The global rigid IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) market is projected to grow from USD 20.82 billion in 2025 to USD 36.24 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. The demand for rigid IBCs is primarily driven by the need for safe storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals.
In particular, rigid IBCs are essential in petrochemical, industrial chemical, and specialty chemical storage due to their chemical resistance, spill prevention, and contamination control capabilities. Additionally, strict regulations by regulatory agencies mandating the use of UN-certified containers for hazardous materials further increase the demand for these containers.
The growth of the rigid IBC market is also being fueled by the increasing need for bulk storage solutions in industries beyond chemicals. As globalization continues to spread, international trade and industrial development are driving the demand for efficient bulk storage solutions.
The food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and oil and lubricant industries are also contributing significantly to the growth of the rigid IBC market. Furthermore, the movement toward sustainable and reusable packaging is gaining momentum, as environmentally friendly materials are becoming more attractive to consumers. Rigid IBCs, with their durability and stackability, offer efficient solutions for storing liquids and powders, which further enhances their adoption across various industries.
Several recent developments have shaped the market’s direction. Greif Inc. made a strategic acquisition in 2024, taking a majority stake in Delta Containers Manchester, enhancing its IBC reconditioning and recycling services across the UK and Ireland, aligning with its sustainability goals.
Mauser Packaging Solutions expanded its product range in May 2025 with the introduction of stainless steel IBCs, continuing its focus on sustainable packaging solutions. In India, Time Technoplast Ltd., the third-largest IBC manufacturer globally, launched its IBCs, solidifying its leadership in the market.
Brambles Group, reporting a 3% increase in sales revenue for Q1 2024, appointed Maxine Brenner as Non-Executive Director to strengthen its leadership. Additionally, Schoeller Allibert Group BV merged with IPL in April 2025 to create a US$1.4 billion revenue reusable plastic packaging company, and innovated with the Combo IBC, a foldable solution offering cost savings and environmental benefits. These developments highlight the trend toward sustainability, innovation, and strategic expansion, further driving the growth of the rigid IBC market.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 20.82 billion |
| Market Size in 2035 | USD 36.24 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.7% |
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global rigid IBC market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 (2024 to 2034) | 5.5% |
| H2 (2024 to 2034) | 5.9% |
| H1 (2025 to 2035) | 5.0% |
| H2 (2025 to 2035) | 6.4% |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 5.5%, followed by a slightly lower growth rate of 5.9% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 5% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 6.4% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 50 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 50 BPS.
The rigid IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) market is projected to experience significant growth, driven by the convenience and practicality of plastic IBCs and the widespread adoption of standard 1040-liter capacity containers. These segments are expected to lead the market, providing solutions that support diverse industries, including chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Plastic IBCs are expected to capture 45% of the market share in 2025, emerging as the dominant material type in the rigid IBC market. Plastic IBCs are preferred for their lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant properties, making them highly suitable for storing and transporting a wide variety of liquids and granulated substances.
These containers offer high strength, excellent leak resistance, and the convenience of being reusable, which makes them an attractive option for industries like chemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Companies such as Schoeller Allibert, Mauser Packaging Solutions, and Greif are leading the development and production of plastic IBCs, catering to the growing demand for efficient, safe, and cost-effective bulk storage solutions.
The ongoing trend toward sustainability, including increased recycling capabilities and lighter-weight designs, is also boosting the demand for plastic IBCs. As industries continue to seek more efficient, eco-friendly packaging options, plastic IBCs are expected to remain the market leader, with continued innovation driving their growth.
The standard 1040 liters IBC segment is projected to capture 53% of the market share by 2025, making it the dominant capacity choice. This capacity is widely adopted due to its versatile size, which meets the storage and transport needs of various industries. The 1040-liter IBC is particularly suitable for bulk liquid storage in industries such as chemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, offering the perfect balance between capacity and manageability.
