Temporary vs. Permanent Bunding: Choosing the Right Spill Containment Solution

For businesses handling hazardous liquids, bunding solutions are an essential component of spill containment and regulatory compliance. Whether in industrial plants, warehouses, or transportation hubs, bunding minimises environmental risks, protects employees, and prevents costly clean-ups.

Most professionals in spill management understand the need for bunding, one question seems to keep coming up: should you choose temporary or permanent bunding?

Each has its strengths and is suited to different applications and business needs, but there are important difference to consider.

Here’s our helpful guide on what you need to consider when choosing the right bunding solution for you:

Temporary Bunding: Flexible and Adaptable

Temporary bunding is designed for short-term or evolving work environments, providing an efficient spill containment option without the long-term installation requirements. These solutions are particularly useful in:

Construction sites where temporary storage of hazardous substances is necessary.
Maintenance and workshop areas requiring flexible spill control.
Fuel and chemical transfer zones within transport and logistics operations.

The Key Benefits of Temporary Bunding:

Ease of set-up – Quick to install, remove, or relocate.
Cost-effective – Lower upfront investment compared to permanent solutions.
Adaptability – Suitable for operations requiring frequent changes in layout.
Compliance assistance – Provides temporary protection in situations where permanent bunding is not feasible.

Common Temporary Bunding Options:

Collapsible bunds – Ideal for drum storage and vehicle maintenance areas.
Portable floor bunding – Creates instant containment zones for various workspaces.
Drive-over bunding – Allows vehicle access while maintaining spill control.

Permanent Bunding: Reliable and Long-Term Protection

For businesses that handle hazardous material on an ongoing or long-term basis, permanent bunding offers a study and lasting spill containment solution. These fixed barriers are commonly used in:

Industrial facilities and manufacturing plants with large-scale chemical storage.
Fuel depots and refuelling stations where continuous spill protection is required.
Warehouses handling hazardous goods under strict compliance regulations.

The Key Benefits of Permanent Bunding:

Durability – Designed for long-term, heavy-duty use.
Regulatory compliance – Helps meet stringent environmental and workplace safety regulations.
Minimal maintenance – Requires less frequent replacement compared to temporary bunding.
Enhanced containment – Provides superior spill control and risk mitigation.

Common Permanent Bunding Options:

Concrete bunding – A high-strength option for industrial applications.
Steel and polyurethane bunds – Resistant to harsh chemicals and impact damage.
Fixed floor bunding – Ideal for designated spill containment zones.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

When determining the best bunding solution, consider the following factors:

Duration of use – Temporary bunding is best for short-term projects, while permanent bunding suits ongoing operations.
Mobility requirements – If your site layout changes frequently, portable bunding is the better option.
Regulatory needs – Industries with strict spill containment regulations often require permanent solutions.
Budget constraints – Temporary bunding provides flexibility at a lower initial cost.

Find the Right Bunding Solution with Bunding Solutions

At Bunding Solutions, we are experts in high-performance spill containment solutions tailored to your industry requirements. Whether you need portable bunding for temporary applications or fixed bunding for long-term safety, we offer expert advice and high-quality products to meet your needs.

Get in touch today to discuss the best bunding solution for your business.