Analyst Insight: The bulk liquid transportation market for beverages, comprising products such as wine, fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates, and agricultural oils such as sunflower and olive oil, has entered a transformative phase. A more intelligent and eco-conscious method of shipping these cargoes has emerged in the form of flexitanks. These innovative containerized shipping options offer an enhanced means of transporting non-hazardous bulk liquids both domestically and globally. 

With the introduction of flexitanks, the bulk juice, wine and oil sectors have experienced an important development that advances logistics capabilities for this category. Producers today have a dependable, economical solution that maintains market value and simplifies transport. Flexitank bladders are made of 100% virgin film, which is a dependable, clean surface, so product quality is preserved and there’s no possibility of cross-contamination. (That’s a risk when shipping with ISO tanks.) And, with flexitanks, there’s a multi-layer protective lining and rugged outer layer that can hold up to 24,000 liters per shipment.

When compared to IBC totes or drums, flexitanks offer faster processing times, achieving a 90% reduction in loading and unloading times. Flexitanks’ secure liquid flow-control valve makes loading and discharge of liquids a clean and effortless procedure.

Flexitanks fit into standard dry shipping containers, both 20- and 40-footers, as well as refrigerated (reefer) units. Fruit and vegetable juices are conveniently transported in large quantities at the right temperature in reefer containers, with the ability to monitor temperature and atmosphere in the container. By using multiple tanks per shipment, you can ship three different product varieties in one container — think white, red, and rosé wine — saving time and money.

An important aspect of supply chain management is the ability to track containers as they move from origin to destination. Complete and accurate visibility to containers in transit at the pre-shipment, in-transit and post-delivery stages, with highly predictive and accurate container milestone information, allows shippers to communicate updates with all parties to a shipment. Customers waiting for cargo to arrive can be kept current when accurate visibility tracking data is shared with them. For aseptic and temperature-sensitive cargo, this timing piece is key.

Flexitanks aren’t just about convenience and flexibility; they’re also about sustainability. Compared to other bulk liquid methods, they provide a greener alternative by enabling higher product capacity per container. Additionally, flexitanks are entirely recyclable, which eliminates the need for repositioning. And since the flexitank doesn’t need to be returned, freight costs are incurred for only a one-way transit. Compare that to ISO tanks requiring a round trip, as well as the need to be flushed out with water prior to repositioning, which wastes water and is especially inefficient in drought areas. Moreover, the unique design and lighter-weight construction of flexitanks reduces transportation costs and CO₂ emissions. 

Outlook: Flexitanks are revolutionizing the way bulk liquid beverages are shipped. This innovative transportation solution offers a reliable and efficient way to maintain product quality while simplifying logistics. With their convenience, adaptability, and eco-friendly features, flexitanks are the way forward. 

Resource Link:

www.asflogistics.com