For several years, CMA CGM Group has been active in testing non-traditional container flooring to avoid harmful impacts on rainforest deforestation. The carrier was the first to launch in 2005 bamboo-floored containers.
Developed by the Canadian firm Conforce International, in partnership with Bayer, the new non-wood 'Eko-Flor' container flooring offers the lowest floor weight; is resistant to water, oil, and microbes; and is recyclable.
The new containers are considered 'light steel,' meaning they are made with highly resistant high-tensile steel that allows a gain of 550 kilograms per 40-foot high cube box, thus reducing the energy used for transportation, CMA CGM said.
The carrier will run tests for the next six months and the containers will be deployed on its Asia/Europe services.
CMA CGM's container fleet today comprises 130,000 'eco-containers,' including bamboo-floored, light steel containers, and low energy consumption reefers.
