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Open-Head Plastic Drums

Removable-Lid HDPE for Solids & Viscous Products

Open-head plastic drums feature a fully removable lid and lever-lock ring for easy filling and emptying of powders, pastes, and viscous products. Made from durable HDPE, they resist corrosion and clean up easily for reuse.

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Overview

Open-head HDPE drums with gasketed, removable lids and metal lever-lock rings for a secure reseal. Ideal for solids, slurries, and high-viscosity products that need full access, with corrosion-proof walls and UN-rated options available.

Plastic Drum — Corrosion Resistant

HDPE construction will not rust and resists a broad range of acids, bases, and solvents.

Plastic Drum — Food-Grade Options

FDA-compliant resins available for safe contact with food and beverage ingredients.

Plastic Drum — Lightweight Handling

Significantly lighter than steel, reducing freight costs and easing manual handling.

Plastic Drum — Open or Closed Head

Tight-head for liquids and open-head for thicker products, both with UN-rated options.

Common Uses

Acids & Caustics

Paints & Coatings

Industrial Chemicals

Food-Grade Ingredients

Liquid Fertilizers

Hazardous Liquids

Water Treatment Chemicals

Agricultural Chemicals

Waste & Recovery Materials

Specifications

Nominal Capacity55 U.S. Gallons (208 Liters)
MaterialHigh-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Head StyleOpen-Head (Removable Lid)
Height34.5 in (876 mm)
Diameter23 in (584 mm)
Weight20 – 24 lbs (9 – 11 kg)
Closure TypeLever-Lock Ring with Gasket
UN CertificationUN 1H2/Y1.5/150
ColorBlue / White / Natural
Exterior FinishSmooth HDPE
UN-Rated Options
Plastic Drum — Chemical Compatibility

Verify HDPE resistance against your specific product to prevent permeation or stress cracking.

Plastic Drum — Open vs. Closed Head

Closed-head for free-flowing liquids, open-head for viscous, paste, or solid products.

Plastic Drum — Food-Grade Requirement

Specify FDA-compliant, food-grade resin for edible or pharmaceutical contents.

Plastic Drum — UN Rating & Color

Confirm UN certification for hazardous goods and select blue, white, or natural as needed.

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Related products

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Natural HDPE Drums
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HDPE Plastic Drums
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Black HDPE Drums
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Compare Drum Materials

Drum Type
Best For
Key Benefit
Consideration
Steel Drum
Hazardous liquids, solvents, chemicals
Maximum durability & strength
Heavier than plastic or fiber
Fiber Drum
Powders, dry products
Lightweight & cost-effective
Not suitable for liquids
Stainless Steel Drum
High-purity chemicals, food, pharma
Superior corrosion resistance
Higher cost

Steel drum faqs

What are plastic drums made of?

Our plastic drums are blow-molded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a tough, corrosion-resistant resin that will not rust and resists a wide range of chemicals. Food-grade and UN-rated resin options are available.

Are HDPE drums food-grade safe?

Yes. Plastic drums molded from FDA-compliant, food-grade HDPE are widely used for syrups, oils, concentrates, and other food and beverage ingredients. Always confirm the specific resin grade for your application.

Can plastic drums hold hazardous materials?

Closed-head HDPE drums are available UN-rated for many hazardous liquids in Packing Groups I, II, and III. Chemical compatibility should always be verified, as some aggressive solvents can permeate or stress-crack polyethylene.

Are plastic drums recyclable?

Yes. HDPE is one of the most widely recycled plastics, and clean poly drums can be reconditioned for reuse or recycled into new products, supporting a lower-waste packaging program.

What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel drums?

Both grades are food- and pharma-safe, but 316 contains added molybdenum that gives it superior resistance to chlorides, salts, and aggressive acids. 304 is the cost-effective choice for general high-purity storage, while 316 is preferred for harsh or salt-laden products.