Cold chain shipping plays a vital role in the transport of most biological products such as vaccines, and some food products as well. However, one main concern is the impact that this process has on the environment, and what can be done to reduce its overall carbon footprint. In order for organizations to produce a sustainable cold chain, they must closely examine aspects such as packaging, disposal, and waste reduction.
Cold chain packaging needs to safeguard the products contained within it, preventing damage from force, the elements, etc., and also be made and used in a way that is "eco-friendly". There are different ways in which this can be accomplished; using packaging which is made from sustainable materials, is biodegradable or reusable, and consists of less rather than more, as this calls for fewer transport and resource needs.
An in-depth analysis of the carbon footprint and the life-cycle of all packaging implemented in the shipping process is necessary in order to identify changes that need to be made if it is to be less damaging to the environment. Packaging companies can employ experts who will conduct such detailed studies and provide them with viable solutions where packaging options are concerned.
Eliminating waste is one useful tactic for increasing the sustainability of the cold chain shipment system. Minimizing the amount of packaging materials not only means that fewer raw materials are required, but also that it can optimize every delivery allowing more to be shipped in one load.
The concept of reusable packaging also lends itself to eco-friendly shipping practices. Packages that can be readily cleaned and returned to the supplier after delivery may initially cost more to develop but in the long run it will end up saving money and resources. Materials used must rank high in durability if they are to be used repeatedly.
The implementation of recycling can also contribute considerably to the green factor where shipping is concerned. When recovered materials are used to manufacture packaging this eliminates the extra energy needed to ship and process new material, cutting down on greenhouse gas production and space that would have been take up in landfills.
Selecting packaging materials that are not hazardous to the soil and groundwater if they do eventually end up in a landfill goes a long way too in minimizing environmental harm. Expanded polystyrene is one such example of this, as it does not break down to produce methane or other hazardous substances and it actually helps by aerating the soil, which promotes plant growth.
Cold chain packaging needs to safeguard the products contained within it, preventing damage from force, the elements, etc., and also be made and used in a way that is "eco-friendly". There are different ways in which this can be accomplished; using packaging which is made from sustainable materials, is biodegradable or reusable, and consists of less rather than more, as this calls for fewer transport and resource needs.
An in-depth analysis of the carbon footprint and the life-cycle of all packaging implemented in the shipping process is necessary in order to identify changes that need to be made if it is to be less damaging to the environment. Packaging companies can employ experts who will conduct such detailed studies and provide them with viable solutions where packaging options are concerned.
Eliminating waste is one useful tactic for increasing the sustainability of the cold chain shipment system. Minimizing the amount of packaging materials not only means that fewer raw materials are required, but also that it can optimize every delivery allowing more to be shipped in one load.
The concept of reusable packaging also lends itself to eco-friendly shipping practices. Packages that can be readily cleaned and returned to the supplier after delivery may initially cost more to develop but in the long run it will end up saving money and resources. Materials used must rank high in durability if they are to be used repeatedly.
The implementation of recycling can also contribute considerably to the green factor where shipping is concerned. When recovered materials are used to manufacture packaging this eliminates the extra energy needed to ship and process new material, cutting down on greenhouse gas production and space that would have been take up in landfills.
Selecting packaging materials that are not hazardous to the soil and groundwater if they do eventually end up in a landfill goes a long way too in minimizing environmental harm. Expanded polystyrene is one such example of this, as it does not break down to produce methane or other hazardous substances and it actually helps by aerating the soil, which promotes plant growth.
About the Author:
Cindy H. Cassidy has worked nearly every position in both the back and front of the restaurant over the past 16 years. Currently as a project manager, she oversees the opening of new restaurants. If you would like to read more on Buy commercial coolers she suggests you visit her friends at Imbera: Commercial Coolers, Refrigerators, Freezers USA.
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