The import and export trade is blooming and contributing to the global economy. All the goods are shipped in conex boxes made of corten steel. The building of containers using recyclable corten steel makes the shipping containers environmentally sustainable as they offer a long lifespan and can be repurposed in different ways before being completely discarded. Although shipping or transporting cargo containers has its environmental impact, the cargo containers do not harm the environment on an equally large scale. Under a few circumstances, when the protocols and maintenance and repair guidelines are not followed, the shipping containers might pose little harm to the environment. Therefore, maintaining shipping containers is essential and valuable for the environment. Let us check out the impact of shipping containers on the environment.

The lifespan of shipping containers

Shipping containers are durable boxes of corrugated steel that help store and transport cargo. The containers are water and air-tight, making them resistant to external weather conditions. The cabotage containers built for one-way trips are recycled or discarded after their one-time use. A standard shipping container has a life expectancy of around 25 years. It may vary based on their maintenance, use, and storage environment. Used shipping containers in the maritime industry have a lifespan of around 10-12 years. After reaching their maximum use, containers are recycled, repurposed, or discarded depending on their health.

Impact of shipping containers on the environment

Shipping containers are made of corten steel, giving them a greater life expectancy. 

1. The steel used in the making can be recyclable, making shipping containers an eco-friendly asset of the shipping industry. 
2. Cargo containers do not release toxins or chemicals into the external environment and can not harm the ecosystem. 
3. It is cost-effective, as containers last a long time once manufactured and require less maintenance and replacement unless needed.
4. After exhausting their storage and transportation uses, users often repurpose the shipping containers as commercial spaces or inventories and warehouses.

This further validates that shipping containers are environmentally sustainable. A specific drawback is that since steel is non-biodegradable, it becomes difficult for companies to eradicate them. Although cargo containers are ecologically sustainable, transporting them causes air, water, and noise pollution. The high rate of GHG emissions generated during the shipping of cargo containers is a rising concern for many environmentalists. The green revolution has accommodated green shipping and technology to reduce carbon emissions and offer environmentally sustainable shipping.

Environmental impact of empty containers

Shipping of cargo containers maintains their efficiency and supports their health. Containers in use aid global trade and are considered an asset. Empty containers yield no profits and are instead a burden to the environment.

1. The empty containers sent for repositioning use the same energy and emit the same pollution as regular shipping. Only this time, there is zero profitability.
2. If empty container fleets positioned at ports or container depots pile up, they can become challenging to manage. Even if they are maintained, energy is wasted repairing the non-productive containers.
3. Under low or no maintenance conditions, they may rust, be a host to insects and pests, and degrade to discharge iron oxide and other pollutants into the environment.

Repurposing shipping containers

Repurposing containers is an environmentally sustainable way of utilising discarded containers. Shipping containers are eco-friendly and can be repurposed to extract more benefits. After spending their fair share of life at international shipping, containers are often retired. It is when they have been damaged beyond repairs and are not fit enough to keep the cargo secure during transit. Customers usually buy used shipping containers to customise them as storage or commercial spaces. Additional changes, including wiring, insulation and new locking systems, can be made to accommodate the storage of goods or utilise them as cafes, gyms, cabins, or offices. It is a feasible way of making maximum use of shipping containers.

Discarding shipping containers

If the shipping containers have been fully utilized and can no longer be used further, companies or owners discard them. The process of discarding containers is also carried out keeping in mind the environmental guidelines. It is done by dismantling shipping containers using various cutting tools like a reciprocating saw, angle grinder or plasma cutter. Different parts of the container such as container doors, are either utilized as raw materials or are scrubbed of toxic metals such as asbestos or lead coating that can harm the environment. The scrapped steel is then sent to factories to be molten and manufactured into new products. Preserving the container parts to utilize them as raw materials in maintaining and repairing other containers is a sustainable way of utilizing and recycling containers.

The shipping industry immensely uses shipping containers to supplement the global supply chain. Since the containers are widely used, they need to be sustainable to reduce the impact of shipping containers on the environment. Shipping containers are environmentally sustainable assets that aid international shipping and boost the global economy.

LOTUS Containers is a leading distributor of shipping containers across the globe. We lease and sell all new and used shipping containers available in different types and sizes.