The plastic rigid IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) market is experiencing notable trends driven by various factors such as technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, regulatory requirements, and industry dynamics. These trends are reshaping the landscape of plastic rigid IBCs, which are widely used for the storage, transportation, and handling of bulk liquids and granular materials in industries such as chemicals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
One significant trend in the plastic rigid IBC market is the increasing adoption of lightweight and durable materials. As industries seek to optimize their logistics and supply chain operations for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, there is a growing demand for plastic rigid IBCs that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios. Manufacturers are leveraging advanced polymer formulations and engineering techniques to develop lightweight yet robust plastic IBCs that can withstand the rigors of modern industrial applications while minimizing transportation costs and environmental impact. IBCs are being used more frequently for the transportation of goods including paints, varnishes, and dyes. One effective packaging option for the shipping of hazardous and corrosive fluids is rigid IBCs. IBCs are significant from a storage perspective as well.
Sustainability is another driving force shaping market trends in the plastic rigid IBC industry. With growing awareness of environmental issues and regulatory pressure to reduce carbon emissions and plastic waste, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly IBC solutions. Manufacturers are responding by developing recyclable and reusable plastic IBCs made from post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials. Additionally, innovations in design and manufacturing processes are enabling the production of collapsible or stackable IBCs that optimize space utilization and minimize packaging waste throughout the supply chain.
Moreover, customization and modularization are emerging trends in the plastic rigid IBC market as companies seek to optimize their storage and handling processes for different types of liquids and materials. Manufacturers are offering a wide range of customization options, including various sizes, shapes, and configurations, to meet the specific requirements of customers across diverse industries. Modular IBC systems, consisting of interchangeable components such as tanks, frames, and valves, provide flexibility and scalability for businesses to adapt to changing production and distribution needs.
Furthermore, digitalization and automation are transforming the plastic rigid IBC market by enabling greater efficiency, transparency, and traceability in supply chain operations. Smart IBC solutions equipped with sensors, telemetry devices, and IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity allow for real-time monitoring of container conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and location, ensuring product integrity and compliance with regulatory standards. Integration with digital platforms and cloud-based software enables data-driven decision-making, predictive maintenance, and optimization of IBC utilization throughout the product lifecycle.
The e-commerce boom and changing consumer behavior are driving demand for plastic rigid IBCs that can accommodate the storage and transportation of liquid products in bulk quantities. With the rapid growth of online retailing and direct-to-consumer distribution models, there is a growing need for scalable and efficient packaging solutions to meet the demands of omni-channel supply chains. Plastic rigid IBCs offer advantages such as space efficiency, product protection, and ease of handling, making them an ideal choice for storing and shipping bulk liquids in e-commerce fulfillment centers and distribution hubs.
Supply chain resilience and agility have become critical considerations for businesses in the face of global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Plastic rigid IBCs play a vital role in ensuring the safe and secure transport of essential goods and materials across various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. As companies strive to adapt to evolving market conditions and mitigate supply chain risks, the demand for reliable and versatile plastic rigid IBC solutions is expected to remain strong.
Plastic Rigid IBC Market Size was valued at USD 5.8 Billion in 2023. The plastic rigid IBC market industry is projected to grow from USD 6.01 Billion in 2024 to USD 8.9 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Over the forecast period, rising consumer awareness of IBC's advantages and widespread use of the product across a range of end-user industries are anticipated to fuel market expansion. Additionally, an increasing trend in market growth is anticipated with an increase in construction activity and improvements in the automotive industry. Another significant market driver that is anticipated to have a favorable impact on market expansion is the rising demand for paints and coatings.              Â
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
IBCs are being used more frequently for the transportation of goods including paints, varnishes, and dyes. One effective packaging option for the shipping of hazardous and corrosive fluids is rigid IBCs. IBCs are significant from a storage perspective as well. The storage and transportation of paints, varnishes, and dyes is a demanding sector that calls for materials that can withstand diverse chemicals and deliver the product successfully without compromising its quality. The majority of paint and coating products meet the criteria for hazardous materials, according to the American Coatings Association, and are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HM), which take into account the current rules for rail, highway, air, and sea transportation. The increase in demand for IBCs is related to the requirement for safe transportation of hazardous materials in the paints, coatings, and dyes sector. The market CAGR for plastic rigid IBCs is anticipated to increase significantly over the next ten years as a result of the aforementioned considerations.
Reconditioned IBCs go through a number of procedures, including washing and furnace oxidation. These are then cleaned, strengthened, and dried to remove any traces of their previous use. IBC reuse is thought to be far more environmentally friendly than IBC scrap. In the United States, there was a significant decrease in the use of IBCs in the years 2020–2021, according to the Reusable Industrial Packaging organization (RIPA), a trade organization made up of companies like manufacturers and distributors of industrial containers. Because of the increased reliance on modified packaging services, the rate of scrapping has thus decreased, which has led to a lower rate of disposal. The installation of new regulations and standards is the result of growing environmental concerns about recycling and the safe degradation of packaging containers. Thus, enacting stringent regulations requiring businesses to reuse their packaging materials will stimulate the market. However, cross-contamination could result from using these containers again with old remaining contents. Due to this, important IBC manufacturers now offer reconditioning services. Thus, driving the plastic rigid IBC market revenue.
