Industrial chemical packaging is an important aspect of chemical production, distribution, and use. Chemicals can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not properly contained, handled, and transported. Industrial chemical packaging is designed to prevent leaks, spills, or other accidents, while also complying with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Many chemicals have large demand in the manufacturing, agriculture, cleaning, water treatment, and mining industries. Chemical packaging and repackaging help to transform bulk-shipped items into manageable sizes for everyday use across these industries.
What Is Industrial Chemical Packaging?
Industrial chemical packaging refers to the process of safely storing, transporting, and handling chemicals that are produced, distributed, or used in industrial settings. Chemicals can be hazardous, toxic, flammable, or corrosive, and therefore require specialised packaging to prevent leaks, spills, or other accidents that can pose a risk to human health and the environment. Often chemicals are combined into compounds for use in industrial or everyday settings. However, combined chemicals may lead to issues during the transport process if kept under the wrong conditions. Changes in temperature, incorrect measurements, and exposure to external factors such as moisture, air or sunlight can lead to potential hazards or spoiling of chemical products.
Packaging can occur using a variety of vessels and containers. Drums, cans, bottles, bags, and totes are made of different materials like metal, plastic, or glass. These containers are often designed with features such as seals, closures, venting systems, or barrier layers, to ensure that the chemicals remain protected. The containers also require labelling, marking, and documentation requirements, such as identifying the contents, Lot number, handling instructions, hazard warnings, and regulatory compliance information.
What Is The Chemical Packing Process?
The process of chemical packing can vary depending on the specific chemical, the packaging material, the quantity, and the regulatory requirements, but generally involves several key steps, which include:
- Chemical selection: Choosing the appropriate packaging for the chemical, based on factors such as compatibility, reactivity, and stability, as well as the intended use and transport conditions.
- Packaging design: Designing the packaging to meet the specific requirements for the chemical, such as selecting the appropriate size, shape, material, and closure mechanism.
- Labelling and marking: Properly labelling the packaging with relevant information, such as the chemical name, hazard warnings, regulatory compliance, and handling instructions.
- Filling and sealing: Filling the packaging with the chemical, ensuring that it is properly sealed to prevent leaks or spills.
- Quality control: Conducting quality control checks to verify that the packaging is properly sealed, labelled, and meets the necessary regulatory requirements.
- Storage and transport: Storing the packaged chemical in a safe and secure location, and transporting it to its final destination, adhering to all applicable regulations and safety protocols.
Chemical Processing In A Toll Manufacturing Setting
A toll chemical manufacturer such as Melbourne Chemical Packers will receive bulk shipments of chemicals for processing into smaller packaging. This step will usually occur in between the chemical selection and packaging design stages and involves the process of combining chemicals to order specifications and using industrial processing machines to change the structural integrity of the chemicals but not the chemical property. For solid chemicals which can include crushing into a powder. Meanwhile, liquid processing could involve mixing chemicals which may lead to changes in thickness or viscosity. Whilst the original bulk order of chemicals may arrive at the warehouse in a 1000kg bulk bag, it could be split into smaller 10kg packs for distribution to a client who may want a recurring order of 100 x 10kg packs monthly.
Powder & Solid Chemical Packing
Powder and solids chemical packing typically involves using rigid containers such as drums or bags. These containers are made of materials that are compatible with the chemical and are designed to withstand the weight and pressure of the solid material. Once the material is processed, it is then filled into the appropriate packaging and sealed.
One challenge with solid industrial chemical packaging is that the materials may be prone to dust, which can pose a risk to workers and the environment. To mitigate this risk, the packaging may need to be equipped with a dust collection system or a venting mechanism to ensure proper ventilation.
Liquids Chemical Processing & Packing
Liquids chemical processing & packing typically involves using containers made of materials that are compatible with the chemical, such as plastic or metal drums, bottles, or tanks. Liquid chemicals may also require specialised handling and transport, such as being stored in a tank or transported in a tanker truck.
When filling liquid chemicals, there are additional considerations to ensure the product is properly mixed and homogenous. This may involve using mixing equipment or adding solvents to ensure that the product is properly blended. Additionally, liquid chemicals may require special filling techniques such as gravity or vacuum filling to avoid contamination.
Does Your Company Need Industrial Chemical Packaging And Processing?
Do you believe your business could benefit from organising industrial chemical packaging and processing contracts with a toll chemical manufacturing company in Australia? Melbourne Chemical Packers are experienced with handling and chemical processing quotes for a variety of industries with a variety of production capacities. If your business requires a custom chemical manufacturing company, then you have arrived at the right place.
Does your business require chemical processing? Send us a quote via our website contact form today or phone us on 03 8316 2019 for further information.