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Tag: sustainability

ZF collaborates with Mercedes-Benz on eTrucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ZF has joined forces with Mercedes-Benz Trucks to equip its electric trucks with eWorX, ZF’s electrified Power Take-Off (PTO) system. The eWorX all-in-one solution offers vehicle body manufacturers a known mechanical interface to drive work equipment. The two companies are also closely collaborating with Palfinger, a leading producer of crane and lifting solutions, to equip a Mercedes-Benz eActros demonstration truck with a skip loader.

Additionally, ZF has applied eWorX to an eActros equipped with a hook loader from Meiller, a global leader in tipping trailers, hook lifts and skip handlers. Both demonstration vehicles will be unveiled at Munich’s IFAT 2022 global trade fair on 30th May.

“In close partnership with Mercedes-Benz Trucks, this further expansion of our eMobility portfolio represents another proof point for the Group’s Next Generation Mobility strategy,” said Wilhelm Rehm, member of the ZF Board of Management with responsibility for ZF’s new Commercial Vehicle Solutions division. “eWorX is supporting the electric transformation of the commercial vehicle industry for a more sustainable future.

“As the number one global supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, ZF has a deep systems knowledge of the complete vehicle. With eWorX, our electrification portfolio goes beyond the driveline.”

All-In-One Solution

As a fully integrated system, ZF eWorX offers significant value for vehicle and body manufacturers as a modular, standardised and intelligent system that combines all the functions required for the electrification of on-board equipment in a single compact unit. ZF’s eWorX represents a major step in the electric transformation of commercial vehicles, the solution delivers zero local emissions and significantly reduces noise levels which facilitates easier operation in cities and residential areas.

The eWorX system installed in the demonstration vehicles features an electric motor with nominal power of 50kW, an inverter and a control unit with application-specific software as well as a cooling system and a hydraulic pump. eWorX acts as a gateway between the vehicle and its on-board equipment, with seamless communication via a connection to the vehicle’s CAN bus.

The system operates independently from the driving system and so can be used with electric axle drives and central drives. The traction battery of the eActros provides electrical energy to the ZF eWorX system. With this, the eWorX electric motor in turn drives the hydraulic pump for the tipper. A mechanical connection to the traction motor is therefore not required.

Launched on January 1, 2022, ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has a mission to help shape the future of commercial transportation systems by being the preferred global technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry. Employing approximately 25,000 people across 28 countries, the division powerfully combines ZF’s commercial vehicle systems expertise, extensive technology portfolio and global operations, to innovate and supply components and advanced control systems for increasingly autonomous, connected, and electrified (ACE) vehicles.

ZF CVS division unites ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology and Commercial Vehicle Control Systems divisions, the latter being formed following ZF’s acquisition of WABCO in Spring 2020.

 

Kite achieves carbon neutrality for second year

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Kite Packaging Group Limited was first verified as Carbon Neutral in 2021, and April 2022 brought with it a renewed confirmation by Carbon Neutral Britain that Kite has offset carbon emissions for the current year.

In 2021, Kite successfully achieved carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 and 2 which included offsetting all of its own fuel. For 2022, the company has extended its offsetting to include their third-party deliveries which falls into Scope 3.

Therefore, all Kite trucks and outbound deliveries made by its third-party couriers will be offset and hence, carbon neutral. As a result, the whole group now operates with carbon neutral delivery, whether that’s between Kite’s RDCs and NDC or directly to its customers. This will be shown on all customer delivery notes.

To illustrate additional advancement on 2021’s certification of carbon neutrality, the employee share-owned company has revealed that 70.64 tonnes of CO2 emissions were removed from the total this year by using renewable energy for electrical consumption. This reflects its strategy to only sign new contracts with renewable energy sources to bring its emissions to zero in this area.

Kite expresses its ambitions to continue going above and beyond the normal expectations of a business, stemming from a collective desire to do the right thing environmentally and care for the wellbeing of our planet.

 

 

Has globalisation had its day?

Posted on by Keith McKinley

David Bruce, senior business development manager at Elanders UK, explores supply chain agility and delivering the customer promise and outlines how the changing landscape is forcing many companies to see their supply chain in a new light.

