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The North America flexible intermediate bulk container market size is forecast to increase by USD 84.1 million at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2023 and 2028. The market is witnessing significant growth due to several key trends and factors. One of the primary drivers is the cost savings associated with FIBC use compared to traditional options such as woven polypropylene (PP) sandbags, cement bags, and potato sacks. FIBCs offer increased capacity and durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, innovations in FIBC products continue to emerge, with advancements in materials like plastic polymers leading to the development of rigid plastics suitable for both liquids and solids. These containers offer increased strength and stability, making them a popular choice in industrial storage applications. However, fluctuations in raw material prices of FIBCs pose a challenge to market growth. Despite this, the market is expected to continue expanding as businesses seek more efficient and cost-effective solutions for transporting and storing bulk materials.
Non-rigid storage containers, also known as collapsible or flexible containers, have gained significant traction in various industries due to their versatility and efficiency in storing and transporting dry semi-solid materials such as sand, powder, and other bulk goods. These containers offer numerous advantages over traditional rigid containers, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Non-rigid containers are typically made of plastic materials, including woven plastics and woven polypropylene (PP). Their collapsible design allows for easy storage and transportation, making them a popular choice for industries that deal with large volumes of bulk materials. These containers are usable for both short-term and long-term storage and can be easily transported when empty, reducing the need for additional transportation vehicles. Several industries benefit from the use of non-rigid containers, including construction, agriculture, and chemical handling. In construction, these containers are used to transport and store sand, cement, and other building materials. In agriculture, they are used for storing and transporting grains, potatoes, and other produce. In chemical handling, they are used for storing and transporting non-hazardous dry materials. Non-rigid containers come in various sizes and capacities, ranging from small bags used for transporting potatoes to large bulk bags with capacities of up to 3,000 pounds.
They are also reusable and recyclable, making them an environmentally-friendly option. Industrial storage solutions often involve the use of plastic polymers, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), to create non-rigid containers. HDPE is a popular choice due to its strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and UV radiation. While non-rigid containers offer numerous advantages, they are not suitable for storing and transporting liquids or hazardous materials. For these applications, rigid containers made of galvanized steel frames or other materials are recommended. Non-rigid containers offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for storing and transporting dry semi-solid materials. Their collapsible design allows for easy storage and transportation, making them a popular choice for industries dealing with large volumes of bulk materials. Additionally, their reusable and recyclable nature makes them an environmentally-friendly option.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.
The chemicals segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) have gained significant traction in North America due to their suitability for storing and transporting large quantities of non-reactive materials, particularly in the chemicals segment. These containers, often made of steel, offer superior protection for hazardous and non-hazardous materials during transit.
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The chemicals segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 50.90 million in 2018. FIBCs are an ideal solution for industries dealing with powders, granules, and bulk liquids, thanks to their versatility and capacity, which typically ranges from 500 kg to 2,000 kg. Key industries, including petrochemicals, fertilizers, and specialty chemicals, benefit from FIBCs' cost-effectiveness, resistance to chemicals, and ease of handling in their supply chains. With increasing regulatory emphasis on the safe handling and transportation of chemicals, the demand for UN-certified FIBCs that adhere to international safety standards continues to increase. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment during the forecast period.
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
Cost savings associated with FIBC use is notably driving market growth. The market is witnessing significant growth due to their widespread adoption across various industries. End-users are increasingly turning to FIBCs for cost savings, with their high-capacity storage offering a more affordable alternative to traditional rigid bulk storage solutions, such as drums.
For instance, the cost of a 100-gallon capacity steel drum can reach approximately USD390, whereas an FIBC with the same capacity is priced around USD200. This price difference allows end-users to reduce their overall packaging expenses. Moreover, FIBCs offer better storage space optimization compared to rigid bulk storage products, taking up less valuable warehouse space. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Innovations in FIBC products is the key trend in the market. Companies in the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) market are broadening their offerings by introducing advanced FIBC products to cater to diverse industry requirements. Innovations in FIBC design encompass improvements in shape, ease of handling, and the materials used in their production. One such innovation is the pallet-less FIBC, which eliminates the need for separate pallets for support during transportation and storage.
Instead, these bags feature built-in pallets at the bottom, ensuring stability when stacked, thereby reducing the need for additional pallet purchases for end-users. Woven polypropylene (PP) is a common material used in manufacturing these bags due to its strongness and versatility. FIBCs are widely employed in the industrial storage and transportation of various goods, including cement, sand, and agricultural produce like potatoes. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Fluctuations in raw material prices of FIBC is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. The market in North America faces significant challenges due to the instability in the pricing of raw materials, primarily polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are derived from crude oil, making their prices susceptible to fluctuations in the oil market. The supply and demand imbalance in crude oil production is a primary cause of these price fluctuations.
Companies manufacturing FIBCs are compelled to either increase container prices or reduce their profit margins at a pace commensurate with the volatility of raw material prices. Non-rigid storage containers, such as FIBCs, are widely used for storing and transporting dry semi-solid materials like sand and powder. Collapsible, usable containers made of plastic material or woven plastics offer convenience and versatility in various industries. Despite the challenges, the demand for these containers remains strong due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
AmeriGlobe LLC: The company offers flexible intermediate bulk containers under the brand name of MegaBase.
The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Non-rigid storage containers, also known as collapsible or flexible containers, have gained significant traction in the market due to their versatility in storing and transporting dry semi-solid materials such as sand, powder, and other bulk quantities. These containers are made of plastic materials, including woven plastics like woven polypropylene (PP), and are collapsible, making them highly usable for industries requiring large storage and transportation needs. Industrial storage of materials like cement, potato sacks, and sandbags benefits from the use of these containers, which offer high capacity and efficiency. The containers are reusable and recyclable, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective for transportation.
Moreover, the non-rigid containers are ideal for storing and transporting non-reactive, non-hazardous materials. They provide protection to the materials against external factors and offer a safe working load with durability and strength. The containers come with specialized lifting loops, making them compatible with cranes and forklifts for easy handling. These containers offer a more space-efficient solution compared to traditional rigid containers like drums, boxes, and packaging materials. They are also customizable in shape, size, and features, including filling and discharge spouts, liners, and baffles. The use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and other plastic polymers ensures the containers are lightweight yet strong and can handle the weight of the materials they store.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
132 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.4% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 84.1 million |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
5.6 |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
AmeriGlobe LLC, BAG Corp., Berry Global Inc., Bulk Lift International LLC, Concetti S.p.a, Corman Bag Co, Global Pak Inc., Greif Inc., Halsted Corp., Intertape Polymer Group Inc., JohnPac, JumboSack Corp., Langston Companies Inc., Minibulk Inc., and Sonoco Products Co. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, market report , market forecast , Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by End-user
7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
10 Competitive Landscape
11 Competitive Analysis
12 Appendix
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