July 15, 2021
Why You Should Use Flexitank for Olive Oil Transportation
Olive oil is an edible oil obtained from the olive tree. It’s a commonly used vegetable oil with a global consumption rate of about three million metric tons annually. If you buy or sell in bulk, using a Flexitank for olive oil transportation is the safest, most efficient way to get it to the destination.
What is a Flexitank?
A Flexitank is a large liquid container used to ship non-hazardous liquids, such as bulk olive oil, over long distances. At its core, a Flexitank is a large bladder bag fitted into a 2-foot freight container. The bladder bag is known as a flexibag. It comprises multiple layers of FDA-approved polyethylene and an outer layer of woven polypropylene to prevent accidental tears or rapture in transit.
Flexibags were first used by the U.S. Army for water and diesel transportation in the Second World War but have since evolved into a modern-day liquid commodity carrier perfect for bulk transport of olive oil.
A flexibag is flexible and foldable. It transforms a standard dry-good shipping container into a liquid one with a holding capacity of up to 6,000 gallons.
Flexitanks are loaded and emptied using positive displacement and self-priming pumps and typically feature an anti-suction valve to prevent leakages. The valve also prevents any residue from remaining in the tank during discharge.
As with standard containers, Flexitanks can be transported via road, rail, or the sea.
Using a Flexitank for Olive Oil Transportation: Why it’s a Good Idea
A Flexitank is the best shipping solution for businesses that require non-hazardous methods for transporting bulk liquid cargoes, like olive oil.
Check out the whys below:
1. A Flexitank Has More Capacity
Because it’s flexible and foldable, a single Flexitank can safely hold up to 24,000 liters of liquid, yet it only requires a 20-foot standard freight container.
Flexitanks has about 30% more volume than standard ISO tanks and most bulk liquid carriers. This allows you to ship more olive oil in less time, cutting logistics costs and increasing your economies of scale and customer satisfaction.
2. Flexitanks Maintain Product Quality
Although olive oil is a refined, high-quality vegetable oil with a broad market base, it readily becomes rancid on exposure to oxygen and light, changing product odor, taste, and even color.
That makes bulk transportation of olive oil notoriously expensive as standard tankers must be loaded, stored, and emptied under strict temperature, light, and moisture conditions to preserve product quality.
On the other hand, Flexitanks are made up of multiple layers and are equipped with pumps and valves to make them air and waterproof. This eliminates cross-contamination during the loading and unloading process.
Also, since the oil is inside an airproof and waterproof container fitted in a durable, dark freight container, it’s protected from heat and light, preserving its quality from loading, transport, to unloading at the destination.
3. A Flexitank will Simplify Olive Oil Transportation
Unlike standard liquid tankers that might require specialized equipment, such as forklifts and similar equipment, to load and unload, a Flexitank is filled using pumps and valves.
Depending on the capacity, they fill and empty in 30 minutes. Also, they don’t require much preparation before use, and unless you’re planning to recycle, you don’t need to clean one because they’re single-use. As a result, Flexitanks are easy to use and have minimal labor requirements, which further cut logistics costs.
4. Cost Efficiency
Flexitanks hold 30% more olive oil than regular ISO tanks. This allows you to transport more oil in one go and thus reduce logistics costs. They’re seamless to load and unload thanks to pumps and valves, meaning fewer labor requirements and reduced payroll costs.
Plus, given they’re single-use, you can either dispose or recycle at the destination to eliminate return costs. In a nutshell, a Flexitank eases and reduces logistic costs, allowing you to get your olive oil to the market on time.
5. Flexitanks are Eco-Friendly
Although Flexitanks are single-use carriers for transporting edible oil, they’re recyclable and can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance. This reduces your packaging waste, making your brand sustainable and consequently more appealing to eco-conscious clients.
Choosing a Flexitank for Olive Oil Transportation
Although they’re primarily designed to fit in a 20-foot freight container, Flexitanks aren’t all the same. Consider the following when selecting the ideal one for your olive oil transportation.
Container
The holding container protects the flexibag from environmental damage and further protects product quality by minimizing air, moisture, and light exposure. You, therefore, need to prioritize container quality. Besides being sturdy and impact resistant, a Flexitank should have:
- A gross weight rating of at least 30-tons for bulk olive oil transportation
- Corrugated sidewalls for safe and secure transportation of your oil
- At least two locking bars, each retained by at least three bar brackets
- A safe floor – it should have a groove no more than 15mm deep and free from splinters, protruding nails, and other sharp objects that might tear the flexibag
Material and Design
Flexitanks are commonly made from durable plastics, but some feature materials such as nylon and rubber. Each material has advantages and also definite disadvantages.
For instance, Flexitanks made from polypropylene plastics are typically more durable, air and water-resistant, but are expensive. While reviewing your material options, consider the number of layers, too. Flexitanks with a single polypropylene layer are affordable but susceptible to tears and cuts, while multi-layer flexibags are stronger but more costly.
Valve Design
A Flexitank can have either of the following valve designs:
- Top loading and bottom discharging
- Top loading and top discharging
- Bottom loading and bottom discharging
To identify the ideal one for your edible oil transportation needs, consider your olive oil’s temperature, density, and viscosity. Besides the design, check out the valve material, too. Most flexibags feature valves made of either plastic or stainless-steel fittings.
Advanced Safety Features
Some flexitank models are equipped with gas barriers and advanced air and water vapor transmission systems to prevent oxidation. In contrast, others come with automatic pressure release valves to release extra pressure inside the flexibag. Such features greatly ease the preservation of bulk olive oil in transportation, ensuring it reaches the destination in the desired quality.
Enjoy Quality Bulk Olive Oil Transportation Solutions Today
A Flexitank is one of the best shipping solutions for businesses buying or selling olive oil in bulk quantities. Compared to other carriers, It’s easy to use, larger, cost-efficient, and most importantly, safe and secure.
With over 30 years in bulk transportation of olive oil and other non-hazardous liquids, Kan-Haul has the experience, network, and resources to create Flexitank solutions that fit your business’s needs and budget.
Contact our team to explore your options and start enjoying the fantastic benefits of using Flexitanks for olive oil transportation.
