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Tag: sustainability

FourKites unveils net zero initiative

Posted on by David Priestman

Real-time supply chain visibility platform FourKites has announced a new Net Zero initiative to help the world’s leading companies achieve their organisational goals to reduce supply chain emissions. As part of this announcement, FourKites unveiled Sustainability Hub, a suite of analytics tools to provide better visibility into resource consumption and waste generation; a new Sustainability Advisory Board; and ongoing original research around sustainability.

Sustainability Hub is the latest phase of FourKites’ ongoing focus to help companies scale sustainability efforts through technology and collaboration. The platform will include new tools and capabilities that enable customers to:

  • Input their sustainability goals and more accurately track saved emissions
  • Benchmark progress against industry averages based on organisational goals and anonymised industry data
  • Drill down into additional load-level details to better pinpoint opportunities for optimisation
  • Track progress via a single summary dashboard
  • Use analytics and scenario modelling to surface new insights for emissions reductions

Sustainability Hub builds on the company’s industry-first Sustainability Dashboards, a free solution that allows companies to identify specific areas within their supply chains that are contributing high levels of greenhouse gas emissions so that they can develop more effective sustainability strategies.

The announcement coincides with FourKites’ 2022 Global Supply Chain Sustainability Summit that is bringing together more than 4,000 supply chain executives and sustainability thought leaders from organisations including Sony, AB InBev, DHL, Future Planet, Volvo Group and others, to discuss how to drive positive environmental impact through supply chain transformation.

According to Gartner*, “We cannot scale the sustainability agenda without technology. CSCOs expect the focus on digitalisation to increase. Seventy-two percent stated that enterprises will continue to digitise and integrate new technologies, meaning supply chains will have to continuously adapt.”

To that end, FourKites has continued to drive innovation in the industry and facilitate discussion among key stakeholders across the industry in order to help companies meet their long-term sustainability goals.

“We started using FourKites years ago because we knew it was important to have visibility in transit,” said Paul Avampato, Head of International Logistics for Laundry and Home Care at Henkel. “Now we’re using that data to drive efficiencies in our supply chain and help achieve our sustainability goals.”

Sustainability Hub is the latest component of FourKites’ multi-faceted strategy to help customers achieve their sustainability goals. Other programmes and solutions include:

  • Dynamic Yard, a new category of software that connects traditional, siloed yard management software with FourKites’ real-time supply chain data and predictive ETAs to provide insight into driver detention patterns, labour efficiency and more to reduce dwell and inform carbon reduction strategies. In the last quarter of 2021, customers who used Dynamic Yard emitted 20% fewer carbon emissions than non-Dynamic Yard users through reductions in truck idle times.
  • FourKites Sustainability Center of Excellence, a thought leadership council dedicated to promoting sustainability throughout the end-to-end supply chain via actionable, data-driven strategies.

“Sustainability is a core tenet of our philosophy at FourKites, and we are hyper-focused on enabling our Fortune 1000 customers to embed sustainability throughout every level of their supply chain,” said FourKites Founder and CEO Mathew Elenjickal. “I am incredibly proud of our team for driving the sustainability agenda for the industry and helping our customers make a meaningful impact on the environment.”

* Gartner, “CSCO Response to Environmental Sustainability Trends for Supply Chain in 2022,” Sarah Watt, Laura Rainier, Heather Wheatley, Simon Bailey, Andrew Stevens, Kristin Moyer. Published 24 January 2022.

Verallia enhances sustainability with Metrocargo

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Verallia, a European leader and the world’s third-largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products with 32 glass plants in 11 countries, has successfully concluded the tests to manage, through intermodality, inbound and outbound logistics between Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto in Italy.

The project, which involves the railway terminal in Borgo San Dalmazzo (Cuneo) and Verallia plants in Gazzo Veronese (Verona), Villa Poma (Mantua) and Lonigo (Vicenza), was studied and carried out thanks to the commitment of Sibelco Italia with the essential support of multimodal transport operator Metrocargo Italia.

Metrocargo Italia has operated in Borgo San Dalmazzo since 2018, when it started also in the province of Cuneo a new branching of its service for the delivery of various import/export product categories started in 2013 in partnership with railway undertaking FuoriMuro Servizi Portuali e Ferroviari (owned by Metrocargo Italia for a 28.6% share) for rail traction and with local carriers to manage first- and last-mile by truck.

As explained by Melania Molini, General Manager at Metrocargo Italia, the services provides the rail transport of raw material (sand) between Borgo San Dalmazzo (Cuneo) and Valdaro (Mantua) and the return to Piedmont, always managed by rail, with the outbound finished product (glass bottles): “We have demonstrated that it is possible to saturate the train improving the balance of round-trips, assuring to our customers increasingly satisfactory costs and higher levels of service with very positive impacts on the reduction of the emissions of CO2.”.

Operatively, this model of innovative logistics will allow to manage the transport of about 68,000 pallets per year towards Piedmont, with an annual saving of 2,366t of CO2, equal to those absorbed in a year by a forest of 80,000 trees.

Antonino Virgillito, Supply Chain Director at Verallia Italia says: “Our commitment to sustainability continues with very positive results; in fact, in 2021 we reduced our total polluting emissions by 12% compared to the previous year. This figure increases significantly if we consider the only transport of sand – one of our raw materials – that until 2019 was handled only by truck.

“Thanks to this important partnership and to the choice of rail transport, we can avoid 45% of emissions and take 4,000 trucks off the roads every year, thus reducing pollution and congestion of road arteries.”

Oakland reduces carbon emissions with solar roof

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A 1,608-solar panel system developed, designed, and installed by BeBa Energy has been completed at Oakland International’s Bardon facility in Leicestershire.

Producing enough power to run 265 two-bedroom homes and reducing Oakland’s carbon emissions equivalent to taking 12.19 million car-miles off the road, Oakland was keen to use its roof space at Bardon to support its innovative and sustainable supply chain solutions offer.

Oakland International co-founder and group CEO, Dean Attwell, commented: “With such a vast roof and large energy bill, not to mention a moral obligation that we should lead by example, it was an obvious choice to look up and use Bardon’s immense roof space to power our facility, with solar power being the obvious choice.”

A temperature-controlled international supply chain solution provider, Oakland International is BRCGS AA rated and operates 24-hours/7 days a week, a D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled, and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via its partner in Spain.

Attwell added: “We’re delighted so many suppliers choose to work with Oakland because we place sustainability at the heart of everything we do, and for us solar is just one of several initiatives undertaken. Working alongside BeBa Energy for this project has been great. The project was delivered with little fuss, was on time and on budget.”

The 611.04kW 1,608 panel solar PV array system is predicted to generate c.529,887kWh per annum and will significantly reduce Oakland’s energy grid demand, cutting its carbon footprint by some 111,276kg per annum, which is the equivalent of taking 12,190,652 car miles off the road over the system’s lifetime, and equal to planting nearly 164,992 trees.

BeBa Energy Director Shaun Beattie: “Oakland’s commitment to sustainability is one of the strongest we have ever seen. For many of our clients, solar represents one of the biggest steps they can take towards NetZero; for Oakland it’s one of several.

“It’s not just a smart move for the planet either. With energy prices rising at a staggering rate, Oakland have ringfenced a large portion of their energy costs for the next 25 years.”

Sustainable packaging manufacturer celebrates anniversary year

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In its anniversary year, ORBIS Europe, an international manufacturer of reusable transport packaging, continued its growth path in the European market.

“With a strong demand for durable, innovative and sustainable solutions in the market, our transport packaging solutions really hit the mark,” says Jürgen Krahé Senior Commercial Director EMEA. “Green logistics is more important than ever. Together with our customers, we continue our sustainability journey.”

ORBIS is part of Menasha Corporation, family-owned since 1849. In 2021, ORBIS Corporation celebrated its 25th anniversary in reusable packaging. ORBIS has supported European customers since 2002 and opened its ORBIS Europe in Cologne, Germany five years ago. Today it successfully represents the international corporation in the EMEA region.

ORBIS engineers and manufactures durable and sustainable transport packaging. The packaging solutions are made from high percentages of recycled plastics and 100% of ORBIS’ core products are recyclable at end of life. Following a circular economy approach, ORBIS creates a nearly closed raw material cycle. With reusable and recyclable packaging, companies can build more sustainable supply chains and move their product faster, safer and more cost-effectively.

ORBIS’ customers are medium-sized to large global organisations from different industries: from industrial manufacturing (like automotive) to retail (like food & beverage).

In order to ensure the same high quality standards at all locations in all countries, ORBIS Europe has successfully completed the ISO9001 certification process in 2021.

Added to that, ORBIS Europe extended the UN-certification for its dangerous goods container IonPak: These foldable large containers (FLCs) are now certified to transport larger batteries with a maximum gross weight of 915kg in accordance with UN50H.

“The demand for lithium-ion-battery transportation will continue to increase. With the IonPak, we can offer durable packaging solutions that are optimised to safely transport dangerous goods, such as battery cells, modules and smaller battery packs,” says Christian Hemming, Technical Director.

