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Market Demand and Export Prospects for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers

Release date:

2021-07-21

China’s production of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) began in the 1980s, roughly two decades later than in developed countries. Production equipment and technologies were either imported or copied from molding lines originating in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Compared with international peers, China lagged behind in both management practices and technological capabilities, relying primarily on learning and adopting foreign expertise.

China’s production of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) began in the 1980s, roughly two decades behind that of developed countries. Production equipment and technologies were either imported or copied from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Compared with international peers, China lagged behind in both management practices and technological sophistication, relying primarily on learning and adopting foreign expertise. By the mid-1980s, packaging was dominated by small‑size bags, with ton‑capacity containers accounting for only a small share. Domestically, FIBCs were mainly used for packaging nonferrous metals, while exports were largely limited to bags for cement, mineral products, sand, and soil destined for the Japanese market. Customers prioritized bag strength to meet safety standards, placing relatively modest demands on appearance and other performance attributes. During this period, the range of FIBC products in China was quite limited, manufacturing processes were rudimentary, and product quality remained comparatively low. With few FIBC manufacturers and modest market demand, these products were able to satisfy market needs for a time.

Although domestic and global markets have substantial demand for bulk bags, most of our exports still go to South Korea and Japan. With the opening of European and American markets, our share in these regions has been steadily increasing. During this period, despite significant progress, we remain at a stage where we primarily produce basic commodities, replicate foreign equipment, and are unable to meet the requirements for manufacturing ton‑bags. Japan has been producing waterproof bags for ten years and pallet bags for seven or eight years, whereas we are still stuck in the rudimentary phases of cutting and sewing. To manufacture waterproof bags, many specialized machines must be imported. Turning to Europe and the United States, the market not only demands that bulk bags offer convenient handling, storage, dust‑proofing, and water resistance, but also requires breathability, mold resistance, UV protection, flame retardancy, and environmental compliance—features that necessitate dedicated production and testing equipment. In terms of global market share, Chinese products are largely confined to low‑end, low‑value‑added segments, facing intense competition among domestic players. Meanwhile, countries such as Indonesia, India, and Turkey have already moved out of this price‑driven segment and are gradually shifting toward bulk bag production. Our competitive positioning relative to them remains markedly different; we still fall short of fully meeting the stringent requirements of European and American markets. As a result, China currently finds itself at a disadvantage in the bulk‑bag arena.

Plastic woven bags have a production history of nearly two decades in China, and thanks to the concerted efforts of professionals in the plastic‑woven‑bag industry, this product has experienced rapid growth. In recent years, in particular, both the scale of enterprises and the sophistication of their offerings have improved significantly. The plastic‑woven‑bag sector has gradually evolved into a new and vital industry situated at the intersection of the textile and chemical industries. With China’s accession to the WTO, international ties and economic exchanges have grown ever closer, and the expansion of global logistics and trade has substantially boosted market demand for bulk‑bag products. Accordingly, it is essential to gain a thorough understanding of the current state of China’s bulk‑bag industry and its market needs, to chart a clear development path for the coming years, and—while consolidating existing domestic and international customer bases—to actively cultivate new clients, vigorously expand into overseas markets, and increase export volumes. Furthermore, fostering orderly, fair, and equitable competition with international peers will ensure the sustained, healthy, and stable growth of this industry in China.

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Market Demand and Export Prospects for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers

汽车内饰：孙经理