Storing and transporting large volumes of industrial liquids —jobsite water, fuels, fertilizers, chemicals— outdoors and without sunlight degrading the contents or encouraging algae growth, with approval for hazardous substances, calls for an IBC container with an opaque black HDPE tank in a galvanized steel cage. This Black IBC Container —also called a black IBC tote, IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) or opaque tote tank— is manufactured by Cargobo from virgin HDPE with carbon black and a tubular galvanized steel cage with an integrated palletized base, in a 120×100×115 cm format with a capacity of 1000 L (265 gal), UN-approved (UN marking) for hazardous substances, designed for construction, agriculture, the chemical industry and outdoor liquid logistics.
Key benefits
- Opaque with UV light blocking: the HDPE with carbon black blocks light from entering, which slows algae growth in stored water and protects light-sensitive liquids, a critical condition for prolonged outdoor storage under the Caribbean sun.
- 1000 L capacity with UN approval: a usable volume of 1000 liters (265 gallons) with certification for the international transport of category II and III hazardous substances, a critical condition for chemicals, fuels and regulated liquids that don't allow non-approved containers.
- Chemical-resistant virgin HDPE tank: high-density polyethylene withstands most diluted acids, bases, oils, liquid fertilizers and common fuels without material degradation (check the chemical compatibility chart for specific liquids).
- Tubular galvanized steel cage: the metal structure protects the tank against forklift impacts, drops and continuous logistics handling, a critical condition for the integrity of the contents in inter-island transit.
- Integrated 4-way palletized base: the lower base with entries on all four sides allows handling with forklifts and pallet jacks in any orientation, with no need to adapt the operation to the container.
- Bottom discharge valve and filling cap: the standard-thread valve system allows controlled emptying and connection to garden hoses or industrial piping, while the top cap makes gravity or pump filling easy.
Applications and typical uses
- Outdoor water storage where light blocking prevents algae growth without needing to roof the tank.
- Containment of light-sensitive liquids, fertilizers and agrochemicals that degrade with light exposure.
- Storage of industrial chemicals, lubricating oils and fuels under UN regulation in yards and outdoors.
- Rainwater harvesting for sustainability in residential and commercial projects with sun exposure.
Quality and durability
A cheap IBC container fails at two points: the HDPE is low-grade recycled material (which reduces service life under continuous chemical exposure and disqualifies it for regulated substances) and the cage is steel without deep galvanizing (which rusts in the Caribbean climate within a few months). Cargobo works with virgin HDPE and uniform galvanizing with current UN approval, which sets apart a regulated professional-operation IBC from a generic tank that doesn't pass a safety audit. The carbon black pigmentation adds resistance to UV radiation, extending the life of the plastic against direct sun compared to a translucent or white tank.
What's the actual capacity of the IBC and what does UN certification mean?
Standard capacity is 1000 liters, roughly 265 US gallons. UN certification confirms the container passes the tests of the United Nations Model Regulations for the transport of dangerous goods: drop test (leak-tightness), pressure tests, vibration and compatibility with the specific packing group (II, III). This certification is required for international transit of chemicals, fuels and other regulated substances. Without certification, the IBC cannot transport this type of cargo.
Can these containers be stacked when full?
Yes. The galvanized steel tubular cage is sized for static stacking. In normal operation the usual range is 2-3 levels of full containers in storage, depending on the liquid (density), floor levelness and ambient temperature. For stacking with dense substances or in chambers with temperature variation, check the specific capacity of the model on the data sheet. In transit, the maximum stack is usually lower than in static storage to avoid vibration-induced deformation.
Can the container be permanently exposed to Caribbean sun?
HDPE withstands moderate sun, but the intense, prolonged direct UV radiation of the Caribbean degrades the plastic over the years, makes the material brittle and encourages algae growth if it holds water exposed to light. For permanent outdoor installation, cover with a dark tarp, roof or protective module, and check the specific recommendations of the stored product (some chemicals require mandatory shade due to light degradation). For substances under UN regulation, also review local storage rules.
Still have questions?
Ask us and we will gladly help you with whatever you need.
| Material y construcción | |
|---|---|
| Materials | Galvanized steel cage and HDPE inner container |
| Tank color | Opaque black (blocks light and prevents algae growth) |
| Label plate | 1 plate of 50 x 38 cm (20 x 15 in) |
| Corner protectors | Yes, 4 |
| Dimensiones y formato | |
| Dimensions | 120 x 100 x 115 cm (48 x 40 x 45 in) |
| Capacity | 1000 L (264 gal) |
| Discharge opening diameter | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Filling opening diameter | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Espesor de pared | ≈ 2 mm (0.08 in) |
| Cage weight | 42 kg (93 lb) |
| Inner container weight | 15 kg (33 lb) |
| Total weight | 57 kg (126 lb) |
| Resistencias y rendimiento | |
| Hermeticidad al aire (prueba) | 20 kPa (0.2 bar / 2.9 psi) |
| Presión hidrostática (prueba) | 100 kPa (1 bar / 14.5 psi) |
| Durabilidad y protección | |
| UV protection | Yes (high) |
| Normativa y certificaciones | |
| Certification | UN / ADR approved for dangerous goods (31HA1) - UN 31HA1/Y (Suitable for transport of dangerous liquids of packing groups II and III) |
| Contenedor: Width | 100.0 cm (39.37 in) |
|---|---|
| Contenedor: Height | 115.0 cm (45.28 in) |
| Contenedor: Depth | 120.0 cm (47.24 in) |
Official CARGOBO warranty
What's covered
Confirmado el defecto: sustitución o devolución del valor pagado.
What's not covered
Payment & Security






