CHEP expands range of bulk containers, adding 1,000-litre all plastic container designed for food
CHEP has expanded its range of intermediate bulk containers, or OBCs, adding a lighter, non-corrosive 1,000-litre all plastic container specifically designed for the food manufacturing sector.
The Intercon is ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) compatible, returnable, reusable and recyclable and brings additional flexibility to CHEP’s range of plastic bin solutions.
A new generation foldable IBC, the Intercon can be used for both dry and liquid goods. Made from food-grade polypropylene, the lightweight unit is easy to handle, clean and more environmentally sustainable than non-reusable alternatives, CHEP claims.
CHEP’s Market and Platform Development Manager, Peter Gaddes, says the Intercon is a game-changing unit for the food manufacturing industry.
“The sector has been crying out for a plastic alternative to the steel and plastic composite and cardboard units currently in use,” he says.
“We have worked very closely with our manufacturers to deliver a quality plastic product that meets the high standards set by the food industry and also withstands the rigours of the pooled environment.”
The Intercon is 40 percent lighter than 1,000-litre composite alternatives, significantly increasing payload capacity and reducing reverse logistics costs. It can be assembled by one person.
The food-grade polypropylene does not rot or become corroded and the unit’s unique design makes it suitable for both dry and liquid food products.
“Plastic containers are fabulous from a food perspective,” Gaddes says. “This IBC can handle bulk meat, juices, oil, mayonnaise, cereal, even vinegar – pretty much anything.”
CHEP worked with the manufacturer to modify the 1,000-litre IBC to suit Australian conditions.
“We added increased ultraviolet protection to the plastic during container production to improve the integrity of the product,” Gaddes says.
“Initially designed for use in Europe, the units tended to break down too quickly under the Australian sun so we’ve adapted our units to withstand this harsh environment.”
The design modifications to the Intercon unit also led its developers to reengineer the latching system, which will now be standard on all similar systems the
manufacturer produces. The Intercon is the latest addition to CHEP’s range of managed, returnable, reusable and recyclable packaging solutions. After use, only the liner bag is disposed of, which reduces volumes of packaging waste compared to one-trip alternatives.