In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability within the business community. Organizations are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact while also improving efficiency. One area where this can be accomplished is through better asset management of reusable containers.
Returnable container tracking software can help businesses optimize their supply chains and shipping lines, making them more sustainable in the process. This asset management software does more than just track containers; it also provides performance analytics so you can see how your reuse program is performing overall. With this information at your disposal, you can make changes as needed to improve performance and increase savings.
If you’re interested in learning more about how returnable container tracking software can improve your supply chain sustainability, keep reading.
What is a Sustainable Supply Chain?
A sustainable supply chain takes into account the environmental and social impact of every stage of production, from sourcing materials to manufacturing to distribution. In other words, it is a system that can be maintained indefinitely without damaging the environment or depleting resources.
The sustainable supply chain is a key factor in the fight against climate change. In fact, reducing the carbon footprint of supply chains has been identified as one of the most important actions businesses can take to reduce their impact on the environment. One way to achieve this is through the effective management of returnable containers.
What is the Role of Returnable Containers in a Sustainable Supply Chain?
Returnable containers, also known as returnable transport items (RTIs), play an important role in sustainable supply chains because they can be used multiple times, which reduces waste. Returnable containers also have a smaller carbon footprint than disposable containers, as they require less energy and water to produce, while often made from recycled materials, which further reduces the environmental impact.
Furthermore, returnable containers can be reused in other parts of the supply chain or returned to the manufacturer for recycling. This creates a closed-loop system in which materials are continually reused, which is much more environmentally friendly and affordable than a traditional linear supply chain.
Returnable containers are just one way to make a supply chain more sustainable, but they can play a big role in reducing environmental impact by reducing waste, emissions, and energy consumption. However, without proper returnable container management, these reusable assets can become a burden for businesses and the environment.
Why is Returnable Container Tracking Critical for Supply Chain Sustainability?
Returnable containers are a vital part of a sustainable supply chain, but they can also be a major source of waste, pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions if not managed properly.
Unfortunately, keeping track of returnable containers without the proper tools or using manual processes is no easy task, and as a result, many are lost or damaged. This not only leads to waste and increased costs for manufacturers but also has a negative impact on the environment.
Returnable containers that are not properly tracked often end up in landfills, where they take up valuable space and release harmful toxins into the ground. In addition, the manufacturing of new returnable containers requires energy and resources, leading to further environmental strain.
As such, it is clear that tracking returnable containers is essential to preserving our planet’s limited resources.
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How to Keep Track of Returnable Containers Throughout the Supply Chain
Fortunately, container tracking software is making it easier than ever for businesses to track their returnable containers and in turn, create more sustainable supply chains.
This type of returnable asset tracking software typically leverages GPS, BLE or RFID technology sensors and includes a web-based interface. This allows businesses to accurately track the real-time asset location and status of their returnable container fleet, information vital for preventing container loss and maintaining inventory levels.
In addition, container tracking software can help businesses to identify potential areas for improvement in their supply chains. For example, if a business is losing a high number of containers, it can use the container tracking device data to investigate the root cause of the problem and address it quickly.
Returnable container tracking software can also be used to generate reports and status updates on the container’s movements and activities, which allows supply chain managers to optimize container utilization and routing for reduced transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions. In some cases, the system may also be able to provide alerts if a container is not returned within a certain timeframe.
By providing visibility into the container lifecycle, container tracking software plays a key role in making supply chains more sustainable through reduced container losses and maximized container utilization.
The Sustainability Benefits of Returnable Container Tracking Software
A container tracking system provides a number of sustainability benefits that can help organizations to reach their environmental goals. By adopting returnable container tracking software businesses can:
- Quickly track and trace the real-time location of critical assets.
- Identify potential areas for improvement in their supply chains.
- Reduce the amount of waste generated by eliminating the need for disposable packaging and closing the supply chain loop.
- Help to reduce transportation emissions by optimizing container usage and consolidation, reducing the need for empty container shipments.
- Save time and money by reducing container repair and replacement costs.
- Extend the life of their returnable containers.
- Ensure compliance with container recycling regulations and improve recycling rates.
- Enables the Circular Economy.
As a result, container tracking software can make a significant contribution to the sustainability of an organization while also improving the customer experience and streamlining inventory management processes.
Get Started with Returnable Container Tracking and Achieve Supply Chain Sustainability
A sustainable supply chain is critical for the future of our planet and businesses. By utilizing returnable containers, we can play a role in ensuring that products are transported in an environmentally-friendly way while also reducing costs.
Radiant’s Returnable Container Tracking Solution allows companies to keep track of their containers throughout the entire supply chain, from production to delivery. With this tracking data, businesses can make more informed decisions about their transportation and logistics strategies, ultimately improving sustainability and reducing waste.
If you’re interested in learning more about how our physical asset management software can help your business become more sustainable, please request a demo below.
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Last Updated on December 9, 2022 by Radiant