Everything We Know About Totes, All in One Place

IBC Size & Weight Quick Reference Card

A one-page printable reference card with dimensions, weights, and capacity for all standard IBC sizes. Includes a liquid weight calculator table for water, oils, solvents, and common chemicals. Laminate it and hang it in your warehouse for fast lookups.

IBC Inspection Checklist (12-Point)

A printable checklist covering our complete 12-point inspection process. Use it to evaluate incoming IBCs, grade used tanks, or verify the condition of totes before shipping. Includes pass/fail criteria and grading thresholds for each checkpoint.

Chemical Compatibility Chart for HDPE IBCs

A comprehensive chart listing 100+ chemicals and their compatibility with HDPE containers. Rated as Excellent, Good, Fair, or Not Recommended for both short-term (under 30 days) and long-term (30+ days) storage. Covers acids, bases, solvents, fuels, food products, and agricultural chemicals.

Truck Loading Configuration Guide

Diagrams showing optimal IBC placement for 53-foot trailers, flatbeds, 26-foot box trucks, and 20-foot shipping containers. Includes weight distribution guidelines, securement requirements, and maximum unit counts based on DOT axle weight regulations.

IBC Maintenance Schedule Template

A spreadsheet-style template for tracking IBC inspection dates, cleaning history, content logs, and component replacements. Helps you maintain FDA/DOT compliance records and predict when tanks need reconditioning or retirement.

Regulatory Bodies

• U.S. DOT (PHMSA): Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration — governs IBC packaging requirements for hazardous materials transport under 49 CFR 178.705
• FDA (CFSAN): Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition — sets standards for food-contact packaging under 21 CFR 177.1520 (HDPE resins)
• EPA: Regulates wastewater discharge from IBC cleaning operations and spill prevention requirements (SPCC plans)
• UN Economic Commission: Publishes the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (the "Orange Book"), which defines IBC classifications and testing
• OSHA: Workplace safety standards for IBC handling, stacking, and storage areas — including forklift operation and spill containment

Industry Associations

• RIPA (Reusable Industrial Packaging Association): The primary trade association for IBC reconditioners and recyclers in North America. Publishes best practices and advocates for reuse-based policy
• ICCR (International Confederation of Container Reconditioners): Global organization promoting IBC reconditioning standards and environmental stewardship across 40+ countries
• NPCA (National Petrochemical & Refiners Association): Provides chemical compatibility data and packaging standards relevant to IBC use in the petrochemical sector
• MHI (Material Handling Industry): Publishes standards for warehouse storage, pallet handling, and forklift operation that apply to IBC logistics

Major IBC Manufacturers

• Mauser Packaging Solutions: World's largest IBC manufacturer. Produces the widely used SM (Schutz-Mauser) line of composite IBCs. Headquartered in Germany with plants in 17 countries
• Schutz Container Systems: Pioneer of the composite IBC design (1979). Known for the Ecobulk series. Major global manufacturer with facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia
• Greif Inc.: Publicly traded (NYSE: GEF) industrial packaging company. Produces composite and all-steel IBCs. Headquartered in Delaware, Ohio with operations in 40+ countries
• Werit Kunststoffwerke: German manufacturer specializing in IBC systems, blow-molded bottles, and high-purity containers for pharmaceutical applications