Supply chains that rely on international sourcing of raw materials are always going to be susceptible to global politics, economics, climate change and cultural shifts. Globalisation was initially, primarily driven by the need for cost saving, with organisations looking for lower labour and operating costs in different regions.  Whole mega infrastructure investments have been made in these lower-cost countries over the years to support the global export of products and our worlds as consumers have become very interconnected and reliant on this solution. However, recent global events have placed significant pressure on these extended supply chains and we are beginning to see a change in focus and attention on the globalisation strategy.

Traditionally, many supply chains were cost focused, the flow of goods was overall predictable and many managerial strategies were about becoming leaner. Then, along came several significant events – the COVID 19 pandemic, blockage of the Suez Canal, Brexit and, most recently, the war in Ukraine, all of which have had a huge impact on both our lives and, in this context, the role and significance of a global supply chain strategy.

As a result, organisations have had to change and adapt and this includes, for some, the role and solution of their supply chains. There has been a shift in some sectors and verticals, towards an emphasis on value, pivoting the strategy and operational solutions towards a more regionalised supply chain solution. There also has been a significant shift and acceleration towards the customer experience – what does the consumer now value and how does the operational solution now need to change to reflect this?

Blockages, delays, shortages of labour, have made the need for far greater supply chain resilience – effective supply chain communication and data sharing to aid better planning and operational sustainability. Creating the ‘supply chain line of sight’ perspective between all parties, is now a fundamental necessity to maintain service, financial management and longer-term business value.

However, this is not just about business agility, it is also about supply chain solution agility. The solutions, business relationships, number of partners that organisations used pre-COVID to deliver their customer promise, is changing and quickly. The increase in importance today of partnerships, collaboration and longer-term relationships that all underpin the use of niche players and partners, is gaining significant momentum. Has the era of single partners, standard solutions and structured contractual relationships now changed into multiple partners all collaborating in a shared environment and eco-system physical operational solution?

Technology and investment will be a pre-requisite of a supply chain strategy and solution in the future. There are multiple examples in the public domain of the digitalisation of the supply chain to aid the customer promise, whilst also helping to deliver greater supply chain resilience and risk management from any new global effect. However, what I see far less of is the training and investment in people to understand these new technologies and how to see them as complementary to a role (as opposed to a replacement of a role). We are all having to adapt and learn new skills and processes, something the good supply chain businesses have already adopted and changed in their business strategies.

The global economy is changing and supply chain managers are constantly having to adopt new solutions to deliver a customer promise and service level. Have we now seen the peak in globalisation? Have the recent global events made organisations think differently or even forced them to act differently? For some products or sub-sectors, probably the answer is, yes.

For example, there is a need to run sustainable supply chains, focusing more now on carbon cost as well as financial cost and the risk associated with labour shortages (which solving is not a quick fix solution), as well as developing a legacy and a workforce of the future.

Many organisations are assessing what now constitutes a low-cost country for sourcing, plus the constant pressure on warehouse space and logistics infrastructure.

With all these factors, are we now in a period of greater regionalisation and reduced length supply chains for some products – again, I believe the answer is, yes!

Supply chain organisations historically have changed and adapted over the years as new technologies and products come to the market. However, I believe we are now in a period where that need to adapt and constantly update your offer and engagement with the customer is significantly accelerated. The speed and velocity of the change, today, means supply chains and their managers must act to learn and evolve in live situations far more, rather than assess, evaluate and trial a new solution as typically happened in the past. New skills, new technologies, new partnerships, new data and new roles, this is a live, change management process in operation.

So, with all this change and uncertainty that exists today, where does that leave the globalisation strategy and supply chain solutions for tomorrow?  What I think we will see is a shift to a decision to reduce the length of supply chains to provide greater certainty and predictability for a customer promise – one size does not now fit all situations:

  • More regionalisation in sourcing, less globalisation in movement.
  • More partnerships and collaboration with less standardisation of solutions and reliance on a few partners.
  • More focus on people investment and redevelopment of skills to mitigate the labour shortfall.

The customer service outcome will be the priority of the supply chain operation – cost will still be there but will not be as important. Consumers are far more value-focused in what they want and how they buy – and aligning the supply chain solution and strategy to this – together with the external challenges that the world has been through in recent years will be the route to the longer-term supply chain sustainable success.

