IBC Totes for the Chemical Industry
How chemical plants, blenders, and distributors use IBC totes for bulk liquid storage, and what to check before you fill one.
Request Industrial IBC Totes
Describe your non-hazardous application and a partner supplier follows up with options and a quote.
Understanding HDPE Chemical Resistance
The inner bottle of a standard IBC tote is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a plastic widely used for industrial containers because it resists many chemicals, including many acids, bases, alcohols, and aqueous solutions.
However, HDPE is not universally compatible. Certain chemicals — particularly strong oxidizers at high concentrations, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and some ketones — can cause swelling, softening, or degradation of the HDPE bottle over time. Compatibility depends on the specific chemical, its concentration, temperature, and the duration of contact.
Before storing any chemical in an IBC tote, verify compatibility. Consult the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for container material recommendations and ask the chemical manufacturer or tote supplier when in doubt.
Regulated Materials
Storing and shipping hazardous materials in IBCs is regulated, with specific requirements for the container, its markings, its age and testing, labeling, and transport paperwork. These rules are detailed and change over time.
ABC IBC does not arrange totes for hazardous materials. If your product is regulated, work with a qualified packaging supplier and check current regulations with your local authorities.
IBC Totes by Chemical Type
Different chemicals call for different considerations. Here is a general guide to common categories.
Non-Hazardous Liquids
Common examples: Cleaning solutions, many water treatment inputs, pH adjusters, non-toxic dyes, detergents, glycol-based antifreeze
Considerations: Standard IBC totes with verified HDPE compatibility for the specific product. Labeling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation are recommended.
Acids and Bases
Common examples: Dilute acids, alkaline cleaners, bleach solutions
Considerations: HDPE resists many acids and bases, but concentration and temperature matter. Check the SDS and compatibility data, and check current regulations with your local authorities.
Regulated or Hazardous Materials
Common examples: Flammable solvents, strong corrosives, oxidizers, and other materials classified as hazardous
Considerations: These have specific container, labeling, and transport requirements. ABC IBC does not arrange totes for hazardous materials; work with a qualified packaging supplier and check current regulations.
Safe Handling of Chemicals in IBC Totes
Good handling practice protects workers, the environment, and your product. These general tips apply to most chemical uses of IBC totes:
- Verify compatibility before filling: Confirm that the HDPE inner bottle, gaskets, and valve suit the specific chemical being stored. Check the SDS and compatibility charts, and ask the chemical manufacturer when in doubt.
- Inspect before every use: Check the valve, lid gasket, cage frame, and inner bottle for any signs of damage, cracking, or degradation before filling.
- Know the prior contents: Ask what a used or reconditioned tote previously held, and avoid filling it with anything that could react with residues.
- Label clearly: Label each tote with its contents and hazards. Check current regulations with your local authorities for required label elements.
- Use secondary containment: Spill pallets or berms under stored totes help contain leaks. Requirements vary, so check current regulations.
IBC Totes for Industrial Liquids
Need IBC Totes for Industrial Liquids?
ABC IBC takes requests from chemical companies, distributors, and manufacturers across the US and matches them with partner suppliers. Describe your product, volume, and location and a partner supplier follows up.