Impact of Intermediate Bulk Containers / IBC Tanks on the Circular Economy
The advent of the Intermediate Bulk Containers has made the supply and transportation of products especially in the chemical industry so much easier and efficient. The benefits ascribed to these IBC Tanks cannot be overemphasized. When looking for effective information to learn all about IBC tanks-“Intermediate Bulk Containers, going beyond their versatility, their safety and reusable strategy prevent pollution and the amount of waste we have in circulation in our environment. Ultimately, the circular economy strategy that employs the use of IBC tanks is not just environmentally beneficial but also cost-effective. Consequently, plastic or other storage waste is eliminated and continual use of the IBC tanks over a long period of time is encouraged.
IBC Tanks and the Circular Business Model
Intermediate Bulk Containers, sharply referred to as IBC tanks are containers used in industrial and large-scale liquid/fluid/semi-solid/solid needing, supplying, or producing companies that can be reused, recycled, and multi-used. They are made for mass storage and transportation of these liquids, solids or fluids.
Before proceeding, you might want to know the relationship between the IBC tanks and the circular business model. Understand that the circular business model is one that is built to reduce and even eliminate environmental wastes through a regenerative design in the form of a circle, hence the name Circular Economy. Rather than make products that most likely will be used once and wasted or improperly disposed of, repeated and continuous usage of the already made and durable IBC tanks is encouraged. This way, waste is reduced to a minimum, and materials are retained for as long as possible. Now to the IBC tanks, which are recyclable and can be used repeatedly for about 10 years, you will agree that in a way or two it aligns with the aim of the circular economy. The re-use of these IBCs tends towards a sustainable environment and world.
What is Circular Sustainability and What Role Do IBC Tanks Have?
Circular sustainability is a principle that suggests that the functional value of a product should be retained by analytically designing and pre-planning the product to be reusable, repairable, and recyclable. What does this mean? Circular sustainability says that there should be continuous reuse of a product rather than the continuous making of it. So less production and higher reusability consumption of what is already in circulation. Therefore, the idea is to make better use of resources, materials, and products by keeping them in use for longer rather than give them off as wastes.
The Role of IBC tanks in Circular Sustainability
The role of IBC tanks includes the provision of durable and long-lasting packaging for companies’ products. Its durability proves its reusability. Since IBC tanks are made from reliable and strong materials, the role of IBC tanks in circular sustainability means intermediate bulk containers can withstand usage and other factors for long periods of time, so that you do not need to buy other lower-quality storage cans or plastics. Being reusable is an excellent attribute of the IBC tanks. This major importance plays an enormous role in circular sustainability. And these roles include:
- Pollution Elimination. Since the IBC tanks stand as substitutes to other plastics, it helps minimize and eventually eliminate the pollution that comes with the use of plastic and their inappropriate disposal. Similarly, the amount of waste that needs to be burnt or recycled is reduced to a minimum.
- Compactness. The IBC tanks are so large and spacious that you do not need too many to work with. This compactness eliminates the need for many materials in the process of packaging. Also, this compactness saves cost and is material-efficient.
- Energy Conservation. When new products are made, more raw material and energy are put to use but with repeated use of the IBC tanks and reduced production, there is a significant decrease in the need to use new energy and raw materials.
The Role of Digitalization in a Circular Economy
Digitalization, a form of technological advancement, is advantageous to the circular economy. Since the circular economy is characterized by regenerative design and longer life of products, digitalization can boost the process and make it more efficient with its technical intelligence.
This enabling digitalization has over the years invested in its technical intelligence and has improved traceability and transparency of product so much that its users can know the condition, location, and availability of assets, in this case, the IBC tanks, without stress in real-time.
Furthermore, the role of digitalization in the circular economy will reduce the use of resources and boost the circulatory system in a number of ways. It makes the use of these fewer resources more efficient and sufficient in the long run. Also, we see the conservation of energy with the use of digitalization solutions, since logistics routes are utilized more efficiently without hazards and excessive energy consumption.
The place of information is so crucial; it cannot be left out. From the material flow in quality and quantity and several other data, only digitalization provides the accuracy needed in keeping the data and set of information safe, even within the tank.
Another role of digitalization in the circular economy is visualization. Assets, value, and support can be shared with customers through a digital means. Among other roles is the ability of digitalization to provide technical support, improve product design and enhance renovation and end-to-life activities.
What Is the Europe Circular Economy Action Plan?
The Europe circular economy action plan has it that by 2050 the EU should be a climate-neutral economy. How is this to be achieved? The plan requires manufacturers to produce only products that have a long storage life, and are easy to repair, use and recycle. This instruction was given in early March 2020 and takes effect this year 2021. This is to reduce waste in all ways possible.
So with legally binding laws, social improvements, and a shift in economic growth thinking, the goal is achievable. In all, the EU is moving towards a circular economy which reduces the use of resources while promoting the use of eco-friendly reusable and recyclable materials.
The Circular Economy of the Chemical Industry
The aim of the circular economy is to use resources in a more environmentally sustainable way but is this feasible in the chemical industry? Of course! As the circular economy of the chemical industry continues to evolve, deploying models that lend towards the circular economy might just be inevitable when safety and environmental sustainability is in view.
The chemical industry can leverage new technologies and digitalization which will improve their operations and approach to problems, thereby providing solutions to them while saving the environment alongside.
From manufacturing to sourcing, logistics, product use, and end-of-life disposal, the circular economy can have its way in recovering and recycling, product life extension, and maintaining a continuous supply chain in the chemical industry.
How Digitalization of IBCs Transforms the Chemical Industry and Contributes to a Circular Economy
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) are made for the storage and transportation of liquids, fluids and can be reused. This packaging solution for liquids and chemicals is so much more efficient in preserving the environment. We know there is an incredible impact these tanks have in multiple industries, but how the digitalization of IBCs transforms the chemical industry and contributes to a circular economy, has several factors to consider. As the world and the circular economy continue to evolve, leaps in the digitalization of IBC tanks technology continue to become more advanced as well. A major challenge of the IBC tanks is their inefficient stock monitoring capacity. The gap that occurs in leaving a tank in storage and its eventual recovery can take a toll on the companies’ logistics. But with the advent of digitalization, you can monitor your IBC tanks, and measure the level in the IBC with sensors and antennas. These sensors can be installed on your tank and you are provided with the information you need, any day, anytime.
The monitoring is important as it gives detailed information about the product’s lifecycle and consumption. Operations become easier and there is sustainable logistics and reverse supply chain which guarantees continuity in business.
Where Intermediate Bulk Containers Meet the Circular Sustainability of a Greener Economy
Evidently, you will agree that the use of IBC tanks has a positive impact on the circular economy, and combining this effect with digitalization will not just transcend the norm but save you, your money, and the environment at large.
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