The Ultimate Guide to Buying New, Reconditioned, and Rebottled IBCs
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are versatile storage tanks and serve an essential role for a wide range of industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and more. Whether you’re looking to purchase new, reconditioned, or rebottled IBCs, understanding the differences and choosing the right type can significantly impact your operational efficiency and compliance. This comprehensive guide will help you answer questions like ‘what is an IBC tank?’ and ‘what are IBC containers used for?’ so let’s take a look!
What is an IBC container?
An IBC container (Intermediate Bulk Container) is a large, reusable storage container used for transporting and storing bulk liquids, chemicals, or other materials. IBC tanks come in a variety of sizes and capacities, and deciding on which is most suited to you depends on a variety of factors. The most common IBC on the market today is the caged IBC tank with a capacity of 1000 Litres (220 gallons). These come primarily from manufacturers like Schutz, Mauser and Werit.
IBC containers typically consist of a galvanised-steel cage that sits on either a wooden, plastic or metal pallet.The inner container (or ‘bottle’) used in most IBCs is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a durable and chemically-resistant plastic. Typically they will also feature a lid on top for easy filling, and a valve at the bottom for effective draining.
What are IBC containers used for?
As one of the UKs leading IBC suppliers, we’ve seen customers use IBCs across various industries for storing and transporting bulk liquids, powders, and granulated materials. In the chemical industry, they handle hazardous substances, while food-grade IBCs store liquids like oils and syrups. They’re also popular for water storage, rainwater harvesting, and irrigation in agriculture. IBCs store bulk ingredients in pharmaceuticals, fertilisers in farming, and oils in the petroleum industry. Additionally, they are used for paints, coatings, construction materials, and waste management, making them a versatile solution for bulk handling and storage.
New, Reconditioned, and Rebottled Explained
Now that you know what IBC tanks are used for, let’s take a look at the three different types of IBC container available today – New IBC’s, Reconditioned IBC’s, and Rebottled IBC’s.
New IBCs
New IBCs are containers that have never been used before. They are manufactured to the highest standards and offer the greatest assurance of quality and reliability.
Advantages:
- Highest Quality: New IBCs are made from virgin materials, ensuring maximum durability and longevity.
- Clean and Safe: They come in pristine condition, free from any prior contamination, making them ideal for sensitive applications like food and pharmaceuticals.
- Regulatory Compliance: New IBCs are typically designed to meet the latest regulatory standards, including UN certification for hazardous materials and FSSC for food safety
Best Uses:
- Transporting and storing sensitive products like food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
- Handling hazardous materials that require strict compliance with safety regulations.
- Applications where the highest level of cleanliness and safety is paramount.
Reconditioned IBCs
Reconditioned IBCs are previously used containers that have undergone a thorough cleaning and refurbishment process. They are inspected, cleaned, and repaired to ensure they meet specific safety and performance standards.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Reconditioned IBCs are significantly cheaper than new ones, offering great value for money.
- Environmental Benefits: Reusing containers reduces waste and the demand for new materials, contributing to sustainability.
- Reliable Performance: When reconditioned by reputable suppliers, these IBCs can perform almost as well as new ones.
Best Uses:
- Non-sensitive applications where slight imperfections are acceptable.
- Businesses looking to reduce costs without compromising too much on quality.
- Industries where environmental sustainability is a key consideration.
Rebottled IBCs
Rebottled IBCs, also known as “recertified” or “remanufactured” IBCs, have a new inner bottle (bladder) placed inside a previously used cage. This process ensures that the container’s most critical part—the bottle that directly contacts the contents—is brand new.
Advantages:
- Cost Savings: Like reconditioned IBCs, rebottled IBCs are more affordable than new ones.
- Safety and Cleanliness: With a new inner bottle, these IBCs offer enhanced cleanliness and safety, suitable for more sensitive applications than reconditioned IBCs.
