“Going green” is everywhere. Material handling companies with environmentally friendly practices are climbing in success, as sustainability initiatives are becoming increasingly crucial to supply chain companies and global partners.
In a survey for the Material Handling of America, 48 percent of material handling companies claimed that they already have a sustainability initiative in place as part of their company; but what sustainability trends are shaping this new path? In this article, we discuss the top trends in sustainability for the material handling industry.
Over the last few years, artificial intelligence has been a buzzword for the material handling industry. However, while AI is usually discussed concerning efficiency, this technology poses significant sustainable advantages. With AI, it is possible to eliminate the guesswork within the supply chain, ensuring the ability to automate various processes for maximum productivity. As a result, supply chains become more efficient and use less energy on a day-to-day basis.
Not only are processes becoming more efficient, but so are physical warehouse locations. At the dock, the focus is now on temperature control. For instance, if there are poorly fitted doors, then air will escape. This causes the temperature to change, increasing the cost for the business owner. As well as improving dock doors, warehouses are also focused on dock plates. Installing winter insulated blankets can ensure that the heating expense may be reduced by up to 10 percent.
Businesses operating in warmer climates are now exploring the potential of solar panels. Many material handling companies are already using solar power systems to remove pressure from their current power requirements. The right solar solutions can power a wide range of industrial equipment, such as warehouse electricity.
Many industrial operations are exploring new, advanced battery technologies such as Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) and Lithium to power their material handling equipment. With the HAWKER FLEX® TPPL and HAWKER FLEX® Li3 lithium batteries, daily maintenance is virtually eliminated. This means employees can spend less time maintaining batteries, and the company may see a cost-savings on outside service vendor visits.
Historically, charging equipment utilizes a significant amount of energy. Currently, material handling businesses are trying to avoid peak power usage throughout the day to reduce the overall cost significantly.
HAWKER® has been creating custom high-efficiency motive power systems for four decades. The HAWKER LifePlus® MOD3 and HAWKER LifeSpeed® MOD3 charging technology offers the highest conversion efficiency and power factor available in the industry - significantly reducing electrical consumption and demand charges. Both chargers operate at efficiencies of up to 94% and a power factor of .96. Additionally, these chargers consume less electricity, simultaneously reducing battery recharge costs while positively impacting the user’s carbon footprint. HAWKER® has been conserving energy in industrial chargers by employing high frequency power conversion and patented charge profiles since 1982.
The extensive HAWKER® line of modular, high-frequency industrial chargers represents the future of motive power innovation; offering advanced scalability, simplified service, and maximum flexibility to enhance operations.
Whether you need new or replacement industrial chargers and batteries, replacement cells, maintenance, or technical advice, there is a HAWKER® Authorized Sales & Service Representative near you. HAWKER® has more than 75 authorized sales and service centers, including more than 35 stocking distribution dealers, across North America.
Contact us today to learn more!