For ORBIS, innovation is key and starts right at the manufacturing process: Using a low-pressure injection moulding process to manufacture large transport packaging is unique in Europe. By foaming plastics and additives, the products are particularly durable and robust.

To strengthen its ability to innovate, ORBIS operates an innovation centre in the US. Krahé says: “As an international manufacturer, we are able to optimise intercontinental supply chains. After the introduction of PlastiCorr as a reusable alternative to fibre corrugated boxes for European retail supply chains last year, we continue to broaden our product portfolio in 2022 – to offer our customers additional alternatives for more sustainable supply chains.”

In 2022, ORBIS will participate amongst others in the following events:

  • Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe, May 2nd-4th in Munich
  • The Battery Show Europe, July 12th-14th in Stuttgart
  • Battery Experts Forum, June 28th-30th in Frankfurt
  • FachPack, September 27th-29th in Nürnberg

 

Driving brand loyalty with sustainable supply chains

Posted on by David Priestman

The Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 COP26 summit have sped up sustainability awareness around the world, increasing pressure on companies to make meaningful changes to operations, writes Christos Chamberlain, Flexport’s UK General Manager.

The pandemic has impacted multiple industries, and some such as e-commerce companies saw significant benefits as online shopping spending grew. However, much of this convenience has had consequences, with public scrutiny turning on some in the industry carrying out unsustainable practices.

Following COP26,  90% of world GDP is now covered by net-zero commitments for 2030, and according to Forbes, “sustainable, resilient operations” are the number one business trend for 2022. Companies can build a competitive advantage in their sector by acknowledging trends and embedding sustainability into the core of their business model. Avoiding greenwashing campaigns is vital though, and organisations must take real action to reduce carbon emissions by cutting business operation output and supply chain waste.

Sustainable supply chains

The supply chain has come into sharper focus for most brands since the start of the pandemic, driven by an environment of disruption and surging costs because of lockdowns and surges in demand around the world. With this has come to a greater demand for visibility into the supply chain and more strategic questions being asked than pre-pandemic.

Furthermore, companies are also thinking about their supply chains differently, looking for more reliability, flexibility, and sustainability versus the traditional push for greater efficiency.

A clear trend we are seeing, particularly in the fashion retail industry, is the heightened level of scrutiny into the supply chain, from alternative sourcing regions to different modes of transport, often in response to ‘fast-fashion’ trends. With that has come a more informed and holistic understanding of the environmental impact of accessing goods.

What is encouraging, is that as sustainability becomes more mainstream, unsustainable supply chain practices will start to cost as investors prioritise companies embracing sustainability.

Addressing unsustainable retail supply chains

The spotlight is now on businesses, with consumers expecting them to address issues around sustainability and ethics – particularly in younger generations. A report by Avery Dennison which surveyed more than 5,000 fashion buyers from across the U.S., UK, France, Germany and China revealed that 60% of fashion shoppers want more transparency about the production journey of the clothes they are buying in order to make more informed and ethical decisions.

What this tells us is that if brands acknowledge and address consumer attitudes around sustainability, they are more likely to attract new customers and drive sustainable brand loyalty.

Progress is clearly being made – and we’ve seen a significant uptick in organisations considering their impact on the environment. Since the second half of 2021, we’ve seen a 40% increase in clients involved in our social and environmental sustainability programs in Europe, using tools such as our Carbon Offset Program – with carbon offsets doubling between 2020 and 2021.

Track and Trace

The first step to improving carbon credentials is capturing accurate data to provide greater visibility and then effectively measuring that information to prioritise resources. A clear and standardised baseline of measurement is essential. When it comes to carbon emissions, different methodologies can be employed, and it can be difficult to know where to start. The way to tackle this problem is to use accredited methodologies based on the standards that are industry wide, regulated, and undergo a regular cadence of review and update.

Sustainable Supply Chains

With visibility of where the most carbon is being generated, organisations can focus on finding solutions. For example, air purifying specialist Rensair has talked about switching its focus from air to ocean freight, motivated by the opportunity to lower its carbon footprint.

CEO and co-founder Christian Hendriksen commented at the time: “Our business is built on providing clean air for everyone, so we have a wider focus on ensuring we are contributing as much as we can to solving the global climate crisis.”

The company has, like many others, pledged to become carbon neutral: “Being able to ship our goods via ocean while offsetting carbon at the same time is a key benefit for us.”

