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Brenntag, a proud user of the VARIBOX SC for 10 years
Brenntag, a proud user of the VARIBOX Single Containment (SC) Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) for 10 years. During the design phase of the VARIBOX Single Containment 10 years ago, our customer Brenntag NV was actively involved in the development of the new safe and durable IBC that resulted in the VARIBOX SC. As the first customer in Europe outside of France to purchase VARIBOX, we looked back in time, but also into the future with Mr. Kurt Blomme, Director of Operations at Brenntag NV. Brenntag is the global market leader in the distribution of chemicals and ingredients. The 17,000 employees are dedicated to providing tailor-made application, marketing, and supply chain solutions. Technical and formulation support, market, industry and regulatory expertise, and advanced digital tools are just a few examples of the services that aim to create an excellent customer experience.
Safety
Reusability
Sustainability
In 2011, Mr. Blomme you became part of the VARIBOX adventure by working with our development team on this new packaging, could you tell us why?
At that time, we had been working with the VARITAINER for many years, we were happy with this packaging from Promens. But we also had business development plans where we wanted to develop the food market. So, in 2011 it was the right time to think about a new reusable Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) that could meet our demand for food products and of course in a second phase for UN-classified products. We needed packaging without visible metal and wood. So, for us, the next generation of IBCs should be all-plastic, sustainable, pollution-free, reusable, and repairable packaging. In short, we wanted to find a new packaging concept with even more qualities than the VARITAINER and I think we succeeded.
In March 2012, when you received your first VARIBOX truckloads, what were your expectations and the reactions of your customers?
As mentioned before, we made the decision to move from the 800L multi-rotation pack VARITAINER to 1000L with the VARIBOX, and this decision has been received very well by our customers. The perceived quality and design of the VARIBOX have been a great asset for us and our customers.
It has been received very well by our customers because, the design of the VARIBOX makes it very easy to clean, which is important for us, we want to provide clean packaging. But next to the aesthetic aspect, safety is paramount. The protection of our employees and customers by the pallet and the cover, the choice of valves that have been tested over a long period of time, the standardization of the valves, and the color codes with the cover have enabled our customers to adopt it quickly.
Today you have a fleet of several thousand VARIBOX, what is your view after 10 years of intensive use?
We have indeed invested heavily in the VARIBOX because its approvals and resistance allow us to transport and store a wide range of chemicals. The exterior is perfectly resistant to external degradation of time and climate, but above all to our intensive use and the handling of our customers. The VARIBOX is a durable and impact-resistant IBC that has proven its reliability with our high turnover. We have a lot of confidence in this packaging which justifies the large number of VARIBOX we use to date.
Easy and quick maintenance for the change of the cover was an essential point in the specifications, Mr. Blomme could you please clarify why this was so important?
Well, we have an integrated maintenance service that removes the cover to change the inner container after 5 years, and their feedback is positive – maintenance is easy and quick. In addition, in the event of a major impact, every part of the VARIBOX can be repaired and replaced quickly.
I also would like to add that the VARIBOX is made of PE with metal reinforcement bars, so it is 100% recyclable. This is a key point for us, for our commitment to reducing our waste but also our carbon footprint.
As you mentioned before safety is a very important point for Brenntag, how does the use of VARIBOX enhance safety in your daily chemical delivery operations?
Safety and cleanliness are very important to Brenntag. We have a high safety standard and want to protect the environment, our employees and our customers. By using the reliable SAFI valve based on a robust design on the VARIBOX we can give the users full satisfaction. Next to that, the overall regulatory monitoring, documentation, and certification are perfect, and I would like to emphasize this point about the professionalism of the VARIBOX brand.
After 10 years of using the VARIBOX SC intensively and changing covers and inner containers, what is your overall satisfaction and what are your expectations for the future?
All the qualities of the VARIBOX have enabled us to change our entire fleet of multi-trip IBCs. Its robustness and manufacturing quality allow us to go beyond the 10 years of intensive usage that we aimed for in 2011. Our first VARIBOX containers of 2012 have just undergone their third successful inner container change. Looking ahead, we hope to be able to use our VARIBOX IBCs for many years to come and keep working closely with the VARIBOX teams.
All in all, we are satisfied with the VARIBOX for our own operations and for the operations of our customers.
Brenntag, a proud user of the VARIBOX SC for 10 years!
VARIBOX Single Containment the truly reusable IBC for the transport of chemicals. For more information click on the button below!
VARIBOX SC 1000L
The VARIBOX SC is a rotomolded IBC with a lifetime of up to 10 years. Only the inner container needs to be replaced for up to 5 years. The truly reusable VARIBOX SC is the only IBC from VARIBOX which is available with coding colors and logos to match your company profile. The perfect way to differentiate your containers from your competition.
