1. Steel Drums (Barrels)

The most widely used packaging for small to medium orders. Ideal for buyers without bulk storage or heating systems.

• Standard Size: 180 kg (~210 L) — Most Common
• Other Sizes: 150 kg, 200 kg
• Material: Galvanized steel with full-open top lid
• Palletized: Yes – 4 drums per pallet (EUR/EPAL size)
• Shrink-Wrapped: For moisture protection
• Best For: Roofing, waterproofing, small paving jobs, remote areas

✅ Advantages: Easy handling, no special equipment needed, ideal for non-industrial sites.

❌ Limitations: Higher cost per ton than bulk; requires labor to open and melt.

2. Jumbo Bags (FIBCs)

Heavy-duty woven polypropylene bags used for mid-volume shipments.

• Common Capacities: 800 kg, 1,000 kg, 1,200 kg
• Palletized: Yes – on wooden pallets (1,000×1,200 mm)
• Top Type: Open-top (for fast melting) or closed with spout
• Shrink-Wrapped: Yes – for moisture protection
• Best For: Medium-sized projects, asphalt plants, developing markets

✅ Advantages: Cost-effective vs. drums; space-efficient; compatible with most melting tanks.

❌ Limitations: Requires cutting and heating setup; not ideal for very cold climates.

3. Oxidized Bitumen (Rass) – 25kg Bags

Oxidized bitumen (Rass) is a by-product of distillation, used in industrial applications such as roofing, pipe coating, and adhesives.

• Form: Solid flakes or granules
• Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper or PP woven bags with inner PE liner
• Palletized: 40 bags per pallet (1,000 kg)
• Container Loading: Up to 20 MT in 20ft container (with pallets)
• Best For: Waterproofing, anti-corrosion, construction chemicals

✅ Advantages: Fast melting, excellent adhesion, suitable for blending.

❌ Limitations: Not suitable for road paving; brittle at low temperatures.

4. Flexitank (Liquid Bitumen)

A flexible tank liner installed inside a 20ft dry container. Used for shipping hot liquid bitumen under controlled temperature.

• Capacity: 18–20 MT (depending on density)
• Tank Material: Multi-layer heat-resistant polymer
• Heating Required: Must be kept above 130°C during transit
• Unloading Method: Pumped out via bottom valve
• Best For: Buyers with storage tanks and heating systems

✅ Advantages: No return cost; high volume; clean unloading.

❌ Limitations: Single-use; requires temperature monitoring.

5. Bitucontainer (Insulated Reusable Container)

An advanced, reusable solution for long-distance shipment of hot bitumen. The Bitucontainer is a permanent insulated system built into a 20ft ISO container, maintaining temperature without external heaters.

• Capacity: 18–22 MT
• Structure: Permanent flexitank + mineral wool insulation
• Reusability: Designed for multiple trips
• Temperature Control: Maintains 130–150°C for up to 14 days
• Unloading: Bottom valve with pump
• Best For: Frequent importers needing reliable hot bitumen supply

✅ Advantages: Reusable, reduces logistics cost over time, consistent quality.

❌ Limitations: Higher initial investment; requires maintenance between uses.

6. Loose / In Bulk

For large-scale importers, bitumen can be shipped in bulk form directly into railway wagons or open vessels.

• Form: Solid slabs or hot liquid
• Port of Loading: Bandar Abbas, Iran
• Minimum Order: 5,000 MT+
• Incoterms: FOB, CIF, CFR
• Best For: Government tenders, highway authorities, asphalt producers

✅ Advantages: Lowest cost per ton; fastest delivery for mega projects.

❌ Limitations: Requires terminal with unloading cranes and storage tanks.

✅ How to Choose the Right Packaging?

Under 200 MT? → Use Drums or Rass Bags
200–5,000 MT? → Choose Jumbo Bags or Flexitank
Over 5,000 MT? → Optimize with Bulk or Bitucontainer

At JANIS Business Group, we help you select the best packaging method based on your project needs, destination port, and available infrastructure.