R&D roundup: developing the Demand CS 10-gallon drum

Where did the idea for the Demand CS 10-gallon drum come from?

We’ve seen that many pest management professionals (PMPs) mix product for their routes from a central location each day, so having a bulk packaging option is important to them. We wanted to provide a solution for this need. One of the advantages of working at a company like Syngenta is you often don’t have to start from scratch for innovations. We try to cross over solutions from one business unit to another. In this case, we noticed that our seed care business had already developed a standard container design. It had several features that made it a good option to use as inspiration for Demand CS, so we used that base design to develop the 10-gallon drum.

What design features make the 10-gallon drum unique?

One of the standout features is that it has a built-in impeller. Because of this, PMPs don’t need pumps or hoses to use it, so there’s no mechanical equipment to take care of. Additionally, the drum has a square design, so it doesn’t roll around when it’s on its side. The design also allows for easy stacking and storage. Plus, it has a little notch at the top that allows clearance for a spigot. Based on the success of the gravity-fed dispensing nozzle from seed care packaging, we knew it was an essential part of the packaging design for Demand CS.

Why was a gravity dispensing nozzle important for the Demand CS 10-gallon drum?

We wanted to keep the system as simple as possible. The only tool a user needs to use the drum is a power drill to operate the built-in impeller that mixes the solution. They don’t even need a pump for dispensing — just turn the drum on its side and use the included spigot.

What kind of testing did you do for the Demand CS 10-gallon drum?

The main thing we wanted to test was how well the built-in impeller worked after the product sat for a period of time. To simulate real-world storage conditions, we placed the drums in a 50 C oven for eight weeks. Product samples were pulled at multiple mixing interval times and found homogeneity in as little as three minutes. We repeated that test over and over, which took time and patience, but now we know the impeller works to bring Demand CS back into suspension quickly, even after the product has been stored for extended time.

You’ve worked on the Syngenta packaging engineering team for more than 25 years now. How has your work changed since you started?

Technology like 3D printing helps us make prototypes for new packaging. We can do things like test functionality and adjust prototypes as needed since we have a physical package rather than just a drawing. The relationships we have with suppliers have also evolved. We need suppliers that have flexibility to make unique designs like the Demand CS 10-gallon drum, and luckily, we have them.

Syngenta is committed to making reliable products with innovative packaging to help you solve your pest problems. To learn more about the Demand CS 10-gallon drum, watch the following how-to video: