Better box for bulk liquids hits the market

TERRY HUTSON
IT’S TAKEN 18 months of development but Victor Shaw, the inventor, and Les Westergreen, the investor always knew they were onto a good thing. The task was to create a better box for bulk liquids, one than maximised space while minimising weight constraints and also meeting all the criteria of warehousing and transportation. Already in the market were heavy plastic boxes (IBC – intermediate bulk containers), all with a re-use value but presenting the exporter with the problem of getting them back. The solution as developed by Durban-based Ocean Ridge Trading has been to build a disposable box out of recyclable cardboard, a material that is eco-friendly. That’s right, out of cardboard, and able to hold all types of liquid including vegetable and edible oils, without getting soggy and falling apart. Inventor and investor partnered with cardboard manufacturer Nampak to find a suitable material and have now developed a box that can hold 900 litres. It fits on pallets measuring 1.15m square with overall height of pallet and box 1.08m. The beauty is that these boxes, named Shaw Bins, can be stacked 20 in a 6m container, all snugly fitting together and requiring no additional dunnage. Shaw Bins are cheaper than IBC boxes, can be stacked three high in warehouses (in containers they fit two across, 5 deep and two high. Being disposable there is no problem with trying to get them returned. “Our biggest challenge was to convince people that 900 l of liquid could be packed into a cardboard box. We’ve now demonstrated that it is not only possible but is more cost effective and eco friendly. The empty box weighs only 13kg but will hold 930kg when filled. It’s cheaper than an IBC and can even be stacked outside using a plastic sleeve,” said Westergreen.