According to new Freedonia Group study Global Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), global demand for IBCs in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector is projected to increase 4.1% per year to $6.5 billion in 2026. Gains will be boosted by growth in chemical and pharmaceutical output, with healthy advances in China and India – both of which are among the largest and fastest growing chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers globally.
Single-use and/or limited-use bulk containers – such as pails and fibre drums – will maintain a substantial presence in chemical products packaging, particularly where shipments to customers are infrequent or in smaller volumes. However, there will continue to be an emphasis on reusable packaging products like IBCs, largely due to their long-term cost savings and their relative sustainability.
In chemical and pharmaceutical applications, reusable containers are widely used in closed-loop systems. In these systems, reusable totes, crates, and other containers are used to reduce or eliminate the cost of new containers or disposal of single-use containers such as bulk boxes. Such systems also reduce the threat of cross-contamination by the previous contents. RIBCs are most used with liquid chemical products. Rigid containers can be cost-effective in closed-loop distribution systems, which reuse the same containers in order to reduce costs associated with buying new containers as well as the possibility of contamination.
Rigid packaging also offers greater strength than flexible packaging, leading to RIBCs being frequently used for the transportation and storage of chemicals. Nevertheless, FIBCs are used in chemical applications, particularly for chemical products shipped as flowable powders. Liners have also made many FIBCs more suitable for handling liquid products.