You may be wondering what advantages you stand to gain by using a fiber drum instead of a poly or steel barrel, and we’re here to tell you all about the pros and cons of corrugate. With all of the options available on BASCO, we want to make sure that you get the right container for the drum, so let’s go over the basics.
Fiber drums, also known as corrugate drums or cardboard drums, are some of the most lightweight, versatile, and useful barrels that are available on the market today. While they lack the durability of steel or plastic drums, there is a lot of usefulness to be gained from a container that is more easily stored and transported. Being that they are made of a paper-based material, they are notably lighter than their plastic and steel counterparts (especially so when it comes to steel). Shipping in a fiber drum can save you tons of money, due to the lower weight and ease of transport.
What are fiber drums made of?
Composed entirely of a corrugate material, fiber drums are similar to cardboard, but they are noticeably more sturdy than a typical cardboard box. Along with their fiberboard bodies, these sustainable barrels are typically equipped with steel chimes along the top and bottom to make them stronger and allow for stacking additional strength along the stress-points.
What are fiber drums used for?
For a sustainable and cost-effective shipping method, fiber drums are the best bang for your buck. When shipping dry-goods, corrugate is the perfect material to look for, due to its compatibility with a large number of goods as well as its FDA compliance. On top of that, a fiber drum is capable of being UN rated for hazardous materials, allowing you to ship and store your dangerous dry-goods with a method that is easy on your wallet, as well as the environment.
These containers are also popular due to how easy it is to recycle them. When dealing with steel or poly drums, there can be a long and expensive process to recycle, since you need to clean and possibly flame-treat drums of those materials, depending on what was being stored inside. Since dry-goods are typically stored in fiber drums, it’s normally much easier to clean them out and get them recycled.
Additionally, the majority of corrugate drums on the market are composed of recycled materials, making these especially easy on our planet.
What industries use fiber drums?
Dry-goods and hazardous materials are popular items that are shipped and stored by a variety of industries. Some popular products typically contained inside fiber are: food and pet food products, flavorings, adhesives, dyes, and various hazardous materials. Smaller fiber drums for fluorescent lamps are also available, they make the perfect container for a long and fragile glass bulb.
How to recycle fiber drums?
Once your fiber drum has reached the end of its usefulness, you can break it down and recycle it just like any other cardboard product. Being that these containers are made of a corrugate material, they can be used for a surprisingly long time before needing to be disposed of. Make sure that you get the most out of your fiber drums before recycling them!
Where to buy fiber drums?
Fiber drums for sale are available on BASCO right here! Everything from 5 gallon all the way up to the massive 87 gallon is available for purchase, in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Slip-on cover fiber drums are perfect for quick access and easy filling, while lever-lock ring drums are ideal for preventing product contamination or tampering.
Transporting hazardous materials? Look no further than our UN rated fiber drums that come equipped with specific ratings for various materials and chemicals.