Globalisation is very much in the spotlight and in transition. Businesses need to continuously monitor where value is moving in their industry and adapt, or accelerate the adaptation, accordingly.

Antwerp “one of the greenest container terminals”

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) seeks to halve carbon emissions from the shipping sector by 2050, DP World in Antwerp continues to be one of the greenest container terminals in the port of Antwerp according to its latest sustainability report.

The ultra-modern multimodal terminal has reduced its CO2 emissions by 28% since 2019, which represents an overall 51% reduction since 2013, much of which has been due to investment in hybrid straddle carriers and Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs), which are also increasing capacity.

The terminal runs on 100% green energy, and it has avoided 187,379 truck visits in the last two years due to night openings. These initiatives have also reduced nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions.

DP World in Antwerp produces its unique sustainability report every two years to ensure it stays on track while providing full visibility to its customers and stakeholders. The latest report, which was delayed by a year due to the pandemic, reveals some of the innovative technology led solutions that have allowed it to remain a frontrunner for the sector in its aim to become net zero.

Currently contributing 3% to all emissions, the shipping sector has been singled out as an important partner in helping to reach global emission reduction goals. The industry has set itself a goal to reach 40% reduction in carbon output compared to 2008 level by 2040, and to halve it by 2050.

With those ambitions in mind, one of DP World’s most impressive achievements is the amount of electricity it is generating on site in Antwerp, which accounted for 74% of the energy it used in 2021. This is achieved through its unique biogas plant (59%) and its on-site wind turbines (15%). The shortfall is purchased from a local green energy supplier, but the firm aims to reduce this to zero as it becomes 100% self-powered in future.

It has also invested heavily in more energy efficient technology, with more expensive hybrid and electric equipment being purchased as part of its commitment to its environmental ambitions. It now has a total of 43 hybrid straddle carriers on-site and 10 electric ASC modules, with two more expected to be operational by the end of 2022 and a plan to add eight more by 2024.

These ASCs perform fully automatic handling of the containers allowing more containers to be stacked, both higher and closer together, saving vital space and using almost 50% less energy on the landside to process a container than a straddle carrier.

DP World in Antwerp is also helping its customers improve their carbon footprint by offering multimodal transport options that reduce the number of truck journeys required. Its rail hub can handle six trains up to 750m in length simultaneously and administers up to 40 trains each week, with flexible direct connections to every major European industrial region.

The port is also connected to the 1,500km-long Belgian waterways and to the pan-European river and canal network, resulting in a substantial 35% of all cargo to/from DP World in Antwerp being transported by barge.

In a further demonstration of their commitment to their sustainability goals, the team at Antwerp also recently moved their operations into a new, eco-friendly office, which celebrated its official inauguration in April this year. The energy-efficient building uses concrete core activation for cleaner heating and 100% renewable electricity.

Rashid Abdulla, CEO of DP World Europe said: “Electrification of terminals is the way to a zero-emissions future. Our electricity demand in Antwerp is met entirely by locally produced and green energy from our own windmill, biogas plant, and locally purchased green power. This significantly reduces the CO2 emissions of our operation.

“We have also invested heavily in our multimodal infrastructure, and we have introduced electric and hybrid technology. Like electric cars, these cost more than the fossil fuel alternatives, but we believe this offers a stronger long-term investment and also helps with our strategy to increase capacity by 30% at the terminal by 2026.”

DP World has more than 97,000 employees working at its operations in over 69 countries. It is the leading provider of smart logistics solutions, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. The firm has set itself ambitious sustainability goals across its global business, committing to a 28% reduction of carbon footprint by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Earlier this year it produced its first ever ESG report, which recorded an 18% renewable electricity share at Group level, representing a 5.6% increase from 2020 to 2021. It achieved a 13.30 emission intensity (kgCO2e/ModTEU) from its Ports and Terminals business, a reduction of 9% from the previous year.

Abdulla added: “We are very happy with the progress we have made globally and at our European terminals, but we know there is still a long way to go and we are aware of a number of new solutions coming to market, such as alternative fuels and our very own intelligent High Bay Storage (HBS) system “Boxbay”, which we are looking forward to incorporating into our business to allow us to continue to make progress towards our ambitious net zero goal.”

