ELLSEY’S Vinegar and WERIT UK have developed a reusable intermediate bulk container (IBC) model that they say integrates sustainability, food safety, and operational efficiency.
For Ellsey’s Vinegar, a family-owned business which supplies bulk vinegar to food manufacturers, managing the movement of several million litres of vinegar each year is an operational challenge.
As demand for sustainable packaging solutions increases, the company found a robust, food-safe IBC system that supports long-term reuse, while meeting the high standards required by major food manufacturers.
Ellsey’s needed to ensure its containers remained suitable for food production environments, could be inspected and maintained efficiently, and reduced waste without compromising product quality or customer confidence.
The company found its answer in a long-standing partnership with WERIT UK. Ellsey has used WERIT IBCs for several years now, as part of its bulk distribution model, developing a circular approach based on collection, inspection, refurbishment, and reuse. Ellsey’s says the relationship has evolved beyond a traditional supplier arrangement into a collaborative partnership focused on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Jason Waywell, national sales manager at WERIT UK, said, “Sustainability is most effective when it becomes part of everyday operations rather than a standalone initiative. The partnership with Ellsey’s demonstrates how reusable, food-grade IBCs can help businesses reduce waste, extend packaging life and maintain the highest standards of food safety. It is a practical example of circular economy principles delivering measurable value.”
Today, more than 2,000 WERIT IBCs are in use across Ellsey’s operations and customer network, transporting several million litres of vinegar annually to food manufacturers acrossthe UK and Ireland. When properly maintained and inspected, each IBC can remain in service for up to six years.
Instead of treating IBCs as disposable assets, Ellsey’s operates a managed return system. Containers are collected from customers, inspected, cleaned and assessed before being returned to service. Any components showing signs of wear can be replaced, extending the container’s lifespan and reducing the need for new units.
This approach aligns closely with WERIT’s design philosophy. The company’s modular IBC system has been developed to support cleaning, refurbishment and component replacement.
The transition to WERIT’s latest generation of IBCs has also significantly improved sustainability. Earlier container designs typically used wooden pallets and steel components that were susceptible to corrosion, requiring frequent maintenance, repainting and repair to remain suitable for food manufacturing environments. WERIT’s modern design incorporates a fully plastic pallet, galvanised vertical steel bars and replaceable components that resist corrosion and prevent liquid from collecting on the frame. The result is a cleaner, more durable IBC that requires less maintenance.
Food safety is fundamental to the partnership, with both Ellsey’s and WERIT operating to the same BRCGS AA Grade standard, demonstrating a shared commitment to the highest levels of quality, compliance and supply chain assurance.
These certifications provide confidence throughout the supply chain that both the ingredient manufacturer and packaging supplier operate under recognised, independently audited quality systems.
Tim Williams, MD at Ellsey’s, commented, “Food safety is non-negotiable for us. The BRC framework has transformed how businesses across the food supply chain work together by providing a recognised benchmark that customers trust. Having suppliers who understand those requirements and can consistently support them is extremely important.
“WERIT’s modern IBC design, with its fully plastic pallet, galvanised vertical steel bars, and replaceable components, has helped us improve durability while reducing maintenance requirements. By preventing corrosion and making refurbishment easier, the containers remain fit for food manufacturing for up to six years, supporting both our sustainability objectives and operational efficiency.”
