Tote Talk Blog

Intermediate Bulk Container (IBCs) are UN/DOT certified tanks that are available in a variety of sizes and are used for transporting and storing liquids for numerous industries. Before purchasing an IBC, a number of factors need to be considered to determine what the ideal tote size will be for your operation. It’s important to carefully select the optimal tote capacity so that space is efficiently utilized when storing and shipping liquids.

Poly Composite IBCs are an alternative to using drums when transporting liquids.  There are a number of advantages to using poly composite IBCs, including low cost, no return freight and ready availability.  The large size and low cost make these intermediate bulk containers a very attractive option for companies looking for an efficient and cost effective method to ship liquids. 

Industry leaders know that stainless steel IBCs (IBCs) are an efficient and cost effective option for the bulk storage and transportation of liquids. Many companies have already reduced costs by switching from drums to IBCs.  Additional value can be gained by choosing qualified reconditioned stainless steel IBCs when available. Reconditioned IBCs offer all the advantages of new tote tanks, but with a significantly reduced cost.

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are an excellent storage solution for companies in the pharmaceutical intermediates industry. There are several key benefits that make using IBCs an attractive storage option for companies in this rapidly growing industry. As companies expand and storage needs increase, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to optimizing material handling and storage. Intermediate Bulk Containers provide several key benefits as a storage option.

Stainless steel tote tanks are the most efficient form of packaging to move or store your liquid products. The question often comes up: "Should we buy or rent the totes?" We're here to help, so we've compiled the top reasons for both buying and renting so that you can determine which is best for you. 

IBC totes are available in a variety of sizes. Stainless steel tote tanks are available in sizes ranging from 180 gallons to 550 gallons. IBCs are DOT/UN certified tanks that are ideal for transporting and storing liquids for a variety of industries, including industrial chemicals. To utilize the space efficiently when storing and shipping liquid materials, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common IBC tote dimensions.

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.