Magazine - JCB Service thinks inside the box to bring green savings

By Press Release in Industry on 6th Nov 2008 13:00

JCB Service strengthens its commitment to the environment with the launch of "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 the landscaping sector.

Available globally for engine, hydraulic and transmission lubricants, the new system will be extremely attractive to those landscaping contractors with strict environmental policies and stringent recycling targets to meet on behalf of utilities firms, local authorities or due to group directives.

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 from December 2008. This new 20L box option replaces the previous 25L plastic drum. As with JCB's existing lubricant products, the universal oils are compatible with both JCB and competitive plant and equipment.

Introduced as part of JCB's drive towards greener 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. Despite the film, 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 drum disposal.

JCB Director and General Manager of World Parts Centre, Guy Robinson said: "The new Bag in Box style packaging produces roughly a sixth of the plastic waste of 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 savings 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 green 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 then ready to pour. The nature of the bag compared with a rigid plastic drum also enables smoother and quicker pouring with no 'glugging' effect or the spillage that 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, with the new box dimensions enable 960L as opposed to 800L to be stacked onto each pallet when compared with the plastic drums they replace - fewer pallets and fewer journeys will be required to distribute the same volume of lubricant.

Read more articles in Industry, by Press Release or from November 2008.