Cargo disposal for a global logistics provider

The challenge

Barker & Hood received a large shipment of pet supplements, imported from the United States to the Port of Southampton. Stored in a 40ft high cube shipping container, the pet supplements were originally intended to enter the UK market. However, there was a problem. Port Health determined that the goods required a health certificate due to the product classification and ingredients of animal origin. Unfortunately, the exporter was unable to provide the required documentation, meaning the goods could not legally enter the UK market. After the team at Barker & Hood reviewed the available options with their customer, it was decided that destruction via an approved specialist provider was the most practical and compliant solution. That’s where Shred Station stepped in.

Our approach

The destruction of cargo can be a blow for any business. For Barker & Hood’s customer, destroying a huge container of pet supplements incurs a loss. In this case, the loss was unavoidable. However, we can prevent further issues by ensuring everything is destroyed properly, with zero risk of unapproved imports entering the market.

The core values at Barker & Hood have been consistent since the company’s formation: 

• Putting customers first

• Providing reliable services

• Building long-term relationships

• Finding practical solutions to logistics challenges.

By securely destroying the pet supplements, Barker & Hood acted in line with these core values. A situation that wasn’t ideal for their customer was handled professionally, practically, and without further inconvenience.

At Shred Station, we’ve handled all sorts of freight disposal and cargo destruction requirements, from perishable foods to counterfeit goods. Circumstances vary, but when materials at ports have to be destroyed, they should be destroyed under Port Health supervision in line with the UK import regulations. We are fully accredited and have extensive experience destroying freight compliantly - and that’s exactly what we did. 

After collecting the container, we immediately transported it to one of our high-security destruction centres. Once inside, everything was unloaded and shredded in line with EN 15713 security standards. The empty container was then returned to Southampton port. The whole process took 24 hours, with minimal disruption for all parties involved.

The results

As well as compliance and efficiency, Barker & Hood, which is a family-owned business, values sustainability and supporting charitable initiatives wherever possible. For instance, in 2025, Barker & Hood donated 30,000 grow kits received at the port to local schools. As well as diverting usable products from landfill, this benefited local communities and supported children in learning about growing plants and sustainability.  This is just one example of many where the company has sought to reduce waste whilst supporting customers with responsible logistics solutions.

At Shred Station, sustainability is ingrained into every commercial decision we make. We provide every service with a Zero to Landfill guarantee and are proud to be a CarbonNeutral® certified company. While there were no re-use opportunities for the pet supplements on this occasion, the emissions from the service will be neutralised in line with The CarbonNeutral Protocol, supporting Barker & Hood’s focus on sustainability.

Following destruction, the shredded fragments were then processed at an Energy from Waste facility.  This process involves incinerating materials under strict environmental controls and creates energy for the National Grid.