Cost pressure in the European polymer market is relentless. Import competition, recycled polymer substitution and energy-driven price volatility squeeze margins from every direction. When logistics becomes a cost problem on top of market pressure, supply chains become fragile. One contamination incident, one missed delivery to a converter with no buffer stock, one unexplained quality reject and the commercial damage can exceed an entire year's logistics savings.
Den Hartogh DryBulk is an experienced polymer logistics provider operating across Europe, the UK and Ireland. We combine operational strength with service quality, delivering PE, PP, PVC, PET, polycarbonate, ABS and PTA in bulk, with repacking and depacking services for customers managing multiple supply chain formats.
Procurement managers and supply chain directors in the polymer sector know the risk: a contaminated load does not just mean a rejected batch. It triggers a customer complaint, a quality investigation, a potential suspension of supply approval, and a very difficult conversation with your largest converter account.
Standard bulk hauliers do not always understand polymer-specific contamination risks: the wrong liner material, residue from a previous load with incompatible chemistry, a pressure tank that was not properly cleaned between cargoes. Den Hartogh operates dedicated polymer equipment with product-specific contamination controls, built for the consequences of getting it wrong, not just the convenience of moving tonnes.
We transport a full range of polymer and plastic products in bulk:
Regular bulk transport lanes managed by a dedicated account manager with full OTIF monitoring and proactive capacity planning. Quick response to volume fluctuations, built for the pace of a competitive polymer market where spot shortages and volume spikes are routine. Port-to-plant capability across Europe, UK and Ireland.
We convert between packed and bulk formats: repack bulk polymer into big bags or sacks, or depack bagged product into bulk flows. This flexibility supports customers managing multiple supply chain formats, producers who sell both bulk and bagged, converters who receive in bulk but manufacture in smaller quantities, and traders managing mixed-format import flows.
Our polymer logistics team provides product-specific guidance on loading, discharge, contamination prevention and equipment selection. We work directly with your technical and quality teams to ensure first-time-right delivery, not first-time-problem, then-fix. Equipment recommendations are based on the specific melt flow, particle size and sensitivity of your grade.
Full supply chain management from port collection through intermodal transport to final delivery at converter sites. We coordinate port handling, customs clearance, inland transport and final mile delivery, one contract, one contact, end-to-end.
Buffer storage at European hubs decouples your supply from volatile import cycles and absorbs seasonal demand peaks. We hold your polymer in dedicated, contamination-controlled containers close to converter sites, ready for immediate dispatch when orders come in. This flexibility supports buyers managing long lead times from producers in Asia or the Middle East, traders positioning stock close to European customers, and converters who need just-in-time delivery without tying up working capital in permanent warehouse space.
Den Hartogh's contamination-free approach to polymer logistics includes:
Tell us about your transport requirements and we will come back to you with a concrete proposal. Whether you are tendering, facing a capacity issue or looking for a long-term partner for your drybulk polymer and plastic flows, we are ready to help.
Does Den Hartogh transport recycled polymer (rPET, rHDPE) as well as virgin polymer?
Yes. Den Hartogh transports both virgin and recycled polymer grades in bulk. We apply the same contamination-prevention procedures for recycled as for virgin material. Contact us to discuss equipment requirements and cleaning protocols for your specific grade.
What is the advantage of BIB container transport versus big bag logistics for polymers?
BIB containers offer higher capacity per shipment, lower packaging cost and intermodal flexibility versus big bag logistics. For high-volume regular lanes, bulk BIB transport typically delivers a lower total cost of logistics. Repacking services are available for customers who need both bulk and bagged formats simultaneously.
Can Den Hartogh help with polymer distribution from port to inland converters?
Yes. Our door-to-door polymer logistics covers full port-to-plant distribution, including port handling, intermodal transport and final mile delivery to converter facilities across Europe, the UK and Ireland.
How does Den Hartogh prevent polymer contamination between different grades?
We use custom liners selected for your specific polymer grade, dedicated polymer equipment scheduling, and documented cleaning verification between loads. Our operations team provides equipment recommendations based on the specific characteristics of your product, particle size, melt flow index and contamination sensitivity.
What is the typical cost advantage of bulk polymer transport versus big bag?
Bulk BIB transport eliminates packaging costs (big bags, pallets, wrapping) and typically delivers higher payload per vehicle movement than big bag equivalents. On established lanes, total logistics cost per tonne can be 20-40% lower than big bag logistics for high-volume flows. Contact us for a lane-specific comparison.
Den Hartogh has extended its portfolio with state-of-the-art pressurised tanks. These tanks are designed to safely transport a wide range of dry bulk products, including polymers, chemicals, minerals, dry bulk food products, fine powders and various others in and around Europe.
Our tanks are constructed of high-strength materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of intermodal travel ensuring the safety and integrity of the product during transportation.
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In the dynamic landscape of logistics, we present our latest service tailored for the contemporary, eco-conscious business: A comprehensive, end-to-end logistics solution for Recycled Dry Bulk Products in Europe. At Den Hartogh, we understand the intricate challenges of managing the logistics of recycled products.
Our century-long expertise in logistics and commitment to operational excellence allow us to present a simplified, efficient, and streamlined package that addresses every stage of the Recycled Dry Bulk Product journey.
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Intermodal transport is the preferred way to move freight over longer distances.
It optimally combines various modes of tank container transport.
This method has proven to be a safe, cost-effective, flexible and sustainable way to ensure that shipments are efficiently carried to their destinations.
Owning over 900 trucks, we can provide both regional as well as international transport.
So no matter where your products need to go, we’ll make sure they get there.
Every year, the fleet is expanded with dozens of high-standard new trucks, which are then provided with annual functionality updates by Den Hartogh’s dedicated M&R department.
