Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth 2030

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Industry Prospective:

The global flexible intermediate bulk container market size was worth around USD 5.14 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 8.67 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.75% between 2023 and 2030.

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The report analyzes the global flexible intermediate bulk container market drivers, restraints/challenges, and the effect they have on the demands during the projection period. In addition, the report explores emerging opportunities in the flexible intermediate bulk container industry.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Overview

A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) is also known as a bulk bag, big bag, or super sack. It is a large, flexible container that is used to store and transport bulk materials. FIBCs have high applications in industries such as agriculture, chemicals, mining, construction, and food processing. They are typically made from woven polypropylene fabric which is, in turn, extremely strong and durable material. FIBCs tend to have rectangular or cubic shapes and a holding capacity of more than a few thousand kilograms of materials, thus making them an ideal choice for packaging, storing, or transporting materials in bulk quantities. Their unique designs allow them to carry both dry and flowable products, such as powders, granules, flakes, or pellets. The flexible intermediate bulk container industry deals with the designing, production, and distribution of FIBCs across end-user verticals. During the forecast period, the industry is expected to grow at a steady rate.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global flexible intermediate bulk container market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.75% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global flexible intermediate bulk container market size was valued at around USD 5.14 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 8.67 billion, by 2030.
• The flexible intermediate bulk container market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the high cost-effectiveness of FIBCs over traditional containers.
• Based on end-user segmentation, construction was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on type segmentation, type A was the leading variant in 2022
• On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific was the leading revenue generator in 2022

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Growth Drivers

High cost-effectiveness to drive market demand

The global flexible intermediate bulk container market is projected to grow owing to the high cost-effectiveness of FIBCs over traditional counterparts such as boxes and drums. The substitute options are typically made of expensive materials such as iron or steel and the production process is complex when compared to the production of FIBCs. This results in higher associated costs. However, FIBCs are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and transport, and their lightweight construction reduces shipping costs. Furthermore, they can be used multiple times, which adds to the reduced cost of packaging. In addition to this, with the increasing investments in end-user verticals such as agriculture and construction to meet the rising demand of the general population along with rampant globalization, the application of flexible intermediate bulk containers is expected to grow.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Restraints

Regulatory compliance to restrict market expansion

FIBCs are mandated to comply with regulatory standards and guidelines laid down by international or regional bodies. This is to ensure that the products are safe to use for transportation and other purposes and that every product meets international standards. These regulations tend to vary between nations across industries. Thus making it difficult for new entrants to keep up with the varying ecosystem of regulatory guidelines.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Opportunities

Rising applications in the e-commerce sector to provide growth opportunities

The global flexible intermediate bulk container industry is projected to benefit from the rising e-commerce industry and the application of FIBCs in this sector which is mainly due to the advantages of using flexible intermediate bulk containers. For instance, they promote storage space optimization. They are also easy to handle and are known to improve transportation efficiency. With the growing expansion of the e-commerce sector and the subsequent orders in bulk, the industry can also leverage the rise in sales revenue of online retailers.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Challenges

Growing cases of counterfeit products to challenge market expansion

The global flexible intermediate bulk container industry is expected to come across certain roadblocks owing to the rising cases of counterfeit containers in the commercial market. This can cause companies to lose brand value. Furthermore, it is difficult to ensure consistent quality control across the production of FIBCs, especially in regions with limited or less stringent regulations or oversight. Such factors can cause variations in the quality of the product and its reliability.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Segmentation

The global flexible intermediate bulk container market is segmented based on end-user, type, and region.

Based on end-user, the global flexible intermediate bulk container market segments are textiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, oil & gas, food, construction, and others. The highest growth was observed in the construction sector in 2022 due to higher demand for flexible transportation and storage solutions. Construction products such as sand, gravel, cement, and aggregates can be easily stored and transported using FIBCs. With the growth in industrialization rate along with rising urbanization, the global construction market has witnessed surging revenue in the last few years, especially driven due to continuous infrastructure development projects in developing nations. The Indian construction industry is projected to reach USD 1.4 trillion by 2025. The applications of FIBCs in other industries such as textiles and pharmaceuticals have also been consistent. In the former segment, it is used for the storage and transport of fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

Based on type, the global market segments are type A, type, B, type C, and type D. The flexible intermediate bulk container industry growth was led by the type A segment in 2022. These variants of FIBCs are made using non-conductive fabric. They do not provide any electrostatic protection and hence are more suitable for non-flammable materials that do not possess any risk of igniting explosively. They are typically used for non-hazardous materials. Type B, on the other hand, have undergone certain antistatic treatments but they do not guarantee a high level of electrostatic safety. They can be used for flammable materials but items that pose a risk of explosion should not be stored in this type. The C variant provides a controlled path for static electricity to be safely discharged through the grounding system. Type D is specifically designed to reduce the risk of incendiary sparks and brush discharges. FIBCs have a loading capacity of 0.5 to 2 metric tons.

Recent Developments:

• In January 2023, Spoolex along with its brand Decoup+, a company providing services to more than 150 clients in the FIBC sector, participated in PlastIndia 2023 Trade show which was held by Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Decoup+ has been in the business for over 50 years and it has managed to successfully manufacture and develop breakthrough welding and cutting systems for plastic films and PP-Tapes applications
• In November 2022, Umasree Texplast, an Ahmedabad-based industry player, announced a joint venture with Packem, a Brazilian firm. The former partner will produce 100% sustainable FIBC which will be made of PET/PCR. The total investment in the venture has amounted to USD 15 million

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Report Scope

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific to dominate the market growth

The global flexible intermediate bulk container market is projected to be led by Asia-Pacific due to factors such as rapid industrialization, population growth, and increasing trade activities. Countries such as India, China, and other Southeastern nations are witnessing substantial growth in the demand and application of FIBCs driven by growing demand in the end-user verticals. China, for instance, has taken massive infrastructure development projects not only within its borders but in neighboring nations as well. China has already spent more than 1 trillion dollars to expand its influence in the Asian continent. For instance, as per official reports, the recent undertaking termed the Belt and Road Initiative has already cost China more than USD 67 billion. Additionally, India has ramped up its production and supply of FIBCs to maintain its mark in the international market.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market: Competitive Analysis

The global flexible intermediate bulk container market is led by players like:

• Berry Global Inc.
• Global-Pak Inc.
• AmeriGlobe LLC
• BAG Corp.
• Conitex Sonoco
• Bulk Handling Australia Group
• Greif Inc.
• LC Packaging
• Rishi FIBC Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
• Halsted Corporation
• Flexipol Packaging Limited
• RDA Bulk Packaging Ltd.
• Emmbi Industries Limited
• Sackmaker J&HM Dickson Ltd.
• Midwestern Bag & Supply
• United Bags Inc.
• Plastipak Group
• Intertape Polymer Group
• Thrace Group
• Mondi Group
• Langston Companies Inc.
• Bag Supplies Canada Ltd.
• Yantai Haiwan Plastic Products Co Ltd.
• MiniBulk Inc.
• Jumbo Bag Corporation.

The global flexible intermediate bulk container market is segmented as follows:

By End-User

• Textiles
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles
• Food
• Oil & Gas
• Construction
• Others

By Type

• Type A
• Type B
• Type C
• Type D

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa