Plastic IBC Totes

Plastic IBC Characteristics

Polyethylene IBC tanks are designed for the specialized handling of various bulk cargo materials and are engineered for the handling of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids.

IBC containers have many characteristics that make them suitable for their potential use cases. All but caged IBCs are designed for extensive reuse, especially if reuse is with the same cargo. Rigid poly IBCs’ strength and reusability makes them much more cost effective across their service lives when compared to standard cylindrical drums.

Polyethylene IBCs are made from industrial strength HDPE. Full HDPE IBCs are rotational molded, seamless, and durable containers capable of withstanding the weight and corrosion characteristics of many chemicals and materials as well as environmental concerns. IBC containers are designed to ensure and protect the quality of their cargo and products.

Plastic IBCs do not rust, are resilient to impacts, punctures, and tears, are easy to use and maneuver, and can withstand the pressures and stresses of repeat logistics and transport. The tank design promotes product safety. Materials can be stored and handled with limited risk and waste. Inflow and outflow engineering promotes zero waste from spillage or overflow.

The cubic shape of IBC totes can allow more material to be transported within the same space as a pallet of drum containers. IBCs also allow movement to be performed more quickly and in fewer steps.

All IBCs are stackable, and this provides less handling, better storage solutions, and multiple system integration capabilities. Intermediate bulk containers have a significant potential to lower disposal costs and reduce overall physical waste due to reuse and recyclability.

Rigid HDPE Plastic IBC Specifications

Galvanized Steel Caged IBC Totes

Caged IBC totes are lightweight, highly portable HDPE plastic tanks with a galvanized steel frame support and integrated pallet base. They come in 135 gallon, 275 gallon, and 330 gallon capacities. Caged IBC totes are DOT/UN 31HA1/Y approved for hazardous materials.

The internal plastic container is blow mold manufactured from NSF 61 approved, FDA compliant HDPE resin suitable for potable water and food industry applications. High density polyethylene manufacture provides resistance and durability to various chemicals, corrosion, rust, and impact. The galvanized steel frame provides structural stability, rigidity, and increased impact resistance.

Poly caged intermediate bulk containers are molded to a thinner wall thickness than the other IBC models. This makes them lighter but less reusable than other totes. Caged IBCs are often one way, one use in transport, then cleaned or recycled.

Standard Features include:

• 6″ Threaded, Vented Fill Cap
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• Corrosion / Impact / Rust Resistant Galvanized Steel Frame
• Chemical Compatible HDPE Bottle
• Integrated Pallet Base
• 4-Way Fork, 4-Way Jack Access

Square Stackable

Square stackable IBC tanks are standard, all plastic intermediate bulk containers that have been rotationally molded from quality virgin HDPE to a 1/2″ thick tank sidewall. This increase in tank thickness provides considerably better product durability and longer service life. Square stacking IBCs are available in standard, premium, and wide mouth variants.

Square stackable IBCs are rated for dense, corrosive chemicals up to 1.9 specific gravity, with tank capacities available from 120 gallons to 330 gallons. All square stackable IBCs are DOT/UN 31H2/Y approved according to Title 49 CFR. Rotational molding eliminates seams and limits corrosion and maintenance concerns associated with inferior products or poly composite tanks.

Standard model square IBCs are manufactured with a heavy duty base that provides over 30% more bottom tank protection and wider forklift channels to reduce damage probability. Standard model bases reduce overall tank height and are less expensive and easier to replace than premium model bases. The heavy duty base comes in black with different color options available upon request.

Standard features include:

• 6″ Heavy Duty Screw Cap
• 2″ Integrated Vacuum Vent
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• 1 – 2 Replaceable Bung Locations
• Integrated Fluid Level Markers
• Top Head Protective Ribs
• Heavy Duty Base
• 4-Way Fork, 2-Way Jack Access

Premium Square Stackable

Premium square stackable IBCs have the features of the standard model but offer additional customizations and tank fitting options not available to the standard model. The pallet bases of premium models come in standard red and include safety forklift channels.

