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Top Facts about IBC Containers and the Food Industry

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Kara Sherwood
 Top Facts about IBC Containers and the Food Industry

IBCs or Intermediate Bulk Containers are popular in many industries, like the food sector, because of a wide variety of benefits. The IBC container features a tank that is pallet mounted, along with a protective cage that makes it perfect for storing and shipping materials, including liquids.


The main benefits of IBCs is that they are customisable, cost-effective, efficient and durable. The IBC is a mid-size container utilised for shipping liquids, solids and everything in between.


Durability


One of the major benefits of IBCs is that they are highly durable and can endure long haul transit quite well. Their overall design, which is sturdy in nature, ensures that they can endure long transport journeys, whilst their supportive cage provides protection for the containers.


Efficiency


IBCs help shipping and storing of materials to be more efficient. An IBC pallet base makes it easy to transport through the use of a pallet jack or forklift, speeding up the process of transit. Another benefit is that IBCs can also store the same amount of material within less space, when compared to other containers such as drums and, therefore, can optimise the way in which manufacturers make use of their space.


Affordability


IBC containers are comparatively budget-friendly. Such containers help business users save money, while also being environmentally and economically cost-effective through:


● Maximising storage space, whilst minimising shipping cost.

● High reusability 


Customisability


Another benefit of IBC containers is that they can be customised easily to meet the needs of their business users. The majority of IBC manufacturers produce IBCs, particularly for specific objectives like the storage of chemicals or food items.


Manoeuvrability


All IBC pallets include channels to ensure that they are safe and easy to move through the use of a forklift.


Easy access


Every IBC features a large diameter screw-cap lid as well as a valve at the bottom, meaning they are simple to fill, empty, clean and then set up to use again. 


Types of IBC pallets


There are two major kinds of IBC pallets in Australia:


Wooden pallets


These are the most affordable option that pallet manufacturers supply and are perfect for short-term use in environments that are dry. They are strong, sustainable and ideal for most applications for general usage.


Plastic pallets


They are easy to clean and can be sterilised. They are lightweight and have a long-life span. They are resistant to fungus, mould and insects and do not rot or rust when exposed to moisture.


IBC spill pallets


A standard IBC is able to hold 1,000 litres. An IBC Spill Pallet is designed to store 110% of this total volume of liquid. Hence, an IBC spill pallet is a special type of container that has an internal storage space of 1,100 litres. Hardcover units can be utilised outdoors in the open air. For protection from the weather, PVC softcovers can also be offered.


IBC Spill Pallets are useful as they prevent spillage. Therefore, they are highly valuable to the food and beverage industry.


Use in the food industry


Originally created to solve problems of efficiency and weight in the shipping industry, IBCs have come a long way with a wide range of purposes and designs. Such versatility is most useful in the food and beverage industry. The latter need convenient storage and stacking options, which can be tough to find. 


The IBC helps businesses in the food industry by assisting producers in keeping the costs of storage and shipping low. Though several industries have been impacted positively by the design of the IBC, it is evident that the food industry is one that has gained the maximum benefit.


The safety and quality of beverages and food items is a vital aspect of this industry. Storage and transport of such products must be efficient and cost-effective at the same time. There are many companies which offer ideal solutions for the storage and transport needs of the food and beverage industry. They can be used to transport food syrups, powdered foods, granulated and liquid foods etc. IBCs are also suitable for storing, fermenting, blending and distilling beverages. 


Some of the advantages offered by IBCs supplied by leading companies are:


● Containers are designed to meet global regulations for food and beverages. The contents will not be impacted by pressure, stress, distance and time of transport.


● Containers are approved for the contact needs of food to ensure storage free of contamination. They ensure proper processes and systems to prevent cross-contamination.

 

● The flavour, aroma and texture of food items are maintained by proper protection from external conditions in the environment.


As we can see, IBCs or Intermediate Bulk Containers are popular in many industries, but especially in the food industry, because of the wide variety of benefits they offer. 


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