All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About products and suppliers

What are Flexitanks

Flexitanks are innovative solutions for the storage and transport of non-hazardous liquids. They are essentially large, flexible bags designed to fit inside standard 20-foot shipping containers, converting them into safe and efficient bulk liquid transportation units. This logistics innovation is ideal for businesses that require the movement of large quantities of liquids, such as food-grade products, oils, or non-toxic chemicals, across vast distances.

The core principle of flexitanks revolves around efficiency and safety. Made from layers of polyethylene and sometimes with an outer covering of woven polypropylene, flexitanks are designed to be both tough and flexible. They can hold anywhere between 10,000 to 24,000 liters, effectively maximizing the use of space within a shipping container and reducing the costs associated with traditional liquid transport methods like drums or tanks.

The process begins with the installation of a flexitank into an empty shipping container. Once securely in place, it is filled with the liquid product through a valve system. After filling, the container is sealed and ready for transport via road, rail, or sea. Upon reaching its destination, the flexitank is unloaded by pumping out the liquid through the valve system. Flexitanks are single-use; thus, they eliminate cleaning costs and reduce the risk of cross-contamination between shipments.

Flexitanks provide a range of benefits for businesses looking to transport liquids in bulk. They are cost-effective due to their single-use nature and ease of setup. They provide a higher level of protection against contamination and are environmentally friendly due to their recyclability. Furthermore, their versatility makes them suitable for a wide array of industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, industrial products, and more.

Types of Flexitanks

The variety of flexitanks available on Alibaba.com serves different industries and purposes. Here are some common types:

  • Standard Flexitank: This type is used for non-hazardous liquids such as edible oils, wines, or glycerin. It's a single-trip solution that offers efficient loading and unloading capabilities.

  • Anti-oxidation Flexitank: Specially designed for sensitive liquids prone to oxidation such as certain chemicals or food products. These flexitanks have layers with barrier properties that protect the content from air exposure.

  • High-Temperature-Resistant Flexitank: For liquids that need to be transported at higher temperatures, these flexitanks can withstand elevated temperatures without compromising the integrity of the product or the tank itself.

  • Food-Grade Flexitank: These are made from materials that comply with regulations for food safety standards ensuring that products like fruit juices, edible oils, or syrups are kept in a contaminant-free environment during transit.

Each type has specific features such as eco-friendliness or resistance to tearing and punctures. Depending on their construction material—be it PE (Polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)—flexitanks can offer additional properties like durability or flexibility tailored to particular logistics needs.

How to choose Flexitanks

Selecting the right flexitank for your business involves evaluating several factors related to your product's requirements as well as logistical considerations:

  • Product Compatibility: Ensure that the material of the flexitank is compatible with the liquid being transported to avoid any reactions that could compromise quality.

  • Temperature Sensitivity: If your product is sensitive to temperature changes during transit, consider high-temperature-resistant flexitanks or those with insulation properties.

  • Capacity Requirements: Determine your volume requirements; capacities range from 10,000 liters up to 24,000 liters allowing you to optimize shipping costs based on your bulk liquid quantities.

  • Industry Standards: For food-related products, it’s crucial to use food-grade flexitanks that meet all regulatory standards to ensure safety during transportation.

  • Single-Trip vs Reusable: Most flexitanks are designed for single use which is ideal for avoiding contamination and cleaning costs; however, there are reusable options available if sustainability is a key concern for your company.

Through Alibaba.com's platform, businesses can filter options based on material type, applicable industries, features like anti-leak or eco-friendly attributes as well as intended uses such as storage or specific types of chemical additives. This selection process ensures that you find a tailored solution that meets your specific business needs while adhering to quality standards.

Best Flexitanks on Alibaba.com

Alibaba.com stands out as an exceptional marketplace for sourcing flexitanks due to its vast selection catering to various business needs around the globe. With its inception in 1999 and now part of the expansive Alibaba Group network facilitating international trade solutions for small and medium-sized businesses alike, Alibaba.com offers unparalleled access to a diverse range of flexitank options suitable for an array of industries.

The platform's commitment to connecting buyers with reputable suppliers ensures that every transaction is built on trust and quality assurance. The additional security provided by services such as Trade Assurance further solidifies Alibaba.com's position as a reliable source for logistics packaging solutions like flexitanks. Whether you're in need of standard single-use alternatives or specialized tanks designed for sensitive liquids or high temperatures—Alibaba.com streamlines the procurement process by providing clear product descriptions supported by machinery test reports when available.

Moreover, Alibaba.com's user-friendly interface enhances buyer experience by offering features like mobile optimization and multi-language support which reinforces its mission "to make it easy to do business anywhere." This customer-centric approach combined with an extensive catalog ensures that businesses can effortlessly find the right flexitank solutions tailored to their unique requirements while benefiting from competitive wholesale pricing structures ideal for bulk purchases.

Common FAQs for Flexitanks

What is a flexitank?

A flexitank is a large, flexible bag or bladder that can be fitted into a standard 20-foot shipping container, transforming it into a safe, efficient vessel for transporting non-hazardous liquid bulk cargo.

Who can benefit from using flexitanks?

Businesses that need to transport large volumes of liquids, such as food-grade products, oils, non-toxic chemicals, and more, can benefit from using flexitanks due to their cost efficiency and ease of use.

How do flexitanks work?

Flexitanks are placed inside shipping containers and are filled with the liquid product through a valve system. Once filled, they are sealed and ready for transport. After reaching the destination, the liquid is unloaded through the same valve system.

Are flexitanks reusable?

Most flexitanks are designed for single use to ensure maximum hygiene and eliminate the need for cleaning. However, there are reusable options available for businesses focused on sustainability.

What types of liquids can be transported in flexitanks?

Flexitanks can transport a wide variety of non-hazardous liquids including edible oils, wine, glycerin, water-based products, non-hazardous chemical products, and more.

How much liquid can a standard flexitank hold?

The capacity of standard flexitanks typically ranges from 10,000 liters to 24,000 liters, allowing businesses to optimize shipping costs based on their bulk liquid quantities.

Are there different types of flexitanks available?

Yes, there are various types of flexitanks such as standard flexitanks for general use, anti-oxidation flexitanks for oxidation-sensitive liquids, high-temperature-resistant flexitanks for hot liquids, and food-grade flexitanks that meet safety standards for food products.

Can flexitanks be customized to specific requirements?

Flexitank solutions can often be customized based on business requirements including capacity needs, compatibility with specific liquids, and additional features like anti-leaking or eco-friendliness.

What should businesses consider when choosing a flexitank?

Businesses should consider product compatibility with the material of the flexitank, temperature sensitivity during transit, capacity requirements, industry standards for safety and quality assurance, and whether they prefer single-use or reusable options.

What industries commonly use flexitanks?

Industries such as food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing, agriculture, and chemical processing commonly use flexitanks for bulk liquid transportation.

How does Alibaba.com ensure the quality of flexitanks offered on its platform?

Alibaba.com connects buyers with reputable suppliers and ensures quality assurance through detailed product descriptions and services like Trade Assurance. Machinery test reports are also provided when available to support quality verification.

Are there any special features available in flexitanks offered on Alibaba.com?

Flexitanks on Alibaba.com come with various features including eco-friendly materials, anti-leaking properties, durability against tears and punctures, and specialized materials like PE (Polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).