Global Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Market by Capacity (Up To 1,000 Liters and Above 1000 Liters) and Applications (Industrial Liquids, Food & Beverage, and Household Products) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Overview

An intermediate bulk container liner is a pallet mounted, industrial grade reusable container that is used for storing and transporting bulk liquids and powders. Also known as a tote, the IBC is capable of stacking and can be moved by a pallet jack or forklift. Intermediate bulk container can be divided into two types which is rigid IBCs and flexible IBCs. Rigid IBCs are made of inflexible materials plastic, steel, or a combination of both materials for the heavy-duty use, whereas flexible IBCs are collapsible. The advantages of IBC are their efficiency in handling and storing. IBCs are mainly used in companies such as chemicals, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing. IBS provides many benefits such as it can reduce packaging waste, offer improvement in logistics, and increase safety material handling during different type of operations.

Global Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Market Analysis

The Global Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Market Size was $920.4 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 5.1%, by generating a revenue of $1,491.0 million by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Market

COVID-19 pandemic led to a disruption in global supply chains due to complete lockdowns, restrictions in travelling, and temporary closures of manufacturing units. These temporary closures caused delays in the production and distribution of IBC liners. The COVID-19 influenced consumer buying behaviour and market requirements. Industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals that heavily rely on IBC liners, experienced shifts in demand patterns due to Covid-19 pandemic. For example, masks and sanitizers were in more demand in the lockdown period, and hence several companies shifted their focus on producing masks and sanitizers which affected the production and use of intermediate bulk containers liners. Companies faced challenges like labor shortage, social distancing requirements, and restrictions on production capacities, these factors impacted the production of IBC market. Many companies faced financial difficulties leading to a change in their market share.

The Ability to Reuse and Recycle IBCs to Drive the Market Growth

IBCs liners are designed for reuse and recycling, reducing waste and maintaining sustainability. As environmental concerns industries are increasingly adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions like IBCs liners. IBC have the ability to minimize the packaging waste has a positive impact on the market. IBC provides standardized method of packaging and transporting of bulk materials in different regions, which leads to the growth of international trade. Food & beverage and chemical & pharmaceutical industries are the major end-user industries of IBCs. Different IBCs are used for storage and packaging of products. The investments in chemical industries are growing which is increasing the demand for IBCs. For example, US announced more than 300 chemical projects since the 2010. Additionally, they generating their more revenue from the chemical industries which was USD 1 trillion in 2022.

Security Concerns to Restrain the Market Growth

The intermediate bulk container liner market faces certain restraints and challenges that can impact its growth. The implementation cost of IBC liner systems can be very high compared to traditional bulk packaging materials. The liners need to be ensured compatibility with stored substance, which can give complexity to the products that are being manufactured by the user. IBC liners are designed for bulk material transportation and storage, but they may face challenges in terms space utilization and logistics. IBC liners are larger in size so they required specific handling equipment which is not easily available or suitable in all settings. Additionally, liners can require sufficient space and proper management.

The Trend of Reusability to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The intermediate bulk container liner market presents several opportunities for investors. North region present significant opportunities for the IBC liner market because of the growing economies. These regions are experiencing rapid growth in industrialization and urbanization and hence there is a growing demand for efficient and cost-effective materials. Food & beverage companies are the major consumers of the IBC liners. The need for safe packaging solutions is increasing the demand for IBC liners in the food & beverage sector. IBC liners are designed with their reusable and recyclable qualities. Aligning with the trend of reusable and recyclable qualities the companies that produce eco-friendly IBC liner options have the opportunity to acquire more market share and meet the demands of environmentally conscious customers. Manufacturers can develop IBC liners with enhanced and improved features such as barrier properties, easier handling mechanisms, with maximum compatibility and customized solutions for specific industry needs. Stakeholders can collaborate with different sectors in the supply chain, such as IBC liner manufacturers, packaging companies, logistics, and end consumer, can create opportunities for mutual growth.

Global Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Market Size, by Product, 2022

Above 1000 liters sub segment accounted for the highest share in the intermediate bulk container liner market. The above 1000 liters IBCs are typically referred to as large intermediate bulk containers. These large IBC containers typically have the capacity ranging from 1000 to 3000 liters, although custom sized containers are available in the market. The primary advantage of larger IBCs is the significant increase in storage capacity. With a capacity above 1000 liters, these IBCs can hold a larger volume of liquid or bulk materials compared to smaller containers. IBCs with a capacity above 1000 liters can streamline material handling and logistics processes. Fewer containers mean less time and effort required for loading, unloading, and transporting materials. Larger IBCs often feature robust construction and secure closures, ensuring the integrity and safety of the stored materials.

Global Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Market Share, by Application, 2022

Food & beverage IBCs held the highest market share in 2022. These IBCs are large, stackable containers typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that can hold a significant amount of liquid or bulk food materials. Their standardized dimensions make them compatible with various handling and transportation systems, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyors. IBCs are designed to protect the contents from contamination, spoilage, and physical damage during storage and transportation. They often have airtight lids or seals to maintain the quality and freshness of food and beverage products. IBCs come in various sizes and configurations, allowing the food and beverage industry to adapt them to different needs. They can be used to transport liquids, powders, granules, and other bulk materials. The use of IBCs can contribute to cost savings in the food and beverage industry. They enable efficient handling and storage, reducing labor and transportation costs. Overall, the food and beverage industry benefits from the use of IBCs due to their efficiency, product protection, hygiene compliance, flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Intermediate Bulk Container Liner Market

Amcor plc is a global packaging company. The company operates in paper milling businesses established in and around Melbourne, Australia, during the 1860s. the company develops and produces flexible packaging, strong containers, closures and services for food, beverage, medical-device, home and personal-care, and other products. These were consolidated as the Australian Paper Mills Company Pty Ltd, in 1896. In 2021, Amcor were ranked 7th on Michael West's "Top 40 Tax Dodgers in Australia".

Some of the leading global intermediate bulk container liner market players are L.C. Packaging, LC Dover LP., Brambles Ltd, Arena Products Inc, Qingdao LAF Packaging Co., Ltd., CDF Corporation, Nittel, Qbig Packaging, and Zasfa Composite Containers Pvt Ltd.