IBC Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are one of the most commonly used means of containment (MOC) for transportation of dangerous goods (DG) in Canada. The CAN/CGSB-43.146 (Design, manufacture and use of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for the transportation of dangerous goods, classes 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8, and 9) sets out requirements for the design and manufacture of UN standardized IBCs. Section 5.6 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations specifies that UN standardized IBCs must be in compliance with sections 2 and 3 and Part I of CAN/CGSB-43.146.

The types of IBC of interest in this work are the common ones used by industry for the transportation of dangerous goods: • Lightweight IBC – light-gauge rigid material casing and frame “composite IBC with an outer casing made with light-gauge rigid material and plastic inner receptacle generally made by the blow-molding method. (GRV léger)” • Rigid plastic IBC – rigid plastic body and plastic frame “IBC consisting of a rigid plastic body, service equipment and structural equipment but does not include a flexible IBC with rigid fibreboard or plastic inserts. (GRV en plastique rigide)” • Composite IBC – rigid plastic body and metal frame “IBC that is an integrated single unit consisting of a rigid outer casing enclosing a plastic inner receptacle together with any service and structural equipment. (GRV composite)” • Metal IBC – metal body and frame “IBC consisting of a metal body, service equipment and structural equipment. (GRV en métal)” The main difference between lightweight IBC compared to other IBCs is the more fragile material used for both its casing and frame. This difference exposes life cyclethe lightweight IBC to a higher chance of containment release (leak of dangerous goods) during an accident. It has been noted by TC that the use of lightweight IBCs to transport DGs has increased over time. This may be due to the lower cost of lightweight IBCs, their ability to hold large volumes of DG, and the low surcharge fee for their consignment as opposed to higher quality IBCs. Currently, lightweight IBCs are required to be recertified at an IBC leak test and inspection facility after each use to determine if it can be reused or needs to be disposed of or recycled. The recertification tests are in accordance with the CAN/CGSB-43.146 standard. Observations at this recertification have shown: • Many lightweight IBCs have failed the testing to be recertified again for use • Most incidents resulting in leaks happen during handling activities (loading and unloading), with damage often caused by forklift forks. Lightweight IBCs are more fragile and more prone to these incidents. These observations raised questions on whether lightweight IBC should be limited to transporting only lower hazard DGs to minimize the danger of a release from accidents during transport and handling (i.e. loading and unloading).

Transport Canada would like to evaluate and compare overall costs and environmental sustainability of the transportation and use of IBCs for dangerous goods over their life cycle to help inform the safety requirements for selection and use of these IBCs. The objective of this project is to perform a life cycle analysis on four (4) different types of IBCs (lightweight, rigid plastic, composite, and metal); rank each IBC type on overall cost effectiveness and environmental impact.