Reefer shipping is central to the cold chain. However, it has a significant impact on the environment. Shipping companies looking to meet their ESG goals and reduce their carbon footprint should consider sustainable alternatives to reefer shipping. By incorporating some of these alternatives into your cold chain strategy, you can reduce your environmental impact and save your organization money.
The Environmental Impact Of Reefer Shipping
Reefer shipping uses refrigerated containers to transport perishable goods. By nature, reefer shipping has a negative impact on the environment primarily due to its high energy consumption. Reefer containers require continuous power to maintain the necessary temperatures for perishable goods. The energy is typically sourced from fossil fuels, increasing the overall carbon footprint of the shipping process. The refrigeration units on the containers also emit greenhouse gasses, contributing to global warming.
Further, maintaining the cold chain involves regular maintenance of the reefer units. As a result, reefer shipping has much higher operational costs than other types of shipping. Improper maintenance can lead to temperature control issues, causing damage to the products. Product spoilage and waste due to temperature fluctuations also add to the environmental impact of reefer shipping.
Passive Thermal Control As An Alternative To Reefer Shipping
Reefer shipping, while essential for transporting temperature-sensitive products globally, is now under the scrutiny of governments due to its environmental impact. Shipping companies must understand and adopt functional alternatives like passive thermal solutions to comply with new regulations and reduce their environmental footprint.
Our SureTemp® pallet covers, a type of passive thermal control solution, offer numerous benefits. They help maintain the temperature of shipped goods, reducing the need for active refrigeration. By using high-performance insulating materials, they create a thermal barrier that minimizes heat transfer. Pallet covers not only cuts costs by eliminating maintenance and power needs but also prevents expensive product loss. Moreover, pallet covers reduce the environmental impact of reefer shipping by maintaining temperature stability without the need for power or greenhouse gas emissions. They are also reusable and can be used again and again.
If you are looking for a sustainable alternative to reefer shipping, our sustainable shipping experts at Protek can help. We’ll help you put together a strategy using passive thermal solutions to reduce the environmental impact and cost of your reefer shipping. Contact us now to get started!
