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UV-Stabilized HDPE for Light-Sensitive Products
Black HDPE drums are UV-stabilized to protect light-sensitive contents from sunlight and degradation. Built from rugged high-density polyethylene, they deliver corrosion resistance and durability for outdoor and long-term storage.
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UV-Stabilized Resin
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Shields Contents
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Impact-Resistant Build
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Corrosion & Rust Proof
Overview
UV-stabilized black HDPE drums block light to protect photo-sensitive chemicals, lubricants, and fuels. Corrosion-proof and impact-resistant, they hold up to outdoor storage and sunlight while staying lighter and easier to handle than steel.
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HDPE construction will not rust and resists a broad range of acids, bases, and solvents.
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FDA-compliant resins available for safe contact with food and beverage ingredients.
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Significantly lighter than steel, reducing freight costs and easing manual handling.
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Tight-head for liquids and open-head for thicker products, both with UN-rated options.
Specifications
Nominal Capacity
55 U.S. gallons (208 Liters)
Material
UV-Stabilized HDPE
Height
34.5 in (876 mm)
Diameter
23 in (584 mm)
Weight
18-24 lbs (8-11 kg)
Closure & Fittings
2" & 3/4" Bungs (closed-head) or Lever-Lock Ring (open-head)
UN Certification
UN 1H1/Y1.8/100 (closed-head); 1H2 ratings for open-head
Interior
Uncoated UV-Stabilized HDPE - no liner required
Exterior Finish
Black, UV-Resistant Smooth HDPE
Common Uses
Acids & Caustics
Paints & Coatings
Industrial Chemicals
Food-Grade Ingredients
Liquid Fertilizers
Hazardous Liquids
Water Treatment Chemicals
Agricultural Chemicals
Waste & Recovery Materials
How to spec yours
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Verify HDPE resistance against your specific product to prevent permeation or stress cracking.
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Closed-head for free-flowing liquids, open-head for viscous, paste, or solid products.
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Specify FDA-compliant, food-grade resin for edible or pharmaceutical contents.
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Confirm UN certification for hazardous goods and select blue, white, or natural as needed.
Compare
Type
Best For
Key Benefit
Consideration
Steel Drums
Solvents, fuels, and UN-rated hazardous liquids and solids
Can corrode; heavier than plastic
Maximum strength and durability
Stainless Steel Drums
Corrosive, high-purity, food and pharma products needing a reusable drum
Highest upfront cost
Corrosion-proof and sanitary
HDPE Plastic Drums
Non-hazardous liquids and industrial chemicals
Not ideal for high heat
Chemical resistance, won't rust
Natural HDPE Drums
Food, beverage, and pharma products needing fill-level visibility
Less UV resistance
Product visibility
Black HDPE Drums
Light-sensitive chemicals and lubricants for outdoor storage
Heat can cause expansion
UV protection
Fiber Drums
Dry powders, granules, and solid bulk products
Not for liquids
Lightweight and recyclable
Related Products
What are plastic drums made of?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
Do HDPE drums hold up to outdoor storage and temperature swings?
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HDPE resists corrosion and will not rust, and UV-stabilized black or pigmented grades hold up better to sunlight during outdoor storage. Extreme heat can soften the wall, so follow the resin's rated temperature range for filling and stacking.
How are 55 gallon drums handled and moved?
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Filled 55 gallon drums are moved with drum dollies, forklift attachments, or rimmed drum handlers rather than by hand, and stored upright on a flat surface. Confirm the filled weight and follow safe lifting and stacking limits for your contents.
Our packaging specialists will help you match the ideal container to your product, storage, and compliance needs. We stock and ship nationwide.
