Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

Chemical maker's new IBC closes the loop

A durable container’s recycling program prompts a chemical manufacturer to invest in new IBCs to transport its chemicals across the country.

Bercen's new IBC is blow-molded of HDPE and holds 275 gal of chemicals. A cage of double-wire steel rods protects the IBC and pr
Bercen's new IBC is blow-molded of HDPE and holds 275 gal of chemicals. A cage of double-wire steel rods protects the IBC and pr

Finding a safe container to transport chemicals across the country is hard enough, and finding a supplier that will completely take care of container recycling is nearly impossible. But that’s just what Bercen, a manufacturer of chemicals for the paper industry, found in Hoover Materials Handling Group (Alpharetta, GA).

Based in Cranston, RI, Bercen manufactures chemicals used to treat and coat paper products. Bercen transports these chemicals via truck to paper mills and paper processing plants, 90% of which are east of the Mississippi River. Bercen had been using a high-density polyethylene intermediate bulk container to hold its chemicals but was looking for a more durable, reliable IBC. Hoover’s Repaltainer met that need. Bercen also benefits from a recycling program Hoover calls Closed Loop Packaging®.

“After carefully researching more than a dozen other IBCs from different companies, we found the Repaltainer was by far the best,” says Guy Wells, production control and purchasing manager for Bercen. “And by using Hoover’s Closed Loop Packaging program, we’re saving money on transportation, which helps keep our costs down. That’s because Hoover now assumes what used to be a responsibility and cost of ours—routing our customers’ empty containers to the ‘Supercenter.’ Hoover’s in-house logistics staff manages the whole process.”

Tracking from start to finish

Blow-molded of HDPE, the Repaltainer holds 275 gal of chemicals. A cage of double-wire steel rods protects the IBC and provides stacking strength. Bercen’s previous IBC’s cage was said to have been made from a less durable, lighter-gauge material. An injection-molded HDPE cover and base allow for easy stacking.

Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
What's in store for CPGs in 2025 and beyond? <i>Packaging World</i> editors explore the survey responses from 118 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG <i>Packaging World</i> readers for its new Annual Outlook Report.
Download
Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms
Looking for engineering services? Our curated list features 100+ companies specializing in civil, process, structural, and electrical engineering. Many also offer construction, design, and architecture services. Download to access company names, markets served, key services, contact information, and more!
Download Now
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms