IBC for food or chemicals? How to choose a 1000 l container
Published on: 05-06-2026
Food vs chemicals — key differences
| Criterion | Food IBC | Chemical IBC |
|---|---|---|
| Approval | food contact (food-grade) | UN/ADR (dangerous goods) |
| Bottle | new, clean, no chemical history | new or reconditioned per liquid |
| Material | clean HDPE | chemically resistant HDPE |
| Seals/valve | food-neutral | matched to medium (EPDM/Viton) |
| Washing | required before filling | per product sheet |
New, reconditioned or used
For food a new IBC is recommended (known history). For chemicals a reconditioned one (washed, rebottled) is acceptable. Details in our post on new/reconditioned/used IBC.
Capacities and selection
| Capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 1000 l | standard liquid transport and storage |
| 640 l | smaller batches, limited space |
| 600 / 300 l | labs, dosing, smaller loops |
See IBC containers and 1000 l IBC.
FAQ
Must a food IBC be new? Recommended — it guarantees no past chemical contact.
What does UN/ADR approval mean? Authorisation for dangerous-goods transport (chemicals).
Can a chemical IBC be converted to food? Not advised — bottle history rules out food contact.
Most common capacity? 1000 l is the standard; 640/600/300 l for special uses.
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