Duttenhöfer introduces traceability for drums

Duttenhöfer focuses on the production of standard 216.5-liter sheet steel drums. As a partner for industrial packaging headquartered in Hassloch in southwest Germany, the company is one of the first in its industry to implement traceability for certain customers, including leading global chemical companies.

‘Our customers want to be able to trace drums quickly and reliably, especially those containing food precursors, such as flavorings, or hazardous substances, such as TDI, which is used in the production of rigid polyurethane foams,’ said Dieter Niggemeier, head of process engineering and hazardous materials officer at Duttenhöfer. ‘These are contents for which our customers consistently seek to ensure traceability. We have been using Herma’s labeling solution for several months now and are very satisfied as regards both working with the technology and the label material, which was developed in line with the VPA 9 requirements.’

The key to traceability is a QR code printed on a label applied to an open-top drum. The code contains a serial number, information about the drum manufacturer, and a container number issued by the user. It allows each drum to be identified and localized as it is conveyed along supply chains and transport routes. The code also helps the user, while filling the product, to ensure that an appropriate container is being used. Highly reliable labeling technology is imperative in this context.  

Thanks to the collaboration with BASF, Herms was able to develop an integrated technology that satisfied the relevant requirements. It comprises a print and apply system PA4 and the corresponding labels. It is designed for consistently challenging industrial environments that call for precise label printing. 

‘The number of drums for which customers have requested traceability as per VPA 9 has already reached six figures and is still rising. The Herms solution puts us in the best possible position to respond to our customers’ growing demand,’ concluded Werner Völkner, sales director at Duttenhöfer.