Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are reusable, industrial-grade containers designed to safely store and transport bulk liquids, powders, and semi-solids. Also known as a tote, the IBC is capable of stacking and can be moved by pallet jack or forklift. The term “intermediate” refers to their capacity, which falls between smaller containers like drums (30 liters/ 8 gallons) and larger options like tankers. IBCs typically range from (60 liters / 16 gallons) to (1,249 liters / 330 gallons), with the (1,041liter/ 275 gallon) IBC totes being the most common in supply chains.

Made from materials such as plastic (HDPE), stainless steel, or composite materials, IBCs come in rigid, flexible, or foldable designs. For example, some might need to store, transport, and dispense regulated products which all-poly IBCs offer UN/DOT certified options. The best choice depends on your product’s viscosity, hygiene requirements, fill/discharge needs, and transport method.

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 form 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 form 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.

For companies needing to meet ESG standards including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) as well as reducing costs, making a switch to reusable intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) will make a substantial impact.

Elkhart Plastic’s TUFF Series line of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) is trusted to offer an environmentally friendly reusable solution that can help companies achieve their sustainability goals while enhancing supply chain return on investment (ROI). The Tuff Series IBC line comes with the Tuff LinQ Outlet Valve which safely dispenses regulated chemicals with a superior seal that’s built for easy cleaning and maintenance. Its large external threading reduces the risk of contamination by eliminating internal threads within the product zone.

At Elkhart Plastics, it is our business to know supply chains top to bottom and have been a trusted partner with integrity for suppliers since 1988, providing our expertise to help them achieve efficiency and sustainability in their operations. Our robust TUFF Series line of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), unmatched customer focus, and drive to deliver results will help you make the transition to our rigid reusable IBCs seamless.

Our experience with reusable bulk containers will help you choose the right product for your operation based on your technical requirements and we will work collaboratively with you to implement a solution.

Not only do we make the process easy, but we guarantee that your supply chain will be changed for the better by switching to Elkhart Plastic’s reusable bulk containers.

We make leaders like you look good.