Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked customer questions about containers of all kinds. Whether you want to find out more about the purchase of containers for foodstuffs, the safety requirements for hazardous goods containers during transport or the optimum stacking height of containers - we have the answers for you.
When purchasing a container for food, look out for the ‘food-safe’ label. This means that the material can be used in direct contact with food without any health concerns and does not affect the odour or taste of the food. Stainless steel is often the material of choice here due to its hygienic properties.
Stainless steel itself does not leave behind any harmful substances and is also easy to clean to counteract contamination by bacteria and germs. It is also corrosion-resistant and is not affected by contact with fruit acids, for example. But there are also food-safe containers made of plastic, for example. For all versions/materials, the manufacturer confirms with a declaration of conformity that the product fulfils all legal requirements for food contact.
Here are other points to consider when purchasing food containers to ensure they are safe, functional and meet legal requirements:
The selection of the material or design of the packaging to be used (suitability test): Basic food suitability of the packaging material (confirmation of conformity) and, if applicable, hazardous goods regulations
(Chemical) resistance of the packaging material and its components to the contents
Provision of documentation from the respective manufacturer (specifications / data sheets, declaration of conformity, other authorisation documents if applicable)
Possibilities for sealing the contents (customs requirements)
Storage and handling of the packaging by the filler and the recipient
Desired volume
Single or multiple use
Filling (plant suitability)
Planned means of transport
Delivery condition / cleanliness
Price and handling costs
In our webshop, you can recognise food-safe containers by the ‘food-safe’ marking (glass fork symbol). You can use the ‘Approval / Certificate’ filter in our product categories to display all food-safe items.
When transporting hazardous materials on public roads, strict requirements apply to the containers in order to ensure the safety of people, the environment and the transported goods.
In general, the locally applicable or country-specific legal requirements for the transport of filling products - in any packaging used for this purpose - of the country in which the filling operator / user is located must be observed. In the UK, the general regulations for transport by road, rail, water and air apply. Under certain circumstances, foodstuffs may also be subject to dangerous goods regulations (ADR).
A container must have a UN authorisation if it is used for the transport of dangerous goods. The UN authorisation ensures that the container complies with the international safety standards for the transport of hazardous substances, which have been defined by various regulatory authorities such as the United Nations. It must also be ensured that the container is suitable for the packaging group in which the contents are categorised. This indicates how robust and resistant the packaging must be in order to withstand the specific hazards of the contents.
For example, different container requirements apply to the transport of lithium batteries, depending on whether the battery is intact or defective. Intact batteries require less stringent safety measures, while defective batteries require additional safety precautions to minimise potential hazards.
Under these conditions, the goods may be transported to the first consignee regardless of the destination country. For further transport, the local and applicable legal requirements must then be fulfilled.
Further general information must also be taken into account:
The approval must be adapted to the filling product or be sufficient. This is the main focus of attention
The packaging must always be intact. It goes without saying that packaging that is significantly damaged must not be used
Even when transporting non-hazardous goods, it is essential to check the suitability for the intended purpose
Note: It is always the responsibility of the distributor to ensure compliance with these requirements.
In our online shop, you can recognise containers with transport approval by the UN logo. In our shop categories, you can use the ‘Approval / Certificate’ filter to filter specifically for UN-approved products.
Most containers are designed for multiple use and are therefore easy to clean and sterilise if necessary. However, certain aspects must be taken into account for multiple use:
Multiple use requires professional reprocessing or reconditioning as well as quality and functional testing of the containers and their components after each cycle
During multiple use, the inner container itself, add-on parts such as outlet fittings and screw caps as well as their seals can wear out, depending on the filling product, type of application and duration of use
A container to be reused should be in perfect technical condition
The container must be thoroughly cleaned and checked for corrosion, contamination and damage before the next use. It must be completely free of hazardous materials in order to avoid dangerous reactions. The cleaning agent must not cause any hazardous reactions with residual contents in the container. Ideally, containers should only be reused with similar substances after cleaning to rule out potential reactions. Former hazardous substance containers must not be used for foodstuffs due to contamination risks and strict regulations
Any container that shows signs of reduced resistance must no longer be used!
