Sustainable Initiatives with Resuable Containers
Reusable plastic containers as a sustainable initiative:
No matter how much the manufacturing industry propels itself toward sustainable and green initiatives, applications across its entire supply chain must be dissected. It is necessary for each manufacturer to search for and identify opportunities to reduce their overall impact on the environment. A prime factor in making the production process environmentally friendly is to find a way to introduce reusability wherever possible.
In the shipping and packaging industries, an attempt to “go green” can mean something as simple as using a container for more than a single trip. However, a plan to integrate reusable plastic containers will shed light on a number of advantages as well as a few disadvantages. Now is the time to review the manner in which reusable plastic containers can help your company while still introducing the concept of potential complications.
Advantages in using reusable plastic containers:
In addition to a potential cost savings found in reusing plastic shipping containers again and again, these containers do not need to be heat treated for pests. The durable, reusable containers also promise:
- Improved hygiene.
- Consistent quality.
- Consistent pallet or container dimensions.
Materials used in plastic shipping solutions from Reusable Transport Packaging are also safe from water absorption and poor weather.
Plastic shipping containers are also often designed to nest one inside of another to optimize available floor and storage space in a warehouse setting. Improved box stacking can mean big gains because warehouse and trailer space is often only available at a premium price.
Disadvantages in using reusable plastic containers:
Reusable plastic containers do typically have an increased initial expense. Without a crack logistics plan or a reliable container return system in place, it is possible for units to become lost and create expensive complications.
Reusable shipping solutions can periodically carry higher transportation expenses than expendable cardboard packaging. For specific businesses the cost of the return trip may be greater than the savings found in:
- Defect reduction.
- Floor space savings.
- Expendable packaging expenses.
In these instances, reusable plastic shipping totes may not be the best financial option for a manufacturing company and their shipping needs.
For any projects with a shorter timetable or relatively low volume, purchasing plastic shipping containers will be a decision that needs to be carefully reviewed. Purchase of the containers may not be a feasible expense since there is less of an opportunity to recoup expenses invested on the containers.
Allow us to help you find the best plastic container:
Reusable Transport Packaging is an industry leader in offering an array of reusable and ecologically sustainable packaging solutions. We have a team of shipping solution specialists ready to assist you with all of your shipping and storage needs. Contact us to find out how we can help you improve your shipping practices today!
