When you walk through a warehouse or yard, you’ll see palletised bulk containers everywhere – but not all of them are the same. In this guide, you’ll learn what an IBC tank is, how the main types differ, and where each one is best used. Skip it, and you may end up choosing packaging that risks leaks, non-compliance, or unnecessary cost.
What do we mean by an IBC?
In simple terms, an IBC tank is an intermediate-sized, reusable container designed for the storage and transport of liquids, pastes, and some granules. It sits between small packs and fixed tanks in volume, typically around 1,000 litres, and is built to be moved easily by forklift or pallet truck.
Most units combine a moulded plastic bottle, a protective steel cage, and a pallet base in plastic, timber, or steel. The design allows stacking in racking or on the floor, and a bottom valve gives controlled discharge into your process, filling line, or smaller containers.
Main types by condition
From a buying and sustainability point of view, the first split is between new, reconditioned, and rebottled units. A new IBC tank comes straight from manufacture and is usually chosen for hazardous chemicals, food ingredients, or any application where a completely clean history is essential.
Reconditioned containers are inspected, washed, and leak-tested after previous use, then redeployed for suitable non-food and non-pharma products. A rebottled unit has a brand-new inner bottle fitted into a used cage and pallet, giving you a fresh product-contact surface while still re-using the outer frame.
For all three options, it is important to know the previous and intended contents, and to work with a specialist who can confirm whether re-use or rebottling is appropriate for your particular duties.
UN-certified and non-UN options
The next key distinction is between UN-certified and non-UN designs. When an IBC tank is used to move dangerous goods by road under ADR rules, it must carry a valid UN approval code and meet specific drop, stacking, and leak test requirements.
Non-UN units are used for non-dangerous contents, such as many process liquids, washdown fluids, or some water applications. They can still be robust and long-lasting, but they are not built to the same test standard. Using the wrong specification for regulated products can lead to compliance issues and increased risk if something goes wrong in transit.
Matching construction to your application
Even within a single category, details matter. Bottle material and any barrier layers must be compatible with the product, so that permeation, swelling, or stress cracking do not shorten the useful life of the container. Valve style, outlet thread, and pallet type all affect day-to-day handling and connection to plant.
This is where a good understanding of your process pays off. If a particular IBC tank is routinely dragged, over-stacked, or stored outside without protection, wear and UV exposure will reduce its lifespan and may compromise safety. By aligning specification with reality on site, you reduce the chances of failures, spills, and unplanned downtime.
Typical uses across industry
These containers support a wide range of UK sectors. Chemical manufacturers use them for intermediates, finished blends, and additives, while utilities rely on them for water-treatment chemicals and dosing solutions.
Food and drink producers select food-grade variants for oils, syrups, and other liquid ingredients, where hygiene and traceability are critical. In agriculture, similar units handle fertilisers, liquid feeds, and some crop protection products, often in demanding outdoor conditions where pallet choice and cage strength really matter.
Turning choice into a safer container strategy
So, what is an IBC tank in practical terms? It is a flexible, palletised bulk container that bridges the gap between small packs and fixed storage – but the label covers a wide variety of designs, conditions, and certifications.
If you treat all of them as interchangeable, you risk mismatching products and packaging, with consequences for safety, compliance, and cost. If you take the time to understand the main types and uses, you can specify containers that genuinely fit your products, handling equipment, and regulatory obligations.
As a next step, review what you currently store and move, how each product is classified, and how containers are handled day to day. Then explore related resources or speak with a specialist supplier to refine your mix of new, reconditioned, and rebottled units, and build a container strategy that balances safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
