Industry News
Experts study pest resistant box design The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) hosted a symposium of experts in Rotterdam to consider the issue of invasive pests in the international container shipping industry. Pest-resistant container design took centre stage at the meeting between specialists from the global container shipping industry and biosecurity experts, aiming to address the $423 billion global challenge posed by invasive pests every year. “Container design has historically focused on production efficiency and durability, but in a global supply chain we must also prioritise pest resistance,” said Mike Downes, senior technical expert at BIC and chair of the Container Cleanliness Industry Advisory Group supporting the IPPC’s Sea Container Focus Group (SCFG). “By rethinking container design, we can mitigate the risks of invasive species and safeguard biodiversity, forests and global food supplies,” Downes said. The symposium looked at practical modifications such as floor designs that eliminate gaps and cracks and prevent nail holes; understructures with fewer horizontal ledge configurations; and the elimination of bitumastic under-coatings. A working group was established with representatives from container owners, operators and manufacturers to move forward the promising ideas Source: www.bic- code.org/news/experts-conv ene-in-rotterdam-to- explore-pest-resistant-cont ainer-design/
Challenge yourself – support Transaid BIFA’s charity partner Transaid has launched its next EU cycle challenge! Join Transaid on an adventure through the scenic southern roads of the Republic of Ireland in the organisation’s first challenge in the country. Beginning in the historic city of Cork, the route heads east, weaving through lush farmland and stunning coastal roads in view of the formidable Wicklow Mountains before finishing in Dublin’s bustling city centre.
This exciting three-day, 331-kilometre journey will take place from 24-28 of September 2025, bringing together teams from across the transport and logistics industry to raise crucial funds for Transaid’s road safety and access to healthcare projects across sub-Saharan Africa.
Transaid’s cycle challenges are well known across the transport and logistics industry, and with individuals and teams at all levels welcome on the ride, why not take on the challenge? Find out more at: https://www.transaid.org/ev ents-challenges/cork-to- dublin/
BIFA updates advice on the safe movement of batteries
BIFA Members involved in the carriage of dangerous goods will be well aware of the bi- annual updates issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In support of these amendments, IATA has issued the Battery Guidance Document – Transport of Lithium Metal, Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries - Revised for the 2025 Regulations. As more and more industrial and consumer products are fitted with this type of battery, and with some batteries forbidden for transport on passenger aircraft, it is essential that all within the supply chain are aware of their presence, understand the risks and can safely handle the cargo for international transport in line with
regulations. This topic was also covered in a BIFAlink TV episode broadcast in December 2024 – https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=nsKQGIqvQQE – Dangerous Goods – The safe movement of batteries (see page 13 of this issue of BIFAlink for the QR code). The full 33-page IATA document, which includes definitions of battery types, classification notes, recent and upcoming changes, whether packed with or
contained within products, battery vehicles, understanding the state of charge, prohibitions and restrictions, is available to download from IATA by
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www.bifa.org
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