When goods are transported from A to B, things do not always happen according to plan – accidents may occur, or the transport packaging may have to resist difficult conditions. Especially for easily flammable substances, this can become a problem. A new combination IBC by Schütz now offers filling goods double protection. The company also uses recyclates for their three-layer IBC containers.

The double wall construction of the Schütz Ecobulk SX-D offers additional safety and leakage protection during transport. This is enhanced by the closed, fire-resistant outer hull made of steel. Should the HDPE inner container melt or sustain any damage due to heat, the outer steel hull prevents products from leaking out.

Ecobulk SX-D by Schütz offers protection in case of fires

If the inner container should be damaged by fire, the contents of the IBC are still protected by the steel outer hull. (Image: Schütz)

The steel hull is not only completely sealed, it is crimped and welded to the steel base. This way, it acts as an additional liquid-proof container. When storing flammable substances, the construction of the Ecobulk SX-D can also offer added protection in the case of fire. The container thus offers advantages especially for the chemical industry.

All in all, IBCs are used to transport chemicals, hazardous substances and sensitive goods like food and must therefore conform to special requirements. As the first combination IBC, the Ecobulk SX-D was awarded the label “FM Approved” by the industrial property insurance company FM Global. To win this award, the container had to pass an unusually demanding fire test and a comprehensive production audit.

Empty to the last drop

Like the outer hull of the container, the filling opening and the discharge bungs are fitted with steel screw caps for protection. Their bayonet catch means they can be easily and quickly taken off and mounted without the need for tools.

The filling goods are discharged by a pump system through the Schütz dip-tube. The discharge pipe reaches the lowest point of the inner container, making near complete emptying of the IBC possible. The closed discharge system also prevents contact with the product, even in case of emitted vapours.

Sustainability of transport packaging

When emptying the Ecobulk SX-D, the discharge pipe reaches down to the bottom and achieves near complete emptying. (Image: Schütz)

In addition to its double wall IBCs with an outer hull of steel, the company has introduced the Green Layer Series. To make sure there is a sufficient quantity of recyclates available, cooperation with partners along the entire value chain is important. For example, empty packaging can be returned to Schütz. According the company’s own statements, there is a constant effort to recondition HDPE and use it in the manufacture of new packaging components.

Schütz uses 3- or 6-layer extrusion blow moulding systems and is able to add 30 percent of naturally coloured recyclates during the manufacture of inner containers. The recyclate flows into the middle layer of the inner bubble, so that the innermost and the outermost layer continue to be made of new HDPE. Even though this means that the products only come into contact with virgin material, it nevertheless saves new material.