Why do we use container flexitanks for liquid transportation?

Key Points

• Research suggests flexitanks are cost-effective for transporting non-hazardous liquids, fitting easily into standard containers.

• It seems likely that their single-use nature eliminates return and cleaning costs, simplifying logistics.

• The evidence leans toward flexitanks being versatile for products like food, oils, and chemicals, but only for non-hazardous items.

Why Flexitanks Are Used

Flexitanks are flexible containers used inside standard shipping containers to transport liquids, mainly non-hazardous ones like food products, oils, and certain chemicals. They are popular because they are cheaper than alternatives like ISO tanks or drums, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses. Their ease of installation and use also means they can be quickly set up, which is helpful for one-way shipments where return logistics aren’t needed. This eliminates additional costs for cleaning and returning, which can be significant with reusable tanks.

Unexpected Detail: Environmental Debate

While flexitanks are often seen as environmentally friendly due to reduced transportation needs, there’s a debate. Some sources say they’re sustainable because they’re recyclable and don’t require return trips, but others argue their single-use nature creates more waste compared to reusable ISO tanks, which can last decades.

Comprehensive Analysis on Flexitanks for Liquid Transportation

This detailed analysis explores the reasons behind the use of container flexitanks for liquid transportation, drawing from extensive research into their functionality, advantages, and comparative analysis with other methods. The following sections provide a thorough examination, including case studies, comparisons, and sustainability considerations, ensuring a complete understanding for stakeholders in logistics and shipping.

Definition and Functionality

Flexitanks are large, flexible bags designed to fit inside standard 20-foot ISO containers, transforming them into bulk liquid transportation units. They are typically made from multiple layers of polyethylene with an outer woven polypropylene layer, ensuring strength and flexibility for safe global transport. Research indicates they are primarily used for non-hazardous liquids, such as foodstuff (e.g., fruit juices, wines), base oils, beer, molasses, glycerine, and non-hazardous chemicals, as noted on LET FELXITANK. Their design allows for capacities ranging from 16,000 to 26,000 liters, depending on the manufacturer, such as those offered by LET FLEXITANK.

Cost-Effectiveness and Economic Benefits

One of the primary reasons for using flexitanks is their cost-effectiveness. Studies show they are a more economical option compared to ISO tanks, drums, or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), with costs being approximately 33% less than traditional bulk containers, as highlighted by LET Flexitanks. This is attributed to their lighter weight, which maximizes payload capacity, and the elimination of cleaning and storage costs since they are single-use. For instance, LET FLEXITANK notes that flexitanks can reduce logistics costs by eliminating the need for return journeys and cleaning, which are significant expenses for reusable ISO tanks.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Flexitanks are praised for their ease of installation and disposal, making them convenient for logistics operations. They can be assembled quickly, often without the need for specialized equipment like forklifts, reducing labor costs. LET Flexitanks emphasizes their quick production times and global support, with offices in over 70 countries, ensuring smooth operations. This is particularly beneficial for one-way shipments, where the container does not need to be returned, as mentioned on LET Flexitanks.

Versatility and Product Range

The versatility of flexitanks is another key factor, as they can transport a wide range of non-hazardous liquids. Case studies, such as those on let flexitank, illustrate their use for sensitive products like olive oil, glycerine, and water for disaster relief, ensuring quality maintenance during transit. They are particularly suitable for food-grade products, with materials meeting FDA, BGA, and EEC standards, as noted on letflexitank. However, they are not suitable for hazardous materials, limiting their application compared to ISO tanks.

Safety and Stability

Safety is a critical consideration, with flexitanks designed to minimize cargo loss and ensure stability during transport. They distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of container imbalance, as detailed on let. Multi-layer construction provides protection against leaks or punctures, and options like aseptic valves are available for sensitive products like milk and juices, as seen on LET FLEXITANK.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability Debate

The environmental impact of flexitanks is a topic of debate. On one hand, they are made from recyclable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), and their increased capacity can reduce the number of shipments, potentially lowering carbon emissions by up to 40%, as suggested by LET FELXITA. For example, shipping wine in flexitanks can double the volume compared to bottles, reducing CO2e emissions, as noted on LETFLEXITANK. On the other hand, their single-use nature means they contribute to plastic waste, with LET FELXITANK arguing that ISO tanks, reusable over 20 years and recyclable at 90%, are more sustainable long-term. This controversy highlights the need for context-specific evaluations, with flexitanks potentially more sustainable for short-term, one-way shipments.

Comparison with Alternatives

A detailed comparison with ISO tanks reveals distinct advantages and limitations. The following table summarizes key differences based on research from LET FELXITANK:

This comparison underscores that flexitanks are preferred for scenarios where cost and simplicity are prioritized, while ISO tanks are better for long-term, high-volume, or hazardous shipments.

Case Studies and Industry Applications

Case studies illustrate practical applications. For instance, Fluid Flexitanks discusses their use in overcoming capacity and quality challenges for liquid cargo, such as edible oils and industrial chemicals. InterlogUSA highlights their advantage in shipping 50% more cargo than bottled consignments and 40% more than drummed, particularly for juices, wines, and oils. These examples demonstrate their efficiency in bulk liquid logistics, especially for industries with occasional or one-way shipping needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flexitanks are used for liquid transportation due to their cost-effectiveness, convenience, and suitability for non-hazardous liquids, with significant benefits in eliminating return and cleaning costs. Their versatility for food-grade and industrial products, coupled with ease of use, makes them a preferred choice for short-term, one-way shipments. However, the environmental debate, with conflicting views on sustainability compared to ISO tanks, suggests that their use should be context-specific, balancing economic and ecological factors.