Once you start supplying hazardous chemicals in higher volumes, or storing materials in bulk, the capacity of your containers will impact everything from transport compliance to chemical compatibility.
Across the chemical packaging industry, high density polyethylene (HDPE) remains the most widely used material thanks to its durability and resistance to a broad spectrum of solvents and corrosive liquids. For more aggressive formulations, fluorinated HDPE will provide additional barrier protection. There are also several other options that we will list here for you to consider.
This guide from the team at iBottles focuses on the packaging sizes most commonly used across liquid chemicals and hazardous substances, and the considerations business decision makers need to consider when choosing their storage methods.
Smaller volumes (1l and under)
These smaller capacities are typically used for high-strength liquids, laboratory reagents, test samples and concentrated blends where precision matters. They’re also the most efficient option when you’re shipping hazardous samples or supplying chemicals through e-commerce platforms.
These include:
-
UN Approved Fluorinated Plastic Bottles (500 ml & 1 L): suitable for solvents, flammable liquids and aggressive chemicals.
-
Kautex Bottles: heavy duty bottles, widely used in laboratory and industrial environments for hazardous liquids.
At these sizes, the focus is less on structural strength and more on chemical compatibility, controlled dispensing and secure closures such as child-resistant caps and tamper-evident fittings.
Intermediate bulk containers for liquid chemical packaging (2l - 10l)
Quantities such as 2.5 L, 5 L and 10 L are standard across the chemical industry for supplying cleaning chemicals, automotive fluids, degreasers and many liquid products sold to trade clients. Options include:
-
Plastic Jerry Cans: these are heavy-duty containers that come in a range of sizes and are designed for robust and secure storage of all kinds of materials.
-
UN-approved Plastic Jerry Cans: made from HDPE and come with a wide choice of caps, including pumps and taps.
These containers offer the volume needed for routine supply and remain practical for your existing filling, storage and transport needs. When it comes to logistics, they also stack and store well over long periods of time.
Large-scale packaging material (up to 220l)
Our range of kegs and barrels are designed for larger scale storage, up to 220l, including UN-approved variants and products suitable for holding solids.
These sizes are typically used by businesses that supply regular trade orders, or that need to manage and store bulk liquids within their manufacture and distribution setup. At these sizes, HDPE offers the consistency you’re already familiar with - dependable impact strength, stable chemical resistance and predictable behaviour across varied storage temperatures.
Postal bottles: secure options for chemical samples and e-commerce
For smaller quantities that need to be shipped through standard courier networks, postal bottles offer a compliant and cost-efficient approach. Their shape reduces postage costs, while their HDPE or PET construction keeps liquids contained through movement and temperature changes.
These tamper-proof products make for reliable sample kits, starter quantities of chemicals or customer testing batches before larger orders.
UN-approved packaging
For businesses working with hazardous materials, the need for a regular supply of UN-approved packaging is part of everyday operations. Many of the chemical suppliers we work with use certified containers because they move regulated liquids on a regular basis, supply trade customers or operate within transport systems that require documented compliance.
UN marking indicates that a container has been tested for drop resistance, hydrostatic pressure, stacking strength and leakage under defined conditions. If you’re transporting corrosive liquids, solvents, flammable blends or any substance assigned to a packing group, these certifications allow you to operate without interruption or re-assessment each time you scale a batch or dispatch a pallet.
At iBottles, we supply UN-approved packaging to a wide mix of long-standing customers - from small formulation labs through to high-volume chemical brands. Many order these containers on a recurring basis because our robust stock levels, batch consistency and predictable lead times matter when you’re working with regulated goods.
The iBottles chemical packaging range
iBottles supports small and growing businesses with a range of chemical-compatible plastic packaging options. All products are available in bulk, with consistent stock levels and free UK shipping on orders over £50. Buy online now, or get in touch with our expert team for guidance on the best option for your needs.