In the chemical industry, packaging is of paramount importance. Chemical packaging is far more robust than everyday packaging solutions, allowing for extended usage, prolonged storage, and safe transportation of dangerous chemicals.
Eager to learn more about chemical packaging? Below, we’ll explore the importance of selecting the right types of packaging for chemical products, along with a look at the various forms of chemical packaging available.
There’s no excuse for cutting corners when it comes to chemical packaging. Industrial chemicals can be incredibly dangerous. Chemical packaging can prevent hazards like leaks and spills from occurring. Adequate packaging also safeguards contents against environmental factors like temperature extremes, moisture, and UV exposure. This reduces the chance of unwanted reactions from occurring.
Furthermore, the right choice of chemical packaging can reduce environmental impact. By using chemical packaging solutions made from biodegradable or recyclable materials, companies can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint.
Different types of chemicals call for specific types of packaging. What’s more, packaging also needs to be carefully selected to accommodate specific distribution, transportation, and storage requirements. Below, we’ll explore some of the most commonly encountered types of packaging used by the chemical industry.
Otherwise known as barrels, chemical drums are instantly recognizable thanks to their cylindrical shape. They’re often made from plastic, but can also be manufactured from fiber or metal. Drums are one of the more sustainable choices of chemical packaging, with high-quality barrels suitable for reconditioning. Others can even be reused with minimal preparation.
With an average capacity of around 200 liters, chemical drums are suitable for transporting a wide variety of chemicals, including liquids. However, there are some risks associated with using barrels for storage and transportation. If drums aren’t properly handled, it’s easy for them to become dented in transit. Smaller components can also degrade over time, increasing the chance of leaks and risk to human health.
One of the largest chemical packaging solutions around, IBCs are designed with liquids in mind and can typically hold up to around 1,000 liters. Generally shaped like a cube, IBCs can be made of either plastic or metal, with some containers made with a combination of the two.
Intermediate bulk containers are often used to store particularly dangerous chemicals, but they can also be used to house other pharmaceutical products like edible liquids and lubrication. As they can be reused and recycled relatively easily, they’re one of the more environmentally-friendly packaging solutions for chemicals. What’s more, because they offer a reliable storage solution and can be readily handled by forklifts, they’re a relatively safe choice for chemical packaging.
Designed with smaller volumes in mind, jerry cans are a reliable way of transporting chemicals safely. Jerry cans are typically made from either steel or plastic and can usually accommodate around 20 liters of chemicals in liquid form. As well as being fairly safe, jerry cans are lightweight and relatively inexpensive.
Bottles and jars might offer smaller capacities than other storage solutions, but their chemical-resistant properties make them a good choice for housing potentially harmful solutions. Both low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are commonly used to produce bottles for chemical storage.
Cans are an effective choice for storing smaller volumes of chemicals and are ideal for housing waste materials. They can feature perforated bases to ensure free circulation and reduce heat from accumulating, while secure lids help ensure flammable contents are isolated from fire. Many cans are made from steel and are free of harmful elements like lead, making them both safe to use and easily recycled.
Ideal for storing liquids, pails are made from either plastic or metal. The interiors of pails usually feature a lacquered interior, making them an obvious choice for water-based products and liquid chemicals. Pail liners can be used to store more aggressive chemicals, while metal locking rings enhance safety for storage and transit.
Sometimes, flexible packaging is called for to meet specific storage and transportation needs or to accommodate chemicals in powdered or granulated form.
There are many types of flexible intermediate container (FIBC) bags that can be used to store and ship chemicals and hazardous contents safely. Type B bags are ideal for flammable and dry chemicals, while Type C and Type D bags can be used to house flammable powders in high-risk environments. Dustproof bags ensure that sensitive contents are protected from contamination, while advanced sewing processes can enhance the sift-proof credentials of bags.
These containers are generally used to transport non-hazardous liquid chemicals. They’re particularly large, with most flexi tanks resembling 20-foot containers, making them a generously proportioned and cost-effective choice for transportation. However, they’re not suitable for storing and transporting hazardous materials and can’t typically be reused.
Many types of hazardous and flammable chemicals come in a gaseous form. This calls for specialized packaging solutions.
Chemical cases need to be stored safely at high pressures. This calls for heavy-duty gas cylinders made from hard-wearing materials like carbon steel and aluminum alloy. However, proper handling and safe storage need to be observed to avoid potentially lethal accidents.
Aerosol canisters serve a similar purpose to gas cylinders, although they’re generally designed to house far smaller quantities of chemicals. Chemicals are forced into cans alongside a propellant at high pressure. Most aerosol cans are made from robust steel and feature a valve that allows you to release chemical contents from the interior.
If your daily operations involve handling, storing, or transporting chemical products, you’ll need to ensure you’re using the right packaging solutions. By using the right packaging, you can protect your workers from harm, preventing injuries and worst-case scenarios. This safeguards your reputation, negating the risk of lawsuits and making it easier to maintain a desirable brand image. What’s more, you can increase your green credentials by choosing only the most eco-friendly chemical packaging solutions on the market.
At Codefine, you’ll find an extensive range of chemical packaging available. You can explore the full line-up of products online today, or get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.