High-grade stainless steel (1.4401) or glass are best suited for multiple use. In most cases, the material will not deteriorate for years and the service life of the packaging is theoretically unlimited. Make sure, for example, that there are no seals that can be worn out by cleaning agents. Stainless steel containers with burr-free weld seams are easier to clean. However, steel and plastic containers can also be used several times. As a rule, lidded containers with large openings are more suitable than bung containers. Coloured materials such as plastics are again more suitable than painted surfaces (e.g. tinplate or black plate).
The permitted period of use for the transport of dangerous goods is up to 5 years from the date of manufacture, depending on the contents. In accordance with the Orange Book / IMDG / ADR / RID (Chapters 6.5.4.4.1 - 6.5.4.4.3) and 49 CFR §180.352 (b) (USA), users of IBCs for the transport of dangerous goods are obliged to carry out a so-called ‘periodic inspection’ on each IBC after two and a half years at the latest.
The periodic inspection must be carried out and documented by factory experts/inspectors. After the period for the periodic inspection has expired, an IBC may not be filled or handed over for transport. Depending on the country, the authorised person must have completed a corresponding training course and also be registered by name. Please contact your competent licensing authority for detailed information.
Find out more about the safe handling and reconditioning of IBCs in our IBC guide.
Note: In principle, however, the distributor is responsible for the further use and application, as knowledge of the filling material and use is outside our sphere of influence.
Approval documents, technical data sheets and declarations of conformity always come from the manufacturer or are provided by the supplier (wholesaler/distributor).
Almost all HDPE containers can be heated up to 60° C by warm contents without any concerns, as plastics only start to soften in this range. This also applies to plastic seals, which can be found in almost every type of container, including steel drums. Exceeding the maximum filling temperature can have a negative effect on the properties of HDPE and lead to deformations such as sink marks or wrinkling.
Some types can be briefly heated to 70 - 80° C without the material suffering or the container being damaged. This must generally be checked in each individual case.
During the cooling process, plastic containers should be sufficiently ventilated and vented. Leave lidded containers open to cool down in order to prevent under- or overpressurisation.
Containers made of sheet steel can usually be heated to 100° C without any problems. Some designs can even withstand much higher temperatures. However, no general statement can be made in this regard. Important aspects here are the sealing material used (can act as a weak point - deformation / change due to higher temperatures, which leads to leaks) and any internal coatings, which react differently to temperatures depending on the design.
Ensure that the container is free from damage and contamination.
Ensure that the container is stable by placing it on a firm, level surface during filling and fill the contents into the designated filling opening at atmospheric pressure.
After warm or hot filling, the containers must not be closed and stacked until the contents have cooled down to ambient temperature in order to prevent the container from collapsing and destabilising the entire stack. Otherwise there is a risk of implosion.
Sufficient ventilation must be ensured to prevent deformation caused by a possible vacuum when the product cools down.
Under transport conditions, leakage of the contents should be avoided, particularly as a result of vibration, temperature changes, pressure or changes in humidity.
When filling and emptying containers, overpressure or underpressure can occur, e.g. due to
Decomposition of the filling product
Filling product binds or decomposes oxygen
Hot filling from approx. 40°C (empirical value)
Large temperature changes during storage
Temperature fluctuations after transport
Fluctuations in altitude after transport
Overpressure or underpressure should be avoided, otherwise deformation may occur. The pressure resistance of hazardous goods containers is printed in kPa. However, this does not mean that the container can withstand this pressure without deformation. However, in order to roughly rule out such deformations, the use of a ventilation system suitable for the specific application is recommended. A ventilation system must be installed if a dangerous overpressure can form due to normal decomposition. The special regulations in transport law must be observed:
Special provisions apply to the packaging of organic peroxides of Class 5.2 and self-replacing substances of Class 4.1
The use of a ventilation device is possible in compliance with ADR 4.1.7.0.1 for organic peroxides
Ventilation equipment is generally prohibited for filling products with dangerous goods class 6.1!
Note: There are numerous applications and a variety of container designs, so each individual case must be considered in detail. Do you need help? Talk to our experts to find out more.
