Download Sample
Add to CartGlobal Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Drums and IBCs.By Content;
Liquid, Solid, and Semi Solid.By End-Use;
Chemicals, Petroleum , Lubricants, Paints, Inks , Dyes, and Food and Beverages.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market was valued at USD 17,804.97 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 23,588.29 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.1%.
The Global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Market is an essential sector within the packaging industry, catering to the need for robust and reliable storage solutions across various industries. Steel drums and IBCs are widely utilized for the containment and transportation of liquids, powders, and other bulk materials. Their durability, resistance to environmental factors, and ability to provide secure containment make them indispensable in sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and manufacturing. The market for these containers has been experiencing steady growth, driven by increased industrial production and a rising emphasis on safe and efficient storage solutions.
Steel drums, known for their strength and longevity, are commonly used for the storage and transport of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. They offer excellent protection against external impacts, moisture, and contamination, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the contents. The demand for steel drums is influenced by industries that require reliable packaging solutions for bulk materials, including chemicals and petrochemicals, where safety and compliance with regulations are paramount. Additionally, steel drums are valued for their recyclability, aligning with the growing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) represent a significant segment of the market, providing an efficient alternative to traditional packaging methods. IBCs are designed for the bulk handling of liquids and granular materials, offering advantages such as ease of stacking, efficient storage, and reduced transportation costs. They are particularly prevalent in industries requiring large volumes of material handling, including agriculture, food and beverage, and industrial processes. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of IBCs contribute to their increasing adoption, supporting the overall growth of the market.
Looking forward, the Global Steel Drums and IBC Market is expected to continue expanding, driven by ongoing industrialization, increasing demand for bulk handling solutions, and advancements in container design and manufacturing technologies. Market growth is supported by the rising focus on operational efficiency and sustainability, with innovations aimed at improving container performance and reducing environmental impact. As industries across the globe seek to enhance their packaging strategies, the steel drums and IBC market is well-positioned to meet evolving needs and drive further development in the sector.
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market Recent Developments
-
In January 2022, Greif, Inc. entered into a joint venture with Gulf Refined Packaging (GRP), selling 50% of its shares in a move designed to strengthen its position in the steel drums and IBC market. This partnership is intended to improve Greif's financial standing while allowing it to focus more on its core offerings and manage debt more effectively
-
In April 2021, Hoover Ferguson Group expanded its footprint by inaugurating a new, purpose,built facility in Odessa, Texas. This facility offers specialized ISO tank and trailer cleaning services and includes plans for integrating an IBC wash line. This strategic expansion aims to solidify Hoover Ferguson’s presence in the steel drums and IBC market, enhancing its service capabilities
Segment Analysis
The global Steel Drums and Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) market is segmented into various categories to cater to the diverse needs of industries. In terms of type, the market consists primarily of steel drums and IBCs. Steel drums are available in forms like tight head and open head, ideal for liquids, chemicals, and hazardous materials. IBCs, which are larger and more versatile, can be classified into flexible and rigid types. Rigid IBCs, made from materials such as steel, plastic, and composite, are popular for transporting liquids and solids, especially in hazardous environments. The type of container chosen depends on the specific application, content, and transportation requirements.
Segmentation by content highlights the diverse uses of steel drums and IBCs. These containers are commonly employed to store both liquids, such as chemicals, oils, and beverages, and solids like powders, grains, and granular chemicals. There is also a significant demand for containers designed specifically for hazardous materials, where safety and leak-proof characteristics are critical. The growth in the chemical, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical industries drives the demand for containers tailored to different contents, with a strong focus on compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
The market is also segmented by end-use, with major industries including chemicals, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. In the chemical industry, steel drums and IBCs are essential for transporting chemicals, solvents, and oils, while in food and beverage, they are used for bulk storage and transport of ingredients like oils and syrups. The pharmaceutical industry uses them for bulk drug transportation, adhering to strict quality standards. Agriculture also relies on these containers for the storage and transportation of fertilizers, pesticides, and other bulk materials. These industries account for the largest share of the market due to their continuous need for secure and efficient bulk packaging solutions.
