ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

ISO 21898:2004 is a standard that specifies the requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) used for the transport of non-dangerous goods. The standard covers various aspects such as design, construction, testing, and marking of these containers. It ensures that FIBCs are safe and effective for handling, storage, and transportation.

Key Aspects of ISO 21898:2004:

  1. Design and Construction: Details the requirements for the materials used and the construction methods of FIBCs.
  2. Testing: Specifies tests to ensure the containers’ strength, durability, and ability to withstand environmental and mechanical stresses.
  3. Marking: Guidelines for marking FIBCs with necessary information like load capacity, manufacturer details, and compliance with the standard.

This standard ensures the quality and safety of packaging used in industries that require bulk transportation of non-hazardous materials.

What is required ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

ISO 21898:2004 primarily focuses on flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) used for non-dangerous goods. The standard lays out requirements to ensure that these containers are safe, durable, and suitable for their intended use. Here’s what is required under this standard:

1. Design Requirements:

  • Material Specifications: The standard specifies the type of materials that can be used in the construction of FIBCs. These materials must be suitable for the intended purpose and strong enough to handle the stresses of transportation and storage.
  • Construction Guidelines: Details about how the containers should be constructed, including stitching, welding, or bonding methods to ensure the integrity of the container.

2. Testing Requirements:

  • Strength and Durability Testing: The FIBCs must undergo various tests to assess their strength and durability. This includes tests for lifting, stacking, and dropping, ensuring that the containers can handle the maximum load without failure.
  • Environmental Resistance: The containers must be tested for resistance to environmental factors such as UV radiation, temperature variations, and humidity, which can affect the material’s integrity.

3. Marking Requirements:

  • Identification Markings: Each container must be clearly marked with essential information, including the manufacturer’s name, load capacity, and compliance with ISO 21898:2004.
  • Usage Instructions: Clear instructions for safe use, handling, and storage of the containers must be provided, ensuring that users are aware of the best practices for maintaining the containers’ integrity.

4. Quality Control and Inspection:

  • Manufacturing Process Control: The standard requires a quality control system to be in place during the manufacturing process to ensure that every container produced meets the required specifications.
  • Inspection and Testing Documentation: All tests and inspections must be documented, and the results should be available to verify compliance with the standard.

5. Maintenance and Reuse:

  • Guidelines for Reuse: If the containers are to be reused, there must be clear guidelines on how to inspect, maintain, and refurbish them to ensure they continue to meet the standard’s requirements.
  • Maintenance Instructions: Proper maintenance procedures must be provided to prolong the life of the FIBCs and ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.

6. Safety and Risk Management:

  • Risk Assessment: The standard requires a risk assessment to identify potential hazards associated with the use of FIBCs, ensuring that appropriate safety measures are in place.
  • Safety Instructions: Comprehensive safety instructions should be provided to prevent accidents during the handling, transport, and storage of the containers.

Compliance with ISO 21898:2004 helps ensure that flexible intermediate bulk containers are reliable and safe for transporting non-dangerous goods, protecting both the contents and the environment.

Who is required ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

ISO 21898:2004 is relevant for various stakeholders involved in the design, manufacture, testing, and use of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) for transporting non-dangerous goods. The standard is required by:

1. Manufacturers of FIBCs:

  • Container Manufacturers: Companies that produce flexible intermediate bulk containers must comply with ISO 21898:2004 to ensure their products meet international safety and quality standards.
  • Material Suppliers: Suppliers of materials used in the construction of FIBCs, such as woven fabrics, must understand the standard to ensure their materials are suitable for use in compliant containers.

2. Packaging Designers and Engineers:

  • Designers: Engineers and designers responsible for developing new FIBC products need to adhere to the guidelines in ISO 21898:2004 to ensure the containers are designed for safety, durability, and usability.
  • Quality Control Teams: Professionals involved in testing and quality assurance must apply the testing requirements and ensure that all products meet the necessary specifications.

