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.
The best way for packaging companies to get a clear picture of how their shipping methods measure up in terms of the carbon footprint they produce is to hire the services of an organization which specializes in this area. These experts will do a comprehensive analysis of the packaging life-cycle used and point out any improvements needed.
Cutting down on the amount of waste generated in the cold chain delivery process is another way to boost sustainability. Smaller packages which use less raw materials that can be packed optimally make each delivery more efficient and reduce the need for transportation.
If packaging can be reused, this also adds to the green factor of the delivery process. When the materials have the potential for cleaning and possess the durability required for reuse, they can be returned to the supplier for repeated packaging purposes. Finding a suitable material may initially be more expensive, but in the future it will likely produce monetary and ecological benefits.
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.
The best way for packaging companies to get a clear picture of how their shipping methods measure up in terms of the carbon footprint they produce is to hire the services of an organization which specializes in this area. These experts will do a comprehensive analysis of the packaging life-cycle used and point out any improvements needed.
Cutting down on the amount of waste generated in the cold chain delivery process is another way to boost sustainability. Smaller packages which use less raw materials that can be packed optimally make each delivery more efficient and reduce the need for transportation.
If packaging can be reused, this also adds to the green factor of the delivery process. When the materials have the potential for cleaning and possess the durability required for reuse, they can be returned to the supplier for repeated packaging purposes. Finding a suitable material may initially be more expensive, but in the future it will likely produce monetary and ecological benefits.
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 eco friendly commercial coolers she suggests you visit her friends at Imbera: Commercial Coolers, Refrigerators, Freezers USA.
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