Chemical Logistics Sustainability: Reducing Environmental Footprints By Mr. Darshan Ghodawat, CEO and Managing Director, AVA Global Logistics LLP
Sustainable chemical logistics is becoming increasingly crucial in our ongoing commitment to curbing the environmental impact of the chemical industry. By focusing on long-term strategies that enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, we can ensure the industry’s viability while minimising its footprint. Logistics is a critical component of the chemical industry, focusing on the safe and efficient transportation, storage, and distribution of chemical products. A clear, long-term vision should guide decision-making and investments in sustainable chemical logistics, recognising sustainability as an investment in the industry’s future.
The importance of efficiently moving chemicals lies in minimising environmental footprints, enhancing safety protocols, and optimising supply chain efficiency. By embracing sustainable practices, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, sustainable logistics plays a pivotal role in ensuring the industry’s long-term viability while meeting stringent safety and environmental standards. Efficient chemical logistics safeguard public and environmental health and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient chemical supply chain.
Embracing cutting-edge technologies is crucial in achieving goals related to efficient and sustainable practices. Leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) can significantly enhance various aspects of operations. In particular, IoT-enabled sensors are vital in monitoring shocks and turbulence during motion. These sensors provide real-time data that can be utilised to optimise route planning and make informed, data-driven decisions. Establishing solid relationships with suppliers, customers, logistics partners, and stakeholders remains essential for reducing environmental footprints.
Such a collaboration fosters information sharing, joint sustainability initiatives, and a coordinated approach to addressing challenges. By combining multiple transportation modes, such as rail-truck or ship-truck combinations, and prioritising rail or ship transport for long distances, the industry can realise savings in greenhouse gas emissions per ton mile. Implementing advanced route planning software that considers real-time data like traffic, weather, and delivery schedules allows for dynamic adjustments to minimise fuel consumption and prevent delays. Load optimisation, which maximises capacity while reducing wear and tear, further contributes to efficiency gains.
While conventional hydrogen filling stations primarily function as gaseous distribution centres, the demand for a more sophisticated approach will emerge, especially at high-traffic locations such as truck stops. Newer innovative total station solutions featuring on-site hydrogen production and storage in liquid form, a method known for its enhanced safety and purity, are under development. The imminent requirement to dispense hydrogen in both gaseous and liquid forms underscores the transformative shift towards a more versatile and secure hydrogen fuel option.
Addressing packaging waste is another critical aspect of sustainable chemical logistics. In this regard, the industry emphasises using durable, reusable containers, minimising single-use packaging waste. To further enhance sustainability, there is a strategic shift towards choosing eco-friendly materials derived from recycled or sustainable sources for packaging. The optimisation of packaging design is equally vital, focusing on reducing waste and maximising space within shipping containers. Ensuring secure, eco-friendly packaging is integral to preventing leaks, spills, or environmental contamination during transit, thus maintaining safety standards and the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, they ensure compliance by adherence to regulatory requirements such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Proper marking based on these standards aids in easy identification, while heightened awareness among shippers about accurate declaration following transport regulations and MSDS is imperative. Beyond this, inter-class segregation practices are rigorously implemented to prevent potential hazards from interactions between diverse packages during transportation.
Stowage procedures are meticulously followed to secure the placement of chemical packages, mitigating the risks of movement or damage during transit. Aligned with compliance requirements, storage practices play a pivotal role in maintaining proper temperature and containment, thereby minimising chemical wastage, leakage, and energy consumption. In essence, the conscientious integration of packaging, marking, segregation, stowage, and storage practices upholds safety standards. It underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable and responsible chemical logistics, addressing compliance necessities like MSDS.
The utilisation of ISO Tank Containers and Flexi Tank Containers also upholds the importance of adhering to rigorous international standards and regulations. ISO Tank Containers, renowned for their durability and versatility, ensure the secure transport of chemicals and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing packaging waste. These containers are compliant with stringent international standards and offer a robust solution for the industry’s safety and efficiency requirements. On the other hand, Flexi Tank Containers provide a flexible and reusable alternative, particularly suitable for transporting non-hazardous liquids in an environmentally friendly design.
Together, these measures ensure a more sustainable future for chemical logistics that balances economic interests with environmental responsibility. As the industry moves forward, the emphasis on safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship will continue to guide decision-making. From embracing cutting-edge technologies to fostering collaboration and implementing efficient storage practices, every facet of the chemical logistics landscape contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future where the chemical logistics industry is pivotal in balancing economic interests with environmental responsibility.