Purpose doesn’t only drive brand identity, it drives growth, generates new commodities, and presents opportunities in untapped markets – which leads to sustainable business success.  By acknowledging consumer attitudes and behaviour towards sustainable issues, and clearly taking action to address them, companies across any industry can leverage consumer support and drive sustained brand loyalty.

Having the visibility and accessibility to all stages in the supply chain process can particularly benefit e-commerce and retail companies by not only saving costs and optimising efficiency, but it also helps reduce unnecessary waste and carbon emissions, which helps save our environment.

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SEC Storage partners with vertical farming specialist

Posted on by David Priestman

SEC Storage has partnered with a leading UK Vertical Farming specialist CambridgeHOK for the launch of a new ‘concept to completion’ package, providing investors and retailers with their own fully automated indoor growing facilities.

Supply chain issues caused by Brexit and a global pandemic combined with a growing population, estimated by the Office of National Statistics to be 72 million by 2041 in the UK alone, has directed the spotlight on alternative methods for more local, sustainable food production.

Already a proven technology in many environments, Vertical Farms have demonstrated that they can produce high-quality, low-emission, competitively priced food in a fraction of the space of a traditional farm.

However for Vertical Farming to be successful and a sustainable source of food production in the UK, it’s vital to demonstrate how automation and the efficient use of space can streamline operations and SEC Storage’s data-driven approach combined with its innovative machine learning and AI capabilities are well matched to the next phase of the Vertical Farming industry development.

SEC Storage managing director Harry Watts commented: “Working with Vertical Farming specialist CambridgeHOK to apply the principles of logistics industry automation alongside our unique data-driven actuation models, provides a compelling offering to investors, food producers and retailers, and clearly demonstrates that investment in this growing sector is a viable and attractive option.”

Patrick Harte, joint managing director of CambridgeHOK said: “Automation and scalability are the two key factors behind our concept model which align perfectly with SEC Storage’s expertise in space optimisation and as an automated warehousing specialist.

“Together we can develop and deliver large-scale Vertical Farming solutions that could deliver higher quality crops, on an industrial scale, in a fraction of the footprint when compared with traditional methods.”

Future-proofing home delivery in an uncertain world

Posted on by David Priestman

A customer’s ability to summon a single avocado to the door within 15 minutes with a single swipe of a grocery app may appear to be the ultimate in personal service, but is it realistic or sustainable in a post COP26 world? The pressure is on retail and delivery businesses to innovate not only to meet the demands and desires of consumers but do so with respect to the environment and move to net zero carbon emissions. but as ex-CEO of Unilever, Paul Polman, says, engage in a “net positive” approach.

For businesses currently struggling to meet customer demands for home delivery due to the lack of capacity created by the driver deficit and a rapidly escalating cost base, a greener future can look a long way off. But, how can a company explore the potential of new innovations such as drones, autonomous delivery robots or electric vehicles when scrambling to achieve business as usual? How can retailers pick the right delivery strategy? Is it possible to meet the green expectations of some customers – while also encouraging more environmental awareness in others? Critically, how can companies achieve this while maximising the capacity of the existing delivery fleet and minimising the impact on the bottom line?

Andrew Tavener (pictured) – Head of Marketing at Descartes discusses the options for future proofing home delivery operations in a very uncertain world.

Embedded Behaviour

The speed with which consumers have transitioned to home delivery has been phenomenal. In January 2021 ecommerce adoption comprised nearly 38% of total retail sales in the UK and while that figure tailed off a little during the rest of the year, our desire for a personal service continues to increase. Take-away deliveries were 266% higher in December 2021 than 2019 – and delivery volumes now outstrip takeaway collections by a large margin.  Consumers are now embracing the rapid food and grocery delivery companies that have popped up around the country offering a 15-minute option: expectations for a ‘to the door’ experience show no signs of diminishing.

For retailers, while consumer willingness to buy online has provided a vital lifeline during the pandemic, it has also created a huge logistical, financial and environmental headache. Vehicles of every size criss-cross our cities, towns and villages constantly. Our roads are clogged and emissions are rising. Inept scheduling combined with poor customer communication means that delivery success rates are hugely variable – leading to expensive redelivery.  Research conducted by Descartes in the summer of 2021 revealed that over two thirds (68%) have had an issue with delivery in the last three months – and, as a result, 24% lost trust in a delivery company and 24% lost trust in the retailer.

Empty miles are still a major financial and environmental headache. And businesses are still wrestling with the unsustainable cost of returns to both the bottom line and the planet. A home delivery business model that was essential during an extraordinary event such as a global lockdown is not in any way sustainable for the future. Yet customer expectations have been set. So what happens next?

