Bayer restyles packaging for herbicide range

Bayer CropScience is launching new packaging for some of its herbicides this autumn, aimed at saving sprayer operator's time through better pouring, handling, emptying and rinsing.

In addition, the Smartline packaging uses less material and offers better anti-counterfeiting measures, including tamper proof caps.

The improved handing has been achieved by having a seal-free closing system and a more comfortable grip, says the firm's application and stewardship manager Paul Goddard. It makes the shaking-up of products easier, plus the wider, shorter neck makes for glug-free pouring. "Bevelled corners, smooth sides and translucent material help make cans easier to rinse."

Bayer estimates that the reduced packaging will save around 230t of plastic each year, as well as reducing energy use in packaging production and transport.

Mr Goddard says it will be first launched in the herbicide range this autumn. "That's why we're keen to make growers aware of the new packaging; unless they know about it, some of them may be concerned that they have non-genuine product on farm."

He adds that this autumn will see Bayer's herbicide range arrive on farm in three different guises. Biopower will use existing packaging through the autumn, switching over to Smartline by spring. Early supplies of Atlantis (iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron) will use the old packaging, moving to foil-less Smartline during the autumn as production continues.

Meanwhile, foil seals will continue to appear on this autumn's supplies of Othello (diflufenican + iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron), although it will be distributed in Smartline packaging. Bayer intends to move all its products into the foil-less category over time.