As appeared in:

Modern Materials Handling Magazine October 2008 Issue www.mmh.com

Ontario Industrial Magazine February 2009 Issue www.oim-online.com

Due to the rising cost of steel drums, Happy Planet, a manufacturer of organic fruit beverages and soups based on Vancouver, British Columbia, was faced with the daunting task of sourcing alternative containers that they would be able to use for raw fluid management. It was during this process that Happy Planet began exploring other single use and reusable containers that might be suitable for their needs.

Happy Planet contacted distributor BARR Plastics in Abbotsford, British Columbia and they in turn introduced the company to the Buckhorn Citadel™ Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC). Buckhorn, a leading manufacturer of reusable plastic containers and pallets, had just introduced its Citadel line of IBCs, featuring collapsible sidewalls, four-way forklift entry in the base, smooth interior for use of form-fit liners and capacity of up to 302 gallons or 3,000 lbs. Manufactured from FDA-approved materials, Buckhorn’s Citadel IBCs were designed to replace steel and wooden container alternatives and deliver greater product protection as well as protection from rodent and insect contamination; secure stacking when loaded or collapsed; improved space usage in trailers and railcars; and safety benefits by eliminating the nails, splinters and sharp edges associated with wooden crates, metal banding and steel drums.

Happy Planet sampled the Buckhorn Citadel, a top filling/discharge IBC, and conducted several trials to ensure this type of container would function under their strict product handling specifications. Upon further testing, Happy Planet determined that the reusable Citadel IBC would be ideal for its operation and purchased a small quantity to start.

“From a handling and management perspective, the Citadel IBCs have folded into our operation with great ease,” said Nancy Korva, Happy Planet Director of Operations. Not long after the initial purchase, Happy Planet doubled its inventory of Citadels. Happy Planet currently uses 100 of Buckhorn’s Citadel IBCs for raw fluid transport and handling.

According to Happy Planet, the Citadel IBC has turned out to be an excellent investment. “Our supplier, warehouse and packing facility have all spoken highly of Citadel’s durability and ease of use,” said Korva. Using Citadels mean a substantial savings in operator time and efficiency. The Citadel’s collapsible design allows for a single operator to open, prep, manage filling and unloading with a minimal footprint on the production floor.

Happy Planet’s warehouse reports that the Citadel IBCs hold up exceptionally well and have sustained no damage despite repeated handling with power jacks and forklifts. And with warehouse space a constant concern, the Citadel’s reinforced design and construction allow for multiple units to be stacked, up to five high when loaded, which helps minimize the amount of space they occupy. A container’s base interlocks with the lid of the container below it, for secure stacking during transit and long-term storage. When empty, the containers collapse and stack for compact storage and efficient return for re-filling.

Happy Planet also prides itself on being an environmentally responsible company. Buckhorn’s Citadel IBCs, being reusable containers, fit well into Happy Planet’s environmental program. The containers are 100% recyclable at the end of their useful lives, and Buckhorn can take them back through its recycling program.

“Our Citadel IBCs provide companies in the food processing, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and non-hazardous chemical industries with a ‘green’ alternative to the high disposal cost and waste of one-way packaging such as barrels, cardboard or wood containers,” said Joel Grant, Buckhorn’s Managing Director. “Citadel IBCs are reusable and can last for many years. This means one Citadel IBC can replace hundreds of one-way alternatives.”

“Buckhorn’s Citadel IBC has withstood far more use than any drum that we have used, with no measurable cost to repair or replace,” Korva added. “In addition, the Citadel can hold 1 1/2 times more liquid material than four drums occupying the same amount of space.”

As a result with its Citadel IBCs, Happy Planet enjoys reduced handling costs, has maximized freight with larger quantities and uses far less warehouse storage space. “These benefits have made the Citadel IBC essential to our business growth,” said Korva. “Buckhorn’s Citadel IBCs have proven themselves to be worth the investment.”

About Buckhorn
Buckhorn Inc. is a North American leader in reusable plastic container and pallet systems for material handling. Buckhorn products meet product shipping, handling and storage needs in manufacturing, distribution and food industries – replacing expendable cardboard containers and wooden pallets to improve product protection, increase productivity, reduce costs and eliminate waste in supply chains. Based in Milford, Ohio, Buckhorn has manufacturing facilities in Springfield, Missouri; Shelbyville, Kentucky; and Bluffton, Indiana. A Myers Industries, Inc. company (NYSE: MYE), Buckhorn is part of Myers' North American Material Handling Segment, which also includes Akro-Mils® plastic storage, organization and transport products. Visit www.buckhorninc.com to learn more.

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