Unsustainable Model

Companies are trialling any number of new vehicle and delivery options in a bid to both reduce the reliance on drivers and cut emissions. Several high-profile retailers and courier companies have announced the transition to Electric Vehicle (EV) fleets – although with the rising cost of electricity and ongoing concerns regarding the environmental impact of battery technology, such decisions are far from straightforward. Drones are set to play a vital role, with a recent government report saying the use of drones in logistics could result in £2.8bn of savings and boost productivity.

In urban areas, companies are exploring the role of autonomous delivery robots, especially for delivery of take away food, as well as trialling cargo bikes as an efficient alternative for deliveries of food, parcels or heavy goods. Innovation is exciting – but how can companies determine the right approach that meets both current customer demands and prepare for a future that may look vastly different from an environmental perspective? For too many, the uncertainty is leading to decision making paralysis.

Companies cannot afford to wait for the future to become more certain: they have to meet customer expectations today with existing capacity, existing fleets. Businesses need to embrace effective real-time scheduling and routing that can optimise capacity in line with inbound  demand. The key is to use a solution that not only maximises the performance of the existing fleet but can also manage whatever mix of vehicles a business deploys in the future.

Action Now

Right now, companies need to be able to automatically route EVs into Clean Air Zones, for example, to avoid excessive congestion charges. They need to ensure the routing for cargo bikes includes dedicated cycle options – such as short cuts through parks if that is quicker – to maximise the value of the investment. With the latest advanced routing and scheduling software and ability to factor in any relevant parameters – from electric charging times and locations, to the permitted distances for cargo bike drivers – companies can both maximise the utilisation of the current fleet and experiment with new vehicle types and determine how/where they are best deployed.

Adding telematics into the mix also gives new business insight into factors including the performance of vehicle types to inform future fleet strategy, while using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools can help identify specific factors and trends in fleet operations that would otherwise remain hidden. Are drones failing to deliver in a certain area? Where is vehicle damage occurring – and why? Are cargo bikes maintaining temperature effectively, irrespective of season? Diving into this information can help fleet managers to gain far more understanding of the underlying factors that affect performance, vehicle availability, repair costs, and even carbon emissions. Companies can use this information to improve contingency planning and also inform the mix of vehicles in the fleet for the future.

Inspire Change

Capturing this information will also help companies increase the visibility of green delivery options. For most customers, it’s timeliness, convenience and certainty of delivery that is paramount. By ensuring on time delivery companies meet expectations minimises expensive redelivery – something that is a massive financial and environmental overhead.

With a choice of dates and times, a customer can opt for a delivery slot that meets their needs, increasing delivery success. Add in a solution that automatically provides the customer with an estimated time of arrival – and an option to reschedule before delivery if needed – also eradicates wasted journeys. Growing numbers of companies are also adding greener delivery options – and nudging customers in this direction with enticing pricing by offering a free or discounted delivery slot if the driver will already be in that street or area.

This approach also ties into the growing demand for collaboration between delivery companies and the use of local hubs. It makes zero sense for multiple delivery vehicles to be going up and down the same streets simultaneously: collaboration between companies to batch deliveries to specific areas offers significant potential benefits in both operational costs and improvements to the carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Few businesses can confidently predict the shape of home delivery in the next three to five years. Consumer demands are unlikely to reduce, but profitable business will be tough with rising fuel costs, driver shortages and expanding Clean Air Zones. It is possible that environmental tariffs may damage the home delivery business. Alternatively, hugely innovative vehicle technology combined with a collaborative approach to minimise the number of vehicles on the road could transform the carbon footprint and actually make home delivery a better sustainable option.

Nobody knows – but no business can afford to wait to discover what will unravel. Companies need to act today if they are to meet customer demands in the face of current challenges; but experimentation is also going to be key as the home delivery model evolves. The more diverse the fleet, the more important it will be to have a robust scheduling and routing solution that can maximise efficiency and manage complexity in real-time regardless of the mix of vehicles used.

CargoBeamer raises capital and appoints new CEO

Posted on by David Priestman

The Supervisory Board of CargoBeamer, a European pioneer in decarbonising freight traffic, has appointed Nicolas Albrecht (33) as the Company’s new CEO. Albrecht joined the Executive Board in January 2020 as Chief Business Development Officer. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Weidemann (59), co-founder and former CEO, continues to oversee the Company’s patented technology development as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Dr. Markus Fischer (47), Executive Board member since June 2016, continues as CFO.

