Reusable packaging system reduces need for water to clean empty containers
The large farms in eastern Germany need bigger packages of crop protection
products than small farms in other areas of the country. Therefore BASF,
together with farmers and other partners, developed the "Ecomatic-System."
Distributors oversee the distribution of these containers and logistic specialists
coordinate the recollection and cleaning of empty containers, which can be
refilled with crop protection products and repeatedly re-used. A similar closed
system concept was also developed for a BASF product used in South
America and Central America - Multitrip containers are refilled in the production
plant and transported to the location of use. There the product is mixed with
water to prepare the spray solution and the sprayer is loaded in a closed system,
so neither the operator nor the environment is exposed to the product. The
empty containers are collected and returned to the production plant to be cleaned,
checked for damage and refilled. Through these recycling activities less
packaging material is wasted, the need for water to clean empty containers is
minimised and the safe disposal of rinse water can be assured.
Full version of this article is available at Croplife
New UK Cereal Herbicide available in returnable containers
Cyanamid Agriculture is also introducing a new, low-cost herbicide Activus (pendimethalin + cyanazine) in the UK for use on autumn cereals for fast acting control against a range of broadleaf weeds and annual and rough-stalked meadow grasses (Poa spp).
Cyanamid's product manager, Rob King, commented: "Activus provides the right approach to controlling these less difficult weeds" (such as Stellaria media, Papaver rhoeas and Matricaria spp). The small amount of cyanazine in the mixture reduces the need for isoproturon. Activus will be available from launch in Cyanamid's Ecomatic returnable container, which is a closed-transfer system.
Full version of this article is available at CPMA archive
Reusable drums and Micro Matic Valve for hazardous chemicals
The Warlord-CF, made by Francis Ward, is a reusable drum designed for the storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals. The drum was originally designed in conjunction with the agrochemical industry to improve operator safety, storage efficiency and environmental integrity.
In addition increased environmental legislation preventing ground water contamination is encouraging use of closed systems, such as Micro MAtic Valves, and dry-break couplers that provide closed liquid transfer systems.
Environmental legislation also means agrochemical containers have become Controlled Waste so disposal options are severely limited. 'Stack and burn' is no longer an option for farmers! Reusable packaging options are becoming increasingly necessary.
Full version of this article is available at Francis Ward's New Warlord-CF
