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When it comes to industrial storage and transportation, steel drums have long been the gold standard across industries worldwide.
From chemical manufacturing to food production, steel drums provide a secure, durable, and versatile solution for handling goods. But what exactly makes a steel drum the ideal choice for so many businesses? And how can your operation benefit from using them?
At ITP Packaging, we stock a diverse range of steel drums to meet varying needs, including 60-litre Tight Head Steel Drums and 210-litre Open Top Steel Drums with Pre-Installed Liners.
Whether you’re transporting hazardous liquids, storing food products, or disposing of industrial waste, steel drums offer a robust and cost-effective storage option, proving their value time and time again.
Why Steel Drums Are Essential
The industrial world demands packaging solutions that are strong, versatile, and designed to meet the rigours of transit and storage.
Thanks to their durable construction and universal design, they’re used to store and transport a wide range of goods, including liquids, solids, and hazardous materials.
Steel drums are particularly valued because they:
Ensure Safety
Whether you’re dealing with corrosive chemicals or food products, safety is paramount. Steel drums are made from high-strength steel and can be equipped with internal lacquer linings, ensuring safe containment of goods while preventing leaks, spills, or contamination.
Provide Excellent Durability
Steel drums are built to last. Their reinforced steel construction resists impacts, punctures, and rust, making them suitable for long-term storage and challenging transport environments.
Offer Versatility
With open top and tight head varieties available, steel drums can handle everything from liquids to solids. They’re used across an impressive range of industries, from petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals.
Cost-Effective
Steel drums are reusable and easy to maintain, especially when paired with accessories such as drum liners. This reusability translates to long-term cost savings for businesses.
Open Top vs Tight Head Steel Drums
While both types provide immense advantages, understanding the difference between open top steel drums and tight head steel drums is key to choosing the right product for your business.
- Open Top Steel Drums are ideal for storing solids or semi-solids. Their removable lids offer easy access, making them perfect for industries like food production or waste management. For example, the 210-litre Open Top Steel Drum with a Pre-Installed Liner from ITP Packaging is not only versatile but also includes a pre-installed liner for added convenience and protection.
- Tight Head Steel Drums feature a fixed lid with small access points for filling liquids. These are the drums of choice when secure liquid containment is crucial. The 60-litre Tight Head Steel Drum is a compact yet durable solution that’s perfect for smaller-scale storage and transport needs.
Explore ITP Packaging’s full range of steel drums.
Steel Drums Across Industries
1. Chemical and Hazardous Materials
One of the biggest advantages of steel drums lies in their ability to store and transport hazardous materials safely. For industries handling volatile or corrosive chemicals, tight head steel drums are a reliable choice. Their leak-proof design prevents spills during transit, and when equipped with a lacquered lining, they resist chemical degradation.
For example, if you’re transporting dangerous liquids like acids or solvents, a steel drum like the 60-litre Tight Head Steel Drum offers the perfect balance of compact size and security.
2. Food and Beverage
Steel drums aren’t just for chemicals and hazardous substances—they are also indispensable in the food and beverage industry. Food-grade steel drums, especially those with an internal liner, ensure contamination-free storage of syrups, dry goods, or oils.
The 210-litre Open Top Steel Drum with Pre-Installed Liner is an outstanding option for storing foodstuffs. Its removable lid allows for easy filling and cleaning. At the same time, the pre-installed liner adds a layer of safety, ensuring no direct contact between the food product and the metal surface.
Learn more about using steel drums for food storage.
3. Industrial Waste Management
Storage and transportation of waste materials require the robustness that only steel drums can provide. Open-top steel drums are particularly useful here, as waste can be added or removed with ease. Their strength ensures safe containment even under rough handling.
For example, heavy industrial waste like scrap metals, shavings, or contaminated solids can all be stored efficiently in an open-top drum. Using drum liners can also simplify waste disposal by allowing the liner and waste to be fully removed and discarded.
4. Petrochemicals and Oil
The transportation of petrochemical products relies heavily on tight head steel drums. Their secure, closed-top design is critical for preventing leaks and containing flammable materials.
For smaller batches of oil or lubricants, a compact steel drum provides the flexibility and security needed for safe transportation.
Advantages of Steel Drums for Transportation
1. Stackable for Efficient Storage
The uniform cylindrical shape of steel drums allows for easy stacking, optimising both storage and transport space. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses dealing with bulk goods or large shipments.
2. Compliance with International Standards
Steel drums are UN-approved for the transportation of hazardous materials, meaning their design meets strict global safety regulations. This makes them the go-to choice for international shipping.
Read more about UN approvals for drums here.
3. Resistance to Environmental Conditions
Steel drums hold up in challenging environments, whether that’s high humidity or extreme temperatures. For businesses transporting goods across long distances, this feature ensures the integrity of the contents.
4. Reusable and Sustainable
Many businesses are seeking ways to improve sustainability, and steel drums fit the bill perfectly. They are reusable and often made from recyclable materials, reducing environmental impact over time.
At ITP Packaging, we make sustainability even more accessible by offering additional options, such as drum liners and reconditioning services, to extend the life of your steel drums.
Contact Us
If you’re looking to upgrade your industrial storage or transportation operations with high-quality steel drums, look no further than ITP Packaging. Our wide range of products ensures you’ll find the perfect solution for your business.
- Call us today at 0333 987 4565 to speak directly with our experts.
- Alternatively, email us at hello@itppackaging.com, and we’ll get back to you promptly with advice and recommendations tailored to your needs.
For more information on The Benefits of Using Steel Drums for Industrial Storage and Transportation talk to ITP Packaging Ltd