When stacking containers, many factors play an important role, such as filling, storage and transport circumstances, the type and design of the containers, the weight and the contents. Manufacturers usually specify how many containers can be stacked on top of each other. The maximum total weight that may be exerted on the bottom container is also often specified. This information can be found in the technical data sheets and operating instructions for the containers.
Stacking is safe under the following conditions:
There should be a pallet between the drums that distributes the weight evenly and is in good condition
The room temperature should be below 40 ºC
The stack should be protected from direct sunlight
Static stacking load: The weight must not exceed the applied and tested stacking load (can be requested from the manufacturer)
Dynamic stacking load: The weight should not exceed 65% of the applied and tested static stacking load
The filling level should be maximised in accordance with the applicable regulations
The filling level of the upper drums must not exceed the filling level of the lower drums
For safety reasons, a maximum of four drums should be stacked high, even taking into account the permissible stacking load. The filler, shipper or operator/carrier is always responsible for the required safety. The requirements for storage in compliance with regulations and internal transport must also be observed.
Stacking is safe under the following conditions:
Always ensure that the bottom IBC with the entire pallet rests on a level surface that is free of foreign objects
Only use forklift trucks that have the necessary lifting capacity and ensure that the forks are the correct length and can travel under the entire length of the IBC
When stacking the IBCs, always ensure that the pallet of the upper IBC is positively nested in the cage of the lower IBC
Only stack IBCs of the same type
The so-called stacking pressure values must never be exceeded for the respective IBC type. In principle, a maximum of four IBCs should be stacked for safety reasons, even taking into account the permissible stacking load. Stacking with up to 4 IBCs is only permitted if the stability of the stack is guaranteed.
The stackability of containers during storage (static condition) depends on the following factors:
According to the density of the filled product
The container type and the stacking load permitted in accordance with the approval and possible in terms of stability
Stacking during transport (dynamic condition) is permitted depending on the maximum permissible applicable stacking load, provided that the stability of the stack is guaranteed.
Note: Due to the asymmetry of the pallets, the containers must be stacked according to the pattern of the loading area, with the upper container nested correctly in the lower one. Please observe the stacking instructions in the product data sheet and the manufacturer's load securing instructions.
A pictogram on the container indicates the maximum permissible stacking load or indicates if a container may not be stacked. According to transport law, the stacking load pictogram must be clearly visible on UN containers. However, the specified values must not be exceeded even when using non-UN containers.
In everyday language, these terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably. However, there is definitely a difference.
UV-stabilised: The protection is present throughout the material, slowing down possible embrittlement caused by UV radiation, for example.
UV-protected: Protection is provided by an outer layer or coating that blocks or reflects UV radiation.
UV-stabilised | UV-protected |
---|---|
The protection is present throughout the material, which slows down degradation caused by UV radiation. | Protection is provided by an outer layer or coating that blocks or reflects UV radiation. |
Provides a more comprehensive but possibly less intensive protection over the entire lifetime of the material. | Provides very effective surface protection, but may be affected by mechanical damage or wear. |
Suitable for applications where the material is exposed to UV radiation over long periods of time and in changing conditions. | Ideal for applications where high levels of UV radiation are expected and surface integrity is particularly important, e.g. containers that are constantly left outdoors. |
Yes, there are containers that are suitable for both requirements. EX protection always depends on the interaction between the packaging and the local EX protection equipment. For example, steel drums require special earthing clamps that penetrate the paintwork.
In the case of combination packaging, such as steel with a plastic insert, the inner container must have as much contact as possible with the unpainted and earthed steel surface on the inside in order to avoid static charges. EX protection must therefore always be checked locally during filling or emptying. Suitability for foodstuffs is independent of this and only applies to the individual components of the packaging.
The specialist information on this page has been compiled carefully and to the best of our knowledge and belief. Nevertheless, DENIOS Ltd cannot assume any warranty or liability of any kind, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, for the topicality, completeness and correctness either towards the reader or towards third parties. The use of the information and content for your own or third party purposes is therefore at your own risk. In any case, please observe the locally and currently applicable legislation.
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