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Interview in the AECQ
A fantastic interview in the AECQ, – Our sales representive for Spain, Portugal and Italy, Christophe Maricourt had an interview for the AECQ. This interview gives some good insight in our VARIBOX Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) brand, our team, current marketing situation in Spain and the impact for VARIBOX of being member of the AECQ. Scroll down and discover more!
Safer
Reusable
Sustainable
VARIBOX is a well-known brand for designing and manufacturing of safe, reuseable and sustainable chemical packaging for the transport and storage of industrial chemicals and detergents. VARIBOX has two rotational moulding production plants, one in Montoir-de-Bretagne, France and one in Deventer, The Netherlands.
We excel in offering GRG/IBC containers and innovative systems that ensure safety, reusability and sustainability in the transport and storage of hazardous substances. Our products are designed to meet the highest quality and safety standards. We are committed to providing our customers with solutions that are tailored to their needs, offering expert advice and ongoing technical support.
We work in a variety of industrial sectors, including chemical distribution, detergents, water treatment, waste management and energy. Our services cover reaching customers across Europe with the aim of contributing to safer, more reusable and more environmentally transportation of chemical products.
Driven by advances in materials and technologies discovered in the 1960s, a group of entrepreneurs founded our company in 1966, calling it Fusion-Rubbermaid. This was the beginning of the rotational moulding process and the exploration of the new possibilities offered by polyethylene plastics. During these years, rotational moulding plants were established in the Netherlands, France, Germany and the UK, companies that later merged to form the organisation we are today. The possibilities of the new technology soon led to innovations in the safe packaging of chemicals. New products such as polyethylene drums, canisters, silos and tanks were introduced and quickly found their place in the chemical industry. Polyethylene products proved to be strong and durable for the safe distribution of chemicals.
In the 1970s, we designed the first plastic IBC officially approved by the UN for the transport of dangerous goods, just two years after the UN ADR Treaty came into force. As pioneers, we continue to innovate. In the 1990s, our engineers developed the first all-plastic IBC, eliminating the need for a steel cage. Since then, not only was the inner container robust and strong, but the outer construction could also withstand exposure to chemicals and wear and tear. All these innovations and knowledge accumulated over time led, in 2012, to the creation of the new generations of VARIBOX IBCs for even more efficient and safer distribution of chemicals.
Could you explain more about VARIBOX?
In 2010 we started designing a new concept packaging, a reusable plastic container with a shelf life of up to 10 years. Two years later, we succeeded in producing a lighter and more sustainable IBC with savings of 32-42% in raw material consumption that can be reused by chemical distributors for 10 years. This innovative new container, the VARIBOX SC with robust discharge valve, was launched in 2012. For ADR purposes, with the replacement of the inner container (bottle) after 5 years (in 2017) and the subsequent 5 years of use until 2022, the concept of reusing the container for 10 years has been proven and tested by our customers.
In 2014, we developed a new IBC, a first cousin of the VARIBOX SC. This is the VARIBOX FC, an advanced and sustainable IBC that combines the safety DNA and versatility of the VARIBOX SC with the efficiency of a double-walled construction for the closed-loop transfer of chemical and industrial liquids. The unique design of the double-walled VARIBOX ensures the protection of the environment and people, minimizing the risk of contamination and leakage.
The team of VARIBOX us made up of professionals with experience and knowledge. Composed of engineers, designers, sales and logistics specialists, each member contributes the vision of a future where chemicals and detergents are safely packed without creating waste. The engineers ensure product functionality and safety, as well as material compatibility and environmental impact. Designers create ergonomic and reusable solutions that enhance the user experience. Our logistics experts streamline supply chain processes for the customers. And the VARIBOX account managers are fully focused on the customers. Through attentive listening, they ensure that customers’ needs are not only met, but exceeded, building trust and loyalty.
With a shared vision, the VARIBOX team pushed forward on challenges, constantly pushing the boundaries to deliver sustainable reusable and safe packaging for chemicals and detergents.
The current situation of the chemical distribution sector in Spain shows a sustained recovery from recent challenges. Demand for chemical products has increased, driven by the reactivation of the manufacturing industry and the growing focus on sustainability, which encourages innovation in more environmentally friendly products.
For our company, the outlook is positive in the coming months. We are optimistic about continued growth due to our investments in sustainable technologies and the expansion of our distribution capacity. We anticipate increased demand for our containers, especially those that comply with stricter environmental regulations. In addition, we are exploring new market opportunities and strengthening our relationships with key customers to ensure stable growth. In summary, we see a favorable outlook with significant opportunities to strengthen our market position.
Our VARIBOX Intermediate Bulk Containers
We provide packaging for chemical distribution that excels in safety, reusability, and sustainability.
VARIBOX
Single Containment
VARIBOX
Full Containment
VARIBOX
Compact Containment
VARIBOX
Drumtainer
Prior to joining AECQ, our company operated within its own bubble, lacking a comprehensive understanding of the wider Spanish chemical sector. However, membership has been transformative. We now actively participate in the association’s working groups, which foster the exchange and adoption of best practices, and keep us abreast of regulatory changes and the evolving needs of the sector. AECQ serves as a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, allowing us to contribute and benefit from collective expertise. Our approach has always been to prioritize the improvement of products and their adaptation to the needs of the industry. AECQ’s actions have helped us to better understand the industry’s requirements and to optimize our approach to more effectively meet the needs of the sector. By aligning ourselves with industry standards and encouraging innovation, our products have become more competitive and relevant. AECQ membership has not only strengthened our company’s position, but has also enriched our relationship with the industry, driving mutual growth and sustainability.
Entities such as the AECQ must play a crucial role in the promotion of quality, safety and sustainability standards in the chemical sector. Encourage collaboration between companies, facilitating the exchange of best practices and promote the development of technological innovations. In addition, it is essential that entities such as the AECQ work to represent and defend the interests of the sector before the regulatory authorities, ensuring a favourable legislative framework adapted to the needs of the industry.
AECQ’s influence on our company is remarkable. Thanks to its work, we have gained a better understanding of the industry’s demands, which has allowed us to adjust and improve our product and service offerings. Their training programmes have helped us keep abreast of industry best practices and regulations.
In short, AECQ plays a vital role in strengthening the chemical sector in Spain. Its work in promoting quality standards, facilitating innovation and representing the interests of the sector is crucial to the continued development and success of companies like ours.
Contact
Want to know more about the VARIBOX range tailored to your needs?
Christophe Maricourt
Sales Representative Southern Europe
+34 672 690 456
christophe.maricourt@varibox-ibc.com