You’ve been lugging around those 20L plastic drums for ages. They’ve done the job, but to be honest, they’re not exactly the dream to work with.
20L drums are heavy. They’re awkward to carry. They’re annoying to get rid of.
I wouldn’t blame you if you’d ever asked: Is there a better solution to storing and dispensing oil and metal working fluids?
In this blog we’ll take a look at what makes the new 10L Ebox a game changer compared to the traditional 5 and 20L HDPE drums that are so common throughout the industry, and whether you should consider making the switch.
Why are 20L drums still widely used?
Before we look at the downfalls of standard HDPE drums, there are a couple of reasons why they’re a reasonable choice, and also why they’re so common throughout the industry.
They’re inexpensive
20L drums are constructed from HDPE plastic which is very widespread, making these drums relatively inexpensive.
It’s why you see them everywhere - anybody can source a drum.
They’re sturdy
20L drums are also constructed pretty sturdily, meaning they’re less like to break than alternatives. There’s certainly no issues on the longevity of the plastic itself.
Why are HDPE drums not so great?
They other side of the coin is that in reality, the actual experience of 20L HDPE drums is not that great.
There are a number of issues with the drums that can cause problems, including:
- 20L drums are a hassle to dispose of
- Handling is a pain
- Shelf life isn’t always great
- Storage isn’t ideal
- You’re only increasing wasted plastic
The hassle of disposal
Have you ever gone to put a 20L drum in the bin, only to find that it won’t fit because of how bulky it is?
Getting rid of HDPE drums is a pain. They take up way too much space, and the cost to get rid of them adds up pretty quickly.
On the other hand, the Ebox is made from recyclable cardboard with an internal plastic bladder, making disposal a lot easier. It can be dismantled and individually recycled. It’s also easier to get the last drop of the fluid out because you can dismantle it and squeeze the fluid out of the bladder.
Handling shouldn’t be a pain
Lugging around a 20L drum isn’t any fun. They’re pretty heavy, and it’s just asking for a sore back - or worse.
The Ebox is lighter and easier to carry so that you don’t need to strain yourself. It’s been designed to be user-friendly so you can get the job done without risking injury.
It ticks all of the WHS boxes, falling within the recommended lifting limit for best practices.
Shelf life isn’t great
Every time you open the lid on your HDPE drum, you’re coolant is getting contaminated. Trace amounts of bacteria, other fluids and dust get into the metal working fluid which can cause bacteria to breed, and the coolant to degrade. This decreases the shelf-life of the coolant, and you end up wasting good oil.
On the other hand, the Ebox is fully sealed, with a tap that eliminates the risk of bacteria entering. It keeps everything fresh with no contaminants able to enter the fluid.
This means you get less hassle and wastage.
Inefficient storage
Round drums are annoying to stack and store, taking up too much space.
However, the Ebox is square and compact, making it easy to stack on a shelf. You can easily save space and keep things neat and tidy.
Decreasing plastic waste
On top of all of this, the Ebox cuts plastic usage by up to 90% compared to a HDPE drum of the same capacity. Switching over means that you’re decreasing landfill and doing your help to reduce plastic wastage.
Is it worth the switch?
Like in all things, it depends. But in general, switching from 20L drums is a good idea. It just makes life a bit easier.
It helps streamline your work, save time and space, and cut out unnecessary hassle. It’s a more convenient option, with the cherry on top of reduced plastic wastage.
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