The plastic rigid IBC market segmentation, based on category includes Up to 500 liters, 500 to 1000 liters, 1000 to 1500 liters, 1500 to 2000 liters, and above 2000 liters. The 500 to 1000 liters segment dominated the market due to the particular segment's growing product demand. The petrochemical and lubricant sectors, which need larger containers for the transportation of chemicals, solvents, and liquids, are also predicted to contribute significantly to the segment's growth.
The plastic rigid IBC market segmentation, based on material, includes High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Others. The high density polyethylene (HDPE) category generated the most income. Thermoplastic polymers made from the monomer ethylene are used to make intermediate bulk containers made of high-density polyethylene. High-density polyethylene intermediate bulk containers have a 120–140 degree Celsius melting temperature. High-density polyethylene has a density of 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3. In comparison to other polyethylene forms, high-density polyethylene intermediate bulk containers offer stronger tensile strength and are chemically resistant.
Figure 1: Plastic Rigid IBC Market, by Material, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The plastic rigid IBC market segmentation, based on end use, includes storing Industrial Chemicals, Petroleum & Lubricants, Food & Beverages, Paints Inks Dyes, Pharmaceuticals, and Others. The food & beverages category generated the most income. The increase in demand for plastic rigid IBC containers in the food and beverage industry is due to an increase in the need for long-distance storage and transportation of bulk food goods and a variety of beverages.
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific plastic rigid IBC market area will dominate this market. Due to the presence of advanced chemical industries and large-scale chemical manufacturers in the region, China is the market leader in the Asia Pacific. The bulk container and chemical industries in China are important consumers of chemical supplies and are accountable for a sizable portion of the market's expansion. Leading rigid plastic manufacturers in China include ZIBO JIELIN PLASTIC PIPE MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: PLASTIC RIGID IBC MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Europe's plastic rigid IBC market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the expansion of the automobile industry and an increase in construction projects. Key player presence and flexible investment policies are anticipated to further accelerate market expansion in the area. Additionally, the availability of inexpensive labor and rising transportation and storage needs support market expansion in the area. Further, the German plastic rigid IBC market held the largest market share, and the UK plastic rigid IBC market was the fastest-growing market in the European region
North America Plastic Rigid IBC Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032 because there is a higher and increasing demand for packaged food in the area. The region is dominated by major players in the food and beverage sectors like PepsiCo Inc., Tyson Food Inc., Nestle, and JBS USA. The US, Canada, and Mexico are the three most important nations in North America. Moreover, the US plastic rigid IBC market held the largest market share, and the Canadian plastic rigid IBC market was the fastest-growing market in the region.
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the plastic rigid IBC market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the plastic rigid IBC industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the plastic rigid IBC industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the plastic rigid IBC industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to the market. Major players in the plastic rigid IBC market attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations include Schutz Container Systems (US), Greif, Inc. (US), Maschiopack GmbH (Germany), SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA (US), Bulk Handling Australia (Australia), ZIBO JIELIN PLASTIC PIPE MANUFACTURE CO., LTD (China), WERIT Kunststoffwerke W. Schneider GmbH & Co.KG (Germany), Snyder Industries, Inc. (US), Sintex Industries (India), Hoover Ferguson Group, Inc. (US) among others.
Vertical and double-wall plastic storage tanks are produced by Snyder Industries, Inc. to specifications that are equal to or higher than ASTM D 1998. Snyder also produces rotationally molded polyethylene IBCs (Totes) and stainless steel IBCs (Totes) that are UN DOT certified for the transportation of hazardous goods. To deliver high-quality products to its customers across North America, Snyder Industries has eight strategically positioned manufacturing facilities. Plastic tanks with a capacity of up to 16,500 gallons can be produced using it.
The largest maker of plastic water tanks in the world as well as Asia's largest producer of corduroy fabrics is the Sintex group, formerly known as The Bharat Vijay Mills Ltd and Sintex Industries Ltd. In particular, France, Germany, and the US are where Sintex is most active. It also does business in Africa and Asia. It mostly deals with textiles, monolithic construction, prefabricated buildings, prefabricated parts, building materials, prefabricated buildings, prefabricated parts, and water storage tanks.
March 2022: By introducing the Infinity Series with UN-Rated IBC, Mauser Packaging Solution broadened its line of products and will now be better able to support the circular economy.
September 2021: Hoover CS, a company that makes stiff plastic, is unveiling its multi-agreement with cutting-edge refining technology. New advancements will result from the company's joint venture. In partnership with the other company, The Hoover will provide a catalyst packaging storage solution. These businesses represent exciting advancements as a result of the agreement.
February 2020: The market was first exposed to Grief, Inc.'s new rigid IBC. Post-consumer resin (PCR) makes up the majority of it.
© 2024 Market Research Future ® (Part of WantStats Reasearch And Media Pvt. Ltd.)