3. Users and Operators:

  • Logistics and Transport Companies: Companies involved in the transportation and storage of goods using FIBCs need to ensure the containers they use comply with ISO 21898:2004 to prevent accidents, leaks, and other issues during transit.
  • End-Users: Industries that rely on FIBCs for bulk storage and transport, such as agriculture, chemicals, food processing, and construction, must ensure their containers meet the standard to maintain safety and regulatory compliance.

4. Regulatory Bodies and Inspectors:

  • Regulatory Authorities: National and international regulatory bodies may require compliance with ISO 21898:2004 as part of broader packaging, transportation, and safety regulations.
  • Inspectors and Auditors: Professionals responsible for inspecting FIBCs for compliance will use the standard as a benchmark to evaluate the quality and safety of the containers.

5. Certification Bodies:

  • Certification and Testing Agencies: Organizations that provide certification services for packaging systems must be familiar with ISO 21898:2004 to certify products or processes that comply with the standard.

6. Purchasers and Procurement Teams:

  • Procurement Departments: Teams responsible for purchasing FIBCs for use in various industries need to ensure that the containers they buy meet the ISO 21898:2004 requirements to guarantee product safety and quality.

In summary, ISO 21898:2004 is required by any organization or individual involved in the production, testing, certification, and use of FIBCs for non-dangerous goods. Compliance with the standard ensures that these containers are safe, reliable, and suitable for their intended use.

When is required ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

ISO 21898:2004 is required in various situations where flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are used for transporting or storing non-dangerous goods. The standard is particularly relevant when:

1. Designing and Manufacturing FIBCs:

  • Initial Product Development: When a company is designing a new FIBC product, it must ensure that the design and materials meet the requirements of ISO 21898:2004.
  • Quality Assurance during Production: Manufacturers need to apply the standard during the production process to ensure that each container produced is consistent in quality and safety.

2. Transporting and Storing Goods:

  • Logistics Operations: When companies are transporting bulk goods, especially in industries like agriculture, chemicals, or food, FIBCs used must comply with ISO 21898:2004 to prevent product loss, contamination, or accidents.
  • Warehouse Storage: For long-term storage of goods in warehouses, using FIBCs that meet the standard ensures that the containers can withstand environmental conditions and maintain the integrity of the stored products.

3. Compliance with Regulations:

  • Meeting Legal or Regulatory Requirements: Some countries or industries may require compliance with ISO 21898:2004 as part of broader packaging, safety, or environmental regulations. Companies in these regions must ensure their FIBCs are compliant to avoid legal issues.
  • Audits and Inspections: During safety audits or inspections by regulatory bodies, companies may need to demonstrate that their FIBCs comply with ISO 21898:2004.

4. Procuring FIBCs:

  • Supplier Evaluation: When companies are sourcing FIBCs from suppliers, they may require compliance with ISO 21898:2004 as a criterion for selection to ensure product quality and safety.
  • Contracts and Tenders: In contracts or tenders that involve the supply or use of FIBCs, adherence to ISO 21898:2004 may be a mandatory requirement.

5. Risk Management and Safety Planning:

  • Risk Assessment: When assessing the risks associated with bulk transportation and storage, companies may require ISO 21898:2004-compliant FIBCs to mitigate potential hazards related to container failure.
  • Safety Planning: For companies prioritizing safety in their operations, using FIBCs that meet the standard helps ensure that their packaging solutions are robust and reliable.

6. Product Certification:

  • Certification Processes: Companies seeking to certify their FIBCs for quality and safety will need to demonstrate compliance with ISO 21898:2004 during the certification process.

In summary, ISO 21898:2004 is required whenever there is a need to ensure that flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are designed, manufactured, tested, and used in a way that guarantees their safety, durability, and suitability for transporting non-dangerous goods.

Where is required ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

ISO 21898:2004 is required in various locations and industries where the use of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) is prevalent for the transport and storage of non-dangerous goods. The standard is applicable in the following contexts:

1. Industrial and Manufacturing Sites:

  • Production Facilities: In factories where FIBCs are manufactured, compliance with ISO 21898:2004 is required to ensure that the containers meet the necessary safety and quality standards.
  • Material Handling Facilities: Locations where bulk materials are processed, such as in chemical, agricultural, or food production plants, require FIBCs that comply with the standard to safely handle large quantities of goods.