The global demand for efficient transport solutions, especially in international shipping and logistics, continues to drive the growth of this IBC size. Leading manufacturers like Mauser Packaging Solutions, Greif, and SCHÜTZ are continually developing innovative 1040-liter IBC solutions that improve safety, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
As companies continue to streamline their operations and reduce costs, the standard 1040-liter IBC is expected to maintain its strong position in the market, bolstered by its adaptability to a wide range of materials and industries.
Increasing Demand from the Chemical and Pharmaceuticals Industries
The demand for rigid IBCs has increased substantially with demand from the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Both sectors need stable bulk packaging materials that are contamination-free, durable, and safe for carrying and storing hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals. Rigid IBCs are needed because they have been perfect for their high chemical resistance, leak-proof covering, and simplicity in handling.
It is more desirable than using rigid IBCs while shipping solvents, acids, and pharmaceutical materials due to these characteristics. As stricter international safety and compliance regulations enforcement pushes industries towards a certified bulk container satisfying the UN, FDA, and EPA regulations, pharmaceutical industry growth, driven by rising drug manufacturing across continents, vaccine distribution, and clinical trials, further drives the need for IBCs that are reusable, tamper-proof, and sterile. Adoption of inflexible IBCs ever increases, and it is therefore a global impelling force behind market expansion, as businesses launch their resource commitment towards an escalation in safety, efficiency, and cost savings.
Ever Growing Popularity of Reusable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Options
Rigid IBCs can, be cleaned, reconditioned, and reused multiple times, generating less plastic waste and ultimately environmental impacts. Most firms are also shifting towards for refillable packaging schemes, which involve collecting, cleaning, and reusing the IBCs, closing the loop in as far as it pertains to a circular economy: in addition, governments as well as governmental agencies are enacting stringent green legislation along industries' lines inducing them to incorporate bulk forms of green packaging.
This has led to higher investment in manufacturing of HDPE and stainless steel IBCs-frame lifespan but once more recyclable too - has made the demand for cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient logistics solutions shoot up industries like food & beverage, agriculture, and chemicals towards transformation and therefore contribute again towards market growth.
High Initial Investment and Maintenance Costs
High initial cost and maintenance costs later have been the worst disadvantages for the rigid IBC market. Rigid IBCs unlike the conventional barrel or drum have enormous initial investment; all these factors come down to the central reason-they have high storage capacity, heavy-duty construction, and compliance with safety standards.
So, premium bulk containers are the dream of most small- and even medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who opt for lower-cost and disposable options instead. And although reusable IBCs save on long-term costs, they need regular cleaning and reconditioning and checks for compliance for added upkeep.
Further, these savings could be negated by acquisition charges of proper handling gears (e.g., pallet jack, forklift) for safe transportation and storage. Recycling and refurbishing expenses paid for used IBCs would still render them costly, in addition to capital investment in buying.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in rigid IBC market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 includeGreif Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions, Time Technoplast Ltd., Brambles Group, SchoellerAllibert Group BV.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach.
Prominent companies in tier 2 includeCabka Group, Schutz GmbH, Pyramid Technoplast Ltd., Snyder Industries LLC, Theilmann, Syspal Ltd, Schafer Werke GmbH, Auer Packaging, CMP Srl, HCS Group, Ajax Equipment, Arlington Packaging Ltd, Matcon IBC, ILC Dover, ITP Packaging.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
The section below covers the future forecast for the rigid IBC market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 4.6% through 2035. In Europe, Spain is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.3% by 2035.
| Country | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 4.6% |
| Germany | 4.2% |
| China | 6.6% |
| UK | 4.1% |
| Spain | 5.3% |
| India | 6.8% |
| Canada | 4.4% |
The stiff IBC market in the USA is fueled by the expansion of the food and beverage sector, especially in bulk ingredient storage and distribution. As food processing plants, breweries, and dairy farms continue to rise, there is a strong demand for clean and high-volume food-grade containers.
Rigid IBCs constructed of stainless steel and top-grade plastics provide food safety, avoid contamination, and keep the product fresh. The successful craft beer and beverage industry also depends on IBCs for mass fermentation, liquid storage, and transportation.
