Recycling and reusing containers

Containers are the backbone of global trade. Millions of them are transported worldwide every year to move goods safely from one continent to another. But what happens to old or disused containers? Instead of simply disposing of them, recycling and reusing them is becoming increasingly important and makes a valuable contribution to sustainability.

The lifespan of a container

A standard sea container has an average lifespan of about 15 to 20 years in active freight traffic. After that, many containers are no longer suitable for regular transport due to wear and tear or regulations. But that doesn't mean they are unusable – quite the opposite!

Recycling containers

When a container can no longer be used as a means of storage or transport, it can be recycled. The main component of containers is steel, which can be almost 100% recycled. Recycling companies break down disused containers into their individual parts in order to use the material to manufacture new products or even new containers.

This process not only saves valuable raw materials, but also reduces CO₂ emissions, as fewer new materials have to be produced. In addition, the recycled steel elements are often used to make building materials, machine parts or even works of art.

New uses for old containers

Besides recycling, there are numerous creative and sustainable ways to put disused containers to new use:

• Containers as living and working spaces
  Container houses are no longer a niche phenomenon. They are sustainable, modular and comparatively inexpensive. Thanks to modern insulation techniques and architectural creativity, old containers can be turned into individual homes, offices or holiday accommodation.
• Green projects: Urban Farming & Vertical Gardens
  Cities are increasingly using containers as sustainable growing spaces for plants or vegetables. They are used as mobile greenhouses in so-called ‘urban farms’ to make efficient use of urban space for food production.
• Event and pop-up locations
  Restaurants, bars or even entire markets use old containers as flexible sales areas. They are mobile, quick to assemble and dismantle, and offer a sustainable alternative to temporary structures made of conventional materials.

Why is reuse so important?

The container recycling and reuse process is an important building block in a resource-efficient economy. Instead of considering old containers as waste, they offer enormous potential for environmentally friendly use. Through upcycling and innovative ideas, companies, cities and private individuals can actively contribute to reducing waste and emissions.