About Us
Contan designs and manufactures lightweight plastic buckets and pails for paint, chemical and bulk food applications.
Our fully recyclable polypropylene (PP) buckets and lids are designed to seal securely to prevent leakage during transit or storage.
Our high speed injection moulding and printing facility is located in Johannesburg, supported by well-established sales and distribution centres nationwide, with networks across southern Africa.
We partner with our customers to develop the optimal solution by managing the complete process from design to manufacture and delivery.
Our extended service includes technical field support, analytical testing and microbiological analysis offered by Quality Services.
Design First provides in-house packaging research, development and creative design support, working closely with our dedicated mould design, manufacture and maintenance division, Mould Services.
We work with paint manufacturers, chemical companies, food processors and medical facilities of all sizes to optimise bucket design for product protection, handling safety and brand visibility, whether you are launching a new product or refreshing an established range.
Our Buckets & Pails
Contan specialises in nestable buckets and straight sided pails for the paint, coatings and chemicals industry, available with functional lids including osmosis inserts, gaskets and pull/pour systems. See our award-winning OctoGripTM lid locking technology to prevent accidental spills.
Our specialist range of medical waste buckets are industry approved for the safe containment of syringes and blades; and the hygienic disposal of hazardous medical and pharmaceutical waste.
For bulk food products for the catering and foodservice sector – see our range, internationally accredited for food safety, with outstanding in-mould label (IML) and high definition print decoration.
We partner with you to develop the optimal solution by managing the complete process from design and manufacture to delivery.
Explore our generic bucket range or partner with us to create something unique for your brand!
Paint & Coatings Buckets
Designed for solvent-based and water-based paints, varnishes, primers and industrial coatings. Available in 1L to 25L sizes with secure-sealing lids, in-mould labels (IML) and high-definition print decoration for maximum shelf impact.
Chemical & Industrial Pails
Straight-sided pails suitable for adhesives, lubricants, cleaning chemicals and industrial compounds. Chemical-resistant PP construction with tamper-evident closures and optional UN-approved designs for hazardous materials.
Food-Grade Buckets
Our food-grade bucket range is internationally accredited for food safety, ideal for bulk catering ingredients, sauces, spreads, dairy products and confectionery. Features outstanding in-mould label (IML) and high-definition print decoration for foodservice and retail applications.
Explore complementary food packaging
Medical Waste Buckets
Our specialist range of medical waste buckets are industry-approved for the safe containment of syringes, blades and sharps, and the hygienic disposal of hazardous medical and pharmaceutical waste. Compliant with South African healthcare waste regulations.
Explore Our Bucket Range
- 1L – 5L Nestable Buckets: Ideal for retail paint, small-batch chemicals and food products
- 10L – 20L Industrial Pails: Heavy-duty straight-sided pails for bulk coatings and industrial applications
- 25L Large Capacity Buckets: For foodservice, catering and large-volume chemical products
- Medical Waste Buckets: 5L, 10L and 20L sharps containers and hazardous waste disposal units
Want a custom solution?
Partner with us to create something unique for your brand! Our Design First team can develop bespoke bucket designs, custom colours, and branded decoration options.
Technical Specifications
Bucket Type | Sizes Available | Lid Options | Suitable For | Key Features |
Nestable Paint Bucket | 1L – 20L | OctoGrip™, osmosis insert, gasket | Paint, coatings, varnish | Stackable, IML decoration, tamper-evident |
Straight-Sided Pail | 10L – 25L | Secure-seal, pull/pour system | Chemicals, adhesives, lubricants | Chemical-resistant, UN-approved options |
Food-Grade Bucket | 5L – 20L | Food-safe lids, IML decoration | Bulk food, sauces, dairy, confectionery | Food-safe PP, high-definition print |
Medical Waste Bucket | 5L – 20L | Sharps-safe lids, secure closure | Syringes, blades, hazardous medical waste | Industry-approved, puncture-resistant, hygienic |
Sustainability and Recycling
Did you know? Contan manufactures South Africa's first multilayer bucket containing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, reducing virgin plastic use while maintaining performance and safety.
Why Choose Contan for Buckets and Pails?
Award-Winning Innovation
Contan’s OctoGrip™ lid locking technology won Gold at the 2021 Gold Pack Awards, recognising our commitment to innovation, safety and user convenience. Our buckets also include South Africa’s first multilayer bucket containing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
Read more:
Fully Recyclable Polypropylene (PP)
Contan buckets are made from 100% recyclable polypropylene (PP), supporting South Africa’s circular plastics economy. PP is widely recycled and can be reprocessed into new buckets, automotive parts and industrial products.
Learn more about Polyoak’s circular plastics commitment
Proven Expertise Across Industries
With decades of experience in paint, chemical, food and medical packaging, Contan understands the specific requirements of each sector—from chemical resistance and food safety to tamper evidence and safe disposal.
Integrated Design, Tooling and Quality Support
By working closely with Design First, Mould Services and Quality Services, we offer an integrated solution from concept and design through to tooling, testing, decoration and ongoing optimisation. This helps reduce risk, shorten development timelines and ensure your packaging is fit for purpose.
Explore these specialist divisions:
Nationwide Supply and Support
With manufacturing in Johannesburg and distribution centres across South Africa, Contan ensures reliable supply, fast turnaround times and local technical support for your production needs.
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Frequently asked questions
What sizes of plastic buckets does Contan manufacture?
Contan manufactures buckets and pails from 1L to 25L, suitable for paint, chemicals, food and medical waste applications. Custom sizes are available on request.
Are Contan buckets food-safe?
Yes. Our food-grade bucket range is internationally accredited for food safety and suitable for bulk catering ingredients, sauces, dairy products and confectionery. All food-grade buckets are manufactured from virgin, food-safe polypropylene (PP).
What is OctoGrip™ lid technology?
OctoGrip™ is Contan’s award-winning lid locking system that prevents accidental spills, provides superior tamper evidence and ensures a secure seal during transit and storage. It won Gold at the 2021 Gold Pack Awards.
Can I customise the bucket design and decoration?
Absolutely. We offer custom bucket design through our Design First division, plus in-mould labelling (IML), high-definition printing, embossing and custom colour matching. Learn more
Are Contan buckets recyclable?
Yes. All Contan buckets are made from 100% recyclable polypropylene (PP), supporting South Africa’s circular plastics economy. We also manufacture buckets containing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
Do you supply lids and closures as well as buckets?
Yes. We supply a full range of functional lids including OctoGrip™ locking lids, osmosis inserts, gaskets, pull/pour systems and tamper-evident closures—all designed to work seamlessly with our buckets.