Schütz at FACHPACK 2025: comprehensive solutions for the circular economy

Since focusing on individual aspects such as the use of recycled plastic alone is not enough, Schütz pursues a comprehensive sustainability approach for its packaging under the motto ‘Circular by Design’. All product innovations are designed in such a way as to deliver full performance across the entire supply chain – and can be easily returned to the material cycle after use. The result: packaging that is distinguished by both ecological efficiency and economic benefits.

Designed for reuse: a global cycle

The Schütz Ticket Service recycling system is based on a globally established network of reuse and reconditioning programmes tailored precisely to the requirements of customers and emptiers. This includes both open and closed cycles for IBCs, drums and jerrycans with professional cleaning, replacement and repair of packaging components, as well as packaging-specific processes such as thermal treatment of steel drums. Implementation takes place via 70 production and service sites worldwide and through certified partners – at 28 locations in Europe alone. New partnerships in France, Spain, Denmark and Sweden, as well as the expansion of existing sites with additional reconditioning facilities – for example in Italy and Belgium – strengthen market presence and expand capacities for sustainable services directly on site.

Global collection of empty industrial packaging via the Schütz Ticket Service is simple, fast, and usually free of charge. Depending on the reconditioning process, recycled plastic is obtained in the company’s own recycling centres in compliance with the strictest environmental and quality standards. This is reused in full – either for the production of new packaging components such as plastic pallets or corner protectors for IBCs, or in Schütz Green Layer packaging, where it is incorporated as high-quality regranulate with a 30% share in the middle layer of IBC inner containers, jerrycans, and plastic drums.

Next-step packaging: solutions that complete the cycle

In addition to the Green Layer series, other innovations from this comprehensive approach will also be on display at the Schütz stand, including the Schütz Impeller, a fully-recyclable disposable agitator for IBCs. The system, which can be integrated directly at the factory on request, enables safe and contamination-free stirring of viscous substances in closed containers. For optimum adaptation to the properties of the contents, users can choose between the proven beaker agitator and a new impeller geometry, the blade agitator, which ensures uniform mixing even at low speeds. The use of the impeller is illustrated in an Ecobulk MX560. With a filling volume of 560 litres, the IBC is particularly well suited for mobile use due to its comparatively low weight, for example when processing highly-concentrated fillings in the agrochemical industry.

Highly flammable liquids are packaged particularly safely with the Ecobulk SX-D. This special IBC is suitable for use in explosion protection (Ex) zones 1 and 2 and has successfully passed fire protection tests with combustible and flammable liquids. Its double-walled construction offers additional leak protection, preventing any contents from escaping even under extreme conditions. Independent institutions confirm the safety of the packaging: the SX-D has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and is the only composite IBC to date to have been tested and certified by the US insurance company FM Global Group. This market-proven IBC will be exhibited at Fachpack in the SX-D OV version. In addition to the top discharge option, this version also has an outlet fitting for discharge from below.

The Combi steel drum from Schütz is suitable for highly-permeable, aggressive, and corrosive contents, often classified in the so-called packaging group I. Here, the packaging specialist combines the stability and permeation protection of a standard steel drum with an inner container made of HDPE plastic, which ensures corrosion resistance and cleanliness. For double leak protection, the space between the two containers is sealed with a round gasket. This packaging solution is particularly suitable for chemicals that are not compatible with raw steel or conventional inner coatings.

For particularly sensitive applications in the food and beverage industry, Schütz has successfully subjected its SC1 jerrycan series to FSSC 22000 certification. Maximum food safety, tested materials, and controlled production guarantee not only quality, but also safety and cost efficiency along the entire supply chain. In addition, the jerrycans are available in a Cleancert version, which is used in industries with even higher purity requirements as an alternative to standard jerrycans. The filling materials produced there are used, for example, in the automotive sector, where technical cleanliness is essential.

To ensure that industrial packaging and its contents not only reach their destination sustainably but also safely, the company has developed new pallet variants for IBCs and a load-securing concept for steel drums. Choosing these critical components has a decisive influence on the overall performance of the packaging solution. One particularly sustainable option is represented by the plastic frame pallet with its robust construction for maximum stability, durability, and optimum conveyor properties. It is manufactured from 100% recycled material in our in-house injection moulding plant, is extremely stable and durable, and enables CO₂ savings of up to 64.8 kg per unit compared to a conventional IBC pallet.

However, other materials also offer future-proof solutions. Thanks to an additional centre skid, the 3-skid steel pallet not only achieves a larger contact surface, but also significantly better load distribution compared to a conventional steel skid pallet – especially for heavy, high-density transport goods. To ensure safety when transporting steel drums on pallets, Schütz has developed the efficient, reliable, and resource-saving Drumfix load-securing system. This new system saves users a huge amount of time and effort as well as representing administration-free and hassle-free recycling.

Packaging as an application-specific solution

Today, the requirements on packaging are more diverse than ever before. For Schütz, one thing is clear: sustainability must not compromise safety or performance. That is why the development of packaging solutions is seen as a continuous optimisation task offering maximum application safety, best product performance, and maximum efficiency through well-conceived design, while also meeting the requirements of a modern circular economy.

Interested parties can see for themselves the technically innovative product focus of Schütz’s circular design at FACHPACK in Hall 6, Stand 6-328.