Container Recycling at THOR GmbH

The recycling department at our THOR GmbH site in Speyer, Germany, plays a crucial role in our sustainability efforts. Learn more about the work that goes into optimising our recycling efforts below!

Did you know that washing a combination IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) emits 67% less carbon dioxide than manufacturing a new one?

Our factory colleagues will clean used containers like IBCs, canisters, and drums that are used during chemical production to store liquids. Once they are emptied, they are processed by our team to ensure they become safe for reuse.

In 2024 the team cleaned an incredible 37,000 IBCs, each with a capacity of 1,000 litres. An impressive 90% of these containers were subsequently returned to circulation. Additionally, the team successfully cleaned and reused approximately 10,000 drum containers. This reuse not only conserves valuable raw materials and energy, but also reduces CO2 emissions, as the demand for new containers is reduced and their lifespan is extended, contributing to a reduction in industrial waste.

At THOR GmbH, we have been recycling our own containers for over 30 years. What once began with a single employee on a day shift has now developed into an efficient multi-shift operation with 15 dedicated employees. Initially around 20 containers per day were cleaned for reuse, but we can now process up to 210 containers daily. 80% of these are immediately refilled on site, while roughly 10% are sold to customers and the remaining 10% are disposed of. This disposal process also has a sustainable focus; all parts of the container, whether wire mesh crates, pallets, taps, or lids are inspected and reused wherever possible.

The THOR GmbH team recently announced the commission of a new cleaning hall for the recycling and repurposing of our used storage containers. Not only will this allow us to expand our recycling capabilities and offer our colleagues a modern, fresh working environment, it will also create space to explore opportunities with automation in order to meet growing demand of reconditioned containers.

Stay tuned for more company-wide updates on THOR’s ESG efforts!