As the appetite of millions of people across the US for gourmand items like fresh-from-the-ocean lobsters and tuna only increases each year, the demand for refrigeration solutions to keep them fresh also increases. And yet, worries about the environmental drawbacks of refrigeration units like greenhouse gases still persist – something reefer containers are designed to address.
Unlike the past versions of refrigeration units, reefer containers represent the best of what the industry can offer for all sectors. Having the best refrigeration technologies with sustainable properties, refrigerated containers can help people transport items without worrying about their carbon footprint.
Even so – how are exactly refrigerated containers sustainable?
Short Profile of Reefer Containers
As an offshoot of regular shipping containers, people use refrigerated containers to transport sensitive items and perishables in ways common containers cannot. While regular containers are versatile for nearly any cargo shipment, they can have a hard time keeping things like frozen fish and sensitive medicines stable.
This is where refrigerated containers come in. Since trusted container services like Tradecorp equip these containers with refrigeration machines like Thermo King’s to keep things frozen, they are better at storing perishables.
On average, refrigerated containers like Tradecorp’s have features like rubber-sealed doors, T-bar flooring, and refrigeration machines capable of freezing things from -35°C (-31°F) to 30°C (-86°F). If the customers have specific needs, they can find containers that can freeze up to -70°C (-94°F).
Furthermore, insulation features make refrigerated containers highly attractive to potential customers. Since these features can maintain temperature at any point (hot or cold), frozen items can stay in such a condition from start to finish.
Sustainable Qualities of Reefer Containers
Compared to their predecessors, these are how reefer containers make cargo shipment greener and more pollution-free:
Energy Efficiency Innovations
The integration of energy-efficient technologies is a noteworthy advancement in the sustainability of reefer containers. Conventional reefer units relied on diesel generators, which released dangerous pollutants into the air in addition to using a significant quantity of fuel.
Electric refrigeration systems are becoming more and more common in reefer containers of today. By utilizing shore-side power when moored or the main ship’s electrical supply, these technologies can significantly reduce the need for fossil fuels and overall emissions.
Furthermore, improvements in insulation materials have raised reefer container thermal efficiency. Enhanced insulation minimizes the energy necessary to maintain target temperatures, lowering the energy consumption associated with refrigeration. Because of their improved insulation and electric systems, refrigerated containers operate more sustainably than they have in the past.
Reducing Food Waste
According to Our World in Data, food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, making up 6% of total emissions. Because they increase the shelf life of perishable items during transportation, reefer containers are essential in helping to mitigate this problem.
From the place of origin to the destination, these containers assist protect the quality of food goods by precisely controlling the temperature and humidity conditions.
Food deterioration is less likely when food is fresh and edible for extended periods, which reduces food waste. Not only does this help the environment, but it also benefits suppliers and customers financially. In addition to saving resources, reducing food waste helps create a food supply chain that is more sustainable.
Digital Technologies and Smart Reefer Containers
The incorporation of digital technologies into refrigerated containers completely changed how we ship cargo. Container users can use IoT-enabled smart reefer containers with real-time updates to create proactive temperature and humidity adjustments and ensure ideal conditions.
By guaranteeing container users only spend energy when necessary, this technique improves efficiency and lowers the refrigeration system’s overall energy usage.
Refrigerated container users can also use data analytics to optimize shipping timetables and routes based on real-time information. Transportation-related emissions can be greatly decreased by reducing the distance traveled and the time products spend in transit.
Shipping firms are empowered to make well-informed decisions that prioritize sustainability while retaining operational effectiveness thanks to this data-driven strategy.
The Impact on Emissions
Over time, the shipping sector as a whole has reduced emissions significantly as a result of these advancements in reefer container technology. It is possible to considerably reduce the carbon footprint of carrying perishable commodities using electric refrigeration systems, renewable energy sources, and smart monitoring technology.
Industries estimate that refrigerated containers, as opposed to conventional diesel-powered ones, can lower emissions by as much as 40%. Because the shipping industry contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, this decrease is imperative.
Moving forward, a more sustainable future will become true when more shipping companies switch to more environmentally friendly refrigerated containers that can reduce the total impact of cargo shipping.
Conclusion
With all the benefits of using reefer containers for cargo shipment activities, businesses can commit more to sustainability principles and boost profit. In response to this trend, Tradecorp provides numerous refrigerated container types that can meet any shipment challenges. By simply filling out the quote form, Tradecorp is ready to show its wealth of experience in helping all customers safely ship and store items with the industry’s finest container solutions.