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Tag Archives: dangerous goods

CERTIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

Main packaging certifications

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Certifications are key indicators in any activity. Through these accreditations, packaging manufacturers can demonstrate that their products or services comply with the regulations required by transport agreements, and at the same time meet high standards of safety, quality or environmental responsibility. They are, therefore, a guarantee of how we do things.

ISO 9001 certification is one of the most widely implemented standards among companies. In our case, this seal accredits the quality of our processes for the design and manufacture of industrial packaging.

In the packaging field there are other valuable rules and certifications that we highlight below:

Phytosanitary-certified wood packaging material

The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures ISPM-15 was created by FAO to regulate wood packaging in international trade in order to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of pests.

The ISPM 15 seal is based on a heat treatment that consists of the wood reaching 56 ºC in its core for at least 30 continuous minutes.

       Once the wood has been treated, the mark must be visible on at least two opposite sides of the wood.

The ISPM-15 standard affects packaging made wholly or partially from raw wood, such as pallets, crates, crates, crates, crates, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and reels. Plywood is excluded.

To obtain the ISPM-15 label, it is necessary to be registered in the national system and to pass the required annual audits, through the control of the traceability of the manufactured elements.

The issuance of a certificate will only be necessary if required by the phytosanitary protection agencies of the destination countries.

ISPM15

Certified Dangerous Goods Packaging

Dangerous goods are considered to be solid, liquid or powdered products that represent a risk to the safety and health of people or the environment.

The transport of dangerous goods requires specific approved packaging, with its corresponding certificate in accordance with the regulations of each mode of transport. The regulation par excellence in the transport of dangerous goods by road is the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

Compliance is also mandatory:

  • Rail RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail).
  • Air transport IATA (International Air Transport Association).
  • Maritime transport IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).

The UN has established a universal system of classification, packaging, marking and labeling of the different dangerous goods valid for all modes of transport.

Dangerous goods packaging can be made of plastic, cardboard or metal, but must always be properly labeled. In addition to the labeling required for each type of goods, according to its classification in the ADR, each package must show a UN number, among other data such as the manufacturer’s code, type of box, password, country and year of manufacture.

The ADR defines packing instructions for each UN number, according to which the physical-chemical specifications that the packaging must meet for a given good will be detailed.

Packaging with PEFC / FSC® certification

Nowadays, it is impossible to talk about quality without taking environmental criteria into account. PEFC and FSC® chain-of-custody certification guarantees good practices along the entire wood value chain.

PEFC-certified pallets, wooden crates and cardboard boxes use raw material from sustainable logging, recycled material or both. Choosing PEFC / FSC® certified packaging means promoting a responsible supply chain, contributing to sustainable forest management and the well-being of forest communities.

PEFC
FSC

These seals are also a competitive advantage in markets that require the supply of environmentally responsible materials.

Use certified packaging suppliers that add value to your logistics.

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Lithium packaging
Packaging for batteries

Safe transport of Lithium Batteries

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Our cell phones, electronic devices and electric vehicles are powered by lithium batteries, a source of energy that is increasingly present in our daily lives. 

By their nature, lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods, and as such require approved packaging to avoid potential risks during handling and transport, both for people and the environment. As certified and approved manufacturers of this type of packaging, we want to show in this post the high importance of storage and transport of this type of product.

Lithium battery regulations

All dangerous goods must comply with specific regulations and warnings, and batteries are no exception.

First of all, lithium batteries contain high levels of electrical energy, which makes them prone to overcharging, extreme temperature, short circuit and mechanical damage. Therefore, improper use or storage could lead to fires or explosions such as the one that occurred on the Felicity Ace cargo ship in 2022, with more than 4,000 luxury cars on board.

Therefore, manufacturers and intermediaries must use approved packaging, which complies with the regulations of the chosen means of transport, whether by land, sea or air. That is:

  • Land:

European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).

  • By Air:

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions (TI) for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

  • By Rail:

International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID).

  • By sea:

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG).

lithium batteries

Packaging of lithium batteries

Secondly, there are a number of considerations to take into account when looking for solutions for handling and transporting batteries.

