Bulk Liquids & Powders

What is an IBC container, and why is it used for liquids and powders?

IBC containers – intermediate bulk containers – are versatile, reusable storage and transport solutions designed for bulk liquids and powders. They offer secure containment, efficient stacking, and cost-effective handling, making them ideal for industries requiring safe and hygienic storage.

The Crocodile IBC container system stands out with its durable plywood construction, collapsible design, and fully-sealed internal bags that prevent contamination. It also reduces return and storage costs by collapsing to 20% of its original size.

Industries Utilizing IBC Containers for Liquids and Powders

IBC containers for liquids and powders are essential across various industries due to their efficiency and safety features. Key industries that rely on them include:

1. Food and Beverages – For bulk storage of syrups, oils, powders, and concentrates.
2. Chemical Industry – For safely transporting hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry – For hygienic storage of active ingredients and powders.
4. Cosmetics and Personal Care – For liquids like lotions and creams.
5. Agriculture – For fertilizers, pesticides, and animal feed.
6. Manufacturing and Industrial – For raw materials such as resins, solvents, and powders.

THE CROCODILE IBC CONTAINER SYSTEM

• Crocodile’s IBC Containers are made with rebated high quality plywood sheets and secured with Crocodile’s unique clip system. 
• Liquids or powders are securely contained within a cassetted, replaceable internal foil bag.
• Crocodile IBC Containers come with an integral pallet base that can be configured to suit your handling system.
• Can be stacked up to 8 high to minimise warehousing costs.
• A fraction of the cost of plastic and stainless steel systems.
• Customised Inlet/Outlet Ports
  • Can be positioned to suit your handling system.
  • Filled and decanted with ease
  • Can decant under vacuum
  • Zero contamination
• Fully-sealed Cassetted Bag
  • Durable internal bag
  • Zero contamination
  • No cleaning – replace with new bag.
• Stackable – Up to 8 High
  • Ideal choice for storage and warehousing.
  • Can be stacked up to 8 high.
• Collapsible Crocodile Clip System
  • Collapse with no tools, no damage
  • Collapse or re-assemble in under 2 minutes
  • Collapse to 20% of original size – minimise return & storage costs

KEY COST SAVING FEATURES OF OUR IBC CONTAINERS

• Collapsible, Reusable
  • Buy one case, use up to 80 times
  • Collapse to 20% of original size –transport 5 times the amount for the same cost.
• Stacking & Shipping
  • Stack 2 high, 2 wide in sea freight shipping containers
  • When collapsed they can be shipped 6 high in a standard sea container saving money on return shipping
• One Option
  • One Trip IBC Container can be made from cheaper OSB material for a cost-effective expendable option.
  • One-trip IBC’s still stackable.

What industries commonly use IBC containers for bulk handling?

IBC containers are widely used across chemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agriculture, oil and lubricants, and water treatment industries for handling bulk liquids and powders. They allow manufacturers and processors to store and move corrosive chemicals, sensitive ingredients, and viscous food products in a single, forkliftable unit, reducing manual handling and transfer steps. For operators, this means safer chemical management, better hygiene control for food and pharma products, and more efficient on-site dosing or batching.

Why choose IBC containers instead of drums for industrial liquids?

Compared with drums, IBC containers offer higher usable capacity in a smaller footprint, so fewer units are needed for the same volume of product. Their integral pallet base and stackable design improve warehouse density and reduce the number of forklift movements, which can significantly cut labour hours in high-volume operations. Many sites also see lower product losses thanks to better valve design and easier decanting, improving yield and overall cost per litre handled.

How should IBC containers be cleaned and maintained for safe reuse?

Most industrial IBC containers are designed for multiple trips, but they require a defined cleaning and inspection protocol between fills, especially when switching products or handling hazardous chemicals. Effective programmes typically include complete emptying, internal and external washing with suitable media, visual checks for damage or corrosion, and leak or pressure testing before the next fill. Many operators use professional reconditioning services that clean, test, relabel, and document the containers to support both compliance and sustainability goals.

Which IBC container materials are best for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical products?

Food and beverage producers typically specify food-grade HDPE IBC containers with compatible gaskets and valves to ensure hygienic, contamination-free handling of edible oils, syrups, juices, and similar products. Pharmaceutical manufacturers often prefer stainless steel IBCs, which provide excellent cleanability and chemical resistance to support stringent hygiene and validation requirements. For aggressive chemicals, operators select HDPE or stainless steel constructions that offer proven chemical compatibility and, where necessary, certification for hazardous goods.

Contact Crocodile Packaging for IBC Container Solutions

Need an IBC container solution? Crocodile Packaging can help, so get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.