The shift to Flexitanks from ISO tanks has become more pronounced in the global market for packaging materials that hold non-hazardous bulk liquids.
One significant cost saving advantage is that Flexitanks are made from recyclable one-time use materials, meaning that in comparison to ISO tanks there is no danger of prior product contamination or any need to incur cleaning costs.
“OEC understood the advantages that Flexitanks offer in comparison to ISO tanks and foresaw that this would soon become the preferred mode of transport for non-hazardous bulk liquids,” said Lynn Stacy III, Managing Director of Liquid Logistic Solutions at OEC Group. “Others have agreed with our assessment and as a result this mode of transport has seen significant growth.”
ISO tanks also prove to be more problematic when they are being used to ship heavier products, which means less volume and empty space. The reason is the added weight necessitates the use of baffles to prevent the liquid from splashing around. As a result, shippers are unable to load to the 80 percent minimum capacity required to keep drivers safe – adding to greater costs. On the other hand, Flexitanks do not have this issue because they are available in many different sizes.
Flexitanks are also a safer product for operators. An ISO tank operator is often in an unsafe situation because they are required to climb more than 10 feet on the outside of the container in order to load or discharge the container from splash load facilities. However, with a Flexitank, an operator must go no higher than the chassis height to connect the hose, creating a much safer work environment.
“We are at a point where Flexitanks may soon supplant ISO tanks as the preferred mode of transport,” said Mr. Stacy. “OEC is responding to the demands of our customers by making sure they have access to all the Flexitank options that best fit their needs.”