Intermediate Bulk Container Market Report 2026

The intermediate bulk container market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.84 billion in 2025 to $4.22 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of chemical manufacturing, growth of liquid bulk trade, reliance on drums and tanks, industrial globalization, storage safety regulations.

The intermediate bulk container market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.11 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to sustainability mandates, growth of pharmaceutical logistics, cost-efficient bulk handling, reusable packaging adoption, global supply chain expansion. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of reusable bulk packaging, adoption of food-grade ibcs, expansion of chemical logistics, shift toward lightweight containers, demand for safe bulk transport.

The growing chemical industry is expected to drive the growth of the intermediate bulk container market going forward. The chemical industry encompasses large-scale production and processing of chemicals, including the manufacture of various industrial and consumer products. Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are utilized to ensure safe and efficient storage and transportation of liquid and granular substances, providing secure handling while minimizing environmental risks. For instance, in November 2023, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), a US-based trade association, the Global Chemical Production Regional Index (Global CPRI) showed a 0.6% increase in September, following a revised 0.6% gain in August. Chemical production grew across all regions, with South America registering the most significant increase. The indices are calculated on a three-month moving average (3MMA) to reduce month-to-month fluctuations.

Leading companies in the intermediate bulk container (IBC) market are increasingly turning to strategic partnerships to deliver comprehensive and innovative packaging solutions. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. For example, in June 2023, BASF, a Germany-based chemical company, and THIELMANN, a Germany-based manufacturer of stainless steel containers, partnered with NXTGN Solutions GmbH, a Germany-based full-service partner for digital transformation. Through this collaboration, the three companies aim to advance and market IBC trackers that utilize patented technology integrating acoustic signal assessment and IoT-connected sensors. This innovative solution enables precise measurement of IBC metrics such as location, fill level, shock load, temperature, and contamination. The processed data is accessible through a web-based dashboard, providing logistics sector users with reliable insights for informed decision-making on fleet management savings and optimization measures.

In April 2023, Greif Inc., a US-based industrial packaging company, completed the acquisition of Centurion Container LLC for $145 million. This strategic acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Greif's presence in North America by leveraging Centurion's skilled management team, known for effectively expanding a comprehensive reconditioning network. The acquisition will also strengthen Centurion's portfolio of reusable and sustainable packaging solutions. As a result of the acquisition, Greif's ownership stake in Centurion Container LLC will increase from 9% to 80%. Centurion Container LLC, based in the US, is recognized for its expertise in manufacturing intermediary bulk containers.

Major companies operating in the intermediate bulk container market are Berry Global Group Inc., DS Smith plc, Mondi plc, Greif Flexible Products and Services, Brambles Limited, MAUSER Corporate GmbH, Myers Industries Inc., Time Technoplast Ltd., BWAY Corporation, LC Packaging International BV, Bulk Lift International LLC, Nefab Group, Hoover Ferguson Group Inc., Schuetz Container System Inc., Snyder Industries Inc., Plymouth Industries LLC, CorrPak Bulk Packaging systems LLC, Global-Pak LLC, System Schafer Werke Gmbh, Thermoflex LLC, Arlington Packaging Limited, Environmental Packaging Technologies Inc., Qingdao LAF Packaging Co. Ltd., Büscherhoff Spezialverpackung GmbH & Co. KG, RDA Bulk Packaging Ltd., Gaoqing Anthente Container Package Company Limited, Ven Pack, Heritage B B.V., Schoeller Arca Systems Holding B.V.

North America was the largest region in the intermediate bulk container market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the intermediate bulk container market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the intermediate bulk container market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The intermediate bulk container (IBC) market consists of sales of wooden pallet IBC, composite pallet IBC, and steel pallet IBC. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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