Flexitanks are marking a new era for liquid bulk shipping. Since their launch in the 1970s, flexitanks have grown in market share as companies as many different industries have seen their ability to become a more flexible, economical and agile solution for moving their goods. More than 50 years later, and after tripling its use over the last decade, annual industry-wide traffic now exceeds 1.3 million flexitanks, with this growth trend expected to continue to accelerate in the coming years.
What are flexitanks?
A flexitank is a storage system for transporting bulk liquid products that fits inside a standard 20-foot container. It is a large bag, made of multiple layers of a plastic film made of materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene, giving it the flexibility and strength to hold up to 24,000 litres of liquid.
What are the advantages of flexitanks?
1. Cost savings
Flexitanks optimise the space inside containers, allowing larger volumes of liquid to be transported compared to traditional methods such as ISO or IBC tanks. This translates into a lower cost per litre transported, which means savings throughout the supply chain for shippers.
2. More agility loading and unloading
Flexitanks are designed to simplify and speed up the process of loading and unloading cargo. Handling time at ports and terminals is significantly reduced, which in turn can reduce waiting times and costs associated with cargo handling.
3. Reducing the risk of product contamination
As single-use containers, flexitanks minimise the risk of product contamination. This is particularly important in industries such as food and pharmaceutical, where the integrity of the goods is essential. In addition, the materials used in flexitanks are corrosion resistant and chemically inactive, ensuring product safety during transport.
4. Environmental sustainability
Flexitanks are a more sustainable option compared to reusable containers. At the end of their useful life, they can be recycled, which reduces the environmental impact. In addition, by maximising load capacity, they contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with the transport of goods.
5. Versatility in multiple sectors
Flexitanks are suitable for a wide range of liquid products, from food and beverages to non-hazardous chemicals and industrial liquids. This flexibility makes them ideal for companies in a variety of sectors, facilitating bulk liquid transport logistics and opening up new market opportunities.
Which sectors can benefit most from flexitanks?
1. Food and beverage
Flexitanks are perfect for transporting liquids such as fruit juices, wines, edible oils, sauces, concentrates and bakery and confectionery products. A highlight for this industry is that flexitanks are manufactured according to strict safety and quality standards, making them suitable for transporting food products.
2. Chemistry
The industry is increasingly adopting flexitanks for the transport of non-hazardous chemicals due to their low cost. Particular challenges in chemical logistics, such as the risk of cross-contamination between different batches of products, virtually disappear with the use of this transport system, which provides high reliability in maintaining the purity of the chemicals.
3. Pharmacy
The pharmaceutical industry uses flexitanks for the transport of non-hazardous liquid products and, in particular, for a wide range of chemicals used in the manufacture of medicines. It is important to note that the transport of pharmaceutical products must comply with extensive regulation and flexitanks have become a guarantee to prevent contamination or alteration of these components.
4. Cosmetics
This sector uses flexitanks for the transportation of liquid ingredients such as essential oils, alcohols and other liquid components used in the manufacture of cosmetic and personal care products. Flexitanks provide a safe and efficient solution for the transport of these ingredients, ensuring the quality and purity required in the manufacturing process.
5. Petroleum products
Flexitanks are also an increasingly popular alternative for transporting lubricants, base oils and various petroleum products. The high demand for these products has driven the growth of flexitank traffic, thanks to the agility and cost savings it provides to the industry.
Rhenus, an expert partner in flexitank transport
At Rhenus, we have decades of experience in the use of flexitanks for bulk liquid transportation. As an international logistics operator, we work with companies from multiple sectors and have demonstrated the benefits of this system for their supply chain, with concrete results that endorse flexitanks as a more efficient, economical and faster option for transporting multiple products.
"We are seeing a growing interest in flexitanks from many industries," says David Rausell, Ocean Freight Country Product Manager at Rhenus Air & Ocean Iberia. "Over the past few years, companies have overcome initial reluctance and flexitanks have established themselves as a safe and more cost-effective technology than other transport systems," he says.
Despite these advantages, David Rausell reminds shippers of the importance of choosing an experienced flexitank operator. "We must not forget that poor handling can mean considerable losses. The right choice of container, proper installation and a precise filling process are decisive in minimising the risks involved in the use of flexitanks," says the head of Rhenus Air & Ocean Iberia.
Are you looking for an expert operator to transport your bulk liquids with flexitanks? Do you want to know if this system is suitable for your goods? Contact us to solve all your doubts.