 

Prologis logistics building goes beyond “Net Zero“

Posted on by David Priestman

Prologis, a leading developer and owner of logistics parks, has completed the construction of the UK’s first logistics property to go beyond net zero carbon in its construction and operation – delivering a net benefit for the environment over its lifetime.

Located on Prologis Apex Park, near Daventry, Prologis has delivered a brand new 435,000 sq ft unit, which will act as UK Logistics Centre for an American multinational. In a first for the world of industrial logistics property, Prologis has delivered an industrial unit which pushes the boundaries of sustainable construction.

The building includes the installation of bespoke energy saving technology. In addition to the standard sustainability measures provided by Prologis, including rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a 1.4MW rooftop solar system has also been installed, resulting in a building which will return more energy to the grid than it uses. The surplus energy it generates will help to power other homes and businesses.

The new unit at Apex Park is BREEAM rated ‘Outstanding’ – placing it in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings. When certified at Post Construction stage by BREEAM, the building scored 88.2%, which was the highest “Industrial 2018 Shell & Core” score so far achieved.

Martin Cooper, vice president, development management at Prologis UK, said: “This is a milestone for Prologis and shows what can be achieved when like-minded businesses work together to realise their vision for a building that delivers a net benefit for the environment. All our new warehouses in the UK have been net zero carbon in construction for the past 14 years, but this building at Apex Park takes carbon reduction to a new level.

“The dialogue around net zero is progressing rapidly and businesses are beginning to look beyond ‘operational carbon’ to find other ways to make their buildings more sustainable. Reducing the embodied carbon of new buildings requires intense collaboration across the supply chain, from engineers and architects to material and product suppliers, plant hire firms and contractors. Moving as a country towards being net zero by 2050, we look forward to seeing many more logistics projects that are net-positive for the environment, and we’re extremely proud to be leading the way.”

Additionally, the new unit is also the first development of its type to achieve an EPC rating of A+, meeting the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework Definition of Net Zero Carbon for both embodied & operational carbon. It’s predicted that the unit will generate more energy than it uses, avoiding 105 tCO2e per year and feeding unused energy back in the grid.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable construction Prologis ensures that each new logistics property can achieve a net environmental benefit, starting by designing out carbon emissions wherever possible – for example by offering customers rooftop solar power systems. The whole life carbon footprint is then measured, and unavoidable embodied carbon emissions are mitigated by protecting rainforest.

Through Prologis’ partnership with climate change charity, Cool Earth, 310 acres of Papua New Guinea rainforest were protected based on a whole lifetime assessment of the Apex Park building’s carbon impact.

In November 2021, Prologis was awarded the Terra Carta seal, which recognises companies who are building a sustainable future and have made a serious commitment to put nature, people & the planet at the heart of the economy.

DB Schenker opens sustainable terminal in Finland

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DB Schenker has opened a new, highly sustainable cargo terminal in Finland for the Tampere region. With this terminal, which is located in nearby Lempäälä, DB Schenker is significantly expanding its green distribution services in Finland. Five fully electric trucks will soon begin operating in Lempäälä and serve Tampere’s city centre. Except in winter, the energy needed to recharge the vehicles in the fleet will be provided by the company’s own solar power plant.

“The new Tampere terminal underscores our leadership role in making logistics more and more environmentally friendly,” says Cyrille Bonjean, Head of Land Transportation for DB Schenker Region Europe. “The fact that we actually produce our own solar energy for the fleet in Lempäälä makes our case even more compelling.”

The solar power plant at the terminal has a surface area of 1,750 sq m, a rated output of 250kWp, and an estimated annual yield of 200MWh. The terminal building will also use geothermal energy and other sustainable solutions such as green asphalt, LED lighting, and airtight loading docks. In addition, DB Schenker has become a climate partner of the Tampere region for the establishment of a carbon-neutral Tampere.

“Pirkanmaa is the second largest region in Finland and home to one out of every ten Finns,” says Petteri Nurmi, CEO of Schenker Oy. “With this larger terminal, the regional capital Tampere will now play an increasingly important role in DB Schenker’s network, as we will be able to grow with our customers and offer more versatile logistics solutions. Pirkanmaa has long been a strong region for us in terms of warehousing, and we are now exploring a hub-type operating model for domestic and European transport at the terminal in Lempäälä.”

The terminal will combine operations from Tampere and Hämeenlinna. It has a total area of nearly 18,000 sq m, with 12,000 sq m of heated space and 3,900 sq m of unheated loading space in an outdoor hall. The new facility employs approximately 340 people, including those who work for the carriers.

 

Hyster supplies fuel-cell trucks to Hamburg port

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to provide Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) with two Hyster electric container handling vehicles, including the first-ever empty container handler powered by fuel cell technology in a real-world application. In addition, this will be the first Hyster terminal tractor supplied in Europe. Both units will be powered by Nuvera fuel cells and run on hydrogen fuel produced locally at the HHLA Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub.

Fuel cell-powered clean port equipment from Hyster is a key component of the ‘Clean Port and Logistic’ programme and subsequently HHLA’s H2LOAD project aiming to achieve climate neutrality across the HHLA group by 2040. The initial agreement is for two hydrogen-powered vehicles. The delivery of the terminal tractor is planned for late 2022, with the empty container handler to follow in early 2023.

“The ‘Clean Port and Logistics’ programme, a joint initiative of HHLA and other European companies, aims to operationalise and test the next-generation hydrogen-powered port equipment in order to reduce emissions in port handling and the associated logistics chains,” says Georg Böttner, head executive board projects, HHLA.

“The results of this programme will be the basis for a possible scaling up of further zero-emission hydrogen-powered port equipment, which is a part of our ‘H2Load’ project that was selected by the German government as one of the Important Projects of Common European Interest. This initiative is a further step as we help lay the foundation for a strong hydrogen economy not only in Hamburg, but elsewhere in Germany and Europe.”

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment from Hyster will be deployed at HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT) in Hamburg. It is planned to equip CTT with a refuelling infrastructure and connect the terminal to the future Hamburg hydrogen grid. A possible phase two of the H2LOAD project includes the rollout of hydrogen fuel cell equipment and infrastructure to several HHLA locations in Central and Eastern Europe.

“Our goal is to provide the innovative technologies customers need to help meet emissions reduction targets,” says Jan Willem van den Brand, director, global market development, big trucks, Hyster. “But developing the technology is just the start. Ultimately, our commitment to HHLA is about delivering hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment at scale to help make their hydrogen-focused vision a reality.”

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered empty container handler is a result of intense collaboration and rigorous application analysis. It will be powered by a single, 60kW Nuvera fuel cell, while the terminal tractor will be powered by a 45kW Nuvera fuel cell. Both trucks will share many of the same components such as drive motor, battery modules, converters, hydrogen tanks and controls. This design approach offers a level of familiarity for operators who have experience with other Hyster big trucks and helps limit complexity, cost of design, manufacturing, service and maintenance.

“We are transforming the way the world moves materials, from busy ports moving shipping containers to the warehouses responsible for bringing goods right to your front door,” says David LeBlanc, president, technology solutions division, Hyster-Yale Group – parent company of Hyster and Nuvera. “This project with HHLA truly exemplifies that. We relish the opportunity to leverage our combined resources to push container handling forward.”

Thermo King exhibits solutions for today and the future

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions, is exhibiting at the ITT Hub in Farnborough, UK to showcase technology developments that lead to sustainable and zero-emission refrigerated transport industry. From 11th to 12th of May, at the Thermo King booth 1251, visitors will find the latest advancements in transport refrigeration to prepare themselves for the future: truck and trailer units with market leading fuel efficiencies, hybrid or 100% electric and zero-emissions refrigeration.

“Sustainability, fuel efficiency, electrification and transition of conventional architecture is what is being discussed in the industry today. We’re coming to the ITT Hub to help transport operators keep abreast of the rapid changes in technology, address the environmental requirements and prepare themselves for the future, today,” said David O’Gorman, regional director North and Western Europe at Thermo King.

“The discontinuation of the red diesel rebate is one of the issues on the minds of our customers today. It’s fair to assume though, that only eliminating rebated diesel is not going to impact the environment – whether operators burn red or white diesel, they are still burning the same amount of fuel. Choosing a sustainable refrigeration technology will. At the ITT Hub we will showcase the advanced, future-ready transport refrigeration solutions from Thermo King and Frigoblock that give operators a plethora of options, both from the business and environmental point of view,” said O’Gorman.

