Introduction

HDPE jerrycans are versatile, durable containers used across industries for storing and transporting liquids. Fabocaps manufactures HDPE jerrycans in 10L, 20L and 25L sizes, designed for water distribution, chemical handling, food products, agricultural use and industrial applications. This article provides an overview of the available sizes, common uses and the benefits of HDPE as a packaging material.

For a detailed size selection guide, read our article HDPE Jerrycans: Choosing the Right 10L, 20L or 25L Container.

What Is an HDPE Jerrycan?

An HDPE jerrycan is a rigid container moulded from High-Density Polyethylene. The jerrycan typically has a rectangular body, an integrated moulded handle, a neck opening for filling and dispensing, and a screw cap or closure. HDPE jerrycans are used for water, chemicals, food-grade liquids, agricultural products and industrial fluids.

HDPE is chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio, impact resistance, chemical compatibility and food-grade safety when manufactured from virgin material. Fabocaps uses virgin HDPE for its jerrycan range.

HDPE Jerrycan Sizes

Fabocaps manufactures HDPE jerrycans in three primary sizes. Each size serves different operational needs, from portable handling to maximum volume per container.

10L HDPE Jerrycans

The 10L jerrycan is the most compact size in the range. It is lighter when full and easier to handle, lift and store in confined spaces. The 10L format is suited to applications where portability is a priority and where smaller volumes per container are practical.

20L HDPE Jerrycans

The 20L jerrycan is the mid-size option and one of the most commonly used jerrycan sizes in commercial water distribution. It provides a practical balance between volume and handling, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial, hospitality and industrial applications.

25L HDPE Jerrycans

The 25L jerrycan is the largest size in the range. It holds the most volume per container, which means fewer containers are needed for a given total volume. The 25L format is suited to applications where maximising volume per container is the priority and where the additional weight of a full container can be managed.

Common Uses of HDPE Jerrycans

HDPE jerrycans are used across a broad range of industries and applications:

• Bottled water distribution and delivery
• Emergency and disaster relief water storage
• Chemical storage and transport (subject to compatibility)
• Agricultural and farming applications
• Food and beverage packaging
• Hospitality and catering
• Camping and outdoor recreation
• Mining and industrial operations
• Construction site water supply
• Household water storage

The suitability of an HDPE jerrycan for a specific application depends on the liquid being stored, the required volume, handling requirements and any regulatory or food-contact requirements.

Benefits of HDPE Jerrycans

Durability and Strength

HDPE provides high impact resistance and structural integrity. The material withstands rough handling, transport vibration and stacking loads, making it suitable for demanding commercial and industrial environments.

Lightweight

HDPE jerrycans are lightweight relative to their capacity. This reduces transport costs and makes handling easier compared to alternative container materials.

Chemical Resistance

HDPE has useful chemical-resistance properties. It is compatible with many common liquids, including water, mild acids, alkalis and many food products. For chemical applications, compatibility must be confirmed for the specific substance, concentration and conditions.

Food-Grade Safety

Virgin HDPE is suitable for food-contact applications. Fabocaps manufactures its jerrycans from virgin HDPE, which means the material is new, unfilled and not recycled content. This provides superior material integrity for food and beverage packaging.

Weather Resistance

HDPE resists degradation from UV exposure and temperature variation better than many alternative materials. While prolonged direct sunlight should be avoided where possible, HDPE jerrycans maintain their structural properties under normal outdoor storage conditions.

Reusable and Recyclable

HDPE jerrycans are durable enough for repeated use over an extended service life. At end of life, HDPE is recyclable, which reduces environmental impact compared to single-use packaging.

HDPE Jerrycan Ranges

Fabocaps offers HDPE jerrycans across several ranges, each designed for specific storage and handling requirements:

• Slim Line: Available in 10L and 20L, designed for space-saving storage and efficient use of shelving space.
• Stackable: Available in 20L and 25L, designed for palletised stacking and efficient storage and transport.
• Side Stackable: Available in 10L, with a compact side-stacking design for tight shelving and transport.

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

Material: Virgin HDPE

Fabocaps uses virgin HDPE for its jerrycan range. Virgin HDPE is new, unfilled material that has not been previously processed or mixed with recycled content. This provides superior material integrity, consistency and food-grade safety compared to recycled or blended materials.

The use of virgin HDPE ensures that the jerrycans meet food-contact requirements and maintain consistent mechanical properties across production batches.

Closure and Neck Options

Fabocaps HDPE jerrycans are available with multiple neck finish options, including DIN 61, 63 and 71. The neck finish determines the compatible closure, which must match the neck specification. Closures may include tamper-evident features where required.

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

Certification and Standards

Fabocaps operates under FSSC 22000 certification, which is a food safety management system standard recognised globally. This certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to food safety, quality management and consistent manufacturing processes.

UN approved variants are available for applications requiring certified packaging for the transport of hazardous materials. Businesses should confirm certification requirements with their supplier before ordering.

Choosing the Right HDPE Jerrycan

Selecting the right HDPE jerrycan involves considering the following factors:

• Required capacity (10L, 20L or 25L)
• Intended liquid or product
• Food-contact requirements
• Storage space and stacking needs
• Transport requirements
• Handling and weight considerations
• Neck and closure specification
• Regulatory or certification requirements
• Branding and labelling needs
• Order quantity

For a detailed selection guide, read our article HDPE Jerrycans: Choosing the Right 10L, 20L or 25L Container.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sizes do HDPE jerrycans come in?

Fabocaps manufactures HDPE jerrycans in 10L, 20L and 25L sizes. The available sizes may vary by range — Slim Line is available in 10L and 20L, Stackable in 20L and 25L, and Side Stackable in 10L.

What are HDPE jerrycans used for?

HDPE jerrycans are used for water storage and distribution, chemical packaging, food and beverage products, agricultural applications, emergency water supply, hospitality, mining and industrial operations. The specific application determines the appropriate size and configuration.

Is HDPE safe for drinking water?

Yes. Virgin HDPE is suitable for food-contact applications, including drinking water storage. Fabocaps uses virgin HDPE for its jerrycans, ensuring food-grade safety and compliance with FSSC 22000 standards.

Are HDPE jerrycans reusable?

Yes. HDPE jerrycans are durable and designed for repeated use over an extended service life. The material maintains its structural properties through multiple fill and transport cycles, provided the jerrycans are cleaned and maintained appropriately.

Can HDPE jerrycans be used for chemicals?

HDPE has useful chemical-resistance properties, but compatibility depends on the specific chemical, concentration and conditions. Not every HDPE jerrycan is suitable for every chemical. Confirm compatibility with your chemical supplier and the container manufacturer before use.

Conclusion

HDPE jerrycans offer a combination of durability, lightweight construction, chemical resistance and food-grade safety that makes them suitable for a wide range of liquid packaging applications. Available in 10L, 20L and 25L sizes across Slim Line, Stackable and Side Stackable ranges, Fabocaps HDPE jerrycans are manufactured from virgin HDPE under FSSC 22000 certification. Looking for HDPE jerrycans? Request a Quote and our team will help you specify the right container for your application.