of the IBCs market, based on the material, product, content, capacity, and the end-user industry in several countries, such as Germany, the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, BENELUX, Nordic, Poland, and the Rest of Europe, are included in this chapter.
India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are the leading countries in the South Asia region that are the prime subjects of assessment to obtain the growth prospects of the South Asia IBCs market in this chapter. Readers can find detailed information about the growth parameters of the South Asia IBCs market during the period 2019-2029.
This chapter highlights the growth of the IBCs market in East Asia by focusing on China, Japan, and South Korea. The section also emphasizes data points regarding the growth of the IBCs market in the East Asian region.
This chapter provides information about how the IBCs market will grow in major countries in the MEA region such as GCC Countries, South Africa, Turkey, Northern Africa, and the rest of MEA, during the forecast period 2019 - 2029.
In this chapter, Australia and New Zealand are among the leading countries in the Oceania region, which are the prime subjects of assessment to obtain the growth prospects of the Oceania IBCs market.
The section provides market forecast and analysis for the emerging countries based on key market segments considered. It also covers market attractiveness analysis by key segments, along with the impact of market dynamics and a brief overview of key players active in the region.
In this chapter, readers can find a detailed information about the tier analysis and market concentration of the key players in the IBCs market, along with their market presence analysis by region and product portfolio.
In this chapter, there is a comprehensive list of all the leading manufacturers in the IBCs market, along with detailed information about each company, including company overview, revenue shares, strategic overview, and recent company developments. Some of the market players featured in the report are Greif, Inc., Time Technoplast Ltd., SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA, Mauser Packaging Solutions, DS Smith Plc., Mondi Group, Berry Global, Inc., Hoover Ferguson Group, International Paper Company, Snyder Industries, Inc., Thielmann US LLC, Schafer Werke Gmbh, Bulk Lift International, Inc., Environmental Packaging Technologies, Inc., HCS Group, Transtainer, Obal Centrum s.r.o., Pensteel Ltd, SYSPAL Ltd., SIA Flexitanks Limited, among others.
This chapter includes a list of acronyms and assumptions that provide a base to the information and statistics included in the IBCs report.
This chapter helps readers understand the research methodology followed to obtain various conclusions, as well as important qualitative and quantitative information about the IBCs market.
How the research was conducted?
Primary Research
Primary research interviews with key opinion leaders and other participants were conducted for data collection and validation of the below information:
- Key Segments in the IBCs Market
- Market Share Analysis
- Average Selling Price (US$) and Market Growth
- Comparative Analysis
- Market Size of IBCs
- Key Trends & Developments
- Competition & Key Vendor Strategies
Secondary Research
- Industry Journals
- Association Data
- Company’s Annual Reports/SEC filings/Investor Presentations
Primary Interview Splits
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