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Industrial Goods
Packaging with UN Approvals for Dangerous Goods: What You Need to Know
2025-01-13
When storing and transporting hazardous goods like chemicals and flammable powders, dangerous goods packaging is essential. However, selecting the right type of packaging can be difficult, with different UN rules and regulations applying, depending on the type of material carried and transport routes selected. For businesses keen to operate more sustainably, a focus on recyclability can make selecting dangerous goods packaging even more difficult. Are you keen to embrace a more eco-friendly approach? Below, we’ll take a closer look at choosing recyclable packaging materials with UN approval.
Which Legal Regulations in Europe Govern the Transport of Dangerous Goods?
The United Nations regulates the transport of dangerous goods transnationally. The fundamentals are described in the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, with new revisions being added all the time.
Regulations differ depending on the type of transport used to transport dangerous goods. Any dangerous goods transported via road are regulated by the Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). Meanwhile, dangerous goods transported by rail are regulated by the Regulation Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID).
Any dangerous goods transported via inland waterways are governed by the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN). Finally, anything transported via sea is regulated by the International Maritime Code for Dangerous Goods, more commonly known as the IMDG Code.
Which Classes of Dangerous Goods Exist, and How Do They Impact Packaging?
According to UN definitions, dangerous goods are separated into nine distinct classes. These include explosives, gases, flammable liquids, and flammable solids. Other classes include oxidizers and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, and corrosive substances. Any goods that can’t be sorted into one of these classes are classified as miscellaneous dangerous substances.
Key Materials Used in Recyclable Packaging for Dangerous Goods
Eager to make your operation a more sustainable one? Even if you’re dealing with dangerous goods, recyclable packaging is an option. Corrugated cardboard is a popular choice, and ideal for less hazardous contents. Typically made from between 50-70% recycled material, corrugated is also biodegradable, making it a particularly eco-friendly approach to packaging.
For more dangerous materials, recycled plastic packaging is the way to go. Ideal for more demanding requirements where durability is important, you’ll come across many types of plastic containers featuring a significant amount of recycled material.
Other materials used to make UN-approved packaging for dangerous goods include steel, aluminum, and glass. However, these materials can be more difficult to recycle.
What Does “UN Approval” Mean for Dangerous Goods Packaging?
In order for dangerous goods to be safely transported, packaging needs to come with a UN marking. As previously mentioned, the UN has laid out an exhaustive slate of regulations for both the transportation and packaging of dangerous goods.
Different chemical substances are given a distinct UN number. With these numbers, it’s easy to identify which UN regulations apply when dealing with dangerous goods. A UN number is assigned to specific chemical substances, which can be used as a reference for regulations.
UN Approved Bulk Bags vs. Non-Certified Bags
Generally speaking, UN-approved bulk bags are of a much higher quality than non-certified ones. With a safety ratio of 6:1, they’re also a more durable choice than non-certified bags. UN-approved bags undergo extensive testing with additional performance checks to guarantee this safety rating.
FIBC Certification
Before dangerous goods packaging can receive UN certification, it must go through a battery of tests to ensure it’s compliant with the latest international standards and safety regulations. Take flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) as an example. These hard-wearing bulk bags need to be thoroughly tested to guarantee quality and ensure performance, while also ensuring they pass strict safety checks to minimize the chance of harm to the environment or those handling them.
Which Packaging Groups for Dangerous Goods Exist?
Dangerous goods are separated into one of three packaging groups. Each of these packing groups is then assigned a letter (X, Y, or Z) to indicate the type of goods packaging is allowed to transport. Packing group I refers to dangerous goods that are deemed as high danger and are given a UN-X marking. Anything that falls into the medium danger category is assigned to packing group II and given a UN-Y marking. Meanwhile, any substances that are considered low danger are assigned to packing group III and given a UN-Z marking.
UN Approvals: Understanding Testing Centers for Dangerous Goods Packaging
Only official authorities are able to check and approve packaging for dangerous goods. In order for packaging to pass these checks, a UN marking must be attached. UN approvals are issued by one of several testing institutions, including government research centers and independent testing facilities.
How to Incorporate Recyclable Packaging Materials into Dangerous Goods Transport
Introducing recyclable dangerous goods packaging to your operation is straightforward enough. First, determine your industry sector and specific application cases. Then, select appropriate packaging from the correct group to ensure maximum safety when storing and transporting hazardous materials.
To ensure you’re being as eco-friendly as possible, make sure any cardboard-based packaging you select contains a minimum of 50% recycled material. Likewise, go for plastic containers with a high concentration when selecting sustainable packaging.
Meet Codefine Sustainable and UN-Approved Packaging Solutions
Ready to introduce eco-friendly packaging to your operation? Even if you’re dealing with hazardous substances, it’s still possible to utilize recyclable dangerous goods packaging. At Codefine, we’re committed to offering more sustainable solutions to our customers, with a wide selection of UN-certified recycled packaging to choose from.
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