Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC Tanks)

Using IBCs provides the following benefits:

• High Volume Efficiency: The ability to ship more product per unit than drums or pails.
• Ease of Use: IBCs are designed for seamless filling, stacking, and discharging with built-in valves and opening for easy access.
• Durability and safety: bulk containers are engineered to withstand heavy handling and harsh environments, providing a safe and reliable means of transportation and storage.
• Easier store, transport and dispense bulk containers are designed for mobility. They can easily be moved by forklifts, pallet jacks, or cranes, which make them a more efficient option than traditional containers that require manual handling.
• Contamination Protection: IBCs are designed to protect liquid bulk products from contamination and damage, ensuring materials remain in top condition during transportation and storage.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: IBCs are made of durable materials and many are reusable, recyclable, and efficient for return logistics to help you reach your sustainability goals.
• Cost Savings: containers can be reused multiple times. You will reduce waste, labor, and transport costs through reuse and better cube utilization.

A rigid plastic bulk container offers a wealth of benefits, including:

• High Volume Efficiency: The ability to ship more product per unit than drums or pails.
• Ease of Use: Rigid IBCs are designed for seamless filling, stacking, and discharging with built-in valves and opening for easy access.
• Durability and safety: Rigid IBCs are engineered to withstand heavy handling and harsh environments, providing a safe and reliable means of transportation and storage.
• Easier to store, transport and dispense: Rigid IBC containers are designed for mobility. They can easily be moved by forklifts, pallet jacks, or cranes, which make them a more efficient option than traditional containers that require manual handling.
• Contamination Protection: Rigid IBCs are designed to protect liquid bulk products from contamination and damage, ensuring materials remain in top condition during transportation and storage.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Rigid IBCs are made of durable materials and many are reusable, recyclable, and efficient for return logistics help you reach your sustainability goals.
• Cost Savings: Rigid IBCs can be reused multiple times. You will reduce waste, labor, and transport costs through reuse and better cube utilization.

In summary, rigid IBCs offer a combination of durability, space efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, making them a valuable tool for businesses looking to efficiently store and transport bulk materials.

Generally, there are two types of valves that can come on a Rigid HDPE IBC: an internal thread design or an external thread design. Both valves will work, but an externally threaded connection can be upwards 30% stronger than an internally threaded connection.

A superior externally threaded connection reduces the risk of contamination by eliminating internal threads within the product zone.

Yes. For industries transporting food or liquid, product containers must meet stringent hygiene standards. In general, IBCs are designed to be easily cleaned and sterilized, so materials are kept contaminant-free.

Plastic containers are non-porous and resistant to moisture, insects, fungi, acids, fats, solvents, and odor, so are an extremely hygienic option.

There are several diverse types of Elkhart Plastics IBCs to meet the needs of your supply chain.

Generally, plastic IBCs are designed to be durable and withstand the rigors of transportation and storage. They are often made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a tough and resilient plastic material that can handle a wide range of products, including chemicals, oil & gas, paint & coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage.

However, not all plastic IBCs are created equally. When choosing the right IBC for your supply chain, consider the thickness of the plastic walls, the quality of the seams and joints, and the strength of the valve and fittings. You will also need to consider the strength of the base.  A rotomolded base design provides the best strength and impact resistance.  Bases with anti-teetering features provide safety.

It is a good idea to consult with a supplier or manufacturer of plastic IBCs to make sure you select the right container for your needs.

Yes. Bulk containers can be reused many times as long as they remain in good condition and meet the necessary safety standards. After each use, they can be cleaned and sanitized, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for many industries.

Additionally, many bulk containers are made from recyclable materials, such as HDPE plastic or stainless steel. When an IBC reaches the end of its useful life, it can be recycled and the materials can be repurposed into new products, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Companies are opting for IBCs due to their numerous benefits over traditional shipping containers.

It is no surprise from the benefits listed above that bulk plastic containers are used by a wide range of industries and for various products, including:

• Agriculture, chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.
• Water Treatment, chemicals such as bleach, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia.
• Chemical Electronic, high purity chemicals.
• Paint & Coatings, heavy metals and isocyanates.
• Chemical Oil & Gas
• Adhesives, chemicals such as isocyanates and formaldehyde.
• Food and beverage, such as juices, syrups, oils, purees, and pastes
• Pharmaceuticals, such as liquid ingredients and finished products.
• Cosmetics and personal care, such as fragrances and lotions
• Waste management, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

The main reasons why these companies use plastic IBCs are for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. They can withstand the rigors of transportation and storage and can also be reused and recycled, which makes them ideal for businesses looking to achieve sustainability goals.

Leading North American chemical companies are converting from limited use bottle & cage fleets to reusable IBCs.

The total cost of a bulk container should be viewed in the context of its overall value to your business. For example, heavier materials cost more to ship, and a lower-priced IBC may save you money upfront but will not be as durable or long-lasting as a higher-priced one and might need to be replaced more frequently. Additionally, shipping and handling costs, as well as taxes and tariffs will have an impact on the final cost.

Businesses looking to transport bulk liquids have seen the price of metal IBCs increase in recent times, posing a challenge for companies looking to control costs and remain competitive.

With ESG considerations on the rise, a fleet of reusable Rigid IBCs that can last up to 5 years is more cost effective (better ROI) than other IBC options.

Ready to streamline your bulk packaging?

Let Elkhart Plastics help you optimize your supply chain with reusable; rigid IBC containers built for today’s global logistics challenges.