Aviation and air cargo companies face major challenges as industry rules change to reduce environmental impact. Regulations on manufacturing and emissions, along with product and chemical disposal, keep getting stricter. But meeting the new rules doesn’t need to be challenging or expensive.
Sourcing equipment from environmentally conscious manufacturers provides a strategic solution. When it comes to ground support equipment, which can amount to thousands of pieces at a single location, small changes can make a big difference. From manufacturing processes to shipping to the lifelong impact of the equipment, little changes go a long way in savings — both for Mother Nature and a company’s budget.
“We’ve focused on making the best, long-lasting GSE in the industry since 1979,” said DeWayne Nelson, FAST vice president of sales and marketing. “Their long service lives give customers the best return on investment as well as reduces the waste that comes from disposing dollies, for example, that don’t last more than a few years.”
Nelson expressed how FAST is in the market to produce a quality product that should last a minimum of 15 to 20 years.
“I just saw some FAST products that were 32 years old that were just finally being turned over to the recycler,” Nelson said. “The customer said, ‘They’re still a good dolly, they just won’t haul all of the configurations we need them to.’”
GSE’s life expectancy plays just a small role in greening the tarmac. Take a look at other factors that make a difference.
ZERO WASTE AND MAXIMUM QUALITY
Lessening environmental impact starts with the GSE manufacturing process. Look for a manufacturer committed to policies and practices that eliminate or minimize waste and emissions.
Powder coating is a key zero waste practice. This painting method eliminates hazardous waste disposal of liquid paint drums and cans of paint thinner. Plus, it doesn’t contain lead or hazardous chemicals. And powder coating is simply re-sprayed to fix mistakes, unlike liquid paint that needs to be scraped off and disposed of once dried.
Powder coating also reduces air pollution, another environmental concern. Typically, liquid-painted GSE requires 24 to 48 hours to dry in the heat — sometimes longer — releasing volatile organic compounds into the air. Powder coating eliminates that risk with a 20-minute pass through a 425- to 475-degree oven.
“At FAST, we use a state-of-the-art powder coating line that moves components of all sizes through each step of the process for maximum efficiency,” Nelson said. “It helps us not only be more environmentally friendly, but also more productive.”
Other zero-waste manufacturing methods, such as bead blasting, offer a greener alternative to pressure washing. Bead blasting uses steel beads to prepare a component for maximum paint adhesion. The beads circulate through an auger system until they’re too small to be effective and get filtered out for recycling. Pressure washing sends water through a recirculating system, and captured wastewater must be neutralized and disposed of by an outside company.
SHIP MORE FOR LESS
Beyond the manufacturing process, consider the environmental impact of shipping methods. Some manufacturers design equipment that can be minimized, lightened or taken apart to maximize shipping space. This not only cuts transportation costs but also contributes to low emissions since haulers can transport more equipment in fewer loads.
“We look for ways to reduce the environmental and financial impact of shipping as we develop GSE for customers around the globe,” Nelson said. “For instance, our knockdown cart folds down to one-fifth its size to stack several high on a trailer bed or inside a container for overseas shipping. Also, our New Standard Dolly features a versatile configuration that allows stacking without crating for less expensive shipping, and our walk-behind belt loader weighs hundreds of pounds less than drivable units, which also reduces costs and environmental impacts.”
FAST also works directly with customers to meet equipment weight requirements without sacrificing quality and structural integrity. Eliminating a few hundred pounds from a unit results in more units fitting on a trailer or fewer trucks needed for over-the-road hauling.
DURABILITY FOR THE LONG HAUL
Consider the average lifespan of GSE, too. The longer it lasts, the less energy, water and material waste it creates when compared to poorly made units that must be continually replaced.
How manufacturers weld equipment is a good indicator of long-lasting strength. Signs of durability include strong bonds by certified welders or a robotic welding machine, powder coating rather than other paint methods, and zinc hardware instead of carbon steel.
Choosing GSE that has few mechanical components, such as a walk-behind belt loader rather than a drivable belt loader, also adds to longevity while minimizing hazardous fluid risks. Drivable belt loaders, for example, need routine oil changes and occasionally require adding transmission, brake and power steering fluid. Each of these chemicals has a set of disposal guidelines, which should not be taken lightly because hazardous liquid leaks can be expensive to clean up, including the labor and downtime to get it done. The risk of fluid leaks increases with a greater amount of liquids, so choosing simpler, non-drivable units when possible will limit the risk further.
Non-powered or minimally powered GSE also positively impacts the environment because less exhaust is released into the air from fuel exhaust. Plus, ground handling crews will spend more time moving cargo and baggage rather than filling the gas tank.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Selecting environmentally friendly GSE reduces the potential for air and waste pollution while increasing long-term equipment savings. Remember to look for manufacturers that use innovative processes to minimize the carbon footprint, from creation through the entire life of the unit. Thoroughly researching the manufacturer before purchasing GSE pays for itself in many ways for years to come.
Few breakdowns, long-lasting units, fuel efficiency and optimized shipping methods all contribute to a greener planet along with additional uptime and increased profits. With strategic choices, everybody wins.
