Berry Global has achieved a significant milestone in the packaging of hazardous liquids through its advanced technical and manufacturing capabilities. The company has successfully launched 20 and 25-liter containers that incorporate 35% recycled materials, earning them UN Approval for the safe transportation of hazardous substances for five out of six assessed liquid models.
In addition to the existing UN approval for water, these newly introduced containers have obtained approval for wetting solution, acetic acid, white spirit, and N-butyl acetate.
This introduction of environmentally conscious containers to Berry Global's popular Optimum range serves to assist companies in achieving their sustainability objectives and meeting consumer demands for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Furthermore, it aids businesses in complying with upcoming legislation that mandates a minimum level of recycled material in packaging.
The incorporation of 35% recycled HDPE (rHDPE) into the Optimum containers posed a technical challenge in attaining UN accreditation. The material's composition can sometimes yield inconsistent results during processing, but UN approval necessitates a stable and repeatable process to ensure the quality and consistent performance of the final container.
To address this challenge, Berry sources its rHDPE from controlled sources, focusing primarily on post-industrial packaging such as IBCs, drums, and HDPE canisters. This approach minimizes material variations. Additionally, these containers remain lightweight, reducing the material needed for production and facilitating ease of handling for end-users.
Rudolph Pfeiffer, General Manager for Berry Global BMS, expressed, "We believe these new containers offer one of the highest contents of recycled material with UN approval currently available on the market. We are very pleased to be able to provide our customers with a solution to the packaging of challenging products that supports their sustainability commitments without compromising on quality or performance."
The new Optimum containers are available with standard DIN61 and ASTM63 neck finishes, making them compatible with various standard and vented closures. They can also be customized in various colors. The containers are designed with interlocking tops and bases, enabling safe and convenient stacking.
These containers find applications in various industries, including chemicals, hazardous materials, agriculture, horticulture, automotive care, and pool care. Berry Global is currently developing additional container sizes to expand its product offering.
