SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS IN

SHIPPING

Our Story

Over the past decade there has been an increased emphasis on sustainability in the shipping industry, with a large focus on emissions reductions and managing our carbon footprint. By transitioning from traditional solvent coatings to new, cutting-edge water-based technologies our customers benefit from a whole range of outcomes and gain a real competitive edge in the market. No longer do you need to discard old containers, as their maintenance and repair becomes an important part of the process and the transition to a more sustainable business becomes a reality.

The issues faced by the shipping industry to make operations more sustainable and environmentally friendly have both short-term and long-term challenges. There are some shorter-term strategies that can be undertaken affordably to improve sustainability and worker safety, and this is where the Aquio solution comes in. From a long-term perspective, Aquio are also committed to working with the industry to build “Sustainable Solutions in Shipping” well into the future.

Waterborne Coatings

One of the most immediate strategies that we are committed to at AQUIO™ is a switch from solvent-based to waterborne coatings.

Although shipping containers have profoundly changed global trade by facilitating reliable and economical transportation of goods, there is a significant downside. With more than 90% of items shipped internationally using shipping containers, carbon dioxide emissions are increasing and negatively impacting the environment.

Working closely within the shipping container maintenance and repair industry in Australia and New Zealand, AQUIO™ has developed a water-based floor coating at a fraction of the cost of a chemical washout or floorboard replacement. This switch allows shipping container owners to utilise their boxes for food quality shipments, provided the unit is structurally sound, and takes significantly less time than existing upgrades processes.

Initial trials indicate there are many direct and indirect cost savings associated with the use of water-based coatings for container maintenance and repair including:

  • Up to 30% reduction (litreage) in material used
  • Reduced costs for DG transport, storage and compliance
  • Reduction/elimination in PPE and health and safety costs
  • No purchasing of additional solvents or waste solvent disposal
  • Elimination of protected equipment requirements (flameproof tooling, hoists, lighting)
Business Outcomes
  • Increased workplace health and safety

  • Reduced risk in the supply chain by not having to handle dangerous goods in their cargo

  • Fewer worker sick days

  • Better environmental footprint overall

  • Lower overall risk profile for the work site, reducing insurance costs

  • Extremely low investment cost

The Result:

Reduced cost, time, and risks involved in maintaining shipping containers for food quality shipments.