Sustainable Logistics Using Flexitanks

In recent years, the issue of climate change has risen at an astonishing rate. The pursuit of C02 reductions is now a major priority for many governments and companies, given the potential threat that it poses to our ecosystem. For example, in the alcoholic manufacturing industry, studies show that Consumers’ increasing environmental awareness and the environmental protection policies launched by governments of various countries have prompted major alcoholic beverage manufacturing enterprises to formulate sustainable development strategies. Somewhat surprisingly, studies show that, depending on the type of product, about 20%–50% of carbon emissions in the alcoholic beverage production chain come from packaging and transportation. (Statista, 2021)

Flexitanks can assist companies in reducing their Carbon Footprint during the transportation process. For example, using flexitanks versus shipping bottled wine is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport process allowing higher volumes of liquid to be shipped at one time.

What is sustainable logistics?

As the importance of sustainable supply chains grows, there has been a focus placed on the ‘greening’ of logistics activities whilst maintaining the aim of meeting customer requirements. This means not only by reducing costs but reducing the environmental impact.

Sustainable logistics, is defined as

‘Producing and distributing goods, in a sustainable way, taking account of environmental, financial and social factors.’  (Sbihi & Ehlese, 2009). 

Sustainable logistical activities can include a multitude of factors including, the measurement of the environmental impact of distribution and collection strategies, energy reduction in logistical activities and in minimizing waste of outputs.

How can flexitanks help with sustainable logistics?

Flexitanks offer a sustainable solution to bulk liquid shipping than that of alternative methods of transportation such as Drums and IBC totes. Firstly, they can significantly reduce carbon emissions (for sea transport especially). Secondly, they reduce waste as cargo can be shipped in one container rather than a multitude of barrels or IBC’s for example. Finally, Flexitanks are recyclable and some are even designed to be re-usable.

SIA Flexitanks are IS0 14001 certified meaning that we continuously measure and improve our environmental impact. This certification is an internationally recognized standard in which ensures that certified organizations continue to improve their environmental performance through more efficient uses of resources, reduction of waste and in maintaining an environmental management system.

Flexitanks Reduce Carbon Emissions

ISO 14001 Accredited

Flexitanks are Recyclable & Some Reusable

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Flexitanks

Flexitanks offer organizations a lower carbon footprint of more than 40% compared to substitute methods of shipping bulk liquid cargo. Using flexitanks is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport process.

For example, Flexitanks are a greener alternative to ISO Tanks in that a flexitank in a 20ft shipping container weighs much less than an ISO tank. Their low weight to content ration highly reduces emissions and energy consumption for the transportation of liquid cargo. The carbon footprint of shipping a Flexitank is lower than that of the ISO Tank, taking into consideration the weight difference and the requirement of cleaning an ISO Tank at an approved facility, creating additional transport and emissions compared to that of the Flexitank which does not require such specialist care. Additionally, ISO tanks require considerable energy during production, again increasing their carbon footprint.

Flexitanks are an excellent option for reducing an organizations Carbon footprint as they have a minimal effect on the environment in terms of the energy required throughout their lifecycle. 

Being a low carbon solution to bulk liquid transport is a unique aspect of using flexitanks. Being a one-way transit, they avoid the empty back-haul transit as it is simply recycled – decreasing the carbon footprint.

In an interview with International Wine Challenge, SIA CEO Damien McClean emphasizes the opportunity of a lessening carbon footprint when using flexitanks for shipping. Informing the publication of the environmental benefits of using a flexitank for bulk liquid shipping, the SIA CEO states:

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by 40% with Flexitanks

“The carbon footprint of a flexitank shipment is equivalent or significantly lower than any alternatives in container shipping. The unique aspect of transporting bulk liquids using flexitanks is a low carbon solution, one-way transit. We avoid the empty back-haul transit, it is simply recycled – decreasing the carbon footprint.”

 

In an interview with FreightWaves, the SIA CEO reinforces this message, citing an example of bulk wine shipping, “You’ll get 9,000 bottles of wine into a 20-foot container. In a flexitank, the 24,000 litres it holds, is the equivalent to around 30,000 bottles” whilst FreightWaves also emphasized environmentalism to be a major issue for bulk transport of liquor by sea. 

SIA CEO, Damien McClean

For example at SIA, our re-usable flexitank containers allow for zero waste in shipping – SIA Flexitanks can be re-used and recycled. The SIA Global Flexi-Max, for example, is made from 100% virgin VLDPE polyethylene which when recycled, is re-processed into pellets which are then used to manufacture new items. 

Related Topic: Developing a Sustainable Flexitank Environment at SIA

Why Choose SIA Flexitanks?

SIA Flexitanks are the world’s leading independent Flexitank manufacturer and as an industry leader we are committed to a sustainable flexitank environment. We manufacturers premium quality Flexitanks that are ideal for the transportation and storage of bulk liquid cargo. Our Flexitanks are manufactured in our State of the Art facilities of which are ISO22000 Certified.

We are driven by a global commitment to sustainable logistics and fair trade.  Our commitment includes bringing logistics technologies to manufacturers and producers that provide them with access to the new markets and more trading opportunities while using fewer resources.

Operating around the world, SIA Flexitanks remain committed to continually minimizing our environmental impact globally. We continue to meet environmental standards and continue to recover and recycle materials where practical and environmentally beneficial to do so.  As a member of the COA, we are already compliant with environmental standard ISO 14001. 

As an ISO 14001 accredited manufacturer and operator of Flexitanks, SIA manage our waste in line with regulatory requirements and the best environmental practices, ensuring that we provide social, economical and environmental benefits to the global supply chain of bulk liquid cargo.

To Request a FREE QUOTE Today, please email our team at info@siaflexitanks.com