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VARIBOX Support
Welcome to VARIBOX support. On this page, you will find support videos and FAQs to help you with your questions. We know that the safe and reusable VARIBOX IBCs are being used for many different applications in many different markets. Therefore it could be that your question/answer is not included in the support section. If so, please contact our Customer Service, they are glad to help further.
Safer
Reusable
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VARIBOX Support Frequently Asked Questions
The safe and reusable VARIBOX Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are being used in many different applications in multiple markets. On this block, you will find an overview of the Frequently Asked Questions about the VARIBOX IBCs.
Safeline Performance
The VARIBOX Safeline system Performance version is an easy-to-use system consisting of an extractor tube in the container that can be connected to your system by using a coupler. This allows your product can be pumped out of the VARIBOX without opening the IBC. This ensures that chemical products and toxic fumes cannot escape from the IBC.
Safeline Precision
The VARIBOX Safeline system precision version is an easy-to-use system consisting of an extractor tube in the container that can be connected to your system by using a coupler. This allows your product can be pumped out of the VARIBOX without opening the IBC. This ensures that chemical products and toxic fumes cannot escape from the IBC.
NS4 Extractor Tube
The NS4 extractor tube is a tube in the VARIBOX that reaches the lowest point of the inner container. A counter coupler can be connected to the top of the NS4 extractor tube. This allows your product can be pumped out of the VARIBOX without opening the container. This ensures that chemical products and toxic fumes cannot escape from the IBC.
EPDM or Viton Seals
VARIBOX IBCs are available in two main versions. EPDM (Red) or Viton (Green). These versions will also come back in the seals in the screw cap, combi vent, Safeline System, and level sensors. Seals ensure the leak tightness of closures, so chemicals and fumes stay inside. This FAQ helps you to choose the right one for your application.
Pressure Relief Vent
The VARIBOX has an aerator and a pressure relief vent as standard. The pressure relief vent is a membrane in the screwcap of the VARIBOX container. This membrane allows gas, but not liquid to pass through. This pressure relief vent equalizes overpressure in our IBCs.
Level Sensors
The VARIBOX FC or CC can be equipped with level sensors. This FAQ contains questions about the three available versions: the empty sensor, low-level sensor and the full sensor. Your system can be connected to those sensors and sends a signal when the VARIBOX is almost empty, empy or full. This signal can be used to send an alarm or switch off the pump.
Ball Valve
This FAQ Ball Valve contains frequently asked questions about the ball valve that is installed on the VARIBOX SC 1000L and 800L IBCs.
Stacking
This FAQ stacking contains frequently asked questions about stacking the VARIBOX. This FAQ explains important stacking rules on IBCs from the ADR regulation. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to stack and gives recommendations for any VARIBOX.
VARIBOX Support Regulations
The 250, 800, and 1000 liter IBCs of VARIBOX comply with various regulations in many different countries in Europe. All the IBCs meet the regulations of the ADR and UN. Next to that, the VARIBOX CC 250 liter and VARIBOX FC 800 and 1000 liters meet the PGS 15 and PGS 31 regulations in the Netherlands. The FC and CC IBCs also have DIBt approval and meet the regulations of the AWsV in Germany.
Is my substance allowed in the VARIBOX?
A substance may be filled in the VARIBOX if the chemical compatibility of the plastic of the VARIBOX with the substance is verified. This is done by the so-called assimilation of the filling substance to standard liquids. The exact conditions are described in ADR 4.1.1.21.1.
The concentration of Ammonia in an IBC
There are regulations of the ADR on Ammonia in an IBC. The ADR lists Ammonia solution with a concentration between 10% and 35% as UN 2672. And ADR tells us that one can transport UN2672 in an IBC. Does this mean that you can ship Ammonia 25% in an IBC? No, you can’t do so!
Alphanumeric material codes for VARIBOX parts
Italian regulation published as Article 219, §5 and §5.1 of Decree No 152/2006, published in Italian Official Gazette No 226 of 11 September 2020, requires that from 1 January 2023, packaging must be labelled with an alphanumeric code. This information for the VARIBOX parts is not physically affixed on the packaging but listed in this table.
| Part | VARIBOX FC | VARIBOX SC | VARIBOX CC |
| Inner container | HDPE 5 | HDPE 5 | HDPE 5 |
| Outer container | HDPE 5 | HDPE 5 | HDPE 5 |
| Pallet | HDPE 5 | HDPE 5 | – |
| Metal bars | FE 40 | FE 40 | – |
Agec law in France
This waste-reduction law for a circular economy “intends to accelerate the change of production and consumption model to limit waste and preserve natural resources, biodiversity, and climate.”
The measures come into effect in France on January 1, 2023. The year 2023 will mark the first deadline in terms of the reuse of packaging, with a target of 5%.
In 2023, the obligation will only apply to companies with an annual turnover of more than 50 million euros. The text also specifies that packaging is considered “reused” when it is used a second time for a purpose like the one for which it was designed.
VARIBOX is 100% committed to this approach, it is part of its DNA. When we designed VARIBOX over 10 years ago, we wanted it to be as sustainable as possible by being reusable, repairable, and recyclable. Today, thanks to VARIBOX, our customers and future users can apprehend this new stage of the Agec law with confidence.
Cleaning, inspection, repair, or replacement
As we all know, the VARIBOX Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are built to provide long-lasting services for up to 10 years. During these 10 years, it’s important to clean, inspect, test, and maintain the VARIBOX containers in line with the ADR regulations. The inner container of the VARIBOX can be replaced after 5 years, this replacement also is to be done according to ADR regulations.
Authorized service companies
On this page, you will find an overview of authorized service companies. That means these companies are approved by the national competent authority.
VARIBOX training
At VARIBOX, working safely with chemicals is the top priority. Knowledge about safety is essential, that’s why we created our VARIBOX training. This specially developed training has the goal to contribute to working safely with chemicals and recognizing dangerous situations with Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
During the training, a diversity of topics will be discussed. For example: recognizing dangerous situations with IBCs, storage, and transport regulations, reading the UN mark, what the regulation includes, the difference between the EPDM and Viton sealing materials, the safe usage of the VARIBOX, connection, and disconnection of the VARIBOX, and cleaning of the VARIBOX. Of course, in addition to these topics, your specific situation is considered extensively.
It’s possible to follow the VARIBOX product training at our VARIBOX production location in Deventer in the Netherlands. Do you prefer the VARIBOX training on location? Let gets in contact!.
Couldn’t find your answer?
We know that the safe and reusable VARIBOX IBCs are being used for many different applications in many different markets. Therefore it could be that your question/answer is not included in the support section. If so, please contact our Customer Service, they are glad to help further.