Steel Drum & Packaging Blog | North Coast Container

Reducing Risk in Chemical Handling With Steel Drums | North Coast Container

Written by Robert Bishop | Mar 19, 2025 4:00:00 AM

When working with industrial chemicals, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. Whether you’re manufacturing corrosive substances, cleaning chemicals or flammable liquids, the packaging you choose plays a critical role in ensuring your products are handled, stored, and transported securely. A failure in your packaging can lead to costly product loss, environmental hazards, safety issues, and damage to your company’s reputation.

That’s why many industrial chemical manufacturers turn to steel drums – the trusted packaging solution built to reduce risk at every stage of the supply chain. As the largest independent manufacturer of steel drums in North America, North Coast Container (NCC) helps businesses protect their chemical products while keeping their operations running smoothly. Here’s how steel drums can safeguard your industrial chemical handling and distribution.

Versatile Configurations to Suit Nearly Any Chemical Properties

Whether you’re shipping mild solutions or highly corrosive substances, having the right drum configuration is essential to prevent leaks, contamination, or product degradation.

For example, many chemicals can react with untreated metal surfaces. That’s why NCC offers steel drums with interior linings, such as epoxy-phenolic or other industry-standard coatings, to create a protective barrier between the drum and the product. These linings prevent leaks and contamination, helping you safely transport corrosive chemicals with confidence.

Steel drums come in a variety of configurations designed to handle a broad spectrum of industrial chemicals: 

  • Openhead drums: Ideal when easy access to the product is required, such as for thicker chemicals, powders, or products that need frequent dispensing.
  • Tighthead drums: Provide a secure, leak-resistant solution for liquids, ensuring product integrity during transportation and long-term storage.
  • Specialty drums for hazardous chemicals: Built with additional safeguards to ensure compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and other safety standards. These drums are designed to withstand exposure to dangerous substances without risking structural failure.

Durability That Reduces Product Loss

Chemical products often travel long distances and face tough conditions during handling and transportation. If your packaging fails under pressure, the consequences can be severe – including product spills, worker injuries, environmental contamination, and damage to your brand’s reputation.

Steel drums are designed to withstand the harshest supply chain conditions. Their rigid structure and impact resistance provide a level of durability that alternative packaging materials simply can’t match. From rough handling at shipping terminals to long storage periods in warehouses, steel drums hold their shape, protect against punctures, and prevent leaks, ensuring your chemicals arrive intact.

This reduces the risk of costly product loss and lowers the chance of safety incidents, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.

Improved Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Beyond durability and lining options, steel drums also play a crucial role in helping industrial chemical manufacturers maintain regulatory compliance and workplace safety.

Properly UN-rated steel drums are designed and tested to meet strict standards for hazardous material transportation, including the United Nations (UN) performance packaging requirements. These ratings ensure that your drums are equipped to handle dangerous substances safely, protecting both your team members and the environment.

Additionally, steel drums are tamper-evident and can be equipped with sealed closures to prevent unauthorized access or accidental exposure to hazardous chemicals. This added layer of security is critical when handling substances that pose risks to health or the environment.

Work With a Trusted Steel Drum Supplier

Reducing risk in industrial chemical handling starts with choosing the right packaging provider. With North Coast Container (NCC), you get high-quality steel drums, reliable, nationwide redundant capabilities, and a team that keeps your supply chain moving – so you can focus on growing your business.

Beyond our great steel drums, here’s why industrial chemical manufacturers trust NCC:

  • A Nationwide, Redundant Supply Network: With facilities in Portland, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Charlotte, and Chicago, we can shift production as needed to help prevent supply chain disruptions.
  • Clear, Consistent Communication: Our team keeps you informed every step of the way, so you always know when to expect your orders.
  • Ease of Doing Business: We prioritize making it easy to do business with us, ensuring your orders are accurate and any challenges are met with proactive solutions.

Contact NCC today to learn how our steel drum solutions can safeguard your chemical products and support your supply chain success.