2% of the Californian wine from JF Hillebrand USA is shipped in bulk in the company's flexitanks. These are unique fabric bladders filled with liquid and placed within 20-foot hard-sided shipping containers. The economics of this transportation method for lower-end wines are discussed. The two major requirements for flexitank fabric suppliers are identifying fabrics that are appropriate to the liquids being contained, and conforming to the regulations of the government agencies that oversee flexitanks. The various substances moved in flexitanks are listed. The fabric is usually polyester but there are particular coatings for specific liquids. Views from Erez USA Inc., a major supplier of flexitank fabrics are reported, setting out general guidelines. Flexible Alternatives Inc., who supply JF Hillebrand, use a stringent process of in-house testing and compatibility approvals. The implications of U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the EEC and the BGA, the Federation of German Wholesale and Foreign Trade, regulations are discussed. The approval process for coated fabrics in contact with liquid and edible products is explained, and military regulations also reviewed. The requirements demanded of suppliers of flexitanks are summarized.
CITATION STYLE
Bartz, A. (2003). Playing by the rules. Industrial Fabric Products Review, 88(5), 42–46.
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