IBC Bunded Tank – The Double-Walled Standard for Safe Chemical Containment
In the world of chemical logistics, the term safety means far more than meeting regulations — it means protecting people, the environment, and the integrity of your operations every single day. Whether you handle aggressive acids, alkaline cleaners, or sensitive process liquids, containment is the foundation of trust between supplier and customer. The IBC Bunded Tank, also known as a double-walled IBC, is the most reliable way to store and transport hazardous chemicals and detergents It combines inner strength with outer security, ensuring that even in the rare event of a leak, nothing escapes. At VARIBOX, we have turned this principle into a proven reality through years of experience in rotational moulding and chemical safety engineering.
Safer
Reusable
Sustainable
What Exactly Is an IBC Bunded Tank?
An Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) is already a smart, reusable solution for liquids. But the bunded version goes one step further. It’s a tank-within-a-tank system, where the inner container holds the liquid and the outer container acts as a built-in spill barrier. The outer layer can contain at least 110% of the inner volume, ensuring no chemical ever reaches the ground or surrounding environment. Traditional storage systems often rely on separate spill pallets or containment basins, which take up space, require maintenance, and are prone to human error. The IBC Bunded Tank eliminates that need — everything is integrated, sealed, and ready to go.
1. Ultimate Environmental Protection
Chemical leaks are among the most damaging — and expensive — incidents in any industrial operation. A IBC Bunded Tank contains potential spills within its double wall, preventing soil or water contamination. No more external trays or ad-hoc containment systems: the protection is permanent and built-in.
2. Enhanced Operator Safety
In environments where acids, alkalis, or oxidizers are handled, a single splash can be dangerous. The double-walled design acts as a passive safety barrier, protecting workers during filling, transport, and emptying. Operators can handle hazardous substances with full confidence.
3. Simplified Compliance
European regulations such as ADR and CLP demand strict adherence to containment and transport safety standards. A IBC Bunded Tank(s) simplifies compliance because it already meets or exceeds many of these criteria by design. Your storage setup is automatically safer, cleaner, and easier to certify.
4. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
At first glance, a bunded IBC may cost more than a standard IBC. But the long-term economics tell a different story. With fewer spills, no need for separate spill pallets, and a long service life, the overall cost is far lower. Moreover, a single integrated unit is easier to clean, store, and handle, reducing operational downtime.
VARIBOX and the Double-Walled Design Philosophy
At VARIBOX, safety is not an afterthought — it’s the starting point. Every VARIBOX bunded IBC is rotationally moulded from high-quality polyethylene. The seamless construction eliminates weak points like welds or joints, ensuring maximum strength and chemical resistance. Every tank is engineered for a decade or more of safe use — with consistent quality, certified performance, and the reliability VARIBOX stands for.
Sustainability in Every Layer
A bunded IBC isn’t only about safety — it’s also about sustainability by design. Because each tank is built for long-term reuse, it reduces waste and supports circular logistics. Instead of replacing entire units, only components like the inner bottle or fittings are changed when necessary.
Key sustainability advantages:
Zero-spill protection means zero environmental impact.
Long lifespan reduces the number of containers manufactured.
Reusability and recyclability align with modern sustainability goals.
Space-efficient stacking cuts down CO₂ emissions in transport.
Extended Market Applications
The demand for bunded IBCs extends across industries that rely on precision, safety, and environmental care. Below are the key markets where bunded IBCs have become essential:
1. Chemical Distribution and Blending
Distributors who deliver concentrated chemicals to end users need absolute containment. Whether transporting sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, or cleaning detergents, IBC Bunded Tank prevent contamination between deliveries and protect logistics partners.
2. Water and Wastewater Treatment
Water treatment plants handle aggressive substances such as ferric chloride, aluminium sulfate, and sodium hypochlorite. A bunded IBC guarantees that dosing stations remain safe and compliant, even in outdoor installations exposed to the elements.
3. Food and Beverage Processing
Behind every beverage production line lies a cleaning system that relies on concentrated CIP and disinfection chemicals. Using bunded IBCs keeps these substances safely contained and compliant with hygiene and safety regulations.
4. Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Operations
In labs or pharmaceutical production, even small leaks can compromise purity or safety. Compact bunded IBCs offer controlled containment for solvents, buffer solutions, or liquid reagents — perfectly suited to regulated environments.
5. Surface Treatment and Metal Finishing
Processes like galvanizing, etching, and anodizing depend on highly corrosive liquids. The robust double wall of a bunded IBC ensures no leakage even under temperature fluctuations, maintaining safety on the production floor.
6. Agriculture and Fertilizer Handling
In the agricultural supply chain, IBC Bunded Tank(s) are used for liquid fertilizers, crop protection agents, and nutrient solutions. Their double protection ensures safe storage even in outdoor or rural environments where secondary containment is harder to manage.
7. Cleaning, Sanitation, and Facility Services
Industrial cleaners and service providers use concentrated detergents, degreasers, and disinfectants. Bunded IBCs eliminate spill risks during transport and on-site refilling, protecting both the environment and customer locations.
8. Energy and Battery Industries
With the growing focus on energy storage, battery production, and recycling, the safe handling of electrolyte solutions is vital.
Double-walled IBCs meet the strictest containment requirements for lithium-related liquids and other hazardous compounds.
Built for the Future of Safety
The IBC Bunded Tank represents the next level of safety in chemical logistics. With its double-walled structure, built-in containment, and long lifespan, it combines the best of engineering and environmental responsibility. For companies that value reliability and sustainability, it’s not just a container — it’s a statement. Choose the IBC Bunded Tank from VARIBOX — where every drop is contained, every regulation is met, and every step moves toward a safer future.
Discover our IBC Bunded Tank(s)
We provide packaging for chemical distribution that excels in safety, reusability, and sustainability.
VARIBOX
Full Containment
VARIBOX
Compact Containment
