What Are IBCs and Why Are They Big Business for 2025 & Beyond?

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are a key component in global trade, offering a reliable and efficient way to store and transport bulk materials, such as liquids and powders. Available in a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, corrugated fibreboard, and high-density polyethylene, IBCs are designed to meet the specific needs of different industries. They’re commonly used in sectors like healthcare, environmental management, manufacturing, and packaging, especially when handling items like hazardous substances, lubricants, or eco-conscious products. Thanks to their durable, stackable construction, IBC totes are easy to move with pallet jacks, making them ideal for streamlined logistics.

 

Why Is the IBC Market Booming?

Following the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a revival in global industrial activities in 2022 has seen an increased demand for IBCs. The IBC market size is now estimated to grow by USD 4.12 billion between 2025 and 2029. But what are the factors driving this growth?

• Efficient and cost effective: IBCs have a larger capacity and their stackability can result in significant savings on transportation and storage costs. This makes IBCs a more cost-effective option when compared to traditional packaging methods.
• Sustainability: Environmental concerns mean there has been a shift towards eco-friendly materials and recyclable IBC totes, and many companies are now seeking to replace single use packaging, reduce waste, lower their carbon footprints and adopt more environmentally responsible practices. Because IBCs are reusable and often recyclable, they are becoming a more sustainable alternative to single use packaging and drums. Furthermore, they can be cleaned and repaired, meaning there is no need to constantly replace IBCs after one use. With this demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions, the IBC market will continue to grow.
• Technological advancements: Many IBCs are fitted with RFID tags. These small electronic devices contain a microchip and antenna which store data, and transmit this data to an RFID reader using radio waves. This allows businesses and individuals to track and identify IBC units in real time and know where it is, and what it’s carrying. In industries where compliance and traceability are critical, such as the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, RFIDs can offer a reliable way to meet strict regulations and smarter, tech enabled IBC solutions driven by RFID tags are a key component in market growth.
• Regulatory compliance: There are strict regulations when it comes to the storage and handling of hazardous materials, which is now driving the need for safe and compliant IBCs. For example, in the chemical industry, there is a demand for safe, compliant and traceable storage and IBCs are specifically designed to meet those needs, which is fuelling market growth.
• Expansion: Many key players in the IBC market, such as Greif Inc, DS Smith and Mauser Packaging Solutions, are now expanding into emerging markets across the globe, which is driving further market growth.

 

Why Taking Care of Your IBCs Pays Off

As the IBC market continues to grow, properly maintaining your IBC tanks is more important than ever. Let’s take a look at why:

Cost efficiency

Replacing IBC tanks can be expensive, and with the market set to grow, increased demand could see a rise in prices or supply could tighten. By making sure IBCs are looked after properly, you’re lessening the need to constantly invest in new ones. One of the best ways to improve the cost efficiency of your existing IBCs is to invest in a bespoke IBC cleaning system.

After an initial upfront cost, you can look forward to saving both time and money with the help of Fleetclean’s engineers. They have the skills and expertise to build and install bespoke IBC cleaning equipment to meet your unique requirements. Investing in a bespoke IBC cleaning system on your own premises can be significantly more cost-efficient than outsourcing the process.

When you rely on third-party cleaning services, you’re not only paying for the service itself but also for the logistics, transporting the tanks to and from the facility, which adds up in fuel, labour, and time. Having an in-house system eliminates those ongoing transport costs and reduces downtime, allowing your team to clean and redeploy IBCs quickly and on your schedule.

Plus, a system tailored to your specific materials and industry needs ensures more efficient water and chemical usage, helping to reduce operational costs while supporting your sustainability goals. From an initial consultation, site assessment, scope of works and production, we’re on hand to support every step of the way to deliver the IBC cleaning equipment you need.

Operational efficiency

IBCs which are properly maintained minimizes downtime. A properly maintained IBC can significantly reduce downtime by ensuring that your containers are always ready for use, without unexpected issues, such as leaks or breakdowns, that could delay operations. When IBCs are regularly inspected, cleaned, and checked for wear or damage, you minimize the risk of leaks, contamination, or structural failures that could halt production or shipping.

At Fleetclean, our team of skilled engineers are on hand to ensure that your IBCs are repaired, retested and certified as fit for purpose, meaning there’s no need for last-minute repairs or replacements, smoother handling during loading and transport, and more consistent compliance with safety regulations, all of which keep your workflow running efficiently and without costly interruptions.

Sustainability

Taking good care of your IBCs directly supports sustainability, which is a key driver of growth in the IBC industry. Well-maintained containers can be reused many times, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. This not only cuts down on material consumption and manufacturing emissions but also aligns with growing regulatory and consumer demands for greener supply chains.

As the market shifts toward more sustainable practices, Fleetclean can help businesses to extend the lifespan of their IBCs. With 30 years of experience, we have the expertise to ensure your IBCs are cleaned properly and to a high level in line with internationally recognised standards. We have separate, dedicated bays for food grade IBC cleaning and chemical IBC cleaning, and offer EFTCO cleaning documents with every wash, providing traceability and transparency in an international hire market.

Resale and reusability

With the market set to grow, so too does the demand for second hand IBCs. Those which have been properly cared for and maintained can be sold or rented out, opening up the possibility for new revenue streams.

As the IBC market continues to expand, proper maintenance and care of your containers isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Well-maintained IBCs support operational efficiency, sustainability goals, and long-term cost savings, all while helping businesses stay ahead in a growing and competitive industry.

At Fleetclean, we offer a full range of services to help you get the most out of your IBCs, from bespoke on-site cleaning systems to certified inspections and repairs. With over 30 years of experience and a commitment to industry-leading standards, we’re here to support your business in protecting your investment and preparing for the future of IBCs.