Geographically, the Steel Drums and IBC Market is widely spread across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe are mature markets, with high demand in sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The Asia-Pacific region, however, is seeing rapid growth due to industrial expansion and increased trade. Countries like China and India are major contributors, driven by booming manufacturing and logistics sectors. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, with growing demand primarily from industries such as agriculture, chemicals, and oil & gas. These regions offer significant growth potential due to increasing industrial activities and a rising need for bulk packaging solutions.
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market Analysis
In this report, the Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market has been segmented by Type, Content, End-Use and Geography.
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market has been segmented by Type into Drums and IBCs.
The Global Steel Cord Market is poised for substantial growth between 2024 and 2030, driven by several key factors across different segments. The market is segmented by type into Normal Tensile (NT), High Tensile (HT), and other categories. Normal Tensile steel cords are primarily used in standard tire applications where moderate strength and flexibility are sufficient. In contrast, High Tensile steel cords are favored for applications demanding higher strength and durability, such as in high-performance and heavy-duty tires. The increasing preference for high tensile steel cords is a significant trend, driven by the automotive industry's push for safer, more durable, and fuel-efficient tires.
The application segmentation of the steel cord market includes Passenger Car Use, Freight Car Use, and other specialized applications. Passenger Car Use represents the largest segment, owing to the global increase in automobile production and sales. As consumers demand higher performance and safety in their vehicles, the use of steel cords in passenger car tires is expected to grow. Freight Car Use is another crucial segment, as commercial vehicles require tires that can withstand heavy loads and long distances. The growth of e-commerce and logistics industries further boosts the demand for steel cords in freight car tires. Other applications, such as off-road vehicles and agricultural machinery, also contribute to the market, highlighting the versatile use of steel cords across different vehicle types.
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, Segmentation by Content
The Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market has been segmented by Content into Liquid, Solid, and Semi Solid.
The Liquid Content segment includes chemicals, oils, solvents, food ingredients, and pharmaceutical liquids. Steel drums and IBCs are ideal for safely transporting and storing liquids due to their robust design and sealing capabilities. This segment sees strong demand in industries like chemicals, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals, driven by the need for secure, leak-proof containers for hazardous and non-hazardous liquids.
The Solid Content segment involves the storage and transport of bulk solids such as powders, grains, fertilizers, and chemicals. Steel drums and IBCs are essential in this category due to their ability to handle large quantities of solid materials efficiently and securely. Industries such as agriculture, construction, and chemicals heavily rely on these containers to store and transport substances like fertilizers, granular chemicals, and even waste products. The increasing demand for bulk solids, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, continues to fuel the growth of this market segment.
Finally, the Semi-Solid Content category includes materials such as slurries, pastes, gels, and other viscous substances. This type of content is commonly found in industries like food processing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Semi-solids, such as ointments, sauces, and adhesives, require specialized containers to maintain their consistency during transport and storage. Steel drums and IBCs in this category offer the necessary durability and flexibility to handle materials with varying viscosities. As industries like food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics expand, the demand for packaging solutions for semi-solids continues to grow.
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, Segmentation by End-Use
The Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market has been segmented by End-Use into Chemicals, Petroleum, Lubricants, Paints, Inks, Dyes and Food and Beverages.
The application segmentation of the steel cord market includes Passenger Car Use, Freight Car Use, and other specialized applications. Passenger Car Use represents the largest segment, driven by the global increase in automobile production and sales. As consumers demand higher performance and safety in their vehicles, the use of steel cords in passenger car tires is expected to grow significantly. This trend is supported by advancements in tire technology that enhance fuel efficiency and durability, making steel cords a vital component in modern tire manufacturing. The emphasis on safety and performance in passenger vehicles continues to drive innovation and demand within this segment.
Freight Car Use is another crucial segment, as commercial vehicles require tires that can withstand heavy loads and long distances. The growth of e-commerce and logistics industries further boosts the demand for steel cords in freight car tires, given the increased movement of goods globally. Additionally, other applications such as off-road vehicles and agricultural machinery contribute to the market, showcasing the versatile use of steel cords across different vehicle types. These specialized applications require robust and reliable tires, making steel cords essential for their performance and longevity. The diverse demand across these segments underscores the importance of steel cords in enhancing tire quality and meeting the specific needs of various vehicle categories.