Standard features include:

• 6″ Heavy Duty Screw Cap
• 2″ Integrated Vacuum Vent
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• 1 – 2 Replaceable Bung Locations
• Integrated Fluid Level Markers
• Top Head Protective Ribs
• Premium Base with Safety Forklift Channels
• 4-Way Fork, 2-Way Jack Access

Wide Mouth Square Stackable

Wide mouth square stackable IBCs feature an 18″ lid opening that allows full interior access for mixing of the stored material, cleaning, drying, and sanitization. Capacities available include 220, 275, and 330 gallons. Wide mouth stackable IBCs meet Title 49 CFR standards but are not UN/DOT permitted.

Wide mouth stackable IBCs are often utilized for traffic marking, line striping, paints, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, inks and dyes, adhesives and coatings, lubricants, and in the food industry for food, beverage, as well as wine and spirits.
Standard features include:

• 18″ Threaded Poly Lid with Clamp Ring
• Polyethylene Sanitary Gasket Closure
• 2″ Bottom Drain with Camlock Quick Capability
• Sloped Tank Bottom
• 2″ Vent Relief Bung with EPDM Gasket
• 2″ Replaceable Bung, Plug, EPDM Gasket
• 4-Way Fork, 2-Way Jack Access

Ultratainer

Ultratainer tanks are versatile, high strength IBCs with one of the industry’s greatest service lives and integrity among rigid poly IBC containers. Ultratainer IBCs are unique with an internal cylindrical tank within a square frame. The cylindrical shape increases tank strength, resists sidewall bulging, allows for higher internal pressure resistance, and promotes tank cleaning and flushing by removing hard to clean tank corners.

The integrated HDPE square frame provides a cubical shape that is easy to handle, store, ship, and stack. The square frame features a top protector that helps align IBCs for stacking and protects the top openings against potential impacts.

Ultratainer IBCs are rated to 1.9 specific gravity (15.8 lbs/gal) and capable of handling dense materials, corrosives, and caustics. They are manufactured from quality FDA compliant food grade HDPE resin and available in 220 gallon, 275 gallon, and 330 gallon capacities. Ultratainer tanks come in standard and wide mouth model variants.

Ultratainers are DOT/UN 31H1 certified according to Title 49 CFR requirements. They are approved to a 14.7 psi (101 KPa) pressure rating with a heavy weight Ultratainer model available tested to 62 psi (428 KPa) for hazardous, non-hazardous materials with higher off-gassing and vapor pressure requirements. Ultratainer IBC totes come standard with 6″ fill cap openings and security tethers, two replaceable 2″ bungs, integrated gallon markers, and a four way forklift, pallet jack accessible base. A domed tank bottom and 2″ bottom ball valve promotes complete product drainage and minimal “heel” waste for most materials.

Standard features include:

• 6″ Threaded Lid w/ Vent
• Domed Bottom
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• Cylindrical Inner Tank, Increased Structural Durability
• Square, Thick HDPE Frame Maintains Handling Efficiency
• Molded Gallon Markers
• 4-Way Fork, 4-Way Jack Access
• Stackable to 2–3 High

Available Options:

• IBC Cleaning Head
• Anti-Teeter Bars
• Vacuum, Pressure Vent Reliefs
• Sanitary Gaskets, Valves, Component Connections
• Draw Tube Closure, Hose Assembly
• Top Head Lifting Lugs, Crane Attachments
• No Lid, 3 Bung Model
• Heavy Weight Pressure Design Rated to 62 PSI (428 kPA)

Wide Mouth Ultratainer

Wide mouth Ultratainer IBCs have all the options of standard Ultratainers but feature a 20″ top opening with a 22″ threaded screw cap and gasket that allows improved access to the container interior for work needs. The wide mouth model features raised, molded bosses that promote easy cap removal and closure.

Wide mouth Ultratainers are ideal for and often employed in scenarios that require mixing, batch blending, inner tank inspections, drying, cleaning, sanitizing, for reuse or health standards, and/or ease of access to the stored commodity.

Standard features include:

• 22″ Threaded Cap w/ Gasket
• Domed Bottom
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• Cylindrical Inner Tank, Increased Structural Durability
• Square, Thick HDPE Frame Maintains Handling Efficiency
• Molded Gallon Markers
• 4-Way Fork, 4-Way Jack Access
• Stackable to 2–3 High

Available Options:

• IBC Cleaning Head
• Anti-Teeter Bars
• Vacuum, Pressure Vent Reliefs
• Sanitary Gaskets, Valves, Component Connections
• Top Head Lifting Lugs, Crane Attachments

Payloader

Payloader IBC tanks are rotationally molded HDPE totes built on a 40″ x 48″ footprint that matches standard pallet dimensions. The smaller footprint allows more units per shipment compared to 45 to 46″ square stackables, lowering inbound freight cost on full load shipments. Payloaders are also stacking compatible with caged IBCs and other 40″ x 48″ totes a company may already own.

Payloader IBCs are available in 275 gallon and 330 gallon capacities and are rated for 1.5 specific gravity liquids. They are DOT/UN 31H2 approved according to Title 49 CFR for Packing Group II and III materials. The lower profile design positions the 6″ fill cap near the front of the tote for easier top access during filling.

The Payloader is manufactured from FDA compliant HDPE resin. They feature molded-in corner posts for stacking alignment and a rotationally molded base built for repeat handling.

Standard features include:

• 6″ Threaded Screw Cap w/ Vent
• 2″ Replaceable Angle or Center Bung
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• Molded-In Corner Posts for Stacking Alignment
• Volume Markers in Gallons and Liters
• 40″ x 48″ Pallet Footprint
• 4-Way Fork Access with Optional Anti-Teeter Straps
• Stackable to 2–3 High​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Megatainer

Megatainer IBC containers are the industry’s largest capacity, full HDPE, rigid IBC tanks. The Megatainer’s large 550 gallon capacity makes it the equivalent of ten 55 gallon drums but only occupies a 48” W x 81” L footprint by 60” tall.

Megatainer IBCs are rated for 1.9 SG fluids and suitable for the bulk storage, handling, and transport of a vast assortment of chemicals and other products. With their 550 gallon payload, Megatainers can provide an overall capacity ability that is 60% greater than the common 330 gallon IBC.

Megatainer IBCs are made of superior quality HDPE resin that is rotational mold manufactured to a 1/2″ thick tank sidewall. The thick tank wall contributes significantly to product strength and corrosion resistance. The Megatainer is manufactured with a structural rib design that also increases overall container durability.

The Megatainer IBC tote is considered lightweight for its size and versatile with a low profile design that makes accessing top ports easier. The horizontal design supplements product filling and discharge. The tanks are engineered to maximize the efficiency of weight, handling, and space for increased productivity and decreased logistics costs.

Standard features include:

• 7” Threaded, Vented GEM Cap w/ EPDM Gasket
• 2” NPS Replaceable, Threaded Bung
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• Head Stacking Alignment Lugs
• Lifting Bar Option for Crane Hoist Use
• 4-Way Fork, 4-Way Jack Access
• Stackable to 2–3 High

Excalibur

Excalibur IBC tanks are rotationally molded high density polyethylene, portable, and reusable totes designed to offer a more durable, longer lasting alternative to caged IBC totes. Excalibur IBCs have low purchase cost for a repeat-use, asset IBC. They provide an excellent cost to service life ratio due to its reusability, durability, and service life.

Excalibur IBCs come in 120 gallon, 220 gallon, and 330 gallon capacities, and in 1.35 and 1.9 specific gravity ratings. Excalibur IBCs have a tank thickness more than triple traditional caged IBCs. Excalibur totes do not require external, protective cages due to their seamless, impact resistant HDPE construction.

Excalibur tanks are manufactured with long lasting, reliable top closures, and feature a unique replaceable foot design where legs can be replaced if damaged. These tanks are highly reusable and do not have the replacement frequency and costs associated with light duty composite IBCs.

Standard features include:

• 6″ Heavy Duty Threaded Cap w/ Vent Plug
• 2″ Draining Port Ball Valve
• Quick Connect Capability
• Asset IBC w/ Long Service Potential
• HDPE Sidewall 3x Thicker vs Caged IBCs
• Unique Replaceable Foot Design
• Stacking Lugs
• 4-Way Fork, 4-Way Jack Access
• Stackable to 2–3 High

IBC Tanks | The IBC Tote Authority

IBC Tanks offers a wide selection of polyethylene plastic IBCs, types, and storage capacities at the industry’s most competitive pricing, especially for bulk quantity orders. Wholesale IBC pricing may be available for full truck load and/or recurring orders. Check out our IBC FAQ pageand Knowledge Base for answers to many common questions. Contact us for more information or to request a custom quote.