Hazardous Materials Packaging
If you're shipping hazardous materials, choosing the correct packaging isn't optional. It's required. Learn what UN-rated packaging means, when it's required, and which M&M Industries products are available in UN-certified configurations.
A UN-rated plastic pail is a container that has been tested and certified to meet the performance standards established by the United Nations for the safe transportation of hazardous materials.
These containers undergo rigorous testing to evaluate their ability to withstand conditions that may occur during shipping and handling, including:
Drop Testing
Leakproof Testing
(when applicable)
Stack Load Testing
Vibration Testing
Pressure Testing
(for certain packaging types)
Regulatory Verification
UN certification helps ensure hazardous materials can be transported safely while meeting transportation regulations.
A certified package provides confidence that the container has been tested for specific performance requirements, not simply manufactured from durable plastic.
Not every product requires UN-rated packaging. However, if your product is classified as a hazardous material for transportation under regulations established by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), a UN-rated container may be required.
Common products that may require UN-rated packaging include:
Industrial chemicals
Cleaning chemicals
Hazardous powders
Chlorine
Solvents
Specialty adhesives
Certain paints and coatings
Specialty industrial products
Product
→
Classification
→
UN Package
→
Transportation
Because regulations vary based on the product being shipped, it's important to verify your packaging requirements before selecting a container.
UN markings provide important information about the packaging's performance. Here's how the marking appears on the bottom of three common M&M pail types, and what each part of the code tells you.
1H2
/
Y
30
/
S
/
26
USA
M2074
Solids
1H2
Packaging Type (Round)
Y
Packaging Level
30
Weight for Solids (kg)
S
Solids
26
Year of Manufacturing
USA
Where Made
M2074
M&M Location Code
3H2
/
Y
30
/
S
/
26
USA
M2074
Solids
3H2
Packaging Type (Square/Rectangle)
Y
Packaging Level
30
Weight for Solids (kg)
S
Solids
26
Year of Manufacturing
USA
Where Made
M2074
M&M Location Code
1H2
/
Y
1.5
/
30
/
26
USA
M2074
Liquids
1H2
Packaging Type (Round)
Y
Packaging Level
1.5
Specific Gravity (kg)
30
Hydro Static Test Pressure (KPAs)
26
Year of Manufacturing
USA
Where Made
M2074
M&M Location Code
M&M Industries offers several plastic pail solutions that are available in UN-rated configurations for qualifying applications. Because UN certification is based on the specific pail, cover, and tested configuration, availability varies by product and intended use.
Each UN-rated configuration is engineered and tested to meet specific performance requirements. The appropriate pail depends on factors such as your product, packaging group, fill weight, closure system, and transportation requirements.
If you're unsure which UN-rated configuration is right for your application, the M&M Industries team can help you identify the appropriate solution based on your product and regulatory requirements.
Not every pail and cover (or package) manufactured by M&M Industries is certified for UN hazardous material transportation.
Whether a pail is UN-rated depends on its specific design, testing, and intended application, not simply the material it is made from.
Our team can help identify whether a specific product configuration is available with UN certification.
UN Compatible
May be available in configurations that have earned UN certification.
Not every variation is certified.
UN Rated
Has been tested and certified as a complete package.
Approved for specific hazardous material applications.
The answer depends on the material you're packaging and the regulations governing its transportation.
If you're unsure whether your product requires UN-rated packaging, M&M Industries can help guide you through the selection process.
Our team works with customers across a wide range of industries to recommend packaging solutions that meet both performance expectations and regulatory requirements.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most about UN-rated packaging. Have a question that isn't covered here? Our team is happy to help.
A UN-rated plastic pail is a container that has been tested and certified to meet United Nations performance standards for transporting hazardous materials. It goes through testing such as drop, stack load, and vibration testing, plus leakproof and pressure testing where applicable. The UN marking on the pail shows that it passed the required testing for its intended packaging group, identifies the approved packaging configuration and performance level, and indicates it complies with applicable transportation regulations.
No. UN certification applies only to specific pail and lid combinations that have successfully completed the required performance testing for their intended use. A pail that is available in a UN-rated configuration isn't automatically UN-rated in every variation.
Not if the regulations for your material require UN-rated packaging. The right package depends on the material, its hazard classification, packaging group, fill weight or specific gravity, and mode of transportation. Even when a pail is available in a UN-rated version, the exact pail, lid, and closure configuration must meet the requirements for your specific application, so always verify those requirements before shipping. If you need help identifying an M&M Industries pail available in a UN-rated configuration, our team can help you evaluate your options.
A UN-rated pail may be required when your product is classified as a hazardous material for transportation under regulations from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). That can include certain industrial chemicals, solvents, paints, adhesives, and powders, but requirements vary by product and should be verified before selecting a container.
Our packaging specialists can recommend the proper pail based on your product, fill weight, packaging group, and transportation requirements.
