Chemical container labels: track & trace chemical drums

New labelling solution for pinpointing the location of chemical containers

The usage scenario: Labels for reliable tracking and tracing of chemical containers

Safe transporting of hazardous materials and goods is extremely important in the chemical industry. The containers used for this purpose must satisfy very strict requirements. However, individual containers can sometimes have production defects. In such cases it’s important to locate the container as quickly as possible and take it out of circulation. Until now, this has entailed a laborious manual search, not least because it’s almost impossible to tell many containers apart simply by appearance.

BASF, for example, ships several million standard steel drums with a capacity of 216.5 litres worldwide every year – most of them in gentian blue (RAL 5010) or in red. From the outside, there’s no way of knowing whether or how they are coated inside, or how thick the walls are. To get the answers, in the past every drum had to be inspected individually.

Demonstrating its credentials as a pioneer in the chemical industry, BASF is introducing a procedure to pinpoint the location of individual chemical drums at the push of a button. A labelling solution for this purpose has been developed in close collaboration with HERMA.

For the first time in the chemical industry, it will soon be possible to track and trace individual steel or PE drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) by way of an automated system. If damaged containers are identified, individual drums can be very quickly targeted, tracked down and recalled.

The solution: Chemically resistant labels and versatile labelling technology for labelling and tracking with QR codes

For this purpose, BASF has played a pioneering role in its sector by originating a procedure that has now been adopted by the German chemical industry association VCI in its voluntary standard VPA 9. BASF defined the solution required for the new application, based on QR codes with defined constituents, in close collaboration with HERMA. The tracing system consists of special adhesives, label materials and the corresponding labelling technology. The necessary QR codes are generated and applied by the container manufacturers, who likewise reap the rewards of enhanced labelling transparency.

According to BASF, the first container manufacturers have started to implement the labelling solution in compliance with VPA 9. A pilot project at BASF in Ludwigshafen, involving the filling of toluene diisocyanate (TDI), has already been brought to a successful conclusion. Alongside BASF, other leading German chemical companies intend to recommend this tracing procedure to their container manufacturers in the near future.

Outstanding reliability of container labels is key

The track & trace code (QR code) as per VPA 9, which is produced according to standard GS1, includes the container number, such as that recorded in the SAP system of BASF, the supplier number, the production site, the container batch number and a serial number, so that each individual container can be identified unequivocally. The label with the QR code is applied already by the container manufacturer.

In the past, a manual security check was performed before filling to verify approval of each container for the intended purpose. Now chemical manufacturers can automate the pre-filling security check and use the QR code on the label for verification. This process is quicker, simpler and more reliable. Once the container has been filled, the QR code is linked to the order number and stored in a database.

If a container has to be recalled, it can be quickly targeted and taken out of circulation. Moreover, if there are problems with the contents of a container, it can be found without trouble using the QR code on the label.

The track & trace labels can be used on a diverse range of containers and surfaces

Given that the entire system depends on the QR code, it is essential to provide very reliable labelling equipment, print easily readable codes and adhere to various security rules. In addition, the labelling solution must be compatible with many kinds of surface materials and many different containers. Labelling solutions offer significant advantages over direct printing and laser applications.

This is why BASF and HERMA collaborated on an integrated label-based solution for tracing chemical containers by means of QR codes. One of the major challenges was to configure labels for the most diverse range of applications possible, offering seawater resistance in compliance with British Standard (BS) 5609 Sections 2 and 3, allowing hot filling, and providing perfect compatibility with thermal transfer ribbons.

The print & apply system is able to keep pace with the demanding cycle speeds that are common in container production, and accommodate different container sizes. The great advantage of this solution is that all container manufacturers can use it and don’t have to develop their own sophisticated solutions. They also benefit from transparency in their production operations.

Hazardous substance and hazardous goods labels: BASF container label with barcode, on a red steel drum.

By way of the QR code on the chemically resistant lids, a container can be located anywhere in the world. Acting as a trailblazer for the chemical industry, BASF is introducing a new procedure that allows individual drums to be traced. The integrated labelling solution was developed in collaboration with HERMA. (Photo: BASF)

Properties of the track & trace container labels:

Seawater-resistant as per BS 5609/II or III (in conjunction with the specific printing systems)
Weather-resistant, oil- and dirt-repellent
Temperature-resistant, suitable for hot filling

Very flexible, easily adaptable to curved surfaces
Chemically resistant labels with excellent adhesion, even on dirty or other critical surfaces

Automated conveyor system with blue barrels and a robotic arm positioned above the barrels.

Duttenhöfer introduces traceability for drums containing chemicals

The packaging specialist Duttenhöfer ranks among the first in the industry to offer traceability for drums – in compliance with the new chemical industry standard VPA 9. I It is based on an integrated solution from HERMA consisting of the labels for QR codes and a Print & Apply system.

Learn more about container labels in practical use!

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Track & trace system for the chemical industry:
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We offer everything from a single source: labels of all kinds, made of the right material and in the right sizes; seawater resistant in compliance with British Standards; for hot filling. Labelling systems: print & apply system for your filling plant; high cycle speeds; for a wide range of container sizes.

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