2. Warehouses and Storage Facilities:

  • Warehouse Operations: Storage facilities that house bulk goods in FIBCs need to use containers that meet ISO 21898:2004 to ensure the safe and efficient storage of materials over time.
  • Distribution Centers: Centers that distribute bulk products require FIBCs compliant with the standard to maintain the integrity of goods during handling and temporary storage.

3. Transportation and Logistics:

  • Shipping and Freight Companies: Companies involved in the transportation of bulk goods, whether by road, rail, sea, or air, need FIBCs that comply with ISO 21898:2004 to ensure that the goods are securely transported without risk of container failure.
  • Ports and Terminals: In locations where goods are transferred between different modes of transport, such as at ports or rail terminals, FIBCs used must meet the standard to ensure safe handling during loading and unloading.

4. Agricultural and Food Processing Industries:

  • Farming Operations: In agricultural settings where bulk quantities of grains, seeds, or other products are transported or stored, using FIBCs that comply with ISO 21898:2004 is essential to prevent contamination and ensure product safety.
  • Food Processing Plants: Facilities involved in processing and packaging food products need to use FIBCs that meet the standard to maintain food safety and prevent spoilage or damage.

5. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries:

  • Chemical Plants: In the chemical industry, where bulk chemicals are stored and transported, FIBCs that comply with ISO 21898:2004 are necessary to ensure the safe handling of materials that could be hazardous if containers fail.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: In pharmaceutical settings, where bulk raw materials are used in the production of drugs, FIBCs must meet the standard to maintain the quality and safety of the products.

6. Construction and Mining Industries:

  • Construction Sites: In the construction industry, FIBCs are often used to transport and store bulk materials like sand, gravel, or cement. Compliance with ISO 21898:2004 ensures that these materials are handled safely.
  • Mining Operations: In mining, bulk materials such as ore or minerals are often stored and transported in FIBCs. The use of containers that meet the standard is critical for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of these materials.

7. Global Trade and Export:

  • International Trade: For companies involved in exporting goods, using FIBCs that comply with ISO 21898:2004 can be a requirement to meet international shipping standards and regulations.
  • Customs and Border Control: In some cases, compliance with ISO 21898:2004 may be required by customs or border control authorities as part of the import/export process to ensure that goods are safely packaged.

8. Regulatory Compliance and Certification:

  • Regulated Industries: In industries where packaging standards are regulated by government or industry bodies, compliance with ISO 21898:2004 may be mandatory.
  • Certification Bodies: Companies seeking certification for their packaging processes or products will need to demonstrate that their FIBCs comply with ISO 21898:2004.

In summary, ISO 21898:2004 is required in any setting where flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are used for the safe and secure handling, storage, and transport of non-dangerous goods, across various industries and geographic locations.

How is required ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

To meet the requirements of ISO 21898:2004 for Packaging Management Systems, organizations must follow a structured approach that ensures the design, production, testing, and use of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) comply with the standard. Here’s how this is typically achieved:

1. Understanding the Standard:

  • Familiarization: Organizations must first thoroughly understand the requirements outlined in ISO 21898:2004, including its specifications for materials, construction, testing, marking, and use of FIBCs.
  • Training: Employees involved in the design, manufacturing, testing, and handling of FIBCs should be trained on the specific requirements and guidelines of the standard.

2. Design and Development:

  • Material Selection: Choose materials that meet the durability and safety standards specified in ISO 21898:2004. This includes selecting fabrics, stitching materials, and other components that can withstand the expected loads and environmental conditions.
  • Design Specifications: Develop detailed design specifications that comply with the construction requirements of the standard. This includes guidelines on how the FIBCs should be constructed to ensure strength, durability, and safety.
  • Prototyping and Testing: Before mass production, prototypes should be developed and tested according to the standard’s guidelines to verify compliance.

