Some flexible tanks can be used as transport containers on trucks, ships, or aeroplanes, with some suitable for use in airdrops, helicopter swing, or hauling water.
Flexible tanks can be made of high-tensile strength polyester fabric, with elastomer or plastomer (PU, PVC, nitrile) coated on both sides.
Flexible tanks "made of fabric sandwiched between layers of rubber-like material" were advertised by ICI in 1959 as ways of carrying "all kinds of liquids from formaldehyde to fruit juice", and to "hold with equal safety anything from acids to drinking water."
Advantages over rigid storage systems include low cost, less algae growth, lower groundwater contamination, and less evaporation and seepage.
[7] Flexi-bags offer an alternative to ISO tank containers for shipping oils, juices, wines, food-grade liquids and nonhazardous chemicals across the globe.