Schütz Recontainer: Cross-Bottling in the Highest Quality

The fit-optimized inner bladder of the Recontainer developed by Schütz is technically coordinated with the cages of numerous other brands' IBC models. (Photo: SCHÜTZ)

Schütz reconditions with decades of expertise: As early as 1976, the company started refurbishing used IBCs and has guaranteed the return of the globally used industrial packaging since 1980 as the first manufacturer and reconditioner. The prerequisite for this well-functioning circular economy is a powerful, closely linked return system – now consisting of 50 production and service locations around the globe. The Schütz Ticket Service has developed into the world's largest manufacturer-led network for the collection and reconditioning of emptied IBCs. The empty IBCs are equipped exclusively with original inner containers and components in a globally standardized, environmentally friendly process. From a Schütz Ecobulk, a 100% compatible Recobulk is created in the standard specification. To further expand the service of reconditioning, Schütz now offers cross-bottling – the reconditioning of IBCs from other manufacturers – at the highest level, with the new Recontainer.

Safety through uniform processes and authenticity

As with the refurbishment of their own IBCs, the returned containers of other brands are initially assessed at the Schütz location according to the last filled product inside. The basis is a comprehensive internal product database with more than 200,000 evaluated filling goods, which is continuously updated. Any residual contents are removed and properly disposed of. Then, the inner containers are exchanged: The still recyclable wire cage of the third-party manufacturer is thoroughly cleaned – and repaired if necessary – and equipped with a new universal inner container from Schütz. This specially developed, fit-optimized inner bladder is technically coordinated with the cages of numerous IBC models on the market. The previously removed inner container undergoes an internal recycling process, producing high-quality HDPE recyclate, which is immediately processed back into new plastic components such as corner protectors or pallets for the IBCs.

Additionally, the Recontainer receives a new standard labeling panel – also optimized for use with different wire cages. After all, residual adhesive from stickers on the existing panels can never be completely ruled out when they are simply cleaned. Other components such as screw caps and fittings are replaced entirely with brand-new original parts from Schütz following the inner container exchange. The packaging specialist guarantees the highest quality even in cross-bottling.

The advantages: Customers using the Recontainer can rely on Schütz's proven standards when packing their valuable filling products. The IBCs are delivered sorted and in uniform specifications. At the same time, Schütz contributes to conserving valuable resources through environmentally friendly reprocessing of IBCs from other manufacturers.