Emission reductions of up to 70 percent created by Compact Container Systems’ SeaFold 40’ as 2025 European Union Scope 3 legislation loom

Compact Container Systems has reported results from an independent study showing its new foldable SeaFold 40’ reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70 percent on journeys made by barge, 68 percent by heavy goods vehicle, and 49 percent by rail when compared to conventional 40’ high cube shipping containers.

The research was conducted by sustainability consultancy ESG Base, and is the result of modelling CO2e generated from transporting containers, factoring in elements such as mode of transport, fuel efficiency, vehicle mass, and distance travelled.

The encouraging findings come as the European Union (EU) prepares to implement mandatory Scope 3 reporting requirements next year for all companies with a net turnover of EUR 150 million.

“The SeaFold 40′ is going to have a dramatic impact on carbon emissions throughout the supply chain,” said Charlie Santos-Buch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CCS at the Intermodal Rotterdam exhibition.

“With businesses across the EU soon expected to report emissions across their supply chain, there has never been a greater need to reduce the number of unnecessary journeys made with empty containers.

“Our ‘green box’ can make a dramatic impact – five folded and stacked SeaFold 40’ containers can stand in the place of one conventional container – saving space and cutting relocation costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and turnaround times.”

Santos-Buch also cited the opportunity for EU-based HGV transporters to take advantage of higher road transport weight limits, compared to the US, and cut their carbon emissions ahead of new Scope 3 reporting requirements with the SeaFold 40.

“Although SeaFold 40’ benefit the global container industry, they should be of particular interest to EU HGV operators,” added Santos-Buch.

“With the potential to carry five folded SeaFold containers, operators could see a dramatic reduction in CO2e by up to 68 percent.”

Santos-Buch presented this research to the Container Owners Association at Intermodal Europe in Rotterdam.