3. Manufacturing Process:

  • Process Control: Implement stringent quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process. This ensures that each FIBC produced is consistent with the design specifications and meets the required safety and quality standards.
  • Inspection and Testing: Regularly inspect and test FIBCs during production. Testing should include load-bearing tests, environmental resistance tests (e.g., UV exposure, temperature, humidity), and other stress tests as required by the standard.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all manufacturing processes, inspections, and tests to demonstrate compliance with ISO 21898:2004.

4. Quality Assurance and Compliance:

  • Third-Party Testing: Engage independent testing bodies to conduct tests and certify that the FIBCs meet the requirements of ISO 21898:2004. Certification by a recognized third-party can provide additional assurance of compliance.
  • Internal Audits: Conduct regular internal audits of the packaging management system to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard. This helps identify any deviations and allows for corrective actions to be taken promptly.

5. Marking and Documentation:

  • Product Marking: Ensure that each FIBC is properly marked with the necessary information as required by the standard. This typically includes the manufacturer’s name, load capacity, production batch, and a statement of compliance with ISO 21898:2004.
  • User Instructions: Provide clear and detailed instructions for the safe use, handling, and storage of the FIBCs. This should include guidelines for loading, lifting, and transporting the containers to prevent misuse and accidents.

6. Procurement and Supply Chain Management:

  • Supplier Evaluation: When sourcing materials or FIBCs from third-party suppliers, ensure that they comply with ISO 21898:2004. Evaluate suppliers based on their ability to meet the standard’s requirements.
  • Contractual Requirements: Include clauses in procurement contracts that mandate compliance with ISO 21898:2004, ensuring that all purchased FIBCs meet the required standards.

7. Risk Management:

  • Risk Assessment: Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards related to the use of FIBCs. Implement measures to mitigate these risks, ensuring the containers are safe to use in all expected conditions.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Develop and implement emergency procedures for dealing with incidents involving FIBCs, such as container failure or spills.

8. Continuous Improvement:

  • Feedback and Review: Gather feedback from users and operators about the performance of FIBCs. Use this feedback to make continuous improvements in design, materials, and processes.
  • Updating Practices: Stay updated with any revisions to ISO 21898 and adjust practices accordingly to ensure ongoing compliance.

9. Certification and Compliance Verification:

  • Certification: Obtain certification from a recognized body that verifies compliance with ISO 21898:2004. This certification can be used to demonstrate to customers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders that your FIBCs meet international standards.
  • Compliance Verification: Regularly review and verify compliance with the standard, especially when introducing new products, materials, or processes.

By following these steps, organizations can ensure that their FIBCs are designed, manufactured, tested, and used in compliance with ISO 21898:2004, thereby meeting the safety and quality expectations required for non-dangerous goods packaging.

Case Study on ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

Case Study: Implementation of ISO 21898:2004 in a Manufacturing Company

Company Profile: ABC Bulk Packaging Ltd., a leading manufacturer of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), serves industries like agriculture, chemicals, and construction. The company faced challenges in ensuring the safety, durability, and compliance of its FIBCs, leading to issues with customer satisfaction and product recalls. To address these problems, the company decided to implement ISO 21898:2004, the international standard for FIBCs used in packaging non-dangerous goods.

Objective: The main objective was to align the company’s production processes with ISO 21898:2004 to improve product quality, enhance customer satisfaction, and reduce the risk of product failure during transportation and storage.

Implementation Steps:

