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.
In order to thoroughly analyze changes that are needed in the shipping process, the life-cycle of the packaging and the magnitude of its carbon footprint must be examined in closer detail. There are companies which specialize in this area, who can provide packagers with a new plan that is both efficient and sustainable.
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.
Whenever practical, reusable forms of packaging can make a shipping process more conscious of the environment. If packages are able to be cleaned and returned to the supplier following delivery, this can ultimately save money and resources. Although at first it is necessary to invest into developing materials suitable for this purpose which are durable and able to withstand re-use, eventually this venture will pay off money-wise and eco-wise.
Recycling plays an integral part in creating a "green" cold chain shipment system as well. When packaging is manufactured from recovered materials, it consumes less energy than it does to make it out of raw materials that must first be refined and processed. This cuts down on space occupied in landfills, and results in lower production of greenhouse gases.
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.
In order to thoroughly analyze changes that are needed in the shipping process, the life-cycle of the packaging and the magnitude of its carbon footprint must be examined in closer detail. There are companies which specialize in this area, who can provide packagers with a new plan that is both efficient and sustainable.
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.
Whenever practical, reusable forms of packaging can make a shipping process more conscious of the environment. If packages are able to be cleaned and returned to the supplier following delivery, this can ultimately save money and resources. Although at first it is necessary to invest into developing materials suitable for this purpose which are durable and able to withstand re-use, eventually this venture will pay off money-wise and eco-wise.
Recycling plays an integral part in creating a "green" cold chain shipment system as well. When packaging is manufactured from recovered materials, it consumes less energy than it does to make it out of raw materials that must first be refined and processed. This cuts down on space occupied in landfills, and results in lower production of greenhouse gases.
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 eco friendly commercial coolers she suggests you visit her friends at Imbera: Commercial Coolers, Refrigerators, Freezers USA.
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