Marine shipping containers are the number one mode of transportation worldwide. Because they may carry different types of cargo, the shipping container floors, usually made of food, may pick up contamination due to odour and residue absorption. The contamination may then be tranferred to shipments of food, spoiling the cargo.
Conforce International says its Eko-Flor flooring works to absorb any odours or residue, therefore reducing the risk of such contamination and the resulting costs of a lost shipment.
The Toronto-based company said it has developed a material that simulates the characteristics of wood while being lighter, stronger and more cost effective. The composite material is "environmentally friendly:, the company stated.
Conforce has signed its first manufacturing agreement with Royal Group Technologies to produce the material, which is expected to be on the market by mid-year.
Royal Group is North America's largest PVC extruder and one of the world's leading polymer-based manufacturers. The company has production and distribution facilities employing about 9,000 staff in 60 countries.
The agreement with Royal allows Conforce to have Eko-Flor mass-produced in strategically located production facilities around the world.
"The ability to leverage the manufacturing strengths of one of the largest producers in the world will enable us to meet anticipated demand," Conforce stated.
Conforce estimates there are about 146 million shipping containers in use today.