When it comes to transporting liquids, the choice of packaging is more important than ever – especially for companies that prioritise sustainability. While IBC liners are typically made from plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), they offer several environmental advantages over alternatives such as drums or bottle-in-cage (BIC) containers.
In this blog post, we explore how IBC liners help reduce environmental impact in ways that other packaging options cannot match.
Reducing Waste: A Cleaner, Greener Option
One of the most significant environmental benefits of using IBC liners is the reduction in waste. Unlike drums and BIC containers – which need to be thoroughly cleaned after each use – IBC liners can be easily removed and disposed of, leaving the container clean and ready for reuse. The liners also eliminate the need for intensive cleaning processes, which require large amounts of water and energy.
Additionally, with their high-efficiency design, IBC liners minimise product waste. For example, ALC’s AIRMAX range ensures that liquids drain completely, reducing residual product left behind – a problem often seen with drums, which can retain large amounts of liquid, contributing to product loss and wastage.
Reducing Spillage and Product Loss
Spills are an unavoidable risk in the transportation of liquids and they can be particularly damaging to the environment. IBC liners help mitigate this risk by offering secure, leak-proof solutions. Designed for optimised filling and decanting, these liners reduce the chances of accidental spillage, protecting both the environment and the product.
In contrast, both drums and BIC containers pose a greater risk of spills – particularly when transferring liquids – due to their shape and design. The use of IBC liners significantly decreases this hazard, contributing to a safer and more eco-friendly process.
Conserving Precious Resources
Cleaning empty drums or BIC containers requires large amounts of water and energy, particularly when they are used repeatedly. Studies show that it can take up to 380 litres of water and several kilowatt-hours of energy just to clean one container.
With IBC liners, however, there is no need for extensive cleaning. This saves water, energy and resources. The simple act of removing the liner and disposing of it eliminates the need for cleaning agents or energy-intensive washing procedures, conserving precious resources and reducing operational costs.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
IBCs are inherently more space-efficient than drums or BIC containers. Their stackable, collapsible design reduces the amount of space they occupy during transport, leading to lower fuel consumption and fewer carbon emissions. Plus, IBC liners are lightweight, contributing to even more fuel savings.
Drums and BIC containers, on the other hand, are bulky and rigid, leading to inefficient use of space and higher transportation costs. The need to ship more trucks or freight containers to transport the same amount of product increases fuel consumption and carbon emissions, making them less sustainable options.
Recyclability and Reduced Waste
While IBC liners are made of plastic, some are recyclable, which reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Materials like polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be repurposed once their life cycle ends, making them a more environmentally responsible choice compared to whole drums or BIC solutions, which are often made from less recyclable materials.
Furthermore, the ability to reuse IBC containers multiple times with liners contributes to waste reduction and makes the entire process more sustainable. With liners, the need for creating new, single-use containers is minimised, further reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing, transporting and eventually disposing of these items.
Contamination Risk is Eliminated
Since they are reused over and over, drums and BIC containers have a higher risk for product cross-contamination. IBCs used with liquid liners, on the other hand, eliminate cross-contamination, also making it more hygienic.
Conclusion: Why IBC Liners are More Environmentally Friendly than Drums and BICs
While it is true that IBC liners are made from plastic, their environmental benefits outweigh the alternatives. IBC liners help minimise waste, conserve resources, reduce spillage and lower carbon footprints – all while offering recyclability at the end of their life cycle. In contrast, drums and BIC containers often require harsh cleaning chemicals, consume more resources and take up more space during transport, contributing to a higher environmental impact.
Make the Sustainable Choice
By opting for IBC liners, companies can play a role in reducing the environmental impact of their operations, all while benefiting from lower costs, greater efficiency and a cleaner process.
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