A world first

The Nordic winter is approaching and it is high season for consumers and manufacturers of washer fluid. On the worst days, it doesn't take many miles before you have to fill the washer fluid reservoir. You usually stop at the first gas station to fill up the tank...

Where you do not have your own pump to fill with washer fluid (usually the most expensive solution and the most environmentally friendly), you have the choice between a jerrican and a stand-up pouch. These can be assessed according to four categories:

• Ease of use
• Form (logistics)
• Design (product)
• Environment factor 

The jerrican has a large volume and cannot be compressed after use. This results in increased transport costs and environmental impact. Certain petrol stations have collection points, but jerricans bought in shops (much cheaper!) you have to get rid of yourself...

The bag must contain approximately 60 percent less plastic. At the same time, it has 25 per cent less content, so that consumption increases accordingly. But this packaging almost disappears when it is empty, compared to jerricans. That is a big environmental advantage. 

Most things, apart from old habit and ease of use, have basically spoken in favor of the bag with the exception of one very important thing: Transport safety.

DeeDee Plastic in the Netherlands has now over a longer period developed these bags with the help of NET's general plastic experience and knowledge as well as available equipment in NET's test center.

Now it is here, as far as we know the world's first UN-approved stand-up pouch (PDF) for model fluid Acetic acid and soap solution which includes precisely washer fluid. Then it only remains to be seen whether it will be competitive in the market compared to existing packaging in the market.