Saturday, January 17, 2015

How To Establish A Sustainable Cold Chain System

By Cindy H. Cassidy


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.

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.

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.




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