Fiber Drums
Economical, eco-friendly fiber drums perfect for dry goods, powders, and non-hazardous materials. Made from recycled paperboard with customizable liner options.
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All-Fiber Drum Solutions
Fiber drums offer an economical and environmentally responsible alternative for packaging dry goods and non-hazardous materials. Made from recycled paperboard, these drums are lightweight, recyclable, and easy to dispose of, making them ideal for companies with sustainability goals.
Available with various liner options for moisture, grease, and chemical protection, our fiber drums serve industries ranging from food processing to chemicals to pharmaceuticals. The versatile design allows for custom printing, making them excellent for branded packaging.
MetalDrumsTX supplies fiber drums throughout Texas and neighboring states. We offer competitive pricing, custom printing options, and reliable delivery to meet your packaging needs.
Available Liner Options
10 to 55 gallon sizes available
Why Choose Fiber Drums?
Fiber drums offer unique advantages for dry goods packaging
Cost-Effective
Fiber drums cost 30-50% less than steel or plastic alternatives, reducing packaging expenses significantly.
Lightweight
Up to 75% lighter than steel drums, reducing shipping costs and making handling easier and safer for workers.
Eco-Friendly
Made from 80-95% recycled paperboard and fully recyclable after use. Supports sustainability initiatives.
Customizable
Easy to print labels, branding, and handling instructions directly on the drum surface.
Safe Handling
No sharp edges like steel drums. Safer for workers and products. No rust or corrosion concerns.
Space Efficient
Nestable designs available for empty drums, reducing storage space and return freight costs.
Fiber Drum Types
Choose the right drum configuration for your specific application needs
All-Fiber Drums
Made entirely from recycled paperboard with metal or fiber lids. Most economical option for dry goods.
Sizes Available
Features
- 100% recyclable
- Lightweight
- Customizable printing
Best For
Fiber Drums with Steel Ends
Fiber body with steel top and bottom for added strength and protection against moisture.
Sizes Available
Features
- Steel reinforcement
- Better moisture barrier
- Higher stacking strength
Best For
Lined Fiber Drums
Fiber drums with interior linings for moisture, grease, or chemical protection.
Sizes Available
Features
- Multiple liner options
- Enhanced protection
- FDA-compliant liners
Best For
Lock-Ring Fiber Drums
Premium drums with steel lock-ring closure for secure, tamper-evident sealing.
Sizes Available
Features
- Secure closure
- Tamper-evident
- UN-rated options
Best For
Liner Options
Choose the right liner for your product protection needs
Polyethylene (PE) Liner
FDA ApprovedMost common liner type. Provides excellent moisture barrier and chemical resistance for general use.
Aluminum Foil Liner
FDA ApprovedSuperior barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light. Ideal for sensitive products.
Kraft Paper Liner
FDA ApprovedEconomical option for products requiring minimal protection. Recyclable with the drum.
Grease-Resistant Liner
FDA ApprovedSpecial coating resists oils and greasy products. Prevents container degradation.
Technical Specifications
Standard dimensions and specifications for our fiber drum range
| Size | Dimensions | Empty Weight | Wall Thickness | Capacity | Stack Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Gallon | 12" dia x 14.5" H | 3-4 lbs | 0.065" | 1.3 cu ft | 400 lbs |
| 15 Gallon | 14.5" dia x 17" H | 4-5 lbs | 0.075" | 2.0 cu ft | 500 lbs |
| 20 Gallon | 16" dia x 19" H | 5-6 lbs | 0.085" | 2.7 cu ft | 600 lbs |
| 30 Gallon | 18.5" dia x 22" H | 7-9 lbs | 0.095" | 4.0 cu ft | 800 lbs |
| 55 Gallon | 22.5" dia x 33.5" H | 10-14 lbs | 0.120" | 7.5 cu ft | 1000 lbs |
Industry Applications
Fiber drums serve critical roles across multiple industries
Food & Beverage
FDA-compliant fiber drums for dry food ingredients, flavors, and powdered products.
Pharmaceutical
Clean, contamination-free containers for pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates.
Chemical
Cost-effective packaging for dry chemical products and industrial powders.
Agriculture
Reliable containers for seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural products.
Textiles
Fiber drums for textile fibers, dyes, and related materials.
Electronics
Static-dissipative options available for electronic component packaging.
Common Applications
Fiber vs Steel vs Plastic
Understanding when fiber drums are the right choice
| Feature | Fiber | Steel | Plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest | Highest | Medium |
| Weight (55 gal) | 10-14 lbs | 35-50 lbs | 18-22 lbs |
| Recyclability | Easy (paper) | Requires facility | Requires facility |
| Liquid Storage | Limited | Excellent | Excellent |
| Dry Goods | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Customization | Excellent | Limited | Limited |
| Stacking Strength | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Higher | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fiber drums
Can fiber drums hold liquids?
Fiber drums are primarily designed for dry goods. However, with appropriate liners (polyethylene or foil), they can hold semi-liquid products like pastes, greases, and thick liquids. For true liquids, steel or plastic drums are recommended.
Are fiber drums UN-rated for hazardous materials?
Yes, certain fiber drum configurations can be UN-rated for specific hazardous dry goods. Lock-ring drums with steel ends typically qualify for UN certification. Check with us for specific UN rating requirements.
How should fiber drums be stored?
Store fiber drums in a dry environment away from moisture. Keep them off concrete floors using pallets to prevent moisture absorption. Ideal storage conditions are 40-80°F with relative humidity below 65%.
Can I print custom labels on fiber drums?
Yes! Fiber drums offer excellent print quality for custom branding, product information, and handling instructions. We offer multi-color printing options and can match your corporate colors.
What is the weight capacity of fiber drums?
Weight capacity varies by size and construction. Standard 55-gallon fiber drums typically hold 300-400 lbs of product. Steel-end drums can handle heavier loads. Always verify the specific drum rating for your application.
Are fiber drums food-safe?
Yes, fiber drums with FDA-compliant liners are approved for direct food contact. We offer a range of food-grade liner options that meet FDA 21 CFR requirements for food ingredient packaging.
Need Fiber Drums?
Contact us for competitive pricing on fiber drums with various liner options. Custom printing available.