Which Industries Rely on IBC Totes? A Comprehensive Look at Applications and Challenges

Shipping liquids and powders have been a challenge since man tamed pack animals to carry goods. The modern shipping solution is Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), also known as IBC totes. These cube-shaped containers are versatile and durable. 

What industries use IBC totes? Almost every industry that ships or buys bulk quantities of liquids, powders or large parts will require IBCs. We’ll discuss the most common types of industries relying on IBC totes, details of these containers and the advantages that have made them a vital asset in the modern supply chain.

Overview of IBC Totes

Most IBC totes use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or stainless steel for their construction. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 180 to 550 gallons. These containers are stackable, making them durable and robust for storage or transport. They feature a sturdy metal cage or frame that provides additional support and protects the contents during shipping. This article, Understanding IBCs, will provide more in-depth information.

Advantages of IBC Totes

What exactly are the advantages of IBC totes?

1. Durability and Reusability: IBC tanks can withstand the rigors of transportation and storage. With proper care and management, they can last for many years.
2. Versatility: IBC bins can store and transport a wide variety of materials. They have a large capacity and are easy to fill and empty quickly, unlike 55-gallon drums. They hold almost every liquid, powder, or granulated product. 
3. Space Efficiency: The stackable design of IBC totes allows efficient storage and use of space, optimizing logistics and reducing costs.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Tote tanks, especially stainless steel, usually meet strict safety and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with the handling of hazardous or sensitive materials.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: The reusable nature of IBC totes can lead to significant cost savings compared to single-use packaging solutions.

These benefits have led to IBC’s widespread use across a range of commercial industries. 

What Industries Use IBC Totes? 

Let’s explore the primary sectors that rely on these versatile containers:

Industry	Brief Description	Material Composition of IBC Totes
Chemical	Used for storing and transporting various chemicals, solvents, and hazardous liquids.	High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or stainless steel.
Food & Beverage	Utilized to store and distribute food-grade liquids, oils, grain, and other edible products.	Food-grade plastic or stainless steel to ensure product purity and safety.
Pharmaceutical	Employed to handle and ship pharmaceutical ingredients, solutions, and other regulated materials.	IBC materials that meet pharmaceutical industry standards, such as stainless steel or specialized plastics.
Agricultural Sector	Utilized for storing and transporting agricultural liquids, fertilizers, and pesticides.	HDPE or stainless steel.
Oil and Gas	Used for storing and transporting various petroleum-based products, lubricants, solvents, and other liquids.	Stainless steel or chemically resistant HDPE.

 

The two most common IBC container sizes used in these industries are 275 gallons and 330 gallons. To get a better idea, download the IBC spec sheet here.

Another industrial use of these containers is storing hazardous materials. 

IBC Totes for Hazardous Materials Handling

The management and transportation of hazardous materials in IBC totes are subject to strict regulations and guidelines set by agencies like the DOT (Department of Transportation), EPA (The Environmental Protection Agency), and industry-specific bodies. These regulations cover areas such as:

• Packaging and labeling requirements
• Hazardous material classification and identification
• Spill response and containment procedures
• Employee training and safety protocols
• Record-keeping and documentation

 

While IBC totes ensure the safe movement of hazardous products, they are also perfect for general use, such as portable water or rainwater storage. 

IBC Totes for Water Storage and Rainwater Harvesting

The large storage capacity of IBC tanks, typically ranging from 275 to 1,000 gallons, allows them to effectively collect and store significant volumes of rainwater for various uses, such as irrigation, industrial processes, or emergency water supply. 

Additionally, the modular and stackable design of IBC totes enables efficient space utilization and scalable water storage solutions. It’s practical for both commercial and residential IBC rainwater harvesting systems. 

Two Ways To Use IBC Totes

These bulk storage containers are adaptable for two primary purposes.

1. Bulk Storage and Long-Term Storage – Tote tanks allow businesses to maintain extensive inventories of products in an organized manner. Their long-term durability makes them suitable for extended storage, ensuring the integrity of the contents.
2. Transporting and Moving Products – Their stackable design and sturdy construction allow for efficient and secure transport across town or around the world. 

Although IBC totes offer numerous advantages, users need to address some challenges when using these containers.

Challenges in Using IBC Totes

Some of the challenges tote users face include:

Temperature control – IBC totes need to maintain proper temperatures to prevent issues like crystallization or product spoilage. Exposure to fluctuating ambient temperatures or freezing during storage or transportation can result in product loss.

Contamination risks – Ensuring the contents of IBC totes remain free from contamination is critical, especially for sensitive materials like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or food ingredients.

Regulatory compliance – The use of IBC totes, particularly for hazardous materials, must adhere to strict safety regulations set by governing bodies like the EPA. Demonstrating compliance can pose significant challenges.

Pressurization – Certain products can build up pressure. Knowing how and when to vent an IBC keeps everyone safe.

Other issues include:

• Handling the return and collection of used IBC totes for recycling
• Preventing theft or unauthorized access
• Keeping IBC totes clean and decontaminated 

One more challenge for shippers is freeze protection for intermediate bulk containers. Maintaining the temperature of the contents is critical for most edible, pharmaceutical, and chemical products. Fortunately, we have the solution.

Enhancing IBC Tote Usage with Powerblanket Solutions

Powerblanket offers a range of custom tank heaters and tote heaters designed to provide precise temperature control. 

Powerblanket Custom Tank Heaters for IBC Totes 

Powerblanket manufactures custom tank heaters that seamlessly integrate with IBC totes. They tailor these heaters to fit the specific IBC tank dimensions, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing hot or cold spots. 

This level of customization is particularly beneficial for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive materials, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food ingredients.

The advanced thermostat controls on Powerblanket’s custom tank heaters allow users to accurately maintain the optimal temperature, preventing product spoilage and ensuring regulatory compliance for hazardous or perishable substances. By eliminating the risk of freezing or overheating, these heaters help to extend the shelf life of the contents and minimize costly waste.

Now that we’ve covered the essential information around IBC, it’s helpful to revisit some of the frequently asked questions about these containers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IBC Totes

While we’ve touched on these topics previously, providing a concise summary can serve as a quick reference for understanding how companies use IBC totes.

1. What business uses IBC totes? 

IBC totes are commonly used by a wide range of businesses, including:

• Chemical industry, manufacturers, and distributors
• Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
• Food and beverage industry
• Agricultural suppliers and farms
• Cleaning product and cosmetics companies
• Oil and gas industry, especially offshore platforms
• Manufacturing facilities

 

2. Which industries or sectors typically use IBC totes? 

The key industries and sectors that utilize IBC totes include:

• Chemicals and petrochemicals
• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
• Food and beverage processing
• Agriculture and horticulture
• Paints, coatings, and adhesives
• Cleaning and personal care products
• Transportation and logistics

 

3. Who buys IBC containers? 

The primary purchasers and users of IBC totes are:

• Manufacturing and processing companies
• Distributors and wholesalers
• Logistics, shipping, and transportation providers
• Warehousing and storage facilities
• Agricultural operations and farms
• Government and municipal agencies
• Construction and engineering firms

 

4. What types of products or materials are typically transported in IBC totes? 

IBC totes store and transport a wide variety of liquid and solid materials, such as:

• Chemicals (e.g., solvents, acids, bases, oils)
• Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
• Food ingredients and beverage concentrates
• Agricultural chemicals and pesticides
• Paints, coatings, and adhesives
• Cleaning products and cosmetic ingredients
• Industrial lubricants and coolants
• Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
• Large machine parts

 

The versatility of IBC totes allows them to be used across many industries and applications to safely and efficiently contain and transport a diverse range of products and materials.

The Importance of IBC Totes in Various Industries

For any company dealing with bulk materials, these containers have proven their worth, offering unparalleled durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. As industries evolve and create new products, the role of IBC totes will only become more crucial. They provide reliable solutions for the storage and shipping of products and materials.

From pharmaceuticals to food processing, Powerblanket IBC tote warmers and heaters ensure your contents are perfectly temperature-controlled. Explore Tote Heaters.