Cambrian Packaging’s range of barrier buckets for solvent- and water-based products, complete with a 100% post-consumer recycled liner, is said to improve storage efficiency and reduce emissions in transit.
A specialist barrier liner has been fully welded to the interior of Cambrian Packaging’s existing range of tamper-evident buckets. This is expected to prevent oxygen, moisture, UV light, and other external influences from permeating the container from either direction.
It is also anticipated to maintain the bucket’s stability and prevent corrosion when exposed to solvent-based or reactive materials.
Altogether, the liner is designed to maintain packaging stability and product quality throughout long storage periods, including those lasting several months. In turn, the product’s shelf life and consistency are set to improve.
To support internal sustainability goals and reduce liability to the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax, Cambrian Packaging can apply the barrier technology using 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
The company goes on to emphasize that its buckets are suitable for both solvent-based and water-based products without requiring different coatings. Customers can use one SKU across multiple product lines to simplify stock management.
Potential applications include certain food applications, such as fruit fillings, as well as paints, coatings, carpet adhesives, inks, construction materials, and road repair products.
Compared to conventional metal containers, the buckets are set to improve storage efficiency. Up to 748 barrier buckets are expected to fit onto one pallet, whereas only 322 metal buckets will fill the same space – marking a 132% increase in pallet capacity.
This means that a single truck can carry a shipment of 24,684 barrier buckets on 33 pallets. Reportedly, three trucks and 77 pallets would be required to ship the same volume of tin buckets.
The barrier buckets are also intended to help lower transport costs, with one unit weighing 415g – a 57% weight reduction compared to a 973g tin bucket.
According to Cambrian Packaging, these features can help companies reduce their transport-related emissions.
The buckets themselves are designed to resist pressure and vibration without leaking, and to be shaker-approved for mixing and selling without additional processing. Their barrier-specific lids are set to prevent film build-up, reduce product waste, and avoid costly recalls.
The buckets are available in 2.5L, 5L, and 10L sizes. Customers can choose between virgin plastic and 100% PCR variants, and can also opt for in-mould labelling to avoid an extra step for manual labelling.
Low minimum order quantities allow companies to conduct product trials and apply the buckets to new launches – all without high upfront investment or inventory risk.
“We’re excited to be launching our new barrier buckets,” says managing director Adair Simpson. “The innovative technology will be a game-changer for markets that have traditionally relied on tin.
“Whilst tin packaging has its place, it can often be a challenge in terms of recyclability and the added costs involved with its weight and storage capabilities.
“Providing our customers with the best possible packaging options is always our priority, and we’re excited to offer brands a more sustainable, cost-effective solution.
“This innovation not only benefits business operations but also extends product shelf life and delivers a better experience for end users.”
The new range will be displayed on Stand 400 at Surfex 2026.
Last year, Amcor worked alongside Flügger to implement 50% post-consumer recycled plastic into its new paint container. The move was anticipated to reduce virgin plastic without impacting packaging quality or user experience.
Since then, Autopack has launched a semi-automatic bucket line to eliminate the manual effort of separating and orientating empty buckets from a stack. The line is hoped to reduce the initial cost compared to a fully automatic system and serve customers in the food, household, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors.
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