The circular economy has become a fundamental pillar for companies seeking to optimize their processes while reducing their environmental impact. In the tank storage industry, this transition is particularly relevant due to the magnitude of resources involved and the critical nature of its operations.
This article provides an in-depth look at how companies in this sector are adopting circular economy practices, focusing on material reuse, waste reduction, and other strategies to improve the sustainability of their operations.
1. The Importance of the Circular Economy in the Tank Storage Terminals
The tank storage industry plays an essential role in the global supply chain of various industries, from petrochemicals to food processing. Since these tanks store chemicals, fuels, oils, and other potentially hazardous materials, the environmental impact can be significant if resources and waste are not managed properly.
Traditionally, the value chain associated with tank storage has followed a linear model: extracting raw materials, manufacturing tanks, using them, and ultimately disposing of unusable components. However, increasing environmental awareness, regulatory pressure, and the pursuit of operational efficiency have driven the adoption of the circular economy as a new framework. This paradigm is based on extending the lifespan of materials, reducing waste, and optimizing resource utilization.
The main drivers pushing the industry to adopt these new practices include:
• Stricter regulations on emissions and waste management.
• Increasing customer and societal demands for more sustainable operations.
• Cost-saving opportunities and new business models based on material reuse.
2. Key Circular Economy Strategies in the Tank Storage Sector
The tank storage industry encompasses various stages, from tank manufacturing, maintenance, and dismantling to the management of stored chemicals and fluids. Each phase in the tank lifecycle offers opportunities to implement circular economy strategies.
2.1. Sustainable Tank Design and Construction
The first step toward a circular operation is the very design of the tanks. Modular designs, systems that allow easy disassembly of components, and the use of recycled or low-impact materials are among the most relevant trends.
- Material Selection: Steel and metal alloys used in tank manufacturing can incorporate recycled content, reducing the extraction of virgin raw materials.
• Extending Lifespan: Designing tanks with corrosion-resistant coatings and efficient protection systems extends operational life, minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
2.2. Component Reuse and Remanufacturing
Over the years, tanks may require repairs or part replacements (steel plates, sealing systems, valves, etc.). Instead of discarding these components, remanufacturing and reuse have gained traction:
- Steel Plate Remanufacturing: Damaged or corroded parts can be extracted, treated, and reused in other projects, provided they meet quality and safety standards.
• Component Exchange: Some companies have developed internal exchange systems or “marketplaces” where different facilities can share and reuse spare parts, optimizing resources.
2.3. Waste Minimization and Responsible Management
Daily tank storage operations generate waste ranging from chemical fluid residues to metal scrap or industrial packaging. Proper waste management involves:
- Source Segregation: Efficiently separating hazardous from non-hazardous waste ensures that each waste stream receives appropriate treatment.
• Waste Valorization: Through recycling or co-processing, many waste materials can be reintegrated into other industries’ production chains, preventing landfill disposal and reducing pressure on natural resources.
• Wastewater Treatment in Maintenance Processes: More tank terminals are investing in advanced treatment and purification systems, allowing contaminated water to be reused for auxiliary processes (e.g., facility cleaning or equipment cooling).
2.4. Renewable Energy Use and Energy Efficiency
While energy is not always the first aspect considered in the circular economy, it plays a decisive role in reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. Many tank storage terminals are incorporating:
- Solar panels on rooftops and adjacent areas for self-consumption energy.
• Heat recovery systems in high-temperature processes.
• LED lighting and process automation to reduce electricity consumption.
This shift towards clean energy not only contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions but can also lead to significant cost savings.
3. Technological Innovations and Digital Tools
Digitalization and the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies play a crucial role in the circular management of tanks. These solutions help optimize processes, monitor performance in real time, and enhance material traceability:
- Digital Twins: Virtual modelling of tanks and associated processes (filling, emptying, maintenance) enables the identification of improvement opportunities and the prediction of failures before they occur.
• Material Tracking Systems: Using blockchain or other distributed ledger technologies allows for tracking the origin and destination of each component, ensuring transparency in the value chain.
• Automation and Robotics: Tank inspection and cleaning robots reduce risks for personnel and improve efficiency by minimizing cleaning product waste and extending surface lifespan.
4. Regulatory Environment and Sustainability Standards
International regulations and industry standards have encouraged the adoption of circular economy practices:
- Environmental Regulations: Laws such as the Industrial Emissions Directive (in the European Union) or EPA standards (in the United States) establish emission limits and waste treatment requirements.
• Certifications and Green Labels: Initiatives like ISO 14001 (environmental management) or ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) promote continuous improvement in operational practices. Additionally, some authorities and organizations promote specific labels to ensure sustainability in the hydrocarbon and chemical storage industry.
• Investor and Stakeholder Expectations: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria demand greater responsibility and transparency from companies regarding facility management and resource use.
5. Practical Cases and Notable Experiences
To illustrate the application of the circular economy in the tank storage sector, several successful examples stand out:
- Remanufacturing of Decommissioned Tanks: Some companies have dismantled old tanks to recover valuable components (steel plates, beams, floating roofs), which are later refurbished and used for new installations or as reinforcements in existing structures.
- On-Site Waste Treatment Facilities: Several major terminals have integrated advanced wastewater and solid waste treatment systems. These facilities allow treated water to be reused for secondary purposes and even generate by-products that can be sold (e.g., sludge used in energy co-processing).
- Shared Spare Parts and Maintenance Equipment: Digital platforms have been developed where different storage plants can exchange or sell surplus materials, reducing costs and avoiding unnecessary waste. This collaborative business model driven by the circular economy is particularly attractive in regions with a high concentration of terminals.
6. Challenges and Future Opportunities
Despite advancements, the widespread adoption of the circular economy in the tank storage sector still faces challenges:
- Initial Investment: Implementing remanufacturing technologies, waste treatment systems, and digitalization requires significant capital expenditure. Proper financing plans and support from public or private institutions are crucial.
• Lack of Standardization: Not all terminals follow the same design or maintenance protocols, complicating interoperability and component exchange. Encouraging sector-wide standard adoption would streamline reuse processes.
• Regulatory Barriers: In some regions, legislation on waste and by-products can be complex or restrictive, hindering the reuse of certain materials from the petrochemical industry.
However, each of these challenges also presents opportunities:
- Increased Competitiveness: Companies investing in circular business models can differentiate themselves and position as sustainability leaders.
• Innovation and New Services: The repair and refurbishment of tanks and components create specialized market niches, generating higher-value jobs.
• Sectoral Collaboration: Shared challenges drive cooperation between companies, universities, and government institutions to develop joint sustainability solutions.
7. Conclusions and Outlook
The transition towards a circular economy in the tank storage industry is not just about regulatory compliance—it is a strategic imperative to maintain competitiveness and meet growing social and environmental demands.
At Tecam, we firmly believe that adopting circular economy strategies in the tank storage industry is essential for ensuring more sustainable and competitive operations. Our commitment to the sector is based on providing innovative technological solutions to help companies reduce pollutant emissions, manage waste responsibly, and optimize resource use.
By embracing circularity and sustainability, the tank storage sector can transform challenges into opportunities—benefiting both businesses and the environment.
For further information or requests, please contact us now.
