When products such as vaccines and perishable food items are being shipped it is essential that they be sufficiently refrigerated in transport, this method of storage and delivery is referred to as a "cold chain". One challenge industries are faced with is being able to carry out this process in such a way that it is less destructive to the environment. The right choices in packaging, minimization of wastes, and disposal all make a difference in establishing a sustainable cold chain.
The packaging used for transporting goods delivered using a cold chain system must be designed to first of all protect these products from any harm and and maintain their quality, and at the same time, safeguard the environment. Examples of "green" packaging options include reusable designs, those made from sustainable materials, and those which are readily biodegradable. Minimizing the amount of packaging is also helpful because it means less resources are needed to manufacture it and transport it.
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.
If the overall amount of waste produced by the cold chain delivery system being used can be reduced, this also increases its sustainability. The use of smaller sized packages which allow for more efficient packing and shipment, fewer deliveries, and less need for raw materials all minimize waste.
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.
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.
Sometimes landfill disposal is inevitable, in which case it is necessary to select only those packaging types which do less harm to the soil and groundwater. One type of material which fits this criteria is expanded polystyrene, it doesn't break down to produce methane or other harmful substances and it aerates the soil, encouraging plant growth.
The packaging used for transporting goods delivered using a cold chain system must be designed to first of all protect these products from any harm and and maintain their quality, and at the same time, safeguard the environment. Examples of "green" packaging options include reusable designs, those made from sustainable materials, and those which are readily biodegradable. Minimizing the amount of packaging is also helpful because it means less resources are needed to manufacture it and transport it.
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.
If the overall amount of waste produced by the cold chain delivery system being used can be reduced, this also increases its sustainability. The use of smaller sized packages which allow for more efficient packing and shipment, fewer deliveries, and less need for raw materials all minimize waste.
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.
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.
Sometimes landfill disposal is inevitable, in which case it is necessary to select only those packaging types which do less harm to the soil and groundwater. One type of material which fits this criteria is expanded polystyrene, it doesn't break down to produce methane or other harmful substances and it aerates the soil, encouraging 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 Imbera G3 19 Glass Front Door Commercial Beverage Coolers she suggests you visit her friends at Imbera: Commercial Coolers, Refrigerators, Freezers USA.
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