In today’s environmentally conscious landscape, data centers are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. As technology advances and demand for data processing grows, so does the challenge of minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact. If you’re looking to meet data center sustainability goals, SPG’s innovative reusable server crates and comprehensive recycling services offer effective solutions.
The Importance of Sustainability in Data Centers
Data centers are crucial for supporting our digital infrastructure, but they also contribute significantly to waste production. With e-waste and packaging waste becoming major concerns, data centers are taking proactive steps to implement sustainable practices. By integrating eco-friendly solutions, such as reusable packaging, companies can lower their carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency.
Reusable Server Crate Solutions
SPG’s reusable server crates are engineered with both durability and sustainability in mind, making them an ideal choice for data centers seeking to enhance their sustainable packaging solutions.
Unlike traditional single-use packaging that contributes to significant land-fill waste, these crates feature adjustable dampening, can be used multiple times and can drastically reduce environmental impact. By opting for reusable server crates, data centers not only save money in the long run but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Crafted from high-quality steel and aluminum, SPG’s reusable server crates are built to withstand the rigors of transportation and storage. Their robust construction ensures that they can handle the weight and fragility of heavy server equipment, providing maximum protection. Additionally, these crates are compact and stackable when empty, making them easy to store and transport without taking up valuable space.
One of the standout features of SPG’s server crates is their multiple top protection options, which ensure that your equipment is secure during transit. Each option is designed to meet the varying needs of different types of server equipment, offering flexibility and customization based on specific requirements. These crates are standard ASTM rack tested, guaranteeing they meet industry standards for safety and performance.
Protection at the Top
Server Rack Top Protection Options:
- Corrugated Side Protection: This option includes corrugated panels that provide robust side protection for your servers. The crates are equipped with straps that secure them to the side of the truck wall, preventing movement during transit.
- PE Foam and PCORR Clamshell: For enhanced protection, this option features a PE foam lining along with a PCORR clamshell, which offers cushioning against impacts. A strap keeps all components secured to the truck wall, ensuring stability throughout the journey.
- Inflatable Air Sock: For those who require an extra layer of protection, the inflatable air sock can be placed over the top or around the entirety of the crate. This option provides cushioning that absorbs shocks and vibrations, protecting delicate components during transport.
- Customized Solutions: Understanding that each data center may have unique requirements, SPG offers various customized options for top protection. Whether it’s specific dimensions, materials, or configurations, our team can work with you to design the perfect solution tailored to your needs.
Recycling Service for Data Centers
We provide customized, circular packaging recycling systems designed for the data center and cloud infrastructure industries. SPG’s comprehensive recycling services can significantly reduce packaging waste and promote eco-friendly practices.
Depending on a data center’s proximity to one of SPG’s facilities, a Recycling Center can be established in two to 12 weeks. The center can recycle, repurpose and/or reuse nearly all of a data center’s packaging waste.
How We Develop a Recycling Center
SPG takes used/empty data center packaging, on a predetermined schedule to either an existing SPG facility, or newly established recycling facility depending on proximity. All packaging materials are then inspected and sorted into the following categories:
- Reusable packaging
- Refurbish
- Recyclable material
- Landfill
Reusable and refurbishable data center packaging is either return-shipped to the technology customer or warehoused for future data center packaging. Any excess waste is further sorted by material and recycled. The remaining, vastly reduced amount of waste is then sent to a landfill. SPG will provide data centers with receipts from landfills and recyclers.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics
One of the primary components of our recycling service is the effective management of plastics. By partnering with SPG, data centers can adopt more eco-friendly practices that help eliminate single-use plastics and get them closer to their sustainability goals.
We recycle a wide range of plastics, ensuring that they are processed and repurposed rather than discarded.
Landfill Diversion
In addition to plastics, SPG’s recycling services cover a wide range of packaging materials that can be repurposed or reused, significantly reducing—or even eliminating—excess waste sent to landfills.
Recyclable materials from packaging includes:
- Polystyrene: Often used in packaging for its cushioning properties, polystyrene can be recycled into new products, reducing the demand for virgin materials and helping to conserve resources.
- Thermoform: This versatile plastic is commonly used for trays and clamshell packaging. Our recycling process allows for thermoform materials to be collected and transformed into usable raw materials.
- Metals: Our recycling services include the collection and processing of metals, ensuring they are sorted and sent for reuse in new products.
- PE Foam: This closed-cell foam provides a resistance to water, in addition to a strength and rigidity not present in open-cell foams.
- PU Foam: Is a specialist material used for thermal insulation and other applications.
- Corrugated Cardboard/Paper: Used in many packaging situations, cardboard can be customized to safely transport a wide variety of goods with different sizing, card thickness and color available.
- PP Molded: Polypropylene (PP), Is a thermoplastic addition polymer, which is used predominantly in injection molding applications.
Partnerships with Recyclers
To enhance our recycling capabilities, SPG has partnerships with several recyclers who specialize in handling various materials.
Wood and Pallet Recycling: We collect wood pallets and work with recyclers who convert them into mulch, providing a sustainable alternative for landscaping and gardening applications.
Cardboard Recycling: Cardboard is another common material often used for packaging and shipping. Our recycling programs convert cardboard back into paper products, promoting the use of recycled materials in the production process and reducing deforestation.
Want to explore sustainable packaging options for your business? SPG is here to help. We partner with global customers to optimize supply chains and reduce landed costs through engineered solutions. We specialize in innovative, custom packaging design and have developed sustainable packaging solutions for manufacturers across several industry sectors.
Our North American footprint means we’re able to assist you wherever you are. Feel free to reach out with any questions – we’re here to help. contact us!