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Sustainability is a highly-important and much-talked about topic and that doesn’t stop with the logistics or material handling industry. Being environmentally-friendly has become somewhat of a selling point for businesses, with an increasing number of people picking a company who has a lower carbon footprint than their competitors. However, warehouse owners might not know where to start when it comes to making their operations as eco-friendly as possible. We’ll be taking you through all the changes you can make to ensure you’re functioning with sustainability in mind. Opt for second-hand equipment Over-consumption and over-production isn’t an environmentally-friendly practice, especially within the material handling industry. When a warehouse owner buys brand new equipment, greenhouse gases go through the roof as a result of manufacturing and subsequent transportation of that newly-produced equipment. Meanwhile, many perfectly usable machines are being scrapped instead of refurbished and that’s because the owners of that equipment don’t know where to begin when it comes to reconditioning material handling machinery. You’ll be able to look to Multy Lift, an expert company within the industry with over 35 years of experience, if you wish to sell your unwanted warehouse equipment. Their professional team of highly-skilled engineers will be able to restore it to its former glory. As such, Multy Lift also has second-hand machinery, including used forklifts, available for purchase or hire and all for a competitive price. Used material handling equipment is ideal for warehouse owners who are on a budget, regardless of what its application, and that’s because the second-hand warehouse machinery Multy Lift has to offer includes: - Used diesel forklifts
- Used electric forklifts
- Used LPG forklifts
- Used pallet trucks
- Used reach trucks
- Used stackers
- Used order pickers
- Used scissor lifts
Choose eco-friendly warehouse equipment where possible With advancements in technology, especially within the material handling industry, it’s never been easier to find and purchase a forklift with eco-friendly qualities. Naturally, electric forklifts are often the go-to choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Mitsubishi’s enhanced range consists of three and four-wheeled forklifts, reach trucks, warehouse stackers and pallet trucks, to name a few, all powered by either electric or LGP and you’ll be able to acquire them from the material handling specialists at Multy Lift. Eco-friendly warehouse equipment from Mitsubishi, and supplied by Multy Lift, are considered to be some of the most durable and intelligent machines on the market right now. Packed with several impressive features, these sustainable models are fuel efficient and deliver maximum productivity, maneuverability, power and reliability. Lower your carbon footprint and improve operations simultaneously with the implementation of environmentally-friendly machinery from Multy Lift. Consider forklift hire for busy periods Forklift hire is essential for saving space in your warehouse, especially when you only need an increased fleet during those exceptionally busy months, such as Christmas. Not only will this help to reduce waste, as you won’t be needlessly getting rid of equipment you no longer need, but it’s also more cost-effective than buying extra machinery outright just to cover you for a few weeks of the year. Multy Lift have short and long term forklift hire contracts available that are transparent, flexible and affordable. As well as forklift hire, you’ll also have the opportunity to rent other pieces of warehouse equipment, including pallet truck hire. Invest in warehouse insulation Metal buildings become incredibly hot during the summer and exceptionally cold during the winter, which is why insulation throughout the warehouse is absolutely essential when it comes to saving energy and, subsequently, money on your utility bills. Insulation involves upgrading doors and windows whilst also using sustainable insulation materials, such as sheep’s wool. Stabilised temperatures will ensure that working conditions remain comfortable and consistent throughout the course of the day and all without turning on the heating or your air conditioning units. Insulation also helps to manage humidity throughout your premises, helping to keep your goods in top condition for as long as possible. Reduce water waste throughout your premises Warehouses have a reputation of eating up valuable resources, including heating, electricity and even water. Managers don’t quite realise how much water is being wasted and if they are, they aren’t sure about how to reduce that wastage. Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, eco-toilets and aerators on flush valves will help to reduce the amount of water you use. Something else you can do is collect grey water. Grey water is often found leftover in washing machines, baths, sinks, toilets and even showers. It’s not sanitary enough for consumption, but it is disease-free and non-toxic, so once it’s been treated, it can be reused to flush toilets, irrigate landscaping and more. Commercial rainwater harvesting systems are also ideal for larger premises as it collects and stores rainwater above or below ground, so it’s a versatile option for all. You should also look to keep pipes and tanks insulated so that your employees aren’t waiting too long for hot water to run. The longer it takes, the more water is wasted. Look into sustainable lighting options Replace all of your lightbulbs with LED alternatives, which shine brighter than their counterparts, meaning you can light the same amount of space with far fewer bulbs, thus saving you money on your electricity bills. LED bulbs also last longer than older, more conventional lighting options so you won’t have to replace them as often. You should also look into the installation of skylights or replacing smaller windows for larger ones. Not only will new fittings help with insulation, but they’ll allow as much natural light to flow through, during daylight hours, as possible, something which will also help you to cut down on the amount of electricity you use. Reducing energy usage will help to save the planet whilst also saving your bank account. Switch to ‘green’ packaging There are a number of different packaging companies that offer an alternative to plastic pallet wraps and that includes heavy-duty paper or even cardboard sheets. Paper and cardboard is far easier to recycle and it also degrades over a short amount of time, unlike plastic which can take hundreds of years. However, by choosing these alternative packaging solutions, you’ll be reducing your plastic usage and, therefore, your carbon footprint. There are also innovative packaging options available, including those made out of bamboo and other renewable, sustainable materials. Reuse and recycle materials as frequently as you can Reusing and recycling materials as much as possible is one of the most simple, effective ways to be eco-friendly. Setting up recycling points throughout your premises will help to encourage workers to dispose of their waste responsibly. Even old wooden pallets can be sent for recycling where they’ll be reconditioned and used for building furniture or other items. What’s more, warehouses can sell their recyclable waste to third parties, so you can benefit financially as well as help to save the planet.
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