- Environmental Impact: Rebottling extends the life of the outer cage, reducing waste and the need for new materials.
Best Uses:
- Transporting and storing products that require a clean and safe container in situations where budget constraints make new IBCs impractical.
- Situations where the outer cage’s integrity is still robust, but a new inner bottle is needed for safety and cleanliness.
- Businesses aiming to balance cost-efficiency with higher standards of product safety and hygiene.
UN vs. Non-UN IBCs
When choosing an IBC, one of the most crucial considerations is whether you need a UN-certified container. UN certification indicates that the container meets international standards for transporting hazardous materials.
UN-Certified IBCs
UN-certified IBCs are designed and tested to meet rigorous international standards for the safe transport of hazardous materials. These containers are subject to stringent testing, including drop tests, leakproofness tests, and pressure tests.
Advantages:
- Safety: UN-certified IBCs provide a high level of safety, minimizing the risk of leaks or spills during transport.
- Compliance: Using UN-certified containers is often a legal requirement for transporting hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with regulations such as those set by the UN and other authorities.
- Versatility: These containers can be used for a wide range of hazardous materials, from chemicals to pharmaceuticals.
Best Uses:
- Transporting hazardous materials that are subject to strict regulatory requirements.
- Industries that handle potentially dangerous substances and need to ensure maximum safety during storage and transport.
- International shipping of hazardous goods, where compliance with global standards is necessary.


Non-UN IBCs
Non-UN IBCs are not certified for the transport of hazardous materials. However, they are still suitable for a wide range of non-hazardous applications and are often used in industries where such certification is not required.
Advantages:
- Cost Savings: Non-UN IBCs are typically less expensive than their UN-certified counterparts.
- Adequate for Non-Hazardous Materials: Non-UN IBC’s are perfectly suitable for the storage and transport of non-hazardous goods.
- Availability: Non-UN IBCs are widely available and can be sourced easily for various industrial applications.
Best Uses:
- Storing and transporting non-hazardous materials, such as water, oils, food products, and agricultural chemicals.
- Applications where regulatory compliance for hazardous materials is not necessary.
- Businesses looking to save costs while still maintaining a high level of quality and reliability for their non-hazardous materials.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing IBCs
When deciding between new, reconditioned, or rebottled IBCs and whether you need UN or non-UN containers, consider the following factors:
1. Nature of the Product
The type of product you are storing or transporting is the primary consideration. Hazardous materials require UN-certified containers, while non-hazardous materials can safely be stored in non-UN IBCs.
2. Budget Constraints
Your budget will influence whether you opt for new, reconditioned, or rebottled IBCs. Reconditioned and rebottled IBCs offer cost savings while still providing reliable performance, making them suitable for many applications.
3. Regulatory Requirements
Ensure you understand the regulatory requirements for your industry and the specific materials you handle. Compliance with safety standards is crucial to avoid fines and ensure the safety of your operations.
4. Environmental Impact
Consider the environmental impact of your choice. Reconditioned and rebottled IBCs are more sustainable options, reducing waste and the demand for new materials. This can enhance your company’s sustainability initiatives and reduce its carbon footprint.
5. Longevity and Durability
New IBCs generally offer the longest lifespan and highest durability. However, high-quality reconditioned and rebottled IBCs can also provide excellent longevity, especially when sourced from reputable suppliers.
6. Cleanliness and Contamination Risks
For industries where cleanliness is critical, such as food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, new or rebottled IBCs are often the best choice. They offer the highest assurance of cleanliness and safety, minimizing the risk of contamination.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IBCs for your business is crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency in your operations. Whether you opt for new, reconditioned, or rebottled IBCs, and whether you need UN-certified or non-UN containers, we hope this guide has helped answer some crucial questions, such as ‘what is an IBC container?’ and ‘what are IBC tanks used for?’. If you have any questions or need further advice though, don’t hesitate to speak to a friendly member of our team!
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