The large food companies are also changing towards sustainable and reusable bulk packaging to address environmental regulations and corporate sustainability objectives. The spreading use of automated filling and dispensing systems in food plants further compliments the need for effective, stackable, and resistant IBCs, making them a necessary component of USA food supply chains and logistics.
Germany's industrial and chemical production sector is one of the biggest drivers of the stiff IBC industry. As a world leader in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial manufacturing, Germany requires high-quality bulk containers for the transportation of liquids, powders, and dangerous chemicals.
Stiff IBCs also have widespread usage for safe custody and transportation of chemicals, paint, coatings, and industrial lubricants, all in accordance with strict European Union (EU) standards for dangerous goods handling. In addition to this, the automotive and engineering industries in Germany require industrial-duty IBCs as containers to hold coolants, solvents, and special chemicals used as production inputs.
The Rigid IBC Market is experiencing steady growth due to increasing demand for safe, durable, and cost-effective bulk liquid and dry material storage solutions across industries such as chemicals, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, and agriculture. Rigid IBCs offer high load capacity, reusability, and space-efficient transportation, making them a preferred choice over traditional drums and flexible bulk containers.
The market is driven by stringent regulations for hazardous material storage, the expansion of global supply chains, and sustainability initiatives encouraging reusable IBCs. Manufacturers are investing in lightweight, high-strength materials, smart tracking systems (IoT-enabled IBCs), and eco-friendly alternatives to improve product performance and sustainability. However, high initial costs and maintenance requirements pose challenges for some industries.
Key Developments in Rigid IBC Market
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 20.82 billion |
| Projected Market Size in 2035 | USD 36.24 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.7% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD billion for value |
| Material Types Analyzed (Segment 1) | Metal IBC, Composite IBC, Paperboard IBC, Plastic IBC |
| Capacities Analyzed (Segment 2) | Standard 1040 Liters, Standard 1250 Liters, Other Customized Capacities |
| End Uses Analyzed (Segment 3) | Oil & Lubricants, Chemicals, Food, Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Other Industrial Applications (Sealants & Adhesives, Solvents) |
| Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia & Pacific, East Asia, Middle East & Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, China, India, Japan, South Korea, ANZ, GCC Countries, South Africa |
| Key Players influencing the Market | Greif Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions, Time Technoplast Ltd., Brambles Group, SchoellerAllibert Group BV, Cabka Group, Schutz GmbH, Pyramid Technoplast Ltd., Snyder Industries LLC, Theilmann, Syspal Ltd, Schafer Werke GmbH, Auer Packaging, CMP Srl, HCS Group, Ajax Equipment, Arlington Packaging Ltd, Matcon IBC, ILC Dover, ITP Packaging |
| Additional Attributes | Dollar sales by material (plastic, metal, composite), Dominance of 1040-liter standard units, Shift toward returnable and recyclable IBCs, Automation compatibility in bulk liquid handling, Application demand trends in chemicals, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals |
The rigid intermediate bulk container market is categorized by material type, including metal IBC, composite IBC, paperboard IBC, and plastic IBC.
The market is segmented based on capacity, including standard 1040 liters, standard 1250 liters, and other customized capacities.
Rigid intermediate bulk containers are used across various industries, including oil & lubricants, chemicals, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care & cosmetics, and other industrial applications such as sealants & adhesives and solvents.
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
Table 01: Global Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 02: Global Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 03: Global Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 04: Global Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 05: Global Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 06: Global Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 07: Global Market Value (US$ million) by Region, 2019H to 2034F
Table 08: Global Market Volume (000 Units) by Region, 2019H to 2034F
Table 09: North America Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 10: North America Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 11: North America Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 12: North America Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 13: North America Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 14: North America Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 15: North America Market Value (US$ million) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 16: North America Market Volume (000 Units) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 17: Latin America Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 18: Latin America Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 19: Latin America Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 20: Latin America Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 21: Latin America Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 22: Latin America Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 23: Latin America Market Value (US$ million) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 24: Latin America Market Volume (000 Units) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 25: East Asia Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 26: East Asia Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 27: East Asia Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 28: East Asia Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 29: East Asia Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 30: East Asia Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 31: East Asia Market Value (US$ million) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 32: East Asia Market Volume (000 Units) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 33: South Asia & Pacific Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034
Table 34: South Asia & Pacific Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 35: South Asia & Pacific Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 36: South Asia & Pacific Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 37: South Asia & Pacific Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 38: South Asia & Pacific Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 39: South Asia & Pacific Market Value (US$ million) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 40: South Asia & Pacific Market Volume (000 Units) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 41: Western Europe Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 42: Western Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 43: Western Europe Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 44: Western Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 45: Western Europe Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 46: Western Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 47: Western Europe Market Value (US$ million) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 48: Western Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 49: Eastern Europe Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 50: Eastern Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 51: Eastern Europe Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 52: Eastern Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 53: Eastern Europe Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 54: Eastern Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 55: Eastern Europe Market Value (US$ million) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 56: Eastern Europe Market Volume (000 Units) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 57: Middle East & Africa Market Value (US$ million) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 58: Middle East & Africa Market Volume (000 Units) by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Table 59: Middle East & Africa Market Value (US$ million) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 60: Middle East & Africa Market Volume (000 Units) by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Table 61: Middle East & Africa Market Value (US$ million) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 62: Middle East & Africa Market Volume (000 Units) by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Table 63: Middle East & Africa Market Value (US$ million) by Side, 2019H to 2034F
Table 64: Middle East & Africa Market Volume (000 Units) by Side, 2019H to 2034F
Table 65: Middle East & Africa Market Value (US$ million) by Adhesive, 2019H to 2034F
Table 66: Middle East & Africa Market Volume (000 Units) by Adhesive, 2019H to 2034F
Table 67: Middle East & Africa Market Value (US$ million) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Table 68: Middle East & Africa Market Volume (000 Units) by Country, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 01: Global Market Share Analysis, by Material, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 02: Global Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 03: Global Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Material, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 04: Global Market Share Analysis, by Capacities, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 05: Global Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 06: Global Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Capacities, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 07: Global Market Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 08: Global Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by End Use, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 09: Global Market Attractiveness Analysis, by End Use, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 10: Global Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Adhesive, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 11: Global Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Adhesive, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 12: Global Market Share Analysis, by region, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 13: Global Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by region, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 14: Global Market Attractiveness Analysis, by region, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 15: North America Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Material, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 16: North America Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 17: North America Market Value Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024(E)
Figure 18: North America Market Share Analysis, by Country, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 19: Latin America Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 20: Latin America Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 21: Latin America Market Value Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024(E)
Figure 22: Latin America Market Share Analysis, by Country, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 23: East Asia Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 24: East Asia Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 25: East Asia Market Value Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024(E)
Figure 26: East Asia Market Share Analysis, by Country, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 27: South Asia & Pacific Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 28: South Asia & Pacific Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 29: South Asia & Pacific Market Value Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024(E)
Figure 30: South Asia & Pacific Market Share Analysis, by Country, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 31: Western Europe Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 32: Western Europe Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 33: Western Europe Market Value Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024(E)
Figure 34: Western Europe Market Share Analysis, by Country, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 35: Eastern Europe Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 36: Eastern Europe Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 37: Eastern Europe Market Value Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024(E)
Figure 38: Eastern Europe Market Share Analysis, by Country, 2024E to 2034F
Figure 39: Middle East & Africa Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 40: Middle East & Africa Market Y-o-Y Analysis, by Capacities, 2019H to 2034F
Figure 41: Middle East & Africa Market Value Share Analysis, by End Use, 2024(E)
Figure 42: Middle East & Africa Market Share Analysis, by Country, 2024E to 2034F
The global rigid IBC industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.7% between 2025 and 2035.
The global rigid IBC industry stood at USD 19,695.1 million in 2024.
Global rigid IBC industry is anticipated to reach USD 36.24 billion by 2035 end.
East Asia is set to record a CAGR of 6.8% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global rigid IBC industry include Greif Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions, Time Technoplast Ltd., Brambles Group, Schoeller Allibert Group BV.
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Rigid IBC Market
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