In any typical warehouse, picking and packing are no doubt the most
essential activity, and it plays a very great role in customer
satisfaction as well as in analyzing the overall supply chain
performance. Pick and pack warehousing is part of the entire management system of a supply chain commonly used in product distributions
There are various picking and packing plans and one of the best and
recommended is the eco-friendly green warehousing plan. It costs nothing
more than regular shipping methods but it has more healthy and safe
picking and packing solutions. For one to realize a greener and
eco-friendly pick & pack warehousing strategy, they should ensure
that they:
Use eco-friendly transport
This should be preferable via ocean transport for oversea
distributions or via eco-friendly freight rail if possible. For local
distribution, consider rail transport since more than 90% of domestic
pollution comes from vehicles while rail is responsible for only 0.6%
Use intelligent lighting
This includes incorporation of sensors, which reduces power
consumption in as much as 10%. You could also prefer solar energy which
provides natural, safe and eco-friendly energy and lighting.
Store in natural aerated rooms
Ensure that the products relax in facilities that are naturally
ventilated or if not possible ones that are powered by green power; more
specifically wind power. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide from
most power sources that finally contaminate the products. A megawatt of
wind energy has over 2600 fewer tons of carbon dioxide.
Use forklifts that don’t emit carbon monoxide or other noxious emissions
Most forklifts are powered with propane, which poses a risk since it
gives off fumes that sink into the packaged material thus contaminating
them.
Use recycled and eco-friendly packaging boxes
Fresh and eco-friendly boxes will always ensure that the product is
safe, while recycling saves cutting down of trees and at the same time
reduces waste thrown around.
Use 100% recycled paper to make the packing slips
This reduces the amount of natural resources used up and reduces the amount of chemicals used in the process.
Electronic invoices
Instead of using paper for invoice, prefer electronic invoices to
save on the paper used. This is eco-friendly since it reduces trees
wastage.
Use green tape for securing your packaged boxes
Keep your products safe and secure in the boxes by using recycled
security tapes. They reduce the amount of waste thrown around thus
keeping the environment clean.
Prefer automated methods for moving products
The more you move products about manually, the more they get
contaminated with dust and other gas pollutants. However, with a
conveyance belt, you can move them about easily and safely.
Use a green roof
Incorporation of a living roof in the warehouse or workplace is not
only a wonderful experience but also a better way of saving energy. It
reduces indoor temperatures by up to 4 degrees thus saving on energy
used up by fans and other cooling devices.
Embracing a green pick and pack warehousing plan is a great way to
take care of our planet as well as ensuring that your consumers receive
safe and uncontaminated products.