  • Heat resistance: use materials resistant to high temperatures.
  • Insulation: each battery must be individually insulated in its own compartment or container to avoid short circuits and shocks that could damage it.
  • Avoid contact with metals: lithium batteries should not come into contact with metal objects, as this could cause short circuits. They should be separated from each other by non-conductive insulators, such as polyethylene or plastic foams.
  • Hazard statements: use the correct labeling according to the applicable transport regulations.
  • Stability: by means of protection and fastening elements that guarantee their safety. The heavier the battery, the more support it needs.

Identification and labeling of packaging for lithium batteries

The packaging of lithium batteries must also be provided with labels and information warning of the risks of handling and transport:

The class 9 identification label, model 9A, is mandatory.

The UN number, which identifies the material from four digits. The identification codes for the different types of batteries are:

Lithium-ion batteries UN-3480.

Lithium-ion batteries UN-3481 included or packaged in a device.

Lithium metal batteries UN-3090.

Lithium metal batteries contained or packaged in a device UN-3091.

The homologation password indicating the material, country, year of manufacture and manufacturer’s code.

In conclusion, please consult here without obligation our approved solutions for the storage of lithium batteries, individual or integrated in equipment, for each mode of transport.

 

Also in our usual communication channels: info@360ecopackaging.com and on the phone (+34) 699 239 392

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Packaging for batteries

Battery packaging, essentials and main factors to be taken into account

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In our more than 80 years, 360 Eco Packaging has manufactured many certified packaging for dangerous goods and explosives, so we want to mention that we are members of the Subcommittee CTN 192 SC 03 (UNE/ISO) in the development of a new regulation in the field of transport of dangerous goods with AENOR and the Ministry of Industry (ISO 16495 development).

In this post, we will talk about the packaging and batteries shipping, including those coming from the automotive sector as one of the most complex in the field of transport and logistics.

To begin with, we must take into account the type of item to be transported; in this case, batteries classified as hazardous under current regulations. Therefore, as a normative and legal basis we must take among others the ADR code that identifies this type of element in category 2, class 9.

For the different types of batteries, this ADR code classifies them according to their construction material, for example:

  • Lithium-ion battery: UN No. 3480
  • Lithium metal battery: UN No 3090
  • Nickel-metal hydride battery: UN No. 3496
UN 3480

In this link, you can consult all the information.

Once the type of battery to be protected has been defined, the ADR code defines specific instructions for each type of battery depending on different parameters such as: the point in its life cycle, the degree of deterioration, whether it is installed in equipment, etc.

After this short introduction, we will try to answer the main questions that may arise:

What are ADR boxes or certified packaging for battery transport?

The certified packaging for the transport of batteries or ADR crates for batteries is a type of packaging specifically designed and developed for this purpose.

These crates come with the product from the factory to the recycling plant.  In other words, we offer the solution for the entire circuit from the point of view of savings, since the cost is the minimum.

Therefore, the packaging not only serves as a mere means of protection, but is positioned as a key link in the value chain that makes up the life cycle of the batteries.

 

Why is the transport of batteries classified as dangerous?

Mainly, because due to their construction type, this type of batteries are sensitive to impacts and sudden temperature changes, and there is a risk of internal component leakage, explosion or fire due to high temperature, among others.

Therefore, it is essential to minimize these risks by designing a packaging that contains and minimizes them.

 

Can damaged batteries be transported?

Yes, as we mentioned at the beginning of this post, there is a specific regulation for these issues.

In this case, it is a robust packaging capable of containing and retaining liquid spills, thus avoiding explosions, perforations, deterioration or other types of incidents capable of damaging not only the product but also causing damage to the population or the environment.

Lithium Battery

As a conclusion, storing, transporting and shipping a battery correctly ensures that the risks involved are eliminated or minimized.

Keeping the battery at a suitable temperature is essential to avoid spontaneous combustion. These types of batteries are very sensitive to humidity, high and low temperatures. In addition to the main packaging, there are temperature and humidity detectors capable of monitoring these parameters.

Finally, it must be taken into account that the transport agency with which the service is carried out must be certified for this type of shipment. They must be qualified for the transport of dangerous goods and comply with the established regulations.

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