  1. Gap Analysis:
    • Initial Assessment: The company conducted a comprehensive gap analysis to identify discrepancies between its current practices and the requirements of ISO 21898:2004. Key areas of concern included material selection, testing procedures, and quality control measures.
    • Risk Identification: The analysis revealed that insufficient testing and lack of standardized quality control were leading to inconsistent product performance.
  2. Training and Awareness:
    • Employee Training: The company organized training sessions for employees involved in the design, manufacturing, and quality assurance of FIBCs. The training focused on the requirements of ISO 21898:2004, including design specifications, testing protocols, and marking requirements.
    • Management Commitment: Senior management demonstrated a strong commitment to the implementation by providing resources and support for the necessary changes.
  3. Process Redesign:
    • Material Selection: ABC Bulk Packaging Ltd. revisited its material procurement process to ensure that all materials used in FIBC production met the durability and safety standards outlined in ISO 21898:2004.
    • Design Improvements: The design team implemented changes to the construction of FIBCs, such as improved stitching methods and reinforced lifting loops, to meet the structural integrity requirements.
    • Quality Control Enhancement: The company introduced stricter quality control measures, including random sampling and more frequent testing of FIBCs to ensure compliance with the standard.
  4. Testing and Certification:
    • Internal Testing: The company established an in-house testing laboratory equipped with the necessary tools to conduct load-bearing tests, UV exposure tests, and environmental resistance tests in line with ISO 21898:2004.
    • Third-Party Certification: ABC Bulk Packaging Ltd. partnered with a recognized certification body to verify compliance with the standard. The certification process included an audit of the production facility, testing of FIBC samples, and a review of the company’s documentation.
  5. Product Marking and Documentation:
    • Marking: All FIBCs were marked with the necessary information, including the manufacturer’s details, load capacity, and a statement of compliance with ISO 21898:2004.
    • User Instructions: The company developed detailed user manuals to accompany each FIBC, providing instructions for safe handling, loading, and storage.
  6. Continuous Improvement:
    • Customer Feedback: ABC Bulk Packaging Ltd. established a feedback loop with customers to gather insights on the performance of FIBCs in real-world conditions. This feedback was used to make iterative improvements to product design and manufacturing processes.
    • Ongoing Audits: The company scheduled regular internal audits to ensure continuous compliance with ISO 21898:2004 and to identify areas for further improvement.

Results:

  • Improved Product Quality: The implementation of ISO 21898:2004 led to a significant improvement in the quality and reliability of FIBCs produced by ABC Bulk Packaging Ltd. The rate of product failures during transportation decreased by 35%.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Enhanced product quality and clear user instructions resulted in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction, as measured by customer feedback and repeat orders.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The company successfully achieved certification for ISO 21898:2004, which strengthened its market position and enabled it to meet regulatory requirements in key markets.
  • Reduced Costs: By improving quality control and reducing product failures, the company lowered its costs associated with product recalls, customer complaints, and waste.

Conclusion:

The case of ABC Bulk Packaging Ltd. demonstrates the importance and benefits of implementing ISO 21898:2004 in the manufacturing of FIBCs. Through a structured approach involving gap analysis, process redesign, and continuous improvement, the company was able to enhance product quality, increase customer satisfaction, and achieve compliance with international standards. This case study highlights the value of ISO standards in ensuring safety, reliability, and consistency in packaging systems.

White Paper on ISO 21898:2004 Packaging Management Systems

White Paper: Understanding and Implementing ISO 21898:2004 for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs)


Executive Summary

ISO 21898:2004 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) used for the transport and storage of non-dangerous goods. The standard provides guidelines for the design, testing, and use of FIBCs to ensure they meet the necessary safety and quality requirements. This white paper explores the key aspects of ISO 21898:2004, its importance in global supply chains, and the steps necessary for effective implementation. The paper also discusses the benefits of compliance, including enhanced product safety, regulatory alignment, and improved market access.


Introduction

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), commonly known as bulk bags or big bags, are widely used in industries such as agriculture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and construction for transporting and storing bulk quantities of materials. Given the critical role these containers play in supply chains, ensuring their safety and reliability is essential. ISO 21898:2004 was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for the standardization of FIBCs, addressing various aspects from design to end-use.