CargoBeamer is introducing zero carbon freight transport in Europe on a major scale. It has developed a proprietary system that allows all types of semi-trailers to be transported by train in a fully automated, fast, and cost-effective manner. Transport by rail is 100% electric and reduces CO2 emissions by 80% compared to road transport by diesel trucks. At the same time, it helps reducing traffic congestion on roads and highways. The technically proven CargoBeamer System is gaining significant traction in the marketplace and will be introduced to all important transport corridors in Europe over the next five years.

Robert A. Osterrieth, Chairman of the company’s Supervisory Board: “The appointment of Nicolas Albrecht as CEO is a generational change in the leadership of CargoBeamer. Hans-Jürgen Weidemann developed the leading technology to shift freight transport from road to rail and successfully introduced it to the market with our Kaldenkirchen – Domodossola route and the opening of the first CargoBeamer-terminal in Calais. The responsibility of Nicolas Albrecht will be to rapidly scale the proven business model into an international high-capacity transport network covering the important North-South and East-West transport corridors in Europe.”

Dr. Hans-Jürgen Weidemann, Co-founder and CTO of CargoBeamer: “My vision was and is to introduce a technology for automated, fast, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient rail transport of all types of semi-trailers. We have realised this vision from paper sketches to market maturity with the unique CargoBeamer system – and reduce CO2 emissions of tens of thousands of annual transports by about 80% compared to road transport.”

New CEO Nicolas Albrecht says: “CargoBeamer has the potential to make a massive difference in saving CO2 emissions by scaling its proprietary system and becoming the European market leader in road-rail combined transport. We benefit from the megatrends of climate change, road congestion and increasing freight volumes. CargoBeamer aims to generate annual revenues of up to €5bn in about 10 years, an aggressive and at the same time realistic objective.”

€33.5m Financing Round

To accelerate its growth, CargoBeamer plans significant capital expenditures in rolling stock and terminals. It raised €33.5m in its latest financing round at a post-money valuation of €245m. New investors included mostly private investors and family offices from Switzerland and the US that were attracted by the company’s long-term growth potential and environmental benefits. Already in 2021, Duisport invested in the company and became a strategic partner.

Dr. Markus Fischer said: “We are grateful to our existing and new investors for their support. The new capital will help us execute our ambitious growth plan. The confidence placed in CargoBeamer by new international investors is encouraging and motivating.”

Matthias Ederer, private investor from New York: “CargoBeamer ticks many boxes of a very promising company: massive growth potential, proprietary and proven technology, a wide competitive moat and tail winds from two important megatrends, climate change and road congestion. Making an impact towards a better environment also attracted me.”

European Network

The new capital will be used to double the Company’s rolling stock to almost 600 CargoBeamer Railcars and develop new CargoBeamer Terminals. In the next ten years, CargoBeamer wants to build a dense network of more than 50 routes connecting over 30 terminals along the main transportation corridors in its core European market.

The first terminal in Calais was opened in July 2021. Construction of the next two CargoBeamer Terminals in Domodossola (Northern Italy) and Kaldenkirchen (German-Dutch border) is expected to start this year. These new terminals will enable CargoBeamer to operate its important routes between France, Germany, and Italy entirely with its own proprietary CargoBeamer transshipment system to load and unload semi-trailers on and off trains in a fully automated, fast, and cost-effective way.

Additional investments will be made to add new features to CargoBeamer eLogistics, a cloud-based software application that allows CargoBeamer to manage its entire transport chain, including customer information, booking, dispatch, track & trace, reporting, administration, and accounting all in one entirely digital process.

 

Kyburz turns to ABM for performance technology

Posted on by David Priestman

KYBURZ Switzerland AG, a manufacturer of urban delivery vehicles, relies on the know-how and drive technology of ABM Greiffenberger for its electric vehicles

KYBURZ is an international leader for high-quality mobility and transport solutions used e.g. by postal operators for delivery of letters and parcels. When it comes to drive technology, the provider relies on the comprehensive support of ABM Greiffenberger, from concept to series production. ABM supplies everything from a single source.

Martin Kyburz founded KYBURZ Switzerland AG in 1991. Today, with 150 employees the company is one of the leading manufactures for urban delivery vehicles, which thanks to automatic parking brake and reverse gear arrive at their destination safely and quickly even in wintry conditions. This includes the KYBURZ DXP.

The E-Mobile fleet combines the efficiency of a two-wheeler with the safety and stability of a three-wheel vehicle. DXP is used by postal operators in various countries such as Germany, Finland or Austria, as well numerous cities such as Winterthur or Montreux.

