Nobody likes waste. Unfortunately, wastage can be a common occurrence in the cold chain logistics process. Temperature fluctuations during the transportation process can cause spoilage, contamination, or degradation of goods. The result of this is wasted resources and increased levels of customer dissatisfaction.
Wastage is bad news all-round. It can have a negative impact on the environment, leading to increased products in landfill that could be better used by those in need. From a practical point of view, wastage will also have a negative impact on your business’s bottom line. You can’t turn a profit from wasted goods.
So how can you reduce wastage in cold chain logistics with sustainable practices? Here are some practical tips:
Reduce Energy Consumption
One of the most important factors in cold chain logistics is maintaining the optimal
temperature range for each product throughout the journey. The obvious solution
to ensure the optimal temperature range is met is to use refrigerated transportation. And many cold chain logistics providers will use these as part of their process.
However, products cannot always be kept refrigerated. When loading and unloading the refrigerated truck, or transferring the products to shipping or cargo containers, they will be exposed to external temperature fluctuations, as well as to other external factors such as insects, dust and debris.
What’s more, the energy consumption involved in constantly refrigerating goods to ensure they maintain optimal temperatures is immense. Refrigerated trucks consume significantly more power and more fuel than regular trucks. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the refrigeration machinery is directly driven from the engine of the truck, meaning energy consumption is increased. Secondly, the weight of the refrigeration units and accompanying insulation material will add a considerable amount of weight to the truck even when it is empty. This will increase the energy consumption of the unit.
By removing the need for a refrigerated truck in even part of your cold chain logistic journey, it will have a significant impact on the sustainability of your offering, as well as reduce your running costs. Because running those trucks adds significantly to the bottom line for many cold chain suppliers.
But how? By using the right packaging such as an insulated pallet blanket.
Use Reusable Packaging
It is widely accepted that packaging is an essential part of the cold chain logistics
process. We already know that packaging should be used to protect your
goods from external factors, such as humidity, light, shock, dust, and debris. But the right packaging can also help maintain the desired temperature level, even when it is not in a temperature-controlled environment.
Some product packaging for shipping can be bulky and difficult to use. Product handlers simply don’t have the time to waste with packaging that is hard or time-consuming to use. And it’s also important to note that not all packaging and insulation materials are suitable for cold chain logistics. If products are going to be refrigerated to maintain temperature, then the packaging used should be sturdy and water-resistant. Using shipping specific materials can also pose its own
environmental concerns: Are the materials you are using sustainable? Can they be recycled?
The obvious solution is to ditch single-use packaging and opt for reusable shopping materials instead. TLX Cargo thermal pallet covers are an ideal option for this. They are durable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. But more significantly, they offer significant thermal insulating protection. This means that, even if they aren’t stored in refrigerated units, your products will still maintain their optimal temperature.
| TLX4 | A high-performance thermal pallet cover, designed to give extended protection for goods being shipped between both 2-8°C and 15-25°C. It reflects 97% of thermal radiation and can be reused over and over again, as long as the material is not perforated or damaged. |  |
| TLX Wrap | A high-performance thin reflective insulation used to combat the effects that extreme cold and heat can have on temperature-sensitive products, it can be effectively utilised for temperatures as low as -20°C to +40°C. It is made of 11 layers of insulation material, can be used to wrap products of any shape and size, and is also sustainable and reusable. |  |
With such a wide range of products to choose from, it’s easy to use TLX Cargo packaging as a sustainable solution for protecting your perishable or cold chain packages without significant environmental impact or exposing your business to wastage.
Minimise Product Damage
In all logistic processes, product damage can be a significant cause of wastage. This applies to cold chain logistics too. You may have kept your products at the right temperature but if they are damaged, they still can’t be sold to your customers.
Minimising product damage should be considered an essential part of the logistics process then. As well as insulating shipping units, pallet covers can also minimise the risk of product damage. This is because the layers of insulating materials have a padded, protective effect. For example, TLX PCM is a thermal cargo cover that is strong, flexible and waterproof. Using a waterproof pallet cover can protect your products from water damage, which can also be a significant cause of wastage.
Conclusion
Approximately 14 percent of all food is wasted between harvest and distribution. This is a shocking figure and one that is contributing to higher food prices and increased levels of food insecurity. That’s why reducing waste is a key focus in the cold chain logistics sector. However, doing so in a sustainable way is just as important. We live in an increasingly environmentally aware society, and many businesses are looking to transport their goods in an environmentally friendly way. Offering cold chain logistic services that incorporate sustainable practices, such as those we offer at TLX Cargo, whilst simultaneously reducing waste is a great way to promote your business and ensure that it has a place in the marketplace and really stands out from the crowd. Why not view the full TLX Cargo product range to choose the right sustainable cargo blankets for you?
We would love to hear from you. Our helpful team are on hand to help, simply call 01204 695666 or contact us here.
