Tote Talk Blog

There are two basic types of steel to choose from when picking the right Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) for your operation: carbon steel and stainless steel.   All types of steel are made of a combination of iron and carbon.  Stainless steels  (304 stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel) are differentiated by the addition of alloys, such as chromium, which alter the physical properties of the steel.  While 304 stainless steel is by far the most common material used, it is important to choose whichever steel is best suited for your unique needs. 

The industrial bulk packaging market has been growing steadily over the past 5 years, and is expected to continue growing into the foreseeable future.  Market research conducted by Smithers found that demand for bulk packaging is forecasted to continue increasing at a rate of 3.4% per year through 2020.  Further, research conducted by Fredonia Group shows that the rate at which the bulk packaging market is growing is higher now than it was just 10 years ago.  Among all industrial packaging products, IBCs have exhibited the fastest rate of growth.  IBC growth can be contributed to several factors, including a need for high performance packaging solutions, a growth in the domestic chemicals industry, an optimal packaging design, and an increase in sustainability initiatives.

Poly composite IBCs have become essential to the shipping of intermediate bulk liquids throughout the US.  As a replacement for 55 gallon drums, one 275 gallon IBC can take the place of five drums.  In addition to the larger size, there are many features to poly composite IBCs that make them an advantageous storage solution.

Storing and transporting paints and coatings can be challenging.  Not many materials can withstand the harsh solvents often used in coatings, and transporting the chemicals requires DOT approved containers.  Ensuring product quality and consistency adds additional challenges to paint storage.  Another complication is that once the container has been used, it needs to be disposed of properly.  Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) address all these issues, making our stainless steel totes the ideal storage solution for paints and coatings.  Let's examine 5 reasons why stainless steel IBCs are perfect for this industry.

There are thousands of chemicals used to make the countless products in the personal care industry.  The personal care industry includes hair care products, makeup & color cosmetics, soaps & shower gels, sun care, skin care, oral care, fragrances & deodorants, and many other OTC products.  Manufacturers making these products need a reliable storage method that won't contaminate the product.  A great bulk storage method for these chemicals is using stainless steel intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).  Stainless steel is compatible with many products, making it the go to material of choice for many cosmetic manufacturers.  While stainless steel is a great option for many chemicals, you still need to confirm that it is compatible with the chemicals in your process.  A good place to start is checking out the Cole-Parmer chemical compatibility database.

The petrochemical industry covers a wide range of raw materials and chemical solutions that are manufactured from petroleum and other fossil fuels; chemicals that are converted into thousands of consumer products. Detergents, solvents, dyes, paints, fertilizers, plastics, rubbers, and textiles are all produced with chemicals derived from petrochemicals, or are processed with energy from oil or liquefied gaseous products.

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are rapidly growing for use in the liquid transport of paints and industrial coatings. Stainless steel IBCs are one of the acceptable packaging methods for hazardous and corrosive liquids transport, while they also serve a dual role as efficient warehouse storage.