I INTERMEDIATE BULK CONTAINERS
Realising the Benefits of Intermediate Bulk Containers ntermediate bulk containers (IBCs) offer Isavings food and drink companies significant cost and efficiency benefits when handling, storing and transporting large quantities of fluids and bulk materials. Lower costs due to reduced handling, storage and transportation charges are a key advantage of using IBCs. They are also hygienic, simple to use and transport and are recyclable. Indeed, IBCs have been devised specifically to save time and money on storage, handling and transport. Protection Throughout the Supply Chain IBCs are designed to offer complete protection for the goods being carried during the full supply chain, from filling and loading through transportation and unloading. IBCs are suitable for transportation by road, rail or sea. IBCs commonly have pallet type bases so that they can be easily moved by forklifts. Another feature is that they can be folded down to produce a more compact profile for transportation and storage when empty. Furthermore, IBCs can be stacked vertically. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, IBCs are made from different materials
including plastic, steel and stainless steel, to suit the characteristics of the product being transported and the specific application required by the user. IBCs can be constructed from materials approved for use with food and drink products and to incorporate easy to clean surfaces to ensure hygiene standards are complied with. IBCs’ can be fitted with flexible liner bags, which are sterile and can be
filled without allowing air into the container. In addition to being a safe, hygienic and secure method for materials handling, IBCs offer increased productivity and lower packaging costs while maximising logistics and handling efficiency. Advantages The IBC storage and transport concept offers users several advantages over alterna-
tive methods: • IBCs are generally cubic in form and consequently are able to transport more material in the same area than cylindrically shaped containers and far more than might be shipped in the same space if packaged in consumer quantities. • IBCs usually incorporate plastic liners which can be filled and discharged using a variety of systems. • IBCs allow food and drink manufacturers to bulk package a product in one country and ship to many other countries or destinations, at a reasonably low cost, where the product is then packaged in final consumer form in accordance with local market and statutory requirements. Because IBCs are a reusable container system, they eliminate the need for large quantities of disposable packaging, associated with other methods of transporting goods, saving on packaging and waste disposal costs. IBCs are reusable, collapsible bulk containers which save space and costs on return journeys. Similarly, reusable plastic IBCs in closed loop supply chains have a significantly lower environmental impact than other rival systems of bulk handling. J
I AUTOMATED HANDLING
Dolav Precision Pallet Takes the Load 1200x1000mm, heavy-duty precision palA let, engineered to easily take heavy loads in highbay, narrow aisle, automated handling systems is now available in the UK and Ireland. Designed for integration in automated handling systems either after build or ideally during construction design, the Dolav MV 1000 polypropylene pallet meets rigorously demanding criteria. In an automated, high-tech warehouse, automatic pickers, conveyors and turntable need every single pallet to behave and perform exactly in the way for which the computerised equipment is programmed. This is exactly what the Dolav MV 1000 precision 50
pallet is designed for and delivers. Temperature performance parameters in use can be -15C to +60C and up to 80C during cleaning. Impact resistance of the new polypropylene compound is 30-50% better than HDPE compound at ambient temperature. This polypropylene Dolav pallet has three integrated skids and is reinforced with three steel bars. The new-design polypropylene Dolav MV 1000 precision pallet meets stringent specifications for maximum loads of 8000 Kg static, 2250 Kg dynamic and racking of 1750 Kg. At 1200X1000x150mm the pallet weighs just 25 FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS EUROPE, JUNE 2012
Kg and deflects less than 3mm in the 23 C ambient heat of the Israeli warehouse for 30 days at a load of 1000Kg on a 1000mm rack opening. Made from food-quality, easy-to clean polypropylene, the pallet is designed to eliminate cavities and all openings are capped. In addition to achieving compliance with FDA/GMP requirements for pharmaceutical environment, Dolav has added options including perforated platform, safety rim, two runners and nine-leg versions for other customers. For further information visit www.dolavuk.co.uk. J