Frequently asked questions

More information about these can be found here. Our customers find that one of the benefits of using returnable drums is that it is a safe and sustainable way to purchase large-volume chemicals compared to single-use packaging such as glass or plastic lab bottles. They can be used in various environments, from the lab all the way to production and manufacturing plants.

We offer bespoke services­—from 10 liter to 1750 liter—to meet everyone’s needs. Please contact your Thermo account manager to discuss your specific requirements or use the “Contact us” form today, and we can arrange an appointment either virtually or face-to-face with you. 

For more information on how the process works, click here.

A bespoke dispensing system can be provided to suit existing facilities and processes.

Fleet sizes are calculated on projected volumes, size of containers, supply chain distance, and requirements for any safety stock holding either on your premises, one of our production facilities, or local distribution centers.

All returnable fleets are dedicated both by customer and by product. For example, if you take four products, there will be four sub-fleets in the main fleet. Each geographical area has a dedicated returnable container fleet manager who works with our commercial and customer teams to ensure fleets rotate in a timely manner to satisfy your demand.

You will need to provide your account manager with your requirements or request a support form from your existing regional fleet manager.

Returnable containers are costed to suit each specific user requirement and depend upon product volumes, fleet sizes, and type of container required. Contact your account manager for further details.

Returnable drums/containers provide a much more sustainable solution to single-use packaging. Please click here for more information.

There are options on freight, by shipment, included in the base price, and spot pricing. We aim to always provide a cost-effective and transparent service with no hidden costs.

Where there is a requirement for the containers to be cleaned, this will be undertaken by Thermo Fisher Scientific as part of the service. Some solutions are provided in “closed systems,” and planned maintenance is not normally required. 

The balance between the fleet stored at the customer site versus the fleet available at the Thermo Fisher Scientific manufacturing sites (i.e., safety stock).

This can be discussed with your account manager, whether it be hand tools for opening containers, dispensing systems, pressure, or contents measurement. 

This will depend on your specific requirements. Our team aims to provide the products to you within eight to ten weeks for the first delivery. 

We tailor our lead time based on your scheduling and size the fleets accordingly, but please remember the returnable process is a partnership. The user has the same responsibility to return empty containers as we have in providing full ones.

This can be discussed with the team to determine whether it can be manufactured in-house. Otherwise, we will utilize our global network of manufacturers and suppliers and can source most chemicals. 

Yes, we have our own in-house development and manufacturing laboratories. 

This can be discussed with the team. Between custom manufacturing and a global supply network, we can work to offer higher-purity products. 

Yes, we offer personalized delivery schedules for your orders to cover your yearly requirements. 

We can, depending on the product, quantity required, and order value. Each inquiry is treated on a case-by-case basis.