In industrial packaging and storage, an industrial drum can dramatically affect your operation’s overall efficiency, safety, and compliance. Whether your drum will be storing oils, chemicals, food ingredients, or hazardous materials, you need to choose the right one to protect your products, people, and bottom line.
The right industrial drum keeps materials secure during long shipments, resists environmental stress, and complies with local and international safety regulations. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to choose the right industrial drum for your specific product.
Types of Industrial Drums
There are several types of industrial drums, each with its own strengths for specific applications.
UN-Rated Steel Drums
With heavy-gauge construction, steel drums prevent leaks and punctures, making them ideal for hazardous or high-value materials. UN-rated steel drums are considered the gold standard for industries that demand strength, durability, and compliance.
At McManus Drum Company, Inc., we provide UN-rated steel drums that meet the toughest global safety standards. We supply steel industrial drum sizes up to 55 gallons to store your materials securely, whether your products are traveling overseas or enduring the rigors of long-term industrial storage.
Heavy-Duty Plastic Drums
To balance durability and lightweight properties, look no further than heavy-duty plastic drums. Constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), these drums are built to withstand impact and resist corrosion. That means they will perform reliably in harsh environments. Plastic drums can store hazardous or non-hazardous materials, and FDA-compliant drums are approved for food storage.
At McManus Drum Co., Inc., we offer a range of popular sizes of heavy-duty plastic drums, including 55-gallon, 30-gallon, and 15-gallon capacities, with both open-head (removable lid) and closed-head (sealed top with fittings) options available.
Fiber Drums
Fiber drums are well-suited for cost-effective, lightweight, and sustainable packaging. They balance sturdiness with easy handling, composed of multiple layers of kraft paper reinforced with steel chimes. Their construction protects contents from moisture and light, while also allowing for reliable stacking to help save valuable storage space.
Fiber drums are particularly appealing to industries that transport large volumes of non-hazardous goods or dry materials, such as:
- Resin powders
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food ingredients
- Adhesives
Considerations When Choosing an Industrial Drum
With so many great options available, how can you know which type of industrial drum is best for your needs? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Type of Hazardous Material
Any drum that carries hazardous materials needs to carry the corresponding UN rating. These ratings are designed to align with the specific properties of the substance—i.e., flammability, corrosivity, or reactivity—and validate that the container can withstand real-world conditions without leaking or failing. Choosing a drum with the wrong rating for the substance it will hold can lead to spills, accidents, or costly regulatory violations.
Material Compatibility
Not all materials interact safely with every drum type. For example, certain chemicals can corrode metal drums, while others may degrade plastics over time. Matching your product’s chemical properties to the drum’s construction is crucial for maintaining safety and order during storage and transportation.
Storage and Transportation Conditions
Before choosing a drum, consider the environmental conditions your products will be exposed to. What kinds of temperatures, pressure changes, or weather will they encounter? For example, a steel drum might be best for high-stress conditions, while a fiber drum might work better for dry storage in climate-controlled facilities.
Legal Compliance
Consider OSHA and DOT standards in the United States and all relevant international shipping requirements. Choosing a non-compliant drum may expose your company to fines, delays, or reputational damage. Partnering with a trusted supplier like McManus Drum Co., Inc., is a smart way to make sure your drums meet the appropriate regulatory standards.
Get Industrial Drums from McManus Drum Co., Inc.
Industrial drums are critical tools that protect your products, maintain safety, and ensure compliance across industries. Steel, plastic, and fiber drums each offer unique strengths, and the right choice depends on your product, handling requirements, and regulatory obligations. By considering hazardous material classifications, material compatibility, storage conditions, and compliance standards, your business can confidently select the right drum for any application.
Since 1965, McManus Drum Company, Inc. has been helping businesses like yours find the right industrial drum sizes and other industrial containers. From UN-rated steel drums to heavy-duty plastic and fiber options, our team is ready to guide you toward the best fit for your products. Contact us today or request a quote to get started.