However, postal and logistics companies are not the only ones relying on this environmentally friendly vehicles, the electric sport cars for leisure sector are also extremely popular and ensure lots of driving pleasure. That is why, among others, the Swiss have developed the eRod (pictured), an electrically powered racing car approved for the road.

“We offer a comprehensive service package,” says Daniel Weber, Head of Development at KYBURZ. “We develop, produce vehicles and take care of the after sale service. We also take them back after being used, process them or take care of their recycling.”

Currently, over 23,000 of these electric vehicles are on the roads worldwide. Apart from the USA, the company is active in all markets worldwide.

High Performance and Efficient Drives

Users have high expectations. Especially postal services, which have to deliver their shipments quickly and reliably, require vehicles that are efficient, environmentally friendly, reliable and inexpensive to maintain. This places particularly high demands on the drives. Because the postman must be able to manage steep streets with his fully loaded vehicle and be able to accelerate at all times. Since these vehicles are used on daily basis, both acceleration and range play a major role. This requires motor performance and efficiency.

KYBURZ Switzerland AG turned to ABM Greiffenberger to manage this balancing act, this was in October 2011. As a full-service provider, the drive specialist with registered office in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia develops and manufactures systems for stationary and mobile applications which are installed e.g., in logistics in conveyors, hoists or forklifts. In addition to modular system solutions, ABM Greiffenberger also impresses with customer and application specific drive solutions that ensure customers measurable added value.

ABM works closely and in partnership with the customer. “Even before the turn of the millennium we had started to transfer our know-how from battery-powered applications to E-Mobility. Even back then we were able to implement the first customer-specific projects,” reports Jürgen Schliermann, Head of Mobile Drive Technology Development at ABM.

“We recognise new trends early on – this is important, especially in a future-oriented industry such as the electric mobility. We take this into account thanks to our comprehensive development and production capabilities.”

High Acceleration from Standstill

“We were looking for a reliable partner for our ever increasing quantities and for the growing demands of the users”, explains Daniel Weber from KYBURZ. “We were familiar with the high level of expertise of ABM and the good reputation of the supplier.”

The drive specialist supplied the AC end shield motors for the DXP series delivery vehicles. Weighing only around 22kg, these powerful three-phase asynchronous motors are quiet, environmental friendly and optimised for the stressful stop-and-go operation. They impress with their high acceleration capacity even from the standstill position, just the right one for these applications.

“The weight-optimised AC end shield motors are also robust, durable and with their special design without housing they are suitable for applications with high load peaks and high dynamics,” explains ABM expert Schliermann. Heat generation is a major issue with high torques and low speeds. This challenge can be managed with the ABM drive.

It was also important for KYBURZ to have a drive which requires little or no maintenance. In addition, the motor draws the energy from maintenance-free lithium iron phosphate batteries. External drive controllers assume the power supply and speed/torque control. Thanks to the optimised interaction with the controller the system is very well regulated, ensuring high level of power density.

“We can deliver a light, efficient and compact drive that optimally accelerates, provides a good driving dynamic and therefore also achieves a long range,” says Schliermann.

Emotions Instead of Emissions

Thanks to the good cooperation and reliable products ABM drives are also installed in eRod. The 600kg vehicle achieves a top speed of 120km/h and a range of around 180km. Thanks to the powerful electric drive the sports car provides the passionate driver with maximum driving pleasure.

“We had already developed our ring rib motor, and only had to adapt it to the electrical properties,” reports Schliermann. In contrast to the end shield motors, the compact and only about 43kg AC drive has a housing. There is also the ring-shaped design of the ribs. Both protect the motor against dirt and ensure a good heat dissipation. It is installed on the differential axle transversely to the driving direction.

“Thanks to this installation position we have adapted the ribs of the drive in such a way that an optimal air cooling is ensured”, explains Schliermann. This solution is suitable for journeys with high load peaks and high continuous performance.”

In other words, perfect for a vehicle which is not only emission-free but with which the driver can also be quickly on his way. The dynamic drive accelerates very quickly even from a standstill position. Voltage supply and speed/torque control are performed by an external control. The ring cooling fin motor is also optionally available with higher protection class (IP6K9K). In addition to a cost-effective solution the performance values were particularly decisive for KYBURZ.

Benefit Across the Board

“With ABM drive solutions we have achieved optimal performance across all our applications,” gladly mentions Weber. “This also includes higher temperature resistance, allowing vehicle operation at performance limits for longer periods.”

