What really happens to empty IBCs, VARIBOXes or steel drums once a chemical delivery has been made? At Vivochem, collecting, cleaning and reusing packaging is part of everyday operations. But what does that look like in practice, and what decisions are made along the way? We spoke with Ruben Harmelink, Team Lead Transport, about the process, the challenges, and the role of sustainability.
Collecting packaging: flexible and customer-focused
It all begins with the customer. “When we deliver an order, our drivers ask on site whether there’s packaging to return,” Ruben explains. “Some customers let us know in advance, but often they don’t.” For customers we visit several times a week, we usually already know what’s waiting for us. In many cases it’s more efficient to decide on site. The driver checks the available space in the truck and takes back whatever fits.
Whenever possible, returns are combined with deliveries. If that’s not an option, a separate truck is sent out just for returns. This happens a few times per week, though the preference is always to combine with a sales order. It’s both more sustainable and more efficient.
What happens to the packaging?
Once back in Almelo, the packaging is unloaded and sorted in the dedicated hall. Depending on the type and condition, it will be:
- Sent to Tholu in Ede: IBCs are rinsed, fitted with a new inner bottle and prepared for reuse.
- Sent to the cleaning facility in Hengelo: mainly VARIBOXes and antistatic IBCs are cleaned here and put back into circulation.
- Destroyed and recycled in the case of damaged or heavily contaminated cans.
Ferric chloride is a good example. It stains IBCs completely brown, and cleaning usually isn’t enough. These containers are rejected. Whether an IBC can be reused depends entirely on its condition and the available cleaning options.
Sustainability and optimisation
Sustainability is a key consideration throughout the process. “We recently introduced a new trailer that allows us to double-stack VARIBOXes. That saves us up to two trips a week, which is especially valuable now that demand for VARIBOXes is growing,” says Ruben.
Reuse and recycling are also carefully managed. Our partners, including Tholu, make sure that components are reused wherever possible or processed responsibly if that isn’t an option.
"When we make a delivery, our drivers ask on site if there are any empty containers that can be taken back."
Challenges in practice
There are still challenges in daily operations. Collecting large numbers of steel drums at the start of a route, for instance, can be difficult. The drums are often stacked and not always sealed properly, which makes loading and unloading tricky. To reduce delays, we try to schedule those collections later in the day.
The condition of returned packaging can also lead to discussions. Customers are given clear packaging guidelines at the start of a partnership, but these aren’t always followed in practice. “There must be no more than 1% residue, no rust and no product left on the outside. If packaging doesn’t meet those standards, we may still take it back under reservation (as long as ADR rules are met). Once it arrives in Almelo it is inspected again. If it’s rejected at that stage, it can lead to discussion,” Ruben explains.
How do we keep track?
Every delivery is linked to a deposit. Our system shows exactly which customer has which packaging still in circulation. Drivers record returns on the delivery slip, and our customer service team checks this against the system. If, for example, a stainless steel container is returned but there’s no open deposit in the system, we know something is wrong. This way, we maintain oversight.
What sets our approach apart?
At Vivochem, we try to make life easier for customers. While some companies only collect packaging on fixed days or with prior notice, we aim to take back whatever is available. “Customers appreciate that. You deliver products and immediately take the empties back. It’s straightforward, saves storage space and ensures the deposit is released quickly.”
In summary
Return logistics is much more than simply picking up empty packaging. It is a carefully managed process where sustainability, customer focus and efficiency go hand in hand. By making smart choices in transport and cleaning, we extend the lifespan of our packaging and give our customers peace of mind when it comes to their empties.
