Can you briefly explain the main tasks of the RAL Quality Assurance Association for the Plastic Packaging of Dangerous Goods?
The RAL Quality Assurance Association for the Plastic Packaging of Dangerous Goods (Gütegemeinschaft Kunststoffverpackungen für gefährliche Güter e. V.) is one of around 20 recognised monitoring bodies that are currently permitted to carry out inspections and audits on the production of packaging for the transport of dangerous goods. In order to receive permission to produce packaging or IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Container) for the transport of dangerous goods, companies must prove that they have established and maintain a quality assurance system with an integrated quality assurance programme (QSP). The QSP must be recognised by the responsible authorities. For holders of RAL Quality Marks, the Quality Assurance and Test Specifications are considered to be the QSP for the relevant area covered by the Quality Assurance and Test Specifications. The QSP covers the monitoring of the production processes for plastic packaging and IBCs that have been approved in accordance with the regulations for the approved type of packaging for the transport of dangerous goods. Companies are only permitted to supply packaging of the approved type that complies with the regulations. The use of the QSP and monitoring of the production processes by the RAL Quality Assurance Association for the Plastic Packaging of Dangerous Goods makes an important contribution to this process.
What do producers of plastic packaging for dangerous goods have to verify in order to receive the RAL Quality Mark? What are the most important requirements?
Companies must verify that they independently monitor the various tests of the packaging or IBCs being produced in each case before the start of production, during production and after production. Crucial aspects here are, for example, the functional dimensions, mass and minimum wall thickness of the packaging or IBCs. Labelling is another aspect that shouldn’t be forgotten because it is extremely important for the packaging of dangerous goods. Following production of the products, tests such as a fall test and internal pressure test are carried out to verify the performance and quality of the packaging before it is sold on the market. Products awarded the RAL Quality Mark for Plastic Packaging for Dangerous Goods automatically fulfil all of the statutory requirements. Otherwise, they may not be used for the packaging of dangerous goods.
To what extent does the Quality Mark go above and beyond the legal requirements?
There used to be a huge difference between the legal requirements and the requirements set by the RAL Quality Mark. However, the responsible authorities adopted almost all of the requirements for the Quality Mark into their regulatory framework for the packaging of dangerous goods and the differences are thus no longer as great today. Nevertheless, the Quality Assurance Association still goes above and beyond the legal requirements with respect to the frequency of the tests for self-monitoring purposes.
What role does the circular economy/sustainability play for the RAL Quality Mark for Plastic Packaging for Dangerous Goods?
Naturally, the circular economy plays an important role for packaging in general. Our Quality Assurance Association mainly focusses on the use of recycled materials. This is not so easy, however, because the requirements placed on the use of recycled materials are especially high in the case of packaging of dangerous goods. Some members have already established their own internal standards in this area and plan to expand them over the next few years.
Let’s take a look into the future: What developments and challenges will your Quality Assurance Association face?
The draft European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is currently a very important development. It will define the essential requirements for packaging at an EU level from 2025 onwards. We are following this legislative process very intensively and trying to highlight the special circumstances faced by packaging designed for dangerous goods. This type of packaging not only has to comply with the rules in this EU Regulation but also with the requirements placed on dangerous or hazardous goods. In contrast to the PPWR, these requirements put safety first and only then focus on sustainability.