Key Provisions of ISO 21898:2004

ISO 21898:2004 covers several critical areas, including:

  1. Material Requirements:
    • Specifies the types of materials that can be used in FIBCs, including the fabric, stitching, and any additional reinforcements. The materials must be strong enough to withstand the stresses of handling, transport, and storage.
  2. Design and Construction:
    • Provides guidelines for the structural design of FIBCs, including the dimensions, weight capacity, and lifting mechanisms. The design must ensure that the FIBC can handle the intended load without failure.
  3. Testing Procedures:
    • Outlines the necessary tests to confirm the strength, durability, and safety of FIBCs. Tests include load-bearing capacity, resistance to UV light, environmental stress, and stacking performance.
  4. Marking and Labeling:
    • Requires that FIBCs be clearly marked with essential information such as the manufacturer’s name, load capacity, batch number, and a statement of compliance with ISO 21898:2004. Proper labeling ensures traceability and safety in handling.
  5. Safety Factors:
    • Establishes safety factors for different types of FIBCs based on their intended use. These factors ensure that the containers have an adequate margin of safety under normal and extreme conditions.
  6. Use and Handling Instructions:
    • Provides guidelines for the safe use, handling, and storage of FIBCs, including recommendations for loading, unloading, and securing the containers during transport.

Importance of ISO 21898:2004

1. Ensuring Product Safety:

  • Compliance with ISO 21898:2004 ensures that FIBCs are designed and tested to withstand the stresses they will encounter during use. This reduces the risk of container failure, which can lead to spills, product loss, and safety hazards.

2. Regulatory Compliance:

  • Many countries and industries have regulations that require the use of standardized packaging for transporting goods. ISO 21898:2004 provides a globally recognized framework that helps companies meet these regulatory requirements.

3. Market Access:

  • Certification to ISO 21898:2004 can enhance a company’s credibility and open up new markets. Buyers and distributors often prefer or require FIBCs that comply with international standards, making compliance a competitive advantage.

4. Quality Assurance:

  • The standard’s emphasis on consistent quality and performance helps companies maintain high standards across their production processes. This leads to fewer product recalls, lower costs, and higher customer satisfaction.

Implementation Strategies

Implementing ISO 21898:2004 requires a systematic approach that includes the following steps:

1. Conducting a Gap Analysis:

  • Evaluate current practices against the requirements of ISO 21898:2004 to identify areas of non-compliance. This analysis forms the basis for developing an implementation plan.

2. Employee Training and Awareness:

  • Train employees on the specific requirements of the standard, particularly those involved in design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Awareness of the standard’s importance is crucial for successful implementation.

3. Redesigning Processes:

  • Modify existing design, manufacturing, and testing processes to align with the standard. This may involve selecting new materials, redesigning FIBCs, and updating testing protocols.

4. Quality Control and Testing:

  • Implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure that all FIBCs meet the standard’s requirements. Regular testing should be conducted to verify compliance and address any issues that arise.

5. Certification:

  • Engage with a recognized certification body to obtain certification for compliance with ISO 21898:2004. Certification provides formal recognition of compliance and can be used to demonstrate this to customers and regulators.

6. Continuous Improvement:

  • Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and improvement. Regular audits, customer feedback, and performance reviews can help maintain compliance and drive continuous improvement.

Benefits of Compliance

1. Enhanced Safety and Reliability:

  • ISO 21898:2004 ensures that FIBCs are safe and reliable, reducing the risk of accidents, spills, and product loss during transport and storage.

2. Improved Customer Confidence:

  • Compliance with a recognized international standard can enhance customer trust and satisfaction, leading to stronger relationships and repeat business.

3. Reduced Liability:

  • By adhering to the standard, companies can minimize the risk of liability related to product failure or non-compliance with regulations.

4. Global Market Competitiveness:

  • ISO 21898:2004 certification can enhance a company’s competitiveness in global markets by demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety.

Conclusion

ISO 21898:2004 plays a critical role in standardizing the design, production, and use of FIBCs for non-dangerous goods. Implementing the standard not only ensures product safety and regulatory compliance but also enhances market access and customer satisfaction. For companies involved in the production or use of FIBCs, adherence to ISO 21898:2004 is a strategic investment in quality, safety, and business success.


References

  • ISO 21898:2004. (2004). Packaging—Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for non-dangerous goods. International Organization for Standardization.
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2024). ISO Standards and Compliance. Retrieved from ISO.org.
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