KYBURZ is very satisfied with both drive solutions: Because postal vehicles are in use daily, the eRod usually only occasionally: ABM drives are suitable for short, dynamic stretches as well as for the continuous operation in postal services.

A cooperative relationship has developed out of the project. “We are always get quick, competent support. Should modifications be required, together we always quickly find the suitable solution,” describes Weber. “It is thanks to this cooperative partnership that we always find a perfect system solution. Thanks to our extensive experience with this drive technology our development cost is usually held within limits,” adds Schliermann.

For its part, ABM opted for a sustainable delivery vehicle of DXP series for its energy efficiency and zero emission. “We use the vehicles for journeys between our two plants in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia. Our employees are also excited,” happily reports Schliermann.

Electric motorbikes optimised for mobile workforces

Posted on by Keith McKinley

CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorbikes, has launched CAKE :work; a new series of powerful and durable electric utility vehicles designed and developed for professional applications such as delivery drivers (food and parcel), craftsmen, and service professionals.

With the launch of the :work series, CAKE will speed up the transition to sustainable cities and facilitate significant cuts in emissions by offering solutions and opportunities for businesses striving to develop environmentally sustainable and more efficient services and logistics. The new series of professional-grade electric two wheeled vehicles addresses several urgent challenges facing metropolitan areas worldwide.

Globally there are two billion fossil fuel-driven vehicles on the road that emit five gigatons of CO2 annually – driving climate change. To date, more than 150 cities worldwide have announced restrictions on combustion engine transportation. Innovation and investment in sustainable transportation must happen at haste, to navigate tighter emissions targets and restrictions on fossil-fuelled vehicles.

“The CAKE :work series offers the immediate potential of moving last-mile deliveries and mobile workforces away from traditional solutions for urban transportation, clearly exceeding the efficiency of both cars and bicycles, making this initiative our single most important contribution to date in speeding up the process towards a zero-emission society,” says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE.

“Any industry that handles large volumes of short-haul transportation of both people and goods understands the daily struggle with traffic jams, parking fines, and the need to find both economical and sustainable fossil fuel-free vehicles. At CAKE, we truly believe that the future for last-mile deliveries will be electric and run on two wheels.”

CAKE for professionals

Designed and developed in close collaboration with different professional user groups, the new :work series builds upon CAKE’s three existing platforms: Kalk (high performance off road), Ösa (modular utility bike), and Makka (urban commuter).

Optimising power, reach, efficiency, and capacity, the adjustments and reinforcements specific to the :work series include an increased range that allows the bike to run for the full working day, and power support which enables workers to power electronic tools or regulate the temperature of food delivery boxes, for example.

Additionally, :work has an increased towing capacity as well as a more compact design, such as narrower handlebars, allowing riders to more easily weave between cars. That will allow riders to modify and customise their machines in more than one hundred different configurations to suit their type of work.

The :work series is built to endure the demands of the working professional, offering a low total cost of ownership and, as a result, increased profit margins. Additionally, much like the other series, they are designed to have minimum impact on the environment. This makes it an ideal solution for last-mile deliveries (an industry which is expected to be worth over $200bn by 2027), the e-commerce delivery sector (growing by more than 78% in 100 of the world’s largest cities), and food deliveries, which are predicted to grow by 60%.

The bikes

Makka :work – the lightweight and agile urban shuttle comes in two new models (45km/h and 25km/h). Now with more peak power, up to 110km range and new accessories to carry more loads. The new Makka model comes with external power outlets, allowing users to supply off-grid power to electric gadgets as well as heavy-duty power tools like grinders, drills, and more.

Ösa :work – the powerful workbench and towing truck on two wheels. Comes in three models, with top speeds of 90, 45 and 25km/h, with more peak power, up to 160km range, and new trailers to haul loads of up to 1,500 litres. As with the original Ösa, these bikes can also supply off-grid power to heavy-duty tools and gadgets through the bike’s battery system.

Kalk :work – the efficient outbound explorer. Its 18” off-road tires and unique :work ride modes makes for a bike ideal for surveillance, service, patrolling or similar, to reach remote places through rough terrain. The new Kalk :work is street-legal and comes with a new rack to bring work tools or gear along.

All bikes come with new :work ride modes, adapted for professional user needs. They also come with custom ride modes, available to customise directly in the CAKE Connect App.

A wide range of new accessories have been added, as well as new pre-configurations. Among the highlights are the rear and front carrier, together carrying loads of up to 150kg. The new big Carla Cargo trailer pulls loads of up to 150kg and the compact Fårö trailer carries up to 50kg of weight.

 

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