A Wind and Water Tight (WWT) shipping container is a practical and cost-effective solution for food storage, especially for non-perishable or dry goods that don’t require refrigeration.
In the food and beverage industry, a food storage made from a WWT shipping container aims to maintain food quality and safety.
This place is equipped with appropriate technology and systems to maintain ideal conditions for food storage, such as temperature, humidity, and sanitation.
To know more about the role of a WWT shipping container as a food storage, read this article until the end!
What is a WWT Shipping Container?
A WWT shipping container is a used shipping container that is no longer certified for international shipping but is still structurally sound and completely sealed against the elements.
It is structurally sound, free from holes or leaks, and capable of keeping out wind, rain, dust, and pests.
These containers have passed a visual inspection but may not be certified for international shipping, making them ideal for food storage.
However, not every type of food can be stored in this container, as they do not have insulation or a refrigerator system. You need to avoid using them for:
- Perishables
- Frozen or refrigerated items
- Items sensitive to heat or humidity unless modified
Why Use a WWT Shipping Container for Food Storage?
1. Protection from the Elements
The WWT shipping container keeps stored food dry and clean even in bad weather. It also prevents mold, spoilage, or water damage from affecting your stored foods.
2. Rodent and Insect Resistance
A steel structure with tight seals and solid doors prevents entry by pests. There are no cracks or holes where insects or rodents can get in.
3. Ventilation Possible
The WWT Shipping Container can be modified with vents to reduce moisture buildup inside, helping preserve dry goods.
4. Durable and Secure
The strong Corten steel construction of this container offers physical security. To upgrade the security system, you can add lockboxes for extra protection from theft.
What Type of Food Can You Store Inside?
WWT shipping containers are not insulated or temperature-controlled, so you can only use them to store:
Canned and Dry Packaged Foods
Canned and dry packaged foods like rice, beans, and pasta are perfect with WWT shipping containers because of the container’s protective capabilities.
The steel construction and tight door seals that this container has can block out pests that can damage or contaminate stored food. However, you can also add door gaskets and traps can enhance pest protection.
Non-Refrigerated Ingredients
Non-refrigerated ingredients like grains, spices, dry goods, packaged snacks, and baking supplies are also perfectly safe to store in WWT containers.
With this suitability, these containers will benefit businesses like bakeries, catering services, or emergency food programs.
It has weatherproof protection that can keep ingredients dry and safe from mold or water damage, perfect for outdoor placement without fear of leaking or weather exposure.
The WWT storage offers a large amount of dry storage space, easily customized with shelving, bins, or racks. It is sturdy enough to handle palletized goods and commercial bulk ingredients.
Emergency Food Supplies
WWT shipping containers are an ideal choice for storing emergency food supplies due to their durability, weatherproofing, and security.
As a practical, mobile solution for disaster preparedness, relief programs, and long-term food stockpiling, WWT containers are indispensable for such situations.
Restaurant Backup Inventory
As a restaurant’s backup inventory storage, the WWT shipping container is a smart and cost-effective solution as it provides extra space without the need for new construction or expensive warehouse leases.
It is particularly for dry goods, packaging materials, paper products, and non-refrigerated food items like canned goods, sauces, flour, sugar, etc.
This type of storage keeps your backup supplies safe from rain, humidity, and dust. It also has steel walls and sealed doors to help keep out rodents, insects, and vandals.
Optional Upgrades for Food Storage
Shelving
To start storing food in these containers, always keep the food off the container floor using shelving to avoid temperature fluctuations and moisture transfer from the steel floor.
Shelving plays a critical role in food storage, whether in a pantry, warehouse, shipping container, or commercial kitchen. It helps organize inventory, protect food from contamination, and maintain safety and efficiency.
Shelves allow for categorization (e.g., canned goods, grains, snacks), making inventory management easier. It will also minimize the risk of cross-contamination between food and non-food supplies.
If you want to use the WWT container as food storage, you can choose wire, metal, or plastic shelving for good case practice.
Wool or Foam Insulation
Wool or foam insulation in a storage container plays a vital role in temperature control, moisture resistance, and product protection. They prevent contents from overheating in summer or freezing in winter.
Wool naturally absorbs and releases moisture without losing insulation performance. Meanwhile, foam insulation provides a vapor barrier that reduces condensation inside the container.
Dehumidifier or Passive Vents
Dehumidifiers and passive vents play a crucial role in maintaining proper humidity control in food storage environments, especially inside shipping containers, pantries, or backup storage units.
Excess humidity can lead to mold, spoilage, rust, and insect infestations, all of which compromise food safety and shelf life.
Humidity promotes fungal growth on packaging, shelving, and food products like flour, grains, spices, and canned foods. Dehumidifiers and passive vents prevent mold and mildew from growing.
They will also provide proper airflow and humidity regulation helps reduce stale smells, bacterial growth, and condensation buildup.
Pest-proof Gaskets on Doors
Pest-proof gaskets on the doors of food storage containers are essential for maintaining hygiene, protecting inventory, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
They serve as a tight seal barrier that prevents unwanted entry by insects, rodents, and other pests that can contaminate or damage stored food.
Conclusion
A Wind and Water Tight or WWT Shipping Container is a good solution for storing non-perishable food, provided you take certain precautions. It offers a dry, secure, and pest-resistant environment, but it is best for dry goods or packaged foods that do not require refrigeration.
If you are looking for a new or used WWT Shipping Container, check out our products! Standing at the top of the industry, Tradecorp is widely known for its high-quality shipping containers open to so many creative applications. Fill out our quote form, and we’ll guide you in finding the best shipping container for your business goals!