UK: More UN Certification gained for Solufeed packaging.

In line with Solufeed's continual improvement policy, UN certification has been achieved for a number of bags used to hold their specialty fertilizers. They are, 20kg HDPE valve sack, 20kg & 10kg woven polypropylene sack and 20kg & 10kg polythene-lined paper step seal sack.

The EC regulations regarding chemical products such as fertilizers seem to become ever more stringent. At Solufeed we are committed to complying with all legislation. Our Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are now produced to be compliant with the latest European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures ("CLP" Regulation), adopting in the EU the Globally Harmonised System (GHS).

Whilst the products haven't changed, the classifications sometimes have. Some of our products are now classified as hazardous for transport for one reason or another - for example in the event of a spillage they may have potential to be marine pollutants. A few are classified as hazardous to handle - usually because they contain something like manganese sulphate, which is classified as an irritant.

As the CLP name implies, the change of classification of a product has knock-on effects on the way the product is labeled and packaged. If a product is UN Cert Bag markings classified as a marine pollutant for example (as shown in the MSDS), then the product label has to show the appropriate hazard warning symbol and associated information. This acts as a warning to any shipping line which is transporting the product, and they will then look for confirmation that the product is in packaging that is appropriate to the hazard i.e. they will look for UN certified packaging. This shows that the packaging has been tested for strength and durability to a standard that is suitable for the nature of the hazard.

In order to comply with CLP Solufeed has had to invest in training to enable in-house production of correct MSDSVigil new label. We have had to introduce new, larger labels that are capable of accommodating any hazard symbols that are necessary. To fit the new labels the artwork of the bags has had to be re-designed to accommodate the larger labels. The bags have had to be tested to obtain UN certification, which is now stamped on the bags.

For more information:
Solufeed Ltd
Dick Holden
+44 1243 554090