Optimizing transport
An important aspect of sustainable business operations is transport. In order to become a fully climate-neutral company, we are therefore taking further steps to also make our transport and related processes fully sustainable (scope 3).
Objective
Establishing a business case for greening the transportationof pallet and tank beer
Result
From L&G and our Asahi targets (30% CO₂ savings), we are in the process of drawing up a route map to 2030. We are focusing on an inventory of measures (and phasing) that will contribute to efficient distribution planning.
Objective
Researching the use of alternative fuels
Result
Since May 2021, 2 Grolsch trucks have been running on HVO. This is a sustainable biofuel that achieves 89% CO₂ savings. From this test we are investigating the possibilities of expanding this further within our fleet.
Objective
Follow-up steps for Lean & Green programme
Result
We are busy expanding the Lean & Green program with other distribution flows from Grolsch. Besides pallet beer we are now going to add cellar beer, export containers and De Klok to obtain a 2nd star.
Objective
Cooperating in studies on improving transport together with trade association Nederlandse Brouwers
Result
Research has been started to map out the packaging streams. From here we will look further to see which optimizations can be made.
Objective
Taking part in UT project on data-driven transport
Result
Participated in this project, no direct results for Grolsch to work with.
Objective
Adding electric cars to our lease fleet
Result
An electric car trial is underway, in which colleagues with various jobs and places of residence are participating.
OBJECTIVES 2022
- Next steps in the Lean & Green program
- Increase the share of export containers via inland shipping
- Increase load factor for outbound and return transport NL
- Research into digitalization (such as Transport Management System / electronic bill of lading)
Alwin Kulsdom, teamleader shipping & forwarding - Royal Grolsch
"In order to become a fully climate-neutral company, we are taking further steps to also make our transport and related processes fully sustainable (scope 3). In doing so, we aim to meet the current and future requirements for transport in the Netherlands. We have already achieved good results in recent years: for example, over 70% of all our deepsea exportcontainers are already being transported to the port of Rotterdam by inland waterway. In addition, for our pallet distribution in the Netherlands, we drive with vehicles from the highest emission class (Euro-6) and we use extra long trucks (LZV's) for the delivery of our cans and bottles. In the coming years, we will continue our efforts to take new, sustainable steps in the field of transport. I am proud to work for a company that is working so actively on this'.
Activities
Environmentally friendly transport
Our glass and can suppliers drive with so-called eco-combi's. These extra long, heavy trucks can transport 42 pallets instead of 30, quickly saving about 80 loads a year, and this number is expected to increase further. A considerable reduction in CO2 emissions.
Pallet transport The Netherlands
In 2018, we replaced some of our trucks with Euro 6 trucks. These are trucks that meet the highest emission standards. In 2020, our other trucks were also replaced, which means that our entire dedicated fleet (14 trucks) now consists of EURO 6 trucks.
Use of inland shipping
For transport of export containers we make extensive use of inland shipping. This allows us to save considerably on CO2 emissions. At Combi Terminal Twente in Hengelo, the empty containers enter via the Twente Canal and leave loaded. We also regularly use containers that are unloaded and stand empty in the depot.
Better Use Deal (Beter Benutten)
Together with other major companies in Twente, we have signed the 'Better Benutten Twente Kanalen' (Better Use of Twente Canals) deal. The goal is to transport more freight via water. In 2020, we have shipped over 75% of our deep-sea shipments via barge (a transport ship). Grolsch is actively involved in the conversations on widening the Twente Canal and further improving the bridge and lock operation.
Smart combinations save 200 tons of CO2 a year in transport
Lean & Green
Grolsch has had the Lean & Green Star since 2013. We were awarded this rating because we cut the carbon emissions of our pallet transport efforts in the Netherlands by 28.7% between 2007 and 2012, making Grolsch one of the leading companies in the Netherlands. We are still actively looking to reduce our carbon emissions even further, which is why we measure the carbon emissions of all our trucks every month, for instance. We translate these measurements into targeted actions aimed at reducing emissions, and continue to train our drivers to make their driving style as effective as possible to reduce carbon emissions to a minimum.
