3 Simple Steps Logistics Companies Can Take to Reduce Microplastic Pollution
The logistics industry is comparable to a giant clockwork, with its gears turning day and night to keep the world moving. Every package that moves from a warehouse to the customer’s doorstep carries more than its contents. It often comes wrapped in microplastics.
These tiny particles that break down from larger plastic products end up polluting the air, soil, and waterways over time. The World Economic Forum raises caution about the fact that the world may be on the edge of another public health crisis.
Though the full extent of microplastics’ health impacts is not known, studies indicate they could lead to stroke, heart attack, or even death. Every industry should play its part in curbing microplastic pollution.
In this article, we will discuss the specific implications for the logistics industry. Listed below are three simple steps companies in this industry can take to reduce microplastic pollution.
Related: 4 Ways Plastic Bottles Exacerbate Fuel & Energy Inefficiencies
1. Prevent the Spillage of Pellet Materials
Plastic pellets form the building blocks for many plastic products. They have not been banned across the US, but there has been a major legislative momentum to reduce their environmental impact.
Their size and buoyancy make them extremely vulnerable to spillage during production, transportation, or handling. Once they do, widespread pollution becomes almost inevitable.
Logistics companies need to step forward and take concrete steps to prevent the spillage of plastic pellets. Such measures will have to focus on improving containment, monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Let’s look at what strategies can be applied –
- Use bulk containers with tight seals to prevent the pellets from spilling out during transportation.
- Keep pellets contained in specialized shipping equipment, which includes dedicated, tamper-proof packaging.
- Workers involved in the loading and unloading process should be given proper training on handling plastic pellets.
- Loading docks and transfer areas should be equipped with containment nets or trays that promptly catch any spilling pellets.
- Regular inspections of containers are a must, be it before, during, or after transportation.
- Shipments should be monitored for any spillages, especially along notorious routes with rough terrain.
- Maintain compliance with local regulations on using specific types of pellets or reporting any pellet losses.
- An efficient process should be in place to handle pellet spillages. Certain areas can be designated as spill response zones.
Besides these, your company can collaborate with others in programs like Operation Clean Sweep (OCS). Committing to such programs’ guidelines and conducting regular audits will further help you stay compliant and reduce pellet spillage.
Related: River Cleaning Technology: To Clean the Oceans, We Start With Rivers
2. Address Tire Fragmentation Before it Becomes Hazardous
Vehicle tires are an incredible innovation, but they also threaten the environment. As they lose mass with prolonged usage, tires release micro- and nano-particles of plastics into the air, soil, and waterways.
This issue is mostly prevalent across major logistics hubs like St. Louis, whose roads are lined with heavy commercial trucks daily. Serving as a major freight hub, the city is intersected by highways like I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70.
This strategic positioning is great from the viewpoint of logistics. However, the high volume of commercial truck traffic increases the risk of tire fragmentation.
Furthermore, many logistics companies simply use retreaded tires to reduce costs. This not only increases the risk of highway debris but also of tire blowouts. TorHoerman Law shares that tire blowouts are the second major cause of truck accidents in the St. Louis area.
Besides the original incident, motorists may get injured by hitting or swerving around tire fragments. Each occasion calls for the intervention of a St. Louis personal injury lawyer and makes multiple parties vulnerable to liability.
Speaking specifically of logistics companies, they may be held liable on various grounds depending on the situation. These include tire retreading, improper vehicle maintenance, inadequate driver training, and environmental liability.
Related: How Can Businesses Address Non-Recyclable Plastic Pollution?
3. Improve Plastic Waste Management Practices
Did you know that China was once one of the world’s major destinations for plastic scrap exports? Waste products from the US were exported to the said country for recycling and disposal. This practice came to an end in 2018 after a ban was imposed due to environmental concerns.
Currently, Canada and Mexico are the two major export destinations for plastic scraps from the US. However, this practice would likely come to an end shortly. Plastic waste is creating a toxic cocktail of pollution in the importing countries (particularly Monterrey, Mexico).
It’s time to tackle plastic waste management domestically, starting with the logistics companies. They can play a vital role in improving plastic waste management by rethinking their operations, supply chain collaborations, and packaging. Here’s a breakdown of that –
- A shift to sustainable packaging is needed where the use of compostable and recyclable materials triumphs over plastic wraps, polystyrene, and air pillows.
- Smart packaging strategies must be implemented to avoid the issue of over-packaging.
- Materials that break down easily into microplastics should be avoided, including bubble wraps and plastic fillers.
- Shipments can be consolidated through optimized delivery routes to reduce packaging needs and emissions.
- Reverse logistics can be implemented to collect used packaging or waste products from customers for proper reuse and recycling.
- Advanced technologies like AI and IoT can be used to reduce plastic waste in warehousing and delivery.
Related: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Manufacturing Business’ Plastic Footprint
Conclusion: We Must Reduce Microplastic Pollution in Logistics
When all is said and done, the steps to reduce microplastic pollution in logistics call us to imagine a cleaner future. Can we envision a future where delivery trucks leave lighter footprints and packages arrive in cushioned biodegradable and home compostable wraps?
We must, and the process has already started worldwide. As the lifeblood of trade, logistics companies hold the key to turning the tide on microplastic pollution. Their legacy of responsibility and small efforts will travel far, even beyond the last mile.
