The Future of Intermediate Bulk Containers in Industry

 

The Future of Intermediate Bulk Containers in Industry

In today’s time and age, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are an indispensable tool for handling, storing, and transporting liquids, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products. As per reports from the SNS Insider Research, the IBC market size is going to expand – it is likely to reach USD 15.42 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period of 2024-2032.

Over time, IBCs have been updated and enhanced to reduce product and packaging wastage, optimise logistics and create an overall efficient shipping process. Below are a few trends and innovations that will shape the future of intermediate bulk containers and their impact on various industries. Some of these have already caught on. Let’s take a look at those.

Enhanced Focus on Sustainability

Modern businesses are looking for greener and more sustainable packaging solutions to minimise their carbon footprint, courtesy of rising environmental concerns and environmentally conscious consumers. The future is definitely green. As a result, more and more manufacturers are looking for ways to prioritise reusable and recyclable containers. The goal is not just to meet the stringent sustainability criteria of various industries but also to save on costs (in the long term)

Smart Tech Integration

In the logistics industry, smart technology such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are already making waves (big ones). These technologies allow real-time tracking of location, temperature, humidity, and fill levels, taking the shipping process to an altogether new level. The data collected helps companies check their product quality, track shipments, and predict maintenance needs. For the manufacturer of IBCs, the same data gives them insights which help them design their product more efficiently, both in terms of performance and cost.

Modular Design and Flexibility

More and more companies are now looking for customised containers which they can use to store products of different sizes. For example, companies can reduce the size of a container in order to send something that occupies less space and end up paying less. Besides cost savings, modular IBCs also offer operational flexibility where companies do not have to wait for a different container to ship products that can’t be accommodated in the current containers.

The modular design also includes the optimisation of storage space in other ways. For example, foldable and collapsible IBCs come in handy during return logistics. When products have been moved to the desired space, these IBCs can simply be folded or collapsed instead of moving as they are. Folding IBCs contributes to cost savings and improved efficiency in supply chain management, particularly in industries with dynamic shipping and storage requirements.

Enhanced Safety and Compliance Standards

With regulations around handling and transportation of materials, especially hazardous products, tightened, IBC brands are expected to incorporate advanced safety features into their containers. From anti-corrosion coatings to leak-proof seals, more and more safety measures will be in place in the near future.

Adoption of Lightweight Materials

If you have shipped any package, you know that the weight of the shipment determines the cost. Modern IBC manufacturers will be expected to offer more cost-efficiency to their operators by opting for lightweight alternatives such as high-strength polymers that do not compromise on strength.

Improved Cleaning and Sterilisation Technologies

Industries such as food & beverage and pharmaceuticals call for high-quality cleaning and sterilisation of containers. More technologies such as ultrasonic cleaning and UV sterilisation will most likely be a norm in the future, enhancing product safety. Measures such as containers designed with smooth surfaces, rounded corners, and easy-to-clean features to ensure compliance are already being taken by several brands to prevent contamination and maintain the highest levels of hygiene.

Customisation

Another notable trend in the IBC industry is that of customised solutions. For example, customers may go for specific criteria, including size, material, and features, to cater to the specific needs of their industry or application. If a customer intends to use the containers for multiple applications, that should also be possible. Customisation options can include specialised linings and coatings, discharge systems and additional safety features.

IBC Material Handling Solutions by Matcon

Matcon has been delivering IBCs for processing, storing and transporting bulk material solids, powders, granules, and tablets for more than 40 years. Matcon boasts of a patented cone valve technology which overcomes powder flow issues like bridging, rat holing, sticky/fluffy materials flow, blend segregation and containment at the same time discharging material in an automated, controlled and contained manner.

Advancements in sustainability, smart technology, modularity, and industry-specific customisation will most likely define the future of intermediate bulk containers. Businesses will need to embrace these trends to deliver efficiency and stay relevant. Top names such as Matcon constantly invest in research to manufacture products that stand the test of time by incorporating the demands of the future.

To learn more about Matcon containers, click on this link: https://www.idexindia.in/matcon/