INTRODUCTION TO RESPONSIBLE PACKAGING MANAGEMENT (RCM)

Responsible Packaging Management is a process that follows the entire lifecycle of a container. Its purpose is to address economic, legal and regulatory concerns associated with container use.

Today we live under new standards of environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources. All forms of packaging are being re-examined to enhance reuse and recyclability. Environmental damage resulting from improper disposal of used packagings - including, often, their residues - is no longer tolerated. Increasingly, it is packaging producers and users who are expected to see that these standards are met.

Used steel and plastic containers have two environmentally acceptable fates: to be reconditioned and reused as shipping containers, or to be processed for scrap and recycling. In both cases, all residues of prior contents must be removed, neutralised and disposed of in compliance with all relevant requirements. Fortunately, the reconditioning industry has the equipment and the know-how to accomplish both tasks. Working together with steel drum users under the Responsible Container Management programme, both the producers and users of this time-tested, economic and versatile package can ensure compliance with today's high standards. This also applies to plastic containers and IBC's.

Responsible Packaging Management has several key elements:

Selection

Disposition

Empty Container Certification

Audit

Plant Review: - Environmental/Regulatory Compliance

Transport Compliance.

A. SELECTION

Responsible Packaging Management begins with the selection of container performance characteristics by the container filler. Here a variety of needs must be accommodated. Essential is the recognition of the influence original selection requirements exert upon used container disposition options. Container reconditioners and dealers can provide useful, practical information to assist buyers in enhancing the value of their containers after use. Where possible, purchasers should buy containers that bear a "preferred" UN marking.

B. DISPOSITION

The process of container disposition begins during the period when the container status changes from full to empty. Persons responsible for empty container management have several crucial responsibilities. These include: proper emptying; maintenance of labels; preparation for shipment; control procedures; and selection of a qualified reconditioner or dealer to accept empty containers.

C. EMPTY CONTAINER CERTIFICATION

Certification of empty container status is an indispensable, core requirement of Responsible Container Management. It is essential to ensure regulatory compliance and prevent assumption of unwanted liability exposure. It develops an added benefit by reducing wasted raw material products.

D. AUDIT

A Responsible Packaging Management audit assists container users to review the essential aspects of container selection, use and management. The audit helps identify those areas important to facilitate proper disposition of used containers.

E. ENVIRONMENTAL/REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

- Plant Review for Container Emptiers

Responsible Packaging Management ends for the emptier with a review of the container reconditioning plant where used containers are cleaned, and then either reconditioned for reuse or recycled as scrap. Several areas of plant operations should be consulted to confirm regulatory compliance.

F. TRANSPORT COMPLIANCE

- Plant Review for Reconditioned Container Purchasers

Buyers of reconditioned containers for use with hazardous materials should also review plant operations for compliance with UN and Department of Transport requirements (refer SABS 0228, 0229 & 0232) of the waste disposal facility to be used.

SUMMARY

With a Responsible Packaging Management programme, container emptiers can maximise value for their used containers, ensure environmental regulatory compliance, and eliminate serious liability exposures. Buyers of reconditioned containers can also assure themselves that they are purchasing a reliable product whilst dealing with a reputable organisation and encouraging legal compliance and global best practice. Responsible Container Management incorporates new approaches to the long-standing concerns of used container disposition, and it meets the challenge of today's strict new regulations and heightened standards of environmental responsibility.