JCB Service division of JCB (J C Bamford Excavators Limited), based at the World Parts Centre in Uttoxeter, U.K. in an effort to strengthen its commitment to the environment launched “Bag in Box” Lubricants, a revolutionary new packaging system for its own brand oils, which is 84% more environmentally friendly and delivers a series of cost and performance benefits to its customers in the heavy equipment sector.
Available globally for engine, hydraulic and transmission lubricants, the new system will be extremely attractive to those equipment operators with strict environmental policies and stringent recycling targets to meet including large contractors, utilities firms, local authorities and those specializing in waste management.
Using unique technology which is exclusive to JCB, Bag in Box (BiB) packaging consists simply of a rigid outer cardboard box and an inner plastic bag which contains the lubricant. The system is to be used on all JCB’s 5L and 20L lubricant product ranges starting December 2008. As with JCB’s existing lubricant products, the universal oils are compatible with both JCB and competitive equipment.
Introduced as part of JCB’s drive towards more sustainable production methods, the outer cardboard box is made from 96% recycled cardboard and has been developed specifically for this product. It incorporates a weather proof film on the outer surface allowing it to retain its strength even when exposed to the elements when stored outside. The cardboard is 98% recyclable and can be disposed of through the user’s current, standard, cardboard collection and recycling arrangements.
The inner plastic bag is the only portion which should be disposed of as contaminated waste. As the plastic content is 84% less and can be squashed down to roughly the size of a grapefruit, it dramatically reduces the high costs associated with plastic pail disposal.
JCB Director and General Manager of JCB Service, Guy Robinson said: “The new Bag in Box packaging produces generates roughly a sixth of the plastic waste compared with existing methods of lubricant distribution – 115g rather than 720g per pack. Given the stringent regulations governing the disposal of hazardous waste, this achieves a major reduction in costs for JCB’s end user customers.
“Furthermore, as the cardboard container is 98% recyclable – a first for any of our lubricants – this element of the packaging does not need to go to landfill, which is an environmentally damaging, finite resource with escalating costs.
“When you consider that JCB currently already sells approximately 8 million litres of lubricant each year, the cumulative environmental benefits will be dramatic. Allied to additional operational and logistical benefits, we expect Bag in Box lubricants to make a major impact on a wide range of industries and significantly enhance the sustainability credentials and business performance of both JCB Service and its customers.”
Use of the product is simple. There are perforations in the top of the box which are pushed through, the valve is pulled through, located into position and is then ready to pour. The nature of the bag compared with a rigid plastic pail also enables smoother and quicker pouring with no ‘glugging’ effect or the spillage that it can cause.
The launch of BiB also coincides with a move from 25L to 20L units for JCB Lubricants. The lighter box size, combined with a built-in handle, results in safer and easier manual handling.
This also contributes to increased storage and transport efficiency. Firstly, direct supply from the manufacturer will cut out approaching 200 unnecessary HGV movements per year. Secondly, the new box dimensions enable 960L as opposed to 800L to be stacked onto each pallet when compared with the cylindrical plastic pails they replace – fewer pallets and fewer journeys will be required to distribute the same volume of lubricant.
Source: OEM / Lube News
