How Environmentally Sustainable are Shipping Containers?

Thanks to improved technology, passionate communities, and research, the conversation about the Earth’s environment has expanded. To ensure we take the right path forward, we need more than just a promise of “environmentally friendly” products, we need the details. To help you make a more informed choice about the use of modified shipping containers, let’s dive into the ways modifying shipping containers are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction in many cases.

Examples of Shipping Containers as Environmentally Sustainable

Repurposed Containers Are Given New Life

Every shipping container was initially created to ship cargo across the ocean. Even “new” containers are actually “one-trip” containers that have traveled as a conex cargo box at least once. After many containers successfully make the trip to the US, many are unfortunately left empty at ports. In fact, due to ongoing supply chain issues and the imbalance of imports to exports in the US, 12.1 million empty containers departed ports in 2021. Disregarded and empty containers no longer benefit global trade but instead become a waste problem—with big pieces of waste.

Taking the unused containers and giving them a new life helps minimize container waste. Several manufacturing companies modify containers into workspaces, living spaces, storage units, bathrooms, and more. When a company is already in need of new infrastructure, it can choose a repurposed container.

An Alternative Construction Practice

shipping container construction

Modular construction describes the practice of creating construction elements in a factory instead of onsite. Builders can utilize shipping containers as building modules by working with a container company that modifies the containers prior to onsite construction. Modular construction continues to grow in popularity often due to the environmental benefits of the practice.

In fact, a recent study found that factory produced homes can produce up to 45% less carbon than traditional construction. Additionally, when manufacturers modify containers at a factory, they can redistribute unused materials to additional projects, dramatically minimizing material waste compared to traditional construction. Finally, thanks to offsite modifications and the ease of placing shipping containers, construction teams can minimize disturbances to the site thanks to reduced setup time.

Longevity, Strength, and Quality

modified shipping container office painted blue and green

When much of recent consumption can be described as fast and cheap, creating new waste quickly, shipping container structures fall at the opposite end of the spectrum. Container creators build them to last for over 25 years facing rigorous sea voyages. Companies that use repurposed containers can still rely on that impressive longevity.

No matter what the container becomes, most boxes remain easy to relocate. If a company expands, evolves, or moves across the country, containers can go with it—once again prioritizing reuse instead of abandonment. For many organizations, shipping container-based structures are a long-lasting and reliable asset. Modified shipping containers assist countless companies to improve operations, provide comfort, and protect valuable materials.

About Falcon Structures—A Leading Container Modification Manufacturer

Falcon Structures is a market leader in modular, shipping container-based building. Since its founding in 2003, Falcon has committed to building a better world by pioneering the use of container-based structures. Want a Falcon container for your business? Reach us at 877-704-0177 or send us an email at sales@falconstructures.com.

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