Innovative IBC components for maximum process safety and cleanliness

With the CC / FC Breather, Schütz introduces a new ventilation system specifically for IBCs of the Cleancert (CC) and Foodcert (FC) series. (Photo: Schütz)

The FC / CC plug serves for quick and safe venting of the containers during removal. With the breather system, IBCs can be emptied without opening the screw cap. (Photo: Schütz)

Schütz presents the already established bung closure system Automatic Lock in the barrel area for the first time also for IBC. (Photo: Schütz)

Automatic Lock is a locking system with an authenticity seal and significantly contributes to the protection of the fill material and employees through its advantages in the areas of hygiene and safety. (Photo: Schütz)

Schütz continuously advances the development of its IBCs and their components. As part of this effort, the packaging specialist introduces the CC / FC Breather, a new ventilation system specifically designed for IBCs of the Cleancert (CC) and Foodcert (FC) series. Additionally, the company presents the Automatic Lock, a well-established bung closure system in the drum sector, for the first time also for IBCs, as well as a prototype of a new three-legged steel pallet for transporting heavy loads.

Reliable protection of the fill product quality throughout the entire supply chain is one of the core tasks of industrial packaging. This includes not only tamper-evidence but also minimizing contamination risks such as particle ingress during use. When optimizing packaging standards, equipped with well-thought-out component solutions, plays a crucial role.

New Breather System for Increased Food Safety

With the CC / FC Breather, Schütz establishes another standard specifically developed for the Cleancert (CC) and Foodcert (FC) product lines. Especially at the beginning of the value chain, safety and risk minimization are of utmost importance, for example in the food industry. The new CC / FC ventilation system is integrated into the screw cap bung that covers the filling opening of the IBC, enabling users to proactively avoid contamination risks. It facilitates quick and safe venting of the container during emptying via the bottom outlet valve and prevents a vacuum that could deform the inner container. Previously, systems required either the frequently sealed screw cap to be opened or the bung plug to be laboriously removed with tools.

With the CC / FC Breather, only manual turning of a screw part with two fingers is necessary, opening only small venting paths. This minimizes contamination risk throughout the entire emptying process. After emptying, the container can be simply closed again, and the return of the emptied packaging is safe and compliant with legal requirements. Schütz offers the system in two versions – with and without permanent ventilation. Optionally, the packaging specialist installs a special membrane for transport, which additionally ensures ventilation and acts as a splash and surge protector.

Maximum Protection Against Tampering and Contamination

Another example of protecting fill goods is the permanently sealed plastic bung closure system Automatic Lock. The solution, already successfully used in PE drums, is now also offered by Schütz for IBCs. The company will supply all future IBC customers who typically use a screw cap with a plug.

The sealing system with an authenticity seal consists of a seal cap and a plug with special snap-in lugs. The inner sealing ring is firmly connected to the plug. The seal cap is held in place by the plug. After centering, a brief pressure on the seal cap places the snap-in ring behind the lugs. The rigid design of the closure system provides optimal stability when mounted. Thanks to the self-centering mechanism, the bung closure system is suitable for manual and automatic installation. Opening the plug is not possible without destroying the seal cap. This ensures that the authenticity of the filled medium remains intact.

The seal cap can be easily and conveniently removed over the pull ring without tools. The film connection of the tab and the perforation of the inner ring tear open. The deformed snap hook releases the seal cap. In case of improper handling, break points tear, making tampering immediately evident. Compared to metal caps, the plastic seal cap of the Automatic Lock is non-corrosive. Particularly when filling sensitive products, such as in the food or pharmaceutical industries, the system significantly contributes to protecting the fill material and staff with its hygiene and safety advantages. Optional logo printing on the seal caps also benefits branding and authenticity.

New 3-Leg Steel Pallet as Prototype

Another innovation presented by Schütz is a prototype: the new three-legged steel pallet features a new central leg with a significantly widened support surface compared to the standard steel pallet. The solution developed by Schütz offers optimized weight distribution, robustness, and greatly improved handling characteristics. Due to its high stability and minimized deflection even under load, the pallet is ideal for use in high-bay warehouses and with automated transport systems.