Thermo King’s booth 1251 will spotlight the most comprehensive offering of sustainable transport refrigeration technologies. This includes the truck and trailer units with market leading fuel efficiencies, hybrid or 100% electric and zero-emissions refrigeration systems like:

  • Advancer A-Series trailer systems together with the new Whisper Pro and Hybrid units. The A-Series offers market leading fuel efficiency and can be operated as hybrid and with the new AxlePower technology with BPW’s ePower axle. The AxlePower energy recovery system and battery storage technology for trailer refrigeration units was designed to deliver immediate and long-term sustainability benefits while also helping cut day-to-day operating costs.
  • Single and multi-temperature V-1000 vehicle-powered units (pictured) designed for larger rigid trucks of up to 25 tonnes. The new V-1000 is equally or more powerful as its nearest equivalent diesel units and offers large truck operators the benefit of advanced vehicle drive technology – low cost operation, fuel savings, low weight and compact size.
  • New FK2 electric, alternator-powered units from Frigoblock for medium to heavy-class rigid trucks featuring integrated telematics and extended ambient capabilities for wider operating maps. For more sustainable transport operations, FK2 units are compatible and can be installed on both hybrid and electric-powered trucks.

Providing sustainable solutions for refrigerated transportation is part of Thermo King’s (part of Trane Technologies) overall approach to reducing carbon emissions in the industries it serves. It helps advance the 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons.

DB Schenker to operate autonomous coastal container feeder

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DB Schenker, one of the world’s leading logistics providers, has revealed plans to operate an innovative zero-emission coastal container feeder in Norway. The fully electric vessel has a unique design, making it the first of its kind in the world.

Having just signed a pre-study agreement, DB Schenker and its cooperation partners – the furniture giant Ekornes and the vessel designer Naval Dynamics, along with KONGSBERG and Massterly – have taken the first steps in an ambitious joint project to replace the traditional feeder vessels utilised along the stretch of the Norwegian coastline around Ikornnes and Ålesund.

The new autonomous and electric, short-sea container feeder leverages Naval Dynamics’ NDS AutoBarge 250 concept that was developed in partnership with KONGSBERG and Massterly.

The vessel will operate between Ekornes’ own port, Ikornnes, and the port of Ålesund, which serves the main ocean freight ports in Europe. The ship will complete the 43km (23NM) journey within three hours, at a speed of 7.7kn. The vessel will be 50m long and will be able to carry 300 deadweight tons of cargo. It is designed from the keel up for autonomous and zero-emission operation. It will run without a crew but will be monitored and controlled by staff at Massterly’s Remote Operation Center (ROC), whose team members include certified navigators and naval engineers.

The planned two-way data communication solution between the vessel and the ROC is destined to be another game-changer in the ocean freight sector.

Knut Eriksmoen, CEO Norway, DB Schenker: “We are delighted to be further intensifying an already strong relationship with our customer Ekornes. This unique project marks another important step toward greener supply chains, and it also fits in perfectly with our overall sustainability agenda in ocean freight, where we are ambitiously taking the lead with our cooperation partners.”

Roger Lunde, CEO, Ekornes AS: “We’re continuously working toward our goal of becoming the world’s leading manufacturer of sustainable premium furniture. With this landmark project, we will meet our sustainability targets by using the most innovative technology available. Utilising the autonomous electric container feeder for direct pickups of our Stressless products from our own dock in Ikornnes means that our total carbon footprint will be reduced significantly. We will also gain better control over, and greater flexibility with, our own logistics.”

Geir Håøy, CEO, KONGSBERG ASA: “We’re beginning to see a general shift away from road transport of goods – with its considerable carbon footprint – toward clean, energy-efficient, short ocean freight transport. Given our decades of expertise in creating and perfecting systems for ship operations in every context, we are in a unique position to carry out pioneering work in this project. KONGSBERG is currently involved in several fully electric and autonomous vessel operations, including Yara Birkeland and ASKO. We look forward to contributing our expertise and experience to this new partnership with DB Schenker and Ekornes.”

Tom Eystø, Managing Director, Massterly: “We are very pleased to be working with Ekornes and DB Schenker to create a smart logistics solution for the Ekornes production site. The small, fully electric, and energy-efficient cargo vessel will be designed for uncrewed operations. Massterly will operate the vessel from our Remote Operation Center. We find it very interesting that one of the world’s largest logistics providers, DB Schenker, is recognising the benefits offered by uncrewed, zero-emission shipping, and we hope this project will inspire a larger volume of similar vessels.”

Øystein Jaer, CEO, Naval Dynamics AS: “The AutoBarge 250 Coast Feeder is designed from the keel up for efficient and zero-emission autonomous operations. In partnership with Massterly AS – the vessel operator and technical manager – and Kongsberg Maritime AS – the technology provider – we are confident that DB Schenker and Ekornes will be provided with an optimal and viable transport chain that will meet the future demands of customers around the world.”

The benefits here will be numerous, and include zero emissions, faster and more efficient transport, and reduced traffic on roads. As they lead the way to climate neutrality, the parties’ common interest is to unveil this pioneering vessel in Norway and then take the next crucial steps forward by obtaining approval from the Norwegian Maritime Authority, and possibly governmental incentives for the sustainability and technology aspects.

 

 

 

 

eCommerce packaging with the ‘wow’ factor

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Smurfit Kappa says it aims to find the perfect packaging solutions for all kinds of businesses, no matter how big or small. From major brands to innovative start-ups, it offers customers support, creativity, and inventiveness to help create a packaging solution that meets their every need, which was the case when MESSIAH and EVE came to Smurfit Kappa Beacon for help with its DTC shipping packaging.

MESSIAH and EVE is a new multi-award winning vegan body care brand specialising in elevated fine fragrance body care essentials. It sells a range of body-dedicated creams and cleansers, hand wash and bath oil. As an eCommerce retailer, packaging is one of the most important parts of its product range.

Its products are purposefully and intentionally crafted to have a positive impact on the skin, the planet, and the communities within it. MESSIAH and EVE says it is committed to a journey of consideration in everything it does, and its packaging is no exception. It approached the Smurfit Kappa Beacon team hoping to find a supplier who could assist it in creating packaging which could safely ship its eCommerce orders and speed up its fulfilment production line, while also fitting with its company ethos.

Smurfit Kappa took on the challenge of producing the perfect packaging solutions for MESSIAH and EVE products, with the goal of creating sustainable eCommerce packaging which would ‘wow’ its customers and create a memorable unboxing experience. Not only that, but it was conscious of the speed of packing and ease of opening for their consumers. It needed packaging which would be super-easy to seal during the packing process and double as suitable gift packaging should its  customers be gifting orders.

One of the biggest challenges Smurfit Kappa faced when it started working on this project for MESSIAH and EVE was the sustainability element of the packaging. It knew this was a key focus for the brand, so it just had to get it right, but in a way that would not compromise on quality or customer experience. Smurfit Kappa considered the option of using 100% recycled board, but soon realised this would not be suitable with the high-end print design and self-seal tape to speed up the packing process.

Smurfit Kappa opted for a more premium board grade which was still sustainable while also offering a super high-print finish. The end packaging solution looked the part while also being FSC Mix and 100% recyclable: fitting hand -in-hand with its brand ethos. As well as being easily recyclable through household recycling channels, the MESSIAH and EVE packaging delivered the ‘wow’ factor during unboxing and perfectly encapsulated the luxury of the products inside.

As fast fulfilment packing was a priority for MESSIAH and EVE, Smurfit Kappa incorporated self-seal tape which allowed for a quick production line and created a secure postal solution for its products. The tape and rippa opening design offers a more modern experience than some of the other considered options, and creates an unboxing experience similar to other high-end eCommerce packs from worldwide brands. Self-seal tape is very simple for customers to open when their new items arrive on their doorstep and makes it easier for consumers to return products using the existing packaging. This reduces the amount of waste material, giving the packaging another purpose.

The finished product ticked all of MESSIAH and EVE’s boxes, and Smurfit Kappa says it delivered packaging which was not only a functional option but also a key marketing tool for the eCommerce brand.

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