RPCC Counters Fire Criticisms with New Study
By MaterialsHandling.Net Staff
Date Posted: 3/3/2008
Plastic packaging has frequently had to fight the fire danger label in the past. Looking to answer fire concerns from critics, the Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC) has studied the difference in fire danger between reusable plastic containers (RPCs) and corrugated containers filled with produce.
Using a scientific, quantifiable study, the RPCC has determined that RPCs require no additional fire safety measures than when the same products are stored in corrugated containers. The study was conducted by CE Tech, LLC at the Department of Fire Technology at San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute.
Jeanie Johnson, the executive director of the RPCC said, “This study proves that plastic containers filled with produce and meat commodities do not pose any additional fire safety concerns than products stored in corrugated containers, removing yet another perceived barrier to the use of reusables.”
According to the RPCC, test results indicate that commodities stored in RPCs ranked in Commodity Class I and Commodity Class II do not require special sprinkler provisions. Johnson also said that the results prove that filled RPCs in cold temperature environments are a low fire-risk hazard.
In other news, the RPCC has decided to change its name to the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA). ITs focus will remain the promotion of reusable packaging across the supply chain.