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
Geographically, the Global Steel Cord Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the booming automotive industry in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region's strong manufacturing base and increasing investments in infrastructure development further support market growth. Additionally, the rising disposable incomes and expanding middle class in these countries contribute to higher vehicle sales, thereby boosting the demand for steel cords in tire manufacturing.
North America and Europe also represent significant markets for steel cords. In these regions, the high demand for advanced automotive technologies and stringent safety regulations drive the adoption of high-quality steel cords in tire production. The focus on fuel efficiency and sustainability further accelerates market growth as manufacturers seek to enhance tire performance. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa, along with Latin America, are emerging markets with growing automotive industries and infrastructure projects. These regions offer new opportunities for steel cord manufacturers as they expand their vehicle production capabilities and invest in infrastructure development, creating a steady demand for durable and high-performance tires.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Growing Automotive Industry
- Infrastructure Development:Significant investments in infrastructure development, especially in developing regions, drive the need for heavy-duty and specialized tires. Steel cords are essential for reinforcing tires used in construction and agricultural machinery, which are crucial for infrastructure projects. This increased demand for robust tires enhances the growth prospects for the steel cord market.
The expanding automotive industry, particularly in emerging economies like China and India, is a major driver for the Global Steel Cord Market. As vehicle production and sales increase, the demand for high-quality tires, which rely on steel cords for reinforcement, also grows. Innovations in tire technology and rising consumer expectations for performance, safety, and durability further fuel this demand.
Restraints
- Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
- Environmental Regulations:Increasing environmental regulations related to manufacturing processes and waste management pose challenges for steel cord manufacturers. Compliance with stringent regulations requires investment in cleaner technologies and processes, which can increase operational costs. Additionally, the push for more sustainable and eco-friendly materials may affect traditional steel cord production methods.
The cost of raw materials used in the production of steel cords, such as steel and alloy metals, can be volatile. Fluctuations in these prices can impact manufacturing costs and profitability for steel cord producers. This price volatility can be a significant restraint, particularly for smaller manufacturers who may struggle to absorb cost increases.
Opportunities
- Technological Advancements
- Expansion into Emerging Markets:The expanding automotive and infrastructure sectors in emerging markets, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa, offer substantial growth opportunities for steel cord manufacturers. As these regions continue to develop, the demand for durable and high-performance tires will increase, creating new avenues for market expansion and investment.
Innovations in steel cord technology, such as the development of advanced high-tensile steel cords and eco-friendly production processes, present significant opportunities for market growth. Manufacturers can capitalize on these advancements to offer enhanced products that meet evolving industry standards and consumer demands for performance and sustainability.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market include:
- Greif
- Hoover Ferguson Group, Inc,
- Schtz GmbH & Co. KGaA
- Mauser Packaging Solutions
- THIELMANN
- HE CONTAINER COMPANY
- Time Technoplast Lt
- Automationstechnik GmbH,
- Transtainer
- Hawman Container Services.
- SCHFER Werke GmbH, OBAL CE
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
-
Market Snapshot, By Content
- Market Snapshot, By End-Use
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
-
Growing Automotive Industry
-
Infrastructure Development
-
- Restraints
-
Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
-
Environmental Regulations
-
- Opportunities
-
Technological Advancements
-
Expansion into Emerging Markets
-
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Drums
- IBCs
- Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, By Content, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Liquid
- Solid
- Semi Solid
- Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, By End-Use, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Chemicals
- Petroleum
- Lubricants
- Paints
- Inks
- Dyes
- Food and Beverages;
- Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Steel Drums And Intermediate Bulk Container (Ibc) Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Greif
- Hoover Ferguson Group, Inc,
- Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA
- Mauser Packaging Solutions
- THIELMANN
- HE CONTAINER COMPANY
- Time Technoplast Lt
- Automationstechnik GmbH,
- Transtainer
- Hawman Container Services.
- SCHÄFER Werke GmbH, OBAL CE
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market