Shredding IBC containers | Shredder for IBC recycling

Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) are reusable transport packaging that can be used in many areas. The containers are an extremely stable construction that offers a high degree of safety during transportation and storage. They are easy to transport, can be stored and offer a practical alternative to drums and tankers. The tanks simplify the transportation and handling of liquid and free-flowing substances enormously.

The most common form of IBC is the so-called combination IBC, also known as a composite IBC or K-IBC. It consists of a cuboid plastic bladder, a metal cage and a pallet. The extrusion blow-molded plastic tank is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The tubular frame surrounding it is made of steel. The pallet bolted underneath is made of steel, wood, plastic or a mixture of wood and plastic. In addition, IBCs are often fitted with outlet taps to drain off residues at the bottom of the container.

IBCs are available in a wide variety of designs and dimensions to cover almost any application. In the standard version, an IBC container holds around 1,060 liters and has a base area of approximately one square meter, which is the size of a Euro pallet. There are also containers that hold between 500 and 3,000 liters.

Combination IBC: Plastic container + metal cage + pallet
Plastic IBC: Plastic inner container without a metal frame
Flexible IBC: Large sack made of PP
Metal IBC: Fully made of stainless steel
Collapsible IBC: Foldable plastic container
Heatable IBC: Metal IBC with a tank heating system

Petrochemical Industry (Oil, gas, solvents, cleaning agents, adhesives, acids, alkalis)
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industry (Pharmaceuticals, tablets, solvents)
Food Industry (Liquid, granulated, or powdered ingredients such as fruit concentrates, dairy products, syrup)
Beverage Industry (Winemaking and fermentation, spirits production)
Agriculture (Sand, grain, pesticides, insecticides)
Automotive Industry (Flammable paints, coatings, AdBlue, gasoline)


This list is a selection of application areas for IBCs and does not constitute a recommendation. Additionally, there are many other industries where these transport containers are used.

There are many reasons why IBCs have prevailed over cylindrical drums as bulk packaging. Compared to round drums and other tanks, they offer maximum functionality. On the one hand, the containers use the storage space much more efficiently, for example, only four drums can be stored or transported on a pallet, which hold a total of 800 liters - an IBC of this size holds 1,000 liters. In addition, only one operation is required to fill and empty the tanks, which makes work much easier. Thanks to the integrated pallet, IBCs can be transported with a forklift or pallet truck and can be stacked perfectly.

The process follows a clear and efficient sequence: feed → shred → clean → pelletize → reuse. IBCs or drums are typically fed via conveyor into a single-shaft shredder such as the W5.18 or a WLK series machine. After size reduction, magnets and sensor-based sorting remove metals, the plastic flakes are washed and dried, and an extruder converts them into pellets for new applications. These pellets can be used again for products like pallets, corner protectors, or industrial parts. WEIMA systems can be configured to match your plant layout with flexible infeed and discharge options.

In many cases, it is not strictly necessary to remove the metal cage, as WEIMA machines are robust enough to process the full IBC, including the steel frame. However, removing the cage beforehand is recommended to reduce wear on knives, screens, and bearings, and to simplify downstream handling. When the cage remains attached, downstream magnetic and eddy current separation can still remove the metals, but the process creates more abrasive load on the shredder. Pre-removal helps maintain smoother material flow and extends the service life of key components. It also results in cleaner flakes and less separation effort after shredding.

Most users start with the W5.18 or a machine from the WLK series, depending on material type, throughput, and layout. The W5.18 is designed specifically for bulky tanks and drums and features a hydraulically lift-up screen basket for fast access and removal of foreign objects. WLK models offer versatile drive options, multiple cutting geometries, and a conveyor belt cut-out for easy integration. For larger volumes or specialized applications, the PowerLine or ZM four-shaft machines can be considered.

Yes with the correct configuration and adherence to plant safety protocols. WEIMA can equip shredders with wear protection packages for abrasive or chemically affected plastics. Operators should still empty containers, confirm material compatibility, and manage ignition or reaction risks according to internal safety rules. Many customers add metal detection and separation to further protect the rotor and maintain high flake quality. An application review helps define the right rotor type, cutter geometry, and screen size based on contamination levels.

Integration is straightforward: feed the shredder by conveyor, and connect the discharge to your next process step. WEIMA shredders include conveyor cut-outs for seamless infeed. Discharge options include drop-down chutes to a bunker, belts to washing stages, or direct feeds into granulators or extruders. Drive and cutting geometry can be tailored to your required throughput and particle size. WEIMA systems are built for continuous in-line operation with minimal layout disruption.

Yes. Production scrap such as squeeze-offs, punch-outs, runners, and rejected parts can be shredded directly in-house. The resulting flakes can be blended with virgin material to maintain product specifications and reduce raw material cost. This approach lowers disposal costs and provides a stable internal material supply. If pellet quality must be higher, optional washing and drying steps can be added before extrusion.

Routine maintenance focuses on knives, screens, lubrication, and overall cleanliness. Keep knives sharp and rotate or replace them before flake quality declines. Inspect screens for wear and keep them clean to maintain a stable particle size. On the W5.18, the hydraulically lifting screen basket provides fast access for removing foreign objects and carrying out maintenance. A weekly checklist including bearing lubrication and clearing metal from the infeed and helps significantly reduce downtime and keeps the system running reliably.

Yes. Many manufacturers use multilayer extrusion so that recycled HDPE is sandwiched between outer layers of virgin material. This ensures the product only contacts virgin plastic while still achieving high recycled content — often up to 40%, depending on standards and end-use requirements. Sensitive applications like food contact must follow the relevant regulatory guidelines for recycled plastics and functional barriers. This multilayer approach balances performance, compliance, and sustainability.