Drum and IBC cost per litre: allocate over the actual fill

The purchasing question

A container purchase price can be allocated over product volume to compare packaging formats. The relevant denominator is the approved planned fill, not an assumed brimful or nominal capacity. A lower fill increases packaging cost per litre even when container price stays unchanged.

Calculation method

Packaging cost per litre = scoped container cost ÷ entered usable product litres. Multiply by 1,000 for a thousand-litre comparison. Include a separately purchased liner or closure in the numerator if the comparison scope requires it.

Worked example

An illustrative container costing €150 and filled with 1,000 L allocates €0.15/L, or €150 per thousand litres. At a planned fill of 900 L, the same container allocates approximately €0.16667/L. Ten containers then package 9,000 L for €1,500 of container cost.

This calculation does not establish permitted fill, product compatibility or transport requirements. Reusable formats need a separate lifecycle model that includes verified trips, returns, cleaning and losses. Do not divide purchase price by an unverified reuse count.

Checks before using the result

• Use approved actual fill volume in litres.
• Match one-way and reusable cost boundaries.
• Record included liners and closures explicitly.

Common questions