Our Heritage
On this page, you will find Our heritage. From back in the sixties with new types of chemical packaging until now with our durable VARIBOX Intermediate Bulk Containers. Inspired by new materials and technology discovered in the sixties, a group of entrepreneurs founded our company in 1966 and named it Fusion-Rubbermaid. This was the starting point for the rotomolding process, exploring exciting new possibilities of polyethylene plastics. In these years factories started rotomolding in The Netherlands, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, companies that years later merged into the one organization we are today.
1960 – 1970 New types of chemical packaging
The possibilities of the new technology soon led to innovations in the safe packing of chemicals. New products were introduced: polyethylene drums, bottles, silos and tanks soon found their way into the chemical industry and were used for the safe distribution of chemicals. The polyethylene products proved to be tough and durable.
1970 – 1980 The first UN approval on an IBC
In 1970 we introduced a ground-breaking solution for the transport of hazardous chemicals: the Multibox IBC, a polyethylene bottle encased by a metal frame. The Multibox IBC proved to be very strong: impact-resistant, good leakproofness, and resisting hydraulic pressure. Extensively tested by the authorities, the Multibox received our first official UN approval for the transport of dangerous goods – only two years after the United Nations ADR Treaty was entered into force! An IBC range was created with the introduction of the Varitainer IBC in France, Germany, and Switzerland.
The Multibox didn’t stay unnoticed in the industry: the 1970 “Gouden Noot” award for innovative packaging was awarded to the Multibox!
1980 – 1990 Expanding our footprint
20 years after their foundation, the companies in France, Germany, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom joined forces and continued as Bonar Plastics. Our products became available to multiple countries in Western Europe, opening the way into new applications.
1990 – 2000 The first all-plastic IBC
Advancement in materials opened up new possibilities in product design! Our engineers developed all-plastic IBCs in the 90s, replacing the steel cage. Now not only the chemical container itself was resistant and tough, also the exterior construction could cope with the chemical exposure and harsh life. Several all plastic IBCs were introduced in this decennium: Varitainer, Varicube, Multibox-VK, CKMB, and MultiWay.
2000 – 2010 Breakthrough of the double containment IBC – raising the bar in safety
Building on the know-how gained with the all-plastic IBCs we managed to raise the bar in safety with the introduction of the iCon. This all-plastic double-walled IBC ensured spill-containment at any time. Honored with several packaging awards, including another “Gouden Noot” packaging award – 34 years after the first “Gouden Noot“. The iCon set a new standard in the storage and transport of chemicals in IBCs.
2010 – 2020 Safety and sustainability
Today’s IBC is the VARIBOX. Available in several versions, based on the durability and safety levels set by the iCon IBC. Developed for 10 years of intensive use and equipped with a pallet from recycled material the VARIBOX answers the requirements for sustainable packaging. Our engineers managed to develop lightweight solutions resulting in savings of 32% to 42% in material consumption. Ready for the new decade!