Short answer
Choose by the product's form, hazard class and order size. Powders go in 25 kg bags or 500–1,000 kg jumbo bags. Liquids go in drums for smaller or hazardous volumes, IBCs for mid-size loads with easier handling, and flexitanks for a full container of a single non-hazardous liquid. The buyer's unloading equipment and storage matter as much as freight cost.
Key points
- 01Flexitanks are generally for non-hazardous liquids only.
- 02Hazardous products need UN-approved packaging.
- 03IBCs carry more per container than drums and empty faster.
- 04Check what your site can unload: forklift, pump, or tank connection.
Typical options
Approximate figures; exact loads depend on product density and pallet layout.
| Packaging | Typical size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | 25 kg | Powders and granules, mixed or smaller orders |
| Jumbo bags (FIBC) | 500 – 1,000 kg | Powders in bulk, buyers with lifting equipment |
| Carboys | 20 – 50 L | Small volumes of liquids |
| Drums | 200 – 250 kg / 200 L | Liquids and pastes, hazardous products, smaller customers |
| IBCs | 1,000 L | Mid-size liquid orders, quick emptying |
| Flexitanks | 16,000 – 24,000 L per 20 ft container | One non-hazardous liquid, full container |
Questions that decide it
- Is the product hazardous? Then UN-approved drums or IBCs, and no flexitank
- How much per order? A full container of one liquid points to a flexitank or IBCs
- How will it be unloaded? A pump connection suits flexitanks; a forklift suits drums and IBCs
- How is it stored and used? Drums suit buyers who use small amounts over time
- Is the product sensitive to moisture, light or temperature? That affects liners and materials
Cost is more than freight
Bulk packaging lowers freight and packaging cost per tonne, but only if the buyer can receive it. Add the cost of returning or disposing of packaging, product left in the pack, and handling time at your site. For new customers a first shipment in drums or IBCs is often the safer way to start.
Questions
Also asked.
Generally no. Flexitanks are used for non-hazardous liquids. Hazardous liquids ship in UN-approved drums, IBCs or ISO tanks.
Commonly around 80 drums of 200 litres on pallets, depending on product weight and the container's payload limit.
Yes. Private-label packing with your labels and artwork can be agreed before production.
