How Upcycled Shipping Containers Can Benefit the Environment

Shipping containers do more than just transport cargo from one place to another—they can also be useful tools in helping our environment. Below is our guide on how upcycled shipping containers can benefit the environment, including additional benefits and common container applications.

Utilize Existing Resources

The core tenet of helping the environment with sustainable practices is using the resources we already have to their fullest extent instead of creating something new. Reusing shipping containers is no different than reusing coffee filters in that they are both useful for their intended purposes, and they are re-purposeful, which reduces waste.

There are a lot of unused shipping containers that have been released from circulation. Even though many of these containers are still capable and durable, thousands are discarded or left to idle in ports every year. By utilizing and repurposing the containers that already exist for shipping and other purposes, we benefit the environment while saving money on energy and labor.

Save Energy and Labor

As we mentioned, utilizing existing available containers helps save individuals and businesses money on energy, resources, and labor. Containers are simple in structure and affordable even when new, but they still take time and money to build.

Containers also save energy and labor expenses across many industries, such as construction and home-building, as containers are often repurposed for many uses besides shipping cargo. A shipping container saves builders time and resources since it arrives fully constructed and doesn’t require additional materials.

Reduce Waste

Another green benefit of upcycling steel storage containers is that they cut down on the waste we produce. When shipping containers are no longer deemed Cargo Worthy, they can still meet the container grading of Wind/Water Tight.

Instead of turning all these useful containers into scrap and waste, upcycling gives them new life and use. Waste is a severe problem for our environment, whether it’s steel containers or plastic straws, so doing everything we can to reduce it is one of the best ways to help our planet.

Other Benefits of Reusing Shipping Containers

Benefitting the environment is just one of the many reasons that people upcycle shipping containers. Other notable benefits of reusing containers include their affordability, durability, and versatility.

Affordability

Perhaps the prime reason many reuse shipping containers for personal or commercial use is that they’re often the most affordable alternative. A shipping container is quite simply a steel box engineered for durability and security, and with so many available, it’s relatively easy to locate one you can afford.

With good supply, a used container is a budget-friendly alternative to other traditional structural materials, such as concrete, brick, and wood—and, since it’s already constructed, a shipping container cuts down on labor costs for the project.

Durability

Many favor shipping containers for their toughness and durability. While a container taken off the shipping line is no longer used for transporting cargo, it’s still capable of handling a myriad of other projects.

The shipping container is designed for optimal longevity and security, so they can spend decades traversing the globe protecting valuable goods. Even a container that’s spent 20 years as a cargo container can still offer 20+ years of reliable service in a repurposed fashion before its lifespan is diminished.

Versatility

Due to their simple but reliable construction and versatility, many industries commonly repurpose shipping containers. A shipping container may seem like just a steel box, but in many ways, it’s a blank canvas for people to use in a multitude of ways.

The simplicity of the steel container makes it easy to modify to include windows, doors, plumbing, electricity, and whatever else is needed. However you need to transform a shipping container, odds are, you can transform it with ease and minor expense.

Personal & Commercial Uses for Upcycled Shipping Containers

We’ve talked about the advantages shipping containers bring, but what are people upcycling containers into? Today, shipping containers are utilized in various ways, from residential construction to pop-up retail shops.

Container Home

One of the most common ways people upcycle shipping containers is by turning them into efficient and environmentally friendly homes. The container home can be assembled using multiple containers, stacked or otherwise combined, or a single container to be transformed into a tiny home.

Either way, the container home is becoming more popular as an affordable, simple, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional housing. A container home is eco-friendly due to its smaller carbon footprint and ability to easily be outfitted with solar panels, wind energy, green insulation, and other eco-conscious home hallmarks.

Greenhouse or Farm Enclosures

Speaking of green homes, shipping containers also make excellent makeshift greenhouses and farm structures for plants and livestock. Shipping containers are natural structures for plants as they only require minimal renovation to turn into the ideal greenhouse.

A used open-top container only needs a glass roof installation to house plants. Many also utilize shipping containers as livestock enclosures or as storage on farms since they’re so affordable and weatherproof.

Mobile or Temporary Office

One of the most common uses for upcycled shipping containers is as mobile, temporary offices—especially on construction sites. Builders need headquarters and offices onsite for their projects but are often only there for a few weeks or months before moving to the next site.

A renovated container with doors, windows, and a few desks, is an affordable and convenient solution for many builders looking for temporary office space. A container office has the basics that construction companies need and can easily pack up and transport to the next site when the project is done.

Pop-Up Business

The pop-up business craze has taken off in recent years as retail shops, restaurants, bars, and other businesses temporarily open shop for a few days or weeks. However, the problem for many pop-up businesses is finding a temporary space that’s affordable and convenient.

The shipping container has emerged as a popular solution for pop-up businesses since it is affordable, versatile, and gives business owners more location freedom for where to pop up. Used containers are readily available, relatively simple to redesign and renovate, and are sure to interest passersby.

Now you know more about upcycling shipping containers and how they can benefit the environment while also being useful to many industries and businesses. If you’re interested in turning a used container into something new, contact our helpful staff at Container Management Inc. We can help you find the ideal container for your project!