Metal Vs Plastic Chemical Containers: Which One To Choose?

Perhaps no other thing has boosted global chemical trade in the past few decades as much as Containers have. Easy to move and load, containers are integral to the timely and safe delivery of chemicals from the remotest of production centers to the bustling consumption centers. Import-export of chemicals relies essentially on the contamination-free transfer of chemicals. Without containers, international trade and commerce that we know today would not have been a possibility.

However, one question that has long perturbed chemical suppliers is whether to use metal or plastic containers to supply chemicals. The answer, though, is not as simple as it may appear. There are several variables that chemical suppliers must take into account before choosing the right containers for their supplies. In this blog, we compare metal with plastic containers and offer readers an informed view of the advantages and benefits of one over the other.

Chemical Storing Challenges

Chemicals, unlike other import-export commodities, are highly hazardous and resistant to temperature and corrosion. In addition to these, there are factors like durability, cost-effectiveness, and longevity which must also be taken into account. So we see that chemical suppliers need to overcome critical storing challenges making the choice between metal and plastic containers even more difficult.

Primary Factors To Consider

Safety, purity, and state electricity are two primary factors that chemical suppliers consider the most in containers. Plastic containers offer multiple benefits over metal containers in terms of safety. However, when it comes to maintaining chemical purity for end-user industries, metal containers are the preferred choice.

Plastic Vs Metal Containers: Safety Factor

●     Plastic containers offer stronger resistance against corrosion.    

●     Plastic containers can withstand impact and do not puncture easily.

●     Plastic Containers are easy to handle.

Plastic Vs Metal Containers: Purity Factor

●     Metal containers are ideal to store highly corrosive and high purity chemicals for the long term.

●     Metal containers are the only choice containers for flammable liquids. These liquids are known to generate static electricity when in contact with the container. A metal container helps negate this static charge.

Hence we see that both plastic and metal containers offer their own set of advantages and choice primarily depends on factors like adaptability, safety, and purity. Today suppliers in chemical marketplaces can find containers tailored to adapt to various chemical types. However, choosing the right one is always a matter of security over cost. This means irrespective of plastic or metal, suppliers must choose containers based on security and purity over cost.