Introduction

HDPE jerrycans are practical, durable containers used for water storage, transport, distribution and a range of commercial applications. Fabocaps manufactures HDPE jerrycans in three sizes — 10L, 20L and 25L — across Slim Line, Stackable and Side Stackable ranges. This article explains what an HDPE jerrycan is, why HDPE is used, the differences between the three sizes, and how to choose the right container for your business. It focuses on the conventional, general-purpose jerrycan — for tap-equipped dispensing, see our Quick Serve article.

What Is an HDPE Jerrycan?

An HDPE jerrycan is a container made from High-Density Polyethylene, designed for storing and transporting liquids. HDPE jerrycans are widely used for water, but also for chemicals, food products, agricultural liquids and industrial applications. The jerrycan typically has a rectangular body, an integrated moulded handle, a neck opening for filling and dispensing, and a screw cap or closure.

A jerrycan without a tap is primarily a practical container for storage, transport, handling and distribution. It is not designed for dispensing directly from the container — for that, a tap-equipped format is more appropriate. This article focuses on the general-purpose jerrycan without a tap.

For tap-equipped dispensing containers, read our article Quick Serve Water Containers: Convenient Water Dispensing.

Why HDPE Is Used for Jerrycans

HDPE — High-Density Polyethylene — is used for jerrycans because it provides a combination of durability, strength, relatively low weight and chemical resistance. Fabocaps uses virgin HDPE for its jerrycans, which means the material is new, unfilled and not recycled content. Virgin HDPE provides superior material integrity compared to recycled blends.

HDPE has useful chemical-resistance properties, but it is not compatible with every chemical. For chemical applications, compatibility must be confirmed for the specific substance, concentration and conditions. This article does not claim that HDPE is suitable for every chemical.

10L HDPE Jerrycans

The 10L HDPE jerrycan is the smaller format in the Fabocaps range. It is suited to applications where portability and compact handling are important. A 10L container holds less water than a 20L or 25L container, but is lighter when full and easier to handle, lift and store in compact spaces.

The 10L size is appropriate where the volume of liquid per container is smaller, where frequent handling is required, or where storage space is limited. It is not the best choice where maximum volume per container is the priority.

20L HDPE Jerrycans

The 20L HDPE jerrycan is the mid-size option in the Fabocaps range. It is suited to a wide range of commercial water storage and distribution applications. A 20L container holds more water than a 10L container while remaining manageable for handling and transport.

The 20L size is one of the most commonly used jerrycan sizes in commercial water distribution, where it provides a practical balance between volume and handling. It is used by water delivery businesses, hospitality operations and industrial applications.

25L HDPE Jerrycans

The 25L HDPE jerrycan is the larger format in the Fabocaps range. It is suited to applications where more volume per container is useful. A 25L container holds the most water of the three sizes, which means fewer containers are needed for a given volume, but each container is heavier when full.

The 25L size is appropriate where the volume of liquid per container is the priority and where the additional weight of a full 25L container can be managed. It is not the best choice where portability is the primary concern.

Jerrycans With Tap vs Without Tap

HDPE jerrycans can be supplied with or without a tap. The no-tap configuration is useful when the container is intended primarily for transport, storage, delivery, distribution, applications where a separate dispensing system is used, or applications where a tap is unnecessary. The with-tap configuration is useful where convenient dispensing directly from the container is required.

Not every no-tap jerrycan is identical. The container design, neck, closure and range may vary. Businesses should confirm the specific product configuration before ordering.

For a detailed guide to tap-equipped containers, read our article Quick Serve Water Containers: Convenient Water Dispensing.

Storage and Transport

HDPE jerrycans are designed for storage and transport of liquids. The rectangular shape allows efficient use of space on pallets, shelves and in vehicles. The integrated moulded handle provides a grip for carrying and handling. The screw cap or closure seals the container during transport and storage.

During transport, containers should be secured to prevent movement and impact. During storage, containers should be kept in appropriate conditions — clean, dry and away from direct sunlight where possible. The material, closure and handling all affect the container’s performance during storage and transport.

Handling and Integrated Handles

Fabocaps HDPE jerrycans feature an integrated moulded handle. The handle is moulded as part of the container body, which means it is a single piece with the container — not a separate attached handle. This provides a strong, durable grip for carrying and handling the container, even when full.

The integrated handle is a standard feature across the Fabocaps jerrycan range. It makes the container easier to carry, lift and position, and contributes to the container’s overall durability.

Stackable Jerrycans

Fabocaps offers Stackable formats. Current Fabocaps information identifies the Stackable range in 20L and 25L, described as designed for palletised stacking and efficient storage. The Side Stackable range is identified in 10L, with a compact side-stacking design for tight shelving and transport.

Not every jerrycan is stackable. Stackability depends on the specific product and range. This article does not invent stacking limits or load ratings. Businesses should confirm stackable options with their supplier before ordering.

For a guide to the space-saving Slim Line format, read our article Slim Line Water Containers: Space-Saving 10L and 20L HDPE Containers.

Closure and Neck Options

Fabocaps lists multiple neck finish options for its HDPE jerrycans, including DIN 61, 63 and 71. The neck finish determines the compatible closure — the cap must match the neck. The closure seals the container during storage and transport, and may include a tamper-evident feature where required.

For a guide to screw cap sizes, read our article 36mm vs 60mm vs 100mm Screw Caps: Which Size Do You Need?.

Commercial Applications

HDPE jerrycans are used across a range of commercial applications, including bottled water distribution, emergency water storage, chemical storage, agricultural use, camping and outdoor, disaster relief, the hospitality industry and mining operations. The container’s size, configuration and material should be matched to the application.

Choosing the Right Jerrycan Size

The right jerrycan size depends on the business’s handling, storage, transport and volume requirements. A 10L container is best where portability and compact handling are important. A 20L container is a mid-size option for a wide range of commercial water storage and distribution applications. A 25L container is the larger format where more volume per container is useful. The choice should be based on the application, not on an assumption that bigger is always better.

Fabocaps HDPE Jerrycans

Fabocaps manufactures HDPE jerrycans as part of its packaging range. The following information is drawn from the current Fabocaps product page:

• Sizes: 10L, 20L, 25L.
• Ranges: Slim Line, Stackable, Side Stackable.
• Configurations: with tap, without tap.
• Material: Virgin HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
• Handle: Integrated moulded handle.
• Neck finish: Multiple options (DIN 61, 63, 71).
• Colour: Natural White / Custom Colour.
• Tap option: Available with or without tap.
• Printing: Screen print or label (custom).
• Certification: FSSC 22000 / UN approved variants.

This article does not imply that every range has every size or configuration unless verified. The Slim Line range is available in 10L and 20L, the Stackable range in 20L and 25L, and the Side Stackable range in 10L. Businesses should confirm the specific product configuration before ordering.

Explore Fabocaps HDPE Jerrycans, review our Fabocaps quality standards, or Request a Quote for current pricing and lead times.

Buyer Checklist

Before ordering an HDPE jerrycan, confirm the following:

• Required capacity
• With tap or without tap
• Storage space
• Stackable requirement
• Transport requirements
• Handling requirements
• Neck / closure requirement
• Intended liquid
• Food-contact requirements where applicable
• Branding requirements
• Quantity
• Supplier availability

Businesses should test the complete container and closure system before placing large-volume orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sizes of HDPE jerrycans does Fabocaps supply?

Fabocaps supplies HDPE jerrycans in 10L, 20L and 25L. The available sizes depend on the range — Slim Line is available in 10L and 20L, Stackable in 20L and 25L, and Side Stackable in 10L.

What is the difference between a jerrycan with and without a tap?

A jerrycan with a tap has a dispensing spigot mounted on the container body, allowing water to be drawn directly from the container. A jerrycan without a tap is primarily a storage and transport container without a dispensing tap. The correct configuration depends on the application.

Are all HDPE jerrycans stackable?

No. Stackability depends on the specific product and range. Fabocaps offers Stackable formats in 20L and 25L, and Side Stackable in 10L. Not every jerrycan is stackable. Confirm stackable options with your supplier before ordering.

What is the difference between a 10L, 20L and 25L jerrycan?

The main difference is capacity. A 10L jerrycan is smaller and more portable, a 20L jerrycan is a mid-size option for a wide range of commercial applications, and a 25L jerrycan holds more volume per container. The right size depends on the business’s handling, storage, transport and volume requirements.

Are HDPE jerrycans suitable for water?

Yes. HDPE is widely used for water containers. Fabocaps uses virgin HDPE for its jerrycans, which is suitable for water storage and distribution.

Can HDPE jerrycans be used for chemicals?

HDPE has useful chemical-resistance properties, but compatibility must be confirmed for the specific chemical, concentration and conditions. Not every HDPE jerrycan is suitable for every chemical. Businesses should confirm chemical compatibility with their chemical supplier and the container manufacturer before using jerrycans for chemical packaging.

Conclusion

Choosing the right HDPE jerrycan comes down to the size (10L, 20L or 25L), the configuration (with or without tap), the range (Slim Line, Stackable or Side Stackable), the material, the neck and closure, and the application. The 10L is best for portability, the 20L for general commercial use, and the 25L for maximum volume per container. Looking for HDPE jerrycans? Request a Quote and our team will help you specify the right container for your application.