Designing a low carbon footprint drum container

Master thesis (2017)

Authors

K.E.M. Ranta Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

R. Balkenende (mentor)
L.B.M. Magnier (mentor)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2017 Kristiina Ranta
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Published Date

25-08-2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

The fruit juice which is sold in our supermarkets, here in the Netherlands, originates from all over the world. The vast majority of juices are imported from abroad. Apple juice from China, orange juice from Brazil, pineapple juice from Ghana; juices travel a long way before we consume them.

The transport of juices, by sea, road and rail, is a very energy consuming process, with large exhausts. The goal of my thesis is to explore how to decrease the carbon footprint of this process, with a specific focus on the industrial packaging of 200 liters which is used in the supply chain. This project consists of an analysis, conceptualisation and embodiment phase.

I have designed a reusable drum container, as an alternative to disposable packaging which is discarded after one use. The drum will be used in a pooling system, in which drums are returned after use. These pass through a service center, where they are inspected and prepared for reuse.

When implementing a reverse logistics system it is important that this is done in an efficient way, to ensure the carbon footprint is truly decreased compared to disposable packaging. This has been achieved by creating a drum which is disassembled after use, allowing for compact nesting in a transport container. In this way the amount of shipments can be reduced.