Stainless steel tanks in compliance with VLAREM II standards
In industrial sectors where safety and environmental protection are paramount, strict requirements apply to installations and production processes. Gpi offers solutions in the form of tanks that comply with VLAREM II regulations. This Flemish environmental legislation sets clear standards to limit risks to people and the environment and ensures the safe and responsible use of installations.
Gpi works together with certified inspectors, also known as VLAREM experts, who issue the required certification. This process can be carried out in cooperation with a specialist appointed by the customer, but Gpi can also take full responsibility for the certification process and completely relieve the customer of this burden if desired. This is possible because Gpi works closely with its own VLAREM expert, who supervises the entire inspection and certification process. In addition, this expert is also authorized to inspect tanks in the French-speaking part of Belgium; there, the regulations do not fall under VLAREM but under the Walloon legislation known as Wallex.
What does the VLAREM II certificate entail?
VLAREM II (Flemish Regulation on Environmental Permits) is a Flemish environmental regulation that sets requirements for companies and industrial installations. The purpose of this legislation is to limit environmental nuisance, such as odor, noise, dust, vibrations, and light pollution, and to prevent environmental contamination and safety risks. VLAREM II includes general and sector-specific environmental conditions that classified facilities and activities must comply with, for example in the areas of emissions, storage of substances, safety, and environmental protection.
Within tank construction, VLAREM II means that the design and production process must take into account factors such as the safe storage of substances, leak prevention, environmental protection, and risk management. Tanks that comply with these requirements can be used in environments where strict regulations apply, such as the chemical industry, food industry, and pharmaceutical sector.
What does it mean that Gpi can deliver in accordance with VLAREM II?
When Gpi delivers a tank that complies with VLAREM II, this means that the specific tank has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the applicable Flemish environmental regulations. It is not a standard company-level certificate, but rather confirmation that a specific tank or installation, tailored to its application and location, meets the relevant legal requirements.
Gpi’s ability to deliver tanks in compliance with VLAREM II demonstrates our specialized knowledge and experience in environmental legislation, safety, and industrial processes. It means that Gpi not only designs and manufactures stainless steel tanks, but does so within the framework of Flemish environmental law, significantly reducing risks to people and the environment.
Each tank must be specifically designed and produced, taking into account factors such as the safe storage of chemicals, leak prevention, ventilation, ease of maintenance, and compliance with statutory standards. Gpi provides this on a customized basis, ensuring that every tank or installation meets the regulations applicable to the intended use and location.
A strong example of this expertise is the project Gpi delivered for Cargill NV in Antwerp. For a new production facility, Gpi manufactured seven stainless steel tanks. Cargill NV processes oilseeds such as rapeseed and produces vegetable oils for the food industry and meal for the animal feed industry. To optimize its lecithin production, the company required four process tanks and three storage tanks. Gpi ensured that all tanks were certified in accordance with VLAREM II requirements.
Why is a VLAREM II certificate important for customers?
For clients, a VLAREM II compliant tank provides additional assurance that their installation meets legal environmental requirements and safety standards. This reduces risks and helps simplify permitting and compliance processes. Furthermore, the use of VLAREM II certified tanks contributes to safer and more sustainable operations. It reduces operational risks, minimizes environmental impact, and helps protect both employees and the surrounding environment. For customers, this means receiving a reliable, future-proof tank that is built to high technical standards and fully